Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging and adventurous trek that takes you around the Dhaulagiri massif, the seventh-highest mountain in the world. The trek starts from the small town of Beni and passes through various landscapes, including terraced fields, forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, before finally reaching the base camp of Dhaulagiri.

The trek is about 180 kilometers long and takes around 3 weeks to complete. The route follows the Myagdi Khola River and passes through the villages of Darbang, Muri, Boghara, Dobang, Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Jomsom, among others.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered to be one of the most challenging treks in Nepal and requires a high level of physical fitness, as the trek involves crossing several high mountain passes, including the French Pass (5,360 meters) and the Thapa Pass (5,250 meters). The trek also offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri massif, including the Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters), the world’s seventh-highest mountain.

The best time to do the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is clear and dry, and the visibility is good. The trek is possible in the winter months as well, but it can be challenging due to the heavy snowfall in the higher altitudes.

The Dhaulagiri Himal rises to an elevation of 8,167 meters. it is the 7th highest mountain in the world. Additionally, Dhaulagiri is considered to be a very sacred mountain by the locals. As a result of its unique ecosystem and features, it has also become one of the most exciting and quite interesting peaks for travelers and mountaineers from across the globe. hiking to the Dhaulagiri circuit is difficult of the narrow trails, especially the landslide parts, and the need for rope repairs at several places (between Italy Camp and Japanese Base Camp), Dhaulagiri Trek conducts only a few groups each season.

During your trek in the Dhaulagiri circuit, you will encounter a miserable valley, called “hidden valley”, which is filled with freezing winds and difficult trails. The view from Alu Bari (yak Khadka) is amazing. You can see the Annapurna range, Nilgiri peak at 6940 meters, Annapurna I peak at 8,091 meters, Tilicho peak at 7,134 meters, and Thorong peak at 6144 meters, as well as Upper Mustang Valley.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 4,700 m, and French Pass is located at an altitude of 5,360 m, offering a panoramic view of the Dolpo Himalaya scenery, as well as the Annapurna range and Mustang Valley. A classic Nepal trek, this trek offers all the highlights of a classic trek in Nepal, including the most remote and scenic landscapes one can imagine in the high mountains of Nepal.

Trekkers who would like to add two additional days to their Dhaulagiri circuit trek may climb Dhampus Peak and add their peak climbing itinerary, guide, climbing permit, and climbing gear to the Dhaulagiri circuit trek. These costs are in addition to those listed with the Dhaulagiri Round Trek package. The Dhampus Peak has a height of 6,012 meters.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Route

From Kathmandu, you will be taken to Baglung by bus via the Prithvi Highway. Your journey begins from Darbang when you arrive in Beni, where you will begin your trek journey. You will spend the night at Beni. On the next day, you begin to move towards Muri, making a gradual climb through forest paths. As a result of that, you continue towards Boghara, which offers you a great view of the surrounding mountains. After ascending to Dhaulagiri Pass, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek trails descend to Pharpha and Jomsom and then return to Pokhara. 

While most of the villagers in the village are Magars on the Magdi side and Thakalis on the Kali Gandaki side, the village settlement crosses at the beginning of each village. As a result, the rest of the group can hike through the wilderness and pastures of the alpine regions.

Most difficult trek in Nepal:

It is considered that the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging Camping treks in Nepal. On this camping trek, you have to carry everything that you need for meals for the trek. there are some basic accommodations till the Italian base camp. There are two stages of the Dhaulagiri trek. The first starts in Beni and the second ends in Jomsom. 

Accommodation for the Dhaulagiri trek:

Basically, the accommodations consist of half tea houses and half camping, namely Beni to Italy base camp is a normal tea house and Marpha to Jomsom is a tea house too, but Italy base camp to Alubari is a camping accommodation only.

Dhaulagiri circuit trek highlights:

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an incredible trekking experience that offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri massif, the seventh-highest mountain in the world, as well as a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences. Here are some of the highlights of the trek:

1. Stunning views of the Dhaulagiri massif: The trek takes you around the Dhaulagiri massif, offering breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters), as well as other peaks in the range.
2. Challenging high mountain passes: The trek involves crossing several high mountain passes, including the French Pass (5,360 meters) and the Thapa Pass (5,250 meters), which offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
3. Varied landscapes: The trek takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests and terraced fields to high alpine meadows and rocky glaciers.
4. Cultural experiences: The trek passes through several remote villages and offers a chance to interact with the local people and learn about their culture and way of life.
5. Natural hot springs: The trek passes by natural hot springs, which are a perfect place to relax and soothe tired muscles after a long day of trekking.
6. Jomsom: The trek ends in Jomsom, a beautiful town in the Mustang region, which is famous for its apple orchards and stunning mountain views.
7. Remote wilderness: The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes you through some of the most remote and untouched wilderness areas in Nepal, offering a unique and challenging trekking experience.

French Pass and Thapa Pass during the Dhaulagiri trek:

French Pass and Thapa Pass are two of the high mountain passes that you will cross during the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Both passes are challenging and require a good level of physical fitness and acclimatization. Here’s some information about these passes:

Both French Pass and Thapa Pass are usually crossed on the same day, which can be a long and challenging day of trekking. It’s important to acclimatize properly and take enough time to rest and recover before attempting the passes. It’s also essential to carry proper gear, such as warm clothing, trekking poles, and crampons, as the passes can be icy and slippery.

French Pass: The French Pass is the highest point on the trek, reaching an altitude of 5,360 meters. It offers incredible views of the Dhaulagiri massif and the surrounding mountains. The pass is steep and requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. You’ll need to be careful while ascending and descending, as the terrain is rocky and can be unstable. The pass is usually covered with snow, so proper gear is essential.

Thapa Pass: The Thapa Pass is another high mountain pass on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, reaching an altitude of 5,250 meters. It offers incredible views of the Kali Gandaki Valley and the surrounding mountains. The pass is also steep and requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. You’ll need to be careful while ascending and descending, as the terrain is rocky and can be unstable. The pass is usually covered with snow, so proper gear is essential.

If you’re planning to do the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, it’s recommended that you hire a local guide from a reputable trekking company in Nepal, such as Nepal Wilderness Trekking. Here are some reasons why hiring a guide can be helpful:

Local expertise: A local guide from Nepal Wilderness Trekking will have extensive knowledge of the local terrain, culture, and customs, which can enhance your trekking experience. They can also provide valuable insights into the local flora and fauna and the history of the area.

Safety: A guide from Nepal Wilderness Trekking will ensure that you’re safe throughout the trek. They’ll be familiar with the terrain and the weather conditions and will know how to respond to any emergencies that might arise. They can also help you acclimatize properly and avoid altitude sickness.

Logistics: A guide from Nepal Wilderness Trekking can help you with logistics, such as arranging for transportation, permits, and accommodations. They’ll also be able to recommend the best places to stay and eat along the way.

Cultural experiences: A guide from Nepal Wilderness Trekking can provide a more immersive cultural experience, as they’ll be able to translate for you and help you communicate with the locals. They can also provide insights into the local customs and traditions.

Environmental impact: A guide from Nepal Wilderness Trekking can help minimize your environmental impact by ensuring that you follow the Leave No Trace principles and respect the local flora and fauna.

Overall, our Expert guide from Nepal Wilderness Trekking can Lead your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek more enjoyable, safe, and informative. we ensure that you have a memorable trekking experience in one of the most remote and beautiful regions of Nepal.