| Duration: | 20 Days | Trip Code: | CO-352 |
| Trip Grade | Moderate to Strenuous | Max-Altitude: | 5,360m/17,585ft |
| Meals: | All meals during trek | Accommodation: | Lodges during trek and hotels in Kathmandu |
| Group size: | Minimum 2 | Transportation: | Private vehicle/flight |
| Trip Start: | Kathmandu | Trip End: | Kathmandu |
| Primary Activity: | Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking | Best Season | March to May, Mid September to Mid December. |
Dhaulagiri circuit trek is one of the most strenuous trekking of the Annapurna Region. Dhaulagiri is considered to be the seventh highest peak of the world with the height of 8,167m. Everyone is familiar with the name Dhaulagiri which is in the western part of Nepal, probably the best spot for remote and adventurous trekking in Nepal. The simple reason behind it is that it consists of more than fifteen 7,000m magnificent peaks with land of dramatic contrast. This trek is tough compared to the other treks of the Annapurna region. You will have to walk passing the high alpine pastures, higher passes and beautiful valleys untouched by the heavy settlements. The treks including the crossing of two passes; the French pass (5360m) and Dhampus pass (5234m). And also exploring Hidden Valley.
This trek begins with 8 hours bus drive from Kathmandu to Beni. During the trek you will reach at an altitude of 5360m passing the beautiful villages like Babiachor, Dobang, Dharapani and Muri. Muri is the last settlement of this trail with the people of Mongolian race. Besides, this trek offers an opportunity to see the peaks like Tukuche, Thapa Peak, Sita Chuchura and French pass. You will also get to see the Kaligandaki valley and Jomsom during this trek.
Our 20 days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is well suited to those who want to explore the entire round trek of the Dhaulagiri Massif .This package includes accommodation and full board hygienic meal throughout the trek. The magnificent view of the terrain of the Region ,amazing trekking trails and the local people offering great hospitality make this trek a perfect way to spend your vacation. Spring Season (March to May) and autumn season (October to December) are considered to be the best season for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Our well researched itineraries will help you get the ultimate adventure experience that you deserve to see and relish during this trek.
Day 01 - Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345m)
Day 02 - Kathmandu valley sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03 - Drive to Beni (850m) - 8 hrs.
Day 04 - Trek to Babiachor (950m) - 5 hrs
Day 05 - Trek to Dharapani (1,400m) 6 hrs
Day 06 - Trek to Muri (1,850m) - 5 hrs
Day 07 - Trek to Boghara (2,080m) - 6 hrs
Day 08 - Trek to Dobang (2,520m) - 5 hrs
Day 09 - Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) - 5 hrs
Day 10 - Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) - 7 hrs
Day 11 - Acclimatization and rest day.
Day 12 - Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210m) - 6 hrs
Day 13 - Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) - 7 hrs
Day 14 - Another acclimatization and rest day.
Day 15 - Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m) - 6 hrs.
Day 16 - Cross Dhampus pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) - 6 hrs
Day 17 - Trek to Jomsom (2,710m) - 5 hrs
Day 18 - Morning flight to Pokhara - Sightseeing around Pokhara
Day 19 - Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m) and farewell dinner.
Day 20 - Transfer to the international airport for your final departure
Trip Includes:
Trip Excludes:
If you have any confusion or require any further information, you can contact us or email us at inquiry@theclassicoutdoors.com.
Our airport representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During this meeting we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we host a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. Tonight will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02 - Kathmandu valley sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
After the breakfast, you will be visiting the different places in Kathmandu. There are many historic and cultural places that are of great significance in Kathmandu. You will get to see the major attractions of the city along with our professional guide and a private vehicle. The following are the major places that you will visit:
Kathmandu Durbar Square/ Patan Durbar Square, which is listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and you will be visiting either of these places today. You can enjoy the age-old cultural heritage of the city. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath a sacred pilgrimage of the Buddhist and Pashupatinath the very famous Hindu temple are the attraction of today’s sightseeing program. After sightseeing, you will be meeting us at our office for a prior trek meeting. You can go for shopping in the evening at Thamel which is famous for useful tourist’s products. We will stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 - Drive to Beni (850m)
Total duration: 8 hours (Bus ride)
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today our guide will pick you up from the hotel and will escort you to the bus stop to catch the early morning bus to Beni. Your journey is going to be a very pleasant one along the Trisuli River up till Muglin. You will have your breakfast and lunch on the way to Beni. After almost 8 hours of a pleasant road travel, we will reach Beni. Beni is the headquarters of Myagdi district. This place is the confluence of Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki River. Night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Beni.
Day 04 - Trek to Babiachor (950m)
Total duration: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Our trek will begin from today and Babiachor is the destination set for today. After breakfast, our journey begins from Beni towards the west walking along the trail of Myagdi Khola. We will walk pass Beni Mangalghat, Singa and to Tatopani. Tatopani is named after the hot springs that is believed to heal and relax muscles. We will reach Simal Chaur crossing the bridges. Finally, we will reach Babiachor after crossing the bridge towards the northern bank. We will stay overnight at Babiachor.
Day 05 - Trek to Dharapani (1,400m)
Total duration: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Our destination for today is set for Dharapani. We will walk through the trail that is fine and leveled with terraced fields on the either sides. We will walk pass villages like Shahashradhara, DukKhola and then Ratorunga. From here the valley narrows and the terraces are not seen until we finally reach Dharapani. We will stay overnight at Dharapani.
Day 06 - Trek to Muri (1,850m)
Total duration: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today is the third day of our trek. We will begin our trek crossing the river at Phedi, we will have to ascend gradually until we reach the ridge but as we reach the ridge the trail is easy. We will walk through the steep ascends passing the villages like Sibang and Mattim. After some time of uphill walk we will descend to the Gatti Khola to reach Phalai Gaon. From here we will have to cross the Dhara Khola followed by a descent climb to the ridge to reach Muri. Muri is a large Magar Village. We will stay overnight at Muri.
Day 07 - Trek to Boghara (2,080m)
Total duration: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We will begin our walk for today towards Boghara. We will cross the stream and walk through the terraced field to reach the point from where the ascend starts. We will reach the pass from where Mt. Ghustung can be seen. From this point we will descend to Myagdi Khola and walk along the Khola to reach Naura. From Naura we will walk uphill first and finally a decent descend through the forest and terraced field will take us to Boghara. We will stay overnight at Boghara.
Day 08 - Trek to Dobang (2,520m)
Total duration: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today we will trace the trail that leads us to Dobang. We will descend through the terraced fields and forest to reach Jyardan. Jyardan is the oldest settlement of the region. From Jyarddan we will take the high winding trail that descends before we climb to Lipshe. From Lipshe we continue to walk through the forested trails to Lapche Kharka and further climb from here will take us to Dobang, our destination for today. We will stay overnight at Dobang.
Day 09 - Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m)
Total duration: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Our hike for today will begin right after crossing the bridge at Dobang. We will ascend from here through the forested trail enjoying the western face of Mt. Dhaulagiri I. From here we will descend to Myagdi Khola until we reach Chartare. From Chartare we will have to walk through the forested trail again to reach a rocky area. A short walk from here will take us to Choriban Khola where we will stay overnight here.
Day 10 - Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Total duration: 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today’s hike is going to be very special as we will get to view the beautiful peaks from close proximity. We will follow the trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier entering the glacier from the right. Peaks like Tukuche, Northern face of Dhaulagiri are clearly visible from this point. A short walk from this point will take us to Italian base Camp (3,660m).To the west of this point we can see the beautifully towering Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V. We will stay overnight here.
Day 11 - Acclimatization and rest day
Total duration: 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We won’t be moving to next destination, instead we will take rest and explore the area. It is important to acclimatize before heading the higher altitude. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Italian Base Camp.
Day 12 - Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210m)
Total duration: 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We will set up early in the morning when the weather is expected to be clear. This trail is prone to stone fall, which passes through a narrow gorge. Today we stay overnight near the glacier. We will stay overnight at Glacier Camp.
Day 13 - Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m)
Total duration: 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today is the day. We will be trekking to the Basecamp. It will be a very exciting walk today. We will be greeted by the beautiful vista of Dhaulagiri I to our right. The western part is dominated by Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri V. We can see the magnificent icefall that descends from the northeast col. We will stay overnight at the base camp.
Day 14 - Another acclimatization and rest day
Total duration: 4hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
It is the second day to take rest. Since we will be hiking to the higher altitude, it is important to acclimatize to the lower air pressure. However, it is advised to hike around the peripheral areas instead of staying ideal. We can enjoy the amazing view from this point. We will stay overnight at tented camps.
Day 15 - Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m)
Total duration: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, we will climb the two terraced hill after the glacier. The first hill runs along the glacier, and then we will cross the mountain flank and the moraine. From here we will have to take a gentle incline to reach the French Pass. We can see the majestic Mukut Himal (6,328m), Tashi Kang (6,386m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611m), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukuche Peak (6,920m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From the French Pass we will continue along the right edge of the Hidden valley losing a little altitude to the Thapa Pass (5,250m) between Tukuche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012m). We will now descend from the Thapa Pass to reach the camp at 5,200m.and stay overnight.
Day 16 - Cross Dhampus pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m)
Total duration: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, we will begin our journey with descending towards Dhampus Pass. Our destination for today is set for Yak Kharka. We will first walk down to Dhampus Pass and then continue our walk until we reach Yak Kharka. This is a beautiful place offering numerous treats to our eyes. We can see the mountains and the surroundings filled with pastures, fields, forests and settlements. We will stay overnight at Yak Kharka.
Day 17 - Trek to Jomsom (2,710m)
Total duration: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
From Yak Kharka we will descend towards Jomsom. We will first reach Marpha, a village situated on the western bank of Kali Gandaki River. This village is popularly known for apple and its products. Local Apple Brandy is very popular. Besides, we can also get dried apple, apple cider etc. From Marpha we will head towards the north to reach Jomsom. From here the valley gets very windy. We will follow the gentle trail for another 2 hours to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is the headquarter of Mustang and is the largest town of this region with a small airstrip above Kali Gandaki River. along with whitewashed stone houses, paved streets and lodges and other modern facilities. We can spend our evening exploring Jomsom. We will stay overnight at Jomsom.
Day 18 - Morning flight to Pokhara - Sightseeing around Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner
Today, we will fly to Pokhara from Jomsom. We will board the plane early in the morning as it is not possible to fly the airplanes during the day due to extreme windy condition. We will reach to Pokhara flying through the nerve ragging gorges. We will have an entire day to explore Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful valley and there are many beautiful places to visit. We can explore the Lakeside in the evening. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Pokhara.
Day 19 - Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m)
Total duration: 7-8 hrs drive
Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner
We will return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a tourist coach. After 7-8 hours of drive we will finally reach Kathmandu from where our journey began. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be escorted to the hotel. You can freshen up and go for shopping in the evening at Thamel which is famous for useful tourist’s products. Since today is your last day in Kathmandu, we host a farewell dinner where you can give your feedback regarding the services that we provided during the entire trip. We will stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 20: Departure day
This is the last day of your trip with us. You can extend your trip for one or two days to visit other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu which is completely optional. If not then one of our staff will escort you to the airport as per your scheduled departure. You can roam around the city and buy souvenirs’ and do shopping to take along with you if your flight is scheduled during late hours.