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Dhaulagiri circuit
Also known as: Round Dhaulagiri Trek / Dhaulagiri Trek
Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure with the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, a journey that will ignite your spirit of exploration and leave an indelible mark on your soul. This legendary trek takes you through the remote and untamed landscapes of the Dhaulagiri region, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness nature's grandeur at its finest. From lush terraced fields and dense forests to glacier-covered passes and hidden valleys, every step unravels a new spectacle. What sets the Dhaulagiri Circuit apart is its raw, untouched beauty and the sense of wilderness it exudes. As you traverse the challenging French Pass and stand in the shadow of majestic peaks, you'll be humbled by the sheer magnitude of the Himalayas. The serenity of the remote trails, the warm hospitality of the local communities, and the chance to challenge your limits in this off-the-beaten-path trek make the Dhaulagiri Circuit an irresistible call to the adventurers at heart. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and forever changed by this extraordinary trekking experience.
Table of contents
GuidesPictures
Itinerary
Route
Difficulty
Weather
Gear
Services
Accommodation
Permits
Access
Videos
Variations
FAQs
Links
Similar
Distances
- 15 - 18 days, 130 km, +6,000 m, 5,360 m high point
- daily: 4 - 8 hours, 8 - 15 km, +300 - 800 m gain
Route
- through hike
- starting in Beni
- ending in Jomsom
Cost
- $600 - $2,000 solo
- $1,805 - $2,555 guided
When to go
- March to May
- October and November
Permits
- 3 permits are needed
- costing around $72 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
Accommodation
campingGuide links
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal Guide Treks & Expedition | more info | $2,555 |
| Shikhar Adventure | more info | $2,095 |
| Lonely Planet Nepal | more info | $2,550 |
| Visit Himalaya Treks | more info | $2,250 |
| Asahi Treks & Expedition | more info | $2,180 |
| 14summits | more info | $1,805 |
The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is a challenging and adventurous trek that takes you around the magnificent Dhaulagiri massif, the seventh highest mountain in the world. This itinerary covers the complete circuit, offering breathtaking views, rugged terrains, and a true wilderness experience.
Day 1
Drive to Beni, Trek to Babichaur (950 m)
Take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni and then continue the journey to Babichaur. Begin your trek through terraced fields and charming villages.
Day 2
Trek to Dharapani (1,560 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +610 m
Follow the Myagdi Khola River and ascend through rhododendron and oak forests. Reach Dharapani, a small village with traditional houses and teahouses.
Day 3
Trek to Muri (1,850 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +290 m
Continue your ascent, passing through terraced fields and picturesque villages. Enjoy views of Dhaulagiri and its surrounding peaks as you reach Muri.
Day 4
Trek to Boghara (2,080 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +230 m
Today's trail takes you through dense forests and steep descents. Cross a suspension bridge over the Myagdi Khola and arrive in Boghara.
Day 5
Trek to Dobang (2,520 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +440 m
Continue your trek through forests, crossing several streams and ridges. Reach Dobang, a campsite surrounded by lush vegetation and serene surroundings.
Day 6
Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +1,140 m
Ascend along the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and enter the beautiful Hidden Valley. Reach the Italian Base Camp, offering stunning views of Dhaulagiri.
Day 7
Rest and Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp (3,660 m)
Take a day to rest and acclimatize at the Italian Base Camp. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, explore the surroundings, and prepare for the challenging days ahead.
Day 8
Trek to Glacier Camp (4,210 m)
Distance: 7 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +550 m
Resume your trek and traverse the challenging traverse beneath the east face of Dhaulagiri. Reach Glacier Camp, located near the Chhonbarban Glacier.
Day 9
Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m)
Distance: 6 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +530 m
Continue your ascent towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri massif, including the towering Dhaulagiri I (8,167m).
Day 10
Acclimatization Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m)
Spend a day acclimatizing at Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Explore the surroundings, enjoy the magnificent views, and prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Day 11
Cross French Pass, Trek to Hidden Valley (5,100 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +360 m
An early start to cross the challenging French Pass (5,360m), offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Descend to the Hidden Valley and set up camp.
Day 12
Trek to Yak Kharka (3,680 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -420 m
Continue your descent through the Hidden Valley, passing by yak pastures and beautiful landscapes. Reach Yak Kharka, a grazing area for yaks.
Day 13
Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m)
Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -960 m
Descend further and join the popular Annapurna Circuit trail. Reach Jomsom, a bustling town in the Mustang region, known for its strong winds.
Day 14
Flight to Pokhara
Take a short and scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Pokhara's lakeside area, relaxing, and reflecting on your trek.
Day 15
Drive or Fly to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by either a scenic drive or a short flight from Pokhara. Spend the day exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying Nepalese cuisine.
The trek is 7 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 8 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 9 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 9 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 9 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 6 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 6 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 7 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Dhaulagiri circuit weather
How is the weather on Dhaulagiri circuit, and when is the best time to go.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek offers a challenging and rewarding experience with diverse weather conditions throughout the year. The most popular months for this trek are March to May and September to November, when the weather is generally favorable.
The best time to trek Dhaulagiri circuit is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Oct
- Nov
Due to the high altitude and challenging terrain of the Dhaulagiri Circuit, it's crucial to trek during the best months of March, April, May, October, and November when the weather conditions are relatively stable and favorable for trekking.
Dhaulagiri circuit Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Dhaulagiri Circuit route offers a range of climbing and trekking services to support your journey through the majestic Himalayas. Here's an overview of the services available for this route:
Accommodation
Accommodation options on the Dhaulagiri Circuit route include teahouses and camping. Teahouses are commonly used by trekkers, providing basic lodging and meals. Although for most of this route camping is the only option.Food
Food is available along the Dhaulagiri Circuit route, primarily in teahouses. Expect simple and nutritious meals, including local Nepalese dishes and international options in the teahouses.Guides
Experienced trekking guides are available for hire on the Dhaulagiri Circuit route. They provide valuable expertise, assistance with navigation, cultural insights, and cost around $20 to $30 per day.Porters
Porters are available to help carry your backpack and gear, allowing you to trek with less weight. Hiring porters can be arranged through trekking agencies or teahouses along the route.Medical facilities
While there may not be dedicated medical facilities along the route, it's advisable to carry a personal first aid kit. Basic medical services and pharmacies can be found in larger towns before and after the trek.Gear rental
You can rent trekking equipment in Kathmandu or Pokhara, including sleeping bags, trekking poles, and down jackets. It's recommended to bring your own personal gear and essential items.Transport
To reach the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, you can arrange private or public transportation from Kathmandu to Beni or Darbang. Within the route, trekking is the primary mode of transport.Internet / Phone
Connectivity along the Dhaulagiri Circuit route can be limited. While some teahouses may offer intermittent Wi-Fi or mobile signal, it's advisable to be prepared for limited or no communication during the trek.ATMs
There are no ATMs on the Dhaulagiri Circuit route. It's recommended to carry enough cash (Nepalese Rupees) from Kathmandu or Pokhara for your trek.Shops
Along the route, there are small shops in some villages where you can find basic supplies such as snacks, water, toiletries, and trekking gear.Dhaulagiri circuit Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Dhaulagiri circuit
There are designated camping sites along the route. You will need to bring your own camping gear and supplies
Dhaulagiri circuit permits
What permits are needed for treking Dhaulagiri circuit
To trek the Dhaulagiri Circuit, you will need to obtain the following permits:
1. TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Permit
- $18 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Required permit for trekking in Nepal, providing your details and emergency contacts.
- Can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or through registered trekking agencies.
2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- $27 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- Permit for trekking within the Annapurna Conservation Area, preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
- Available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at the entry points of the conservation area.
3. Dhaulagiri Special Trekking Permit
- $27 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- Special permit required for trekking in the Dhaulagiri region.
- Obtainable through registered trekking agencies in Nepal. It's recommended to arrange this permit in advance.
Dhaulagiri circuit access - getting there
How to get to Dhaulagiri circuit
There are several options for getting to and from the start of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek:
- Flight: You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is the nearest major city to the starting point of the trek.
- Overland Transportation: You can travel by bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and then continue to the starting point of the trek.
- Trekking from Annapurna Circuit: If you have already completed the Annapurna Circuit trek, you can trek from Jomsom (the endpoint of the Annapurna Circuit) to the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.
When completing the trek, you can choose one of the following options to return:
- Trekking: You can trek back to Jomsom and then continue to either fly or travel overland to Kathmandu.
- Flight: You can take a domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, and then travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Overland Transportation: You can travel overland from the endpoint of the trek to Pokhara and then continue to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Lower Dolpo Extension
add 7 - 10 extra days
Venture into the remote and mystical Lower Dolpo region, known for its untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Dhaulagiri circuit questions
What to know about trekking Dhaulagiri circuit
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Dhaulagiri circuit Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Dhaulagiri circuit route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Dhaulagiri circuit trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
