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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
Travel Styles -
Active Adventures
Country
Nepal
Duration
19 Days
Best Season
Mar- Apr / OCt-Nov
Max Altitude
17,585 ft./ 5,360 m.
Group Size
Private.
Accommodation
Hotel and Tent Camp.
Transportation
Private Vehicle.
Grade
Adventurous.
Overview
The extensive journey that navigates through high alpine pastures, desolate valleys, windy high pass, lush green forest and the rugged terrain at the west side of Nepal. This 21 day of challenging trek takes you to base of seventh highest mountain of the world. This adventurous trekking passes through two high pass French pass (5360m) and Dhampus pass (5250m) offering extraordinary view of Dhaulagiri massif (8167m), Churen Himal (7371m) and other various snowcapped peaks. Moreover, the Journey embarks on a walk through the pristine and less travelled trails, hidden valleys and beautiful settlements of Magar and Gurung, indigenous communities of the Dhaulagiri region. This trek demands a good level of physical fitness and is not for faint hearted person. If you are looking for challenging trek then you have come to right place.
Trek Details:-
The trek to Dhaulagiri circuit starts at the place called a small village Dabang. Starting from lower altitudes, crossing farmlands, forests, villages the first few days are kind of hot in terms of temperature. There are not much tea houses so during the entire trek you will be staying on tented camps and foods will be prepared by the crew that you will be travelling with. You do need to be aware about the fact that the route changes over the years so the walking duration may vary then stated. Due to landslides few section may be wiped out so navigating takes some time.
There are two designated camps of Dhaulagiri north base camp and south base camp. North base camp are commonly used by climbers. The most common trekking route involves going over French pass and Dhampus pass with hidden valley and ending at Jomsom via Marpha village at Mustang. One of your trekking days it involves climbing hill with ropes which will be set by our crew. The section is not that tough to climb but possess high risk and in order to minimize that risk we use rope.
Italian base camp is the place from which you will get the first glimpse of the mountain Dhaulagiri closely. The place is great in order to camp and we will acclimatize there at Italian base camp. Another acclimatization day will be on the glacier camp where your camp will be at snow. If the weather favors then there won’t be any snow. Reaching Dhaulagiri base camp will be very rewarding as you will be closest possible to mountain and you will be admiring natural beauty while valuing your peace and tranquility.
Leaving Dhaulagiri base camp (4700m) you will be moving towards French col aka French pass (5360m). If the weather is clear then you find yourself surrounded by amazing mountain cliffs. You will be welcomed by fluttering prayer flags upon reaching top of French Col. Along the way you could find some memorials for climbers who lost their lives while climbing Dhaulagiri. On the day crossing Dhampus pass, probably this will be the longest trekking day in the entire trip. You might need crampons, ice axe, helmets for your safety. The steep mountain side make walking more like crawling. It might get dark while crossing Dhampus pass.
On next day you will be walking up to beautiful village of Marpha, filled with apple orchards and stoned houses all white washed. After exploring Marpha you will be staying at Jomsom for the night. Jomsom happens to be a place where you will be taking flight to Pokhara.
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Itinerary
Daily Schedule
Show detailed Itinerary
Day
1
Kathmandu Arrival.
Accomodation:
Hotel.
Transport:
Private Vehicle.
You will be welcomed at Kathmandu by one of our team member. S/he will be holding a PLA card with your name written in it. There will be small meet-up and briefing about the trip with the guide.
Day
2
Trek Preparation and Flight to Pokhara (822 m).
Accomodation:
Hotel.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Transport:
Private vehicle/ Flight.
Today you will be doing last minute shopping if needed and enjoy walk around at the market of Thamel. Later you will be catching late flight to Pokhara somewhere around 3 pm. Later during evening you can walk around at lakeside and enjoy at pubs or café while having some beverages. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day
3
Drive to Drabang (1110m/3640 ft.) trek to Dharapani (1560m/5120 ft.) 5 hr. drive 4 hr. trek.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transport:
Private Vehicle.
Today after having early breakfast, you will hop on jeep and drive to Darbang via Beni. The scenic drive while listening to relaxing fast flowing river, the drive is interesting. Along the way to Darbang you can enjoy the amazing views of landscapes and mountains. After reaching Durbang, you will star your trek alongside Myagdi River. Crossing small settlements of magar community you will gradually make your way to Dharapani. You will be staying on camping tents.
Day
4
Trek to Muri (1720m/5650 ft.) 7 hours.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will embark on picturesque journey towards Muri village. The uphill walk through terrace field, magar settlements the trail leads to breathtaking views of Gurja himal (7193m/23600 ft.) and glimpse of Dhaulagiri. Along the trek don’t forget to take pictures and have plenty of rest and snacks. The final ascend takes you to Muri village and you can enjoy your time with interacting with locals. Overnight at Muri.
Day
5
Muri to Boghara (2080m/6830) 7 hours.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today your day begins with amazing sunshine at the camp. You will begin your hike with steep downhill walk and crossing few small streams. Takeout your camera and capture some amazing scenery of Mt. Ghustung while trail passed through lush Jungle with variety of wildflowers. The villages you guys see today have distinctive stone slate rooftops and amazing handcrafted windows. Continuing the walk accompanied by amazing view you will reach Boghara in evening from where you could enjoy amazing sunset from the camp.
Day
6
Trek to Doban (2520m/8270 ft.) 6 hour.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will follow the trail accompanied by amazing mountains. The days ago were pretty hot but from today you will start to feel little chill. Walking along side of Myagdi khola, you will find the change in the terrain that you will be trekking today. You will stop at one of the seasonal tea house where you can enjoy hot beverages. En route to Doban you will hike through rugged terrain, jungle and finally ascend to Doban.
Day
7
Trek to Shallaghari (2820m/9250 ft.) 6 hours.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today after breakfast, you will start trekking to place called Shallaghari following the trail filled with lush jungle and streams. Crossing manmade wooden bridge, crossing such bridge is adventure in itself. You will be passing through pastures of goats, sheeps and other live stocks. The day today is bit challenging as you have to cross several landslide areas. Before reaching Shallaghari, you will be welcomed by amazing waterfall. You can rest there and reflect of the adventurous day. Honestly the landslide part is pretty tough.
Day
8
Trek to Italian Base camp (3660m/12007 ft) 6 hours.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will start you day of trekking by ascending up hill and through forest and varied vegetation. You will find drastic change in landscape and dramatic change in the temperature while approaching Italian base camp. You will have many river crossing and views of mountains including Dhaulagiri. You will camp for 2nights at Italian Base camp.
Day
9
Acclimatization day.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today will be an acclimatization day at Italian base camp. You will be hiking to one of the viewpoint today and return back to your camp.
Day
10
Hike to Glacier camp ((4,200m/13,780ft) 6 hours.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Start your day with amazing mountain sunshine and coffee at your camp. Leaving Italian base camp we will be moving towards glacier camp today. You will pass through trick, sloppy and slippery trail until reaching Swiss base camp. Your day today will be very challenging yet rewarding at the end. You will have to use ropes that is set by your crew travelling with you in order to complete certain patch.
The Chhongardan Glacier will be amazing place for you guys as you will be captivated by amazing view of Dhampus peak, Manapati Peak, Tsaurabong Peak and of course Dhaulagiri Mountain. Rest, relax and have some snack and get ready to reach Glacier camp.
Day
11
Acclimatization day 2
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
You will be hiking around glacier camp today in order to acclimatize your body to the high elevation.
Day
12
Trek to Dhaulagiri base camp (4750m/15590 ft.) 6 hour.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today is crucial as today you will be reaching at the base camp of the mighty Dhaulagiri massif. Moving steep uphill following the natural curves of the glacier, a challenging few hours after which you will be rewarded by the view of breathtaking panorama of Tukuche peak. Afterwards the valley opens to T-Junction between Tukuche and Dhaulagiri. You will see fluttering prayer flag and feel the light breeze of the mountains while traversing rocky terrain. You will love the hike today despite of being challenging. Just don’t forget to take selfie and other pictures and most important stay hydrated.
Day
13
Acclimatization day 3.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
You will stay at Dhaulagiri base camp. You can enjoy hiking around or stay at your camp site while enjoying peace and serenity around the mountain.
Day
14
Trek to hidden valley (5140m/16870 ft.) via French pass 5360/17590ft) 7 hours and more.
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Yet another challenging and long trekking day as you will be crossing French col. Despite of being tough day this high mountain pass promise you dramatic 360 view of the mountains like Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus peak and more. Know your strength, walk slowly, stay hydrated, click pictures, and whisper your secret to mountains. Embrace yourself in this peace and have some fun. The day is long. A brief stop at French pass, steep slippery trail transitioning from gravel to stone to snow and vice versa as you enter hidden valley.
Day
15
Trek to Alu Bari (3900m/12780 ft.) via Dhampus pass (5244m/17200ft).
Accomodation:
Tent Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today we will leave the captivating Hidden valley, our destination will be Alu Bari. Losing the elevation after crossing the Dhampus pass, a vibrant place with fluttering prayer flags and Dhampus peak, Tukuche peak as backdrop followed by the glimpse of Annapurna range, the Dhampus pass has beauty of its own. Crossing the forest area we will be reaching Alu Bari.
Day
16
Alu Bari to Marpha (2566 m/8,419 ft.) 3 hours hike 6 hour drive to Pokhara.
Accomodation:
Hotel.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Transport:
Private Vehicle.
Today will be the last day of trekking as you will go through forest of oak and pine. This section is amazing for bird lovers. Right after crossing the forest you will witness apple orchards of Marpha village. You will witness white washed houses at Marpha. You will be hoping on the jeep which will take you to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara you will sleep on comfortable hotel rooms and enjoy time on lakeside.
Day
17
Rest day at Pokhara.
Accomodation:
Hotel.
Meals:
Breakfast.
You will have free day at Pokhara. You can do some sightseeing or chill by the lake. Evening you will be visiting peace pagoda at hill top while enjoying the city view.
Day
18
Fly / Drive to Kathmandu.
Accomodation:
Hotel.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Transport:
Private Vehicle.
You will be flying to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The flight duration is about 30 minutes. Upon reaching Kathmandu you can shop some souvenir for your people back home from streets of Thamel and enjoy few beers reflecting on your glorious trekking days.
Day
19
Final Departure.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Transport:
Private Vehicle.
One of our team member will drop you off at international terminal of Kathmandu airport.
Availability
Inclusions
- International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- 1 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- Kathmandu Sightseeing by professional english speaking tour guide.
- Kathmandu- Beni ground transportation by private vehicle.
- Pokhara - Kathmandu ground transportation by private vehicle.
- 3 meals a day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in itinerary.
- Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis in tent camp.
- Trekking permit and TIMS card.
- Jomsom - Pokhara Flight cost.
- Professional government lisence holder English speaking trekking guide.
- The required number of porters to carry the luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish trekking).
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All government and local taxes.
Excludes
- International air fare to/ from Nepal.
- Entry Visa fees - at present $25 for 15 day, US$ 40 for 30 day, and US$ 100 for three month visa on entry into Nepal.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Insurance which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the trekking.
- Hot shower during the trekking.
- All food and beverages other than on the itinerary.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Personal gear and expenses.
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance provides coverage for injuries sustained during outdoor activities like trekking, hiking or any kind of adventure activities. It's important to note that many standard travel insurance policies often exclude coverage trekking and other adventurous activities. When purchasing the insurance it’s crucial to check the policy's details, as they typically specify the maximum altitude covered by the plan. Make sure your plan includes hiking or trekking above 5000m and have helicopter evacuation in terms of emergency.
The policy helps you recover from an emergency medical evacuation in the event of lost luggage or travel cancellation. Lately the domestic travel companies who operates guided trekking and expedition is only accept visitors, having travel insurance. And very important, Get insurance to cover the cost of rescue helicopters from the mountains in the event of a serious accident or altitude sickness.
Guides and Porter (Crew)
Our guides are well experienced and very familiar with the terrain. They earn their daily bread and butter from trekking and climbing the peaks and mountains. Our highly experienced guides who have guts to face and tackle any circumstances that may arise in the Himalayan region. Whether its AMS or any sort of medical emergency, they have experience and ability to tackle such circumstances. While in trekking always listen to your guide.
We also provide you with responsible porter where all your belongings are taken care safely. Depending on your group size we provide numbers of porters and kitchen crew as this is camping trek. Our crew will take care of you by giving undivided attention and push you accordingly respecting your strengths while recognizing your freedom or space. Lastly, we provide you amazing and well experienced human resource required for a trip where all your needs are fulfilled. Porters can carry only 20 kg so we suggest to pack lightly.
Food and accommodation
This is different trek in comparison to other trekking in Nepal. Most of the trekking you will have guest houses, tea houses on the trail but for this one you will be staying on tented camp and foods will be prepared by our crew on the campsite only. You do not have option to choose what you want to eat and where to sleep at. Don’t worry we will provide good foods that suits your palate and try our best to make your camp cozy and comfortable.
For Kathmandu and Pokhara you will be staying three to four star category hotel in heart of city and at the lakeside for Pokhara. You will have many option to choose your dining restaurant. There are many restaurant of tourist standards and lots of local place to eat if you are into local foods and eatery.
Faqs
What the sources of drinking water during the climb?
Drinking water will be provided in the teahouses during the journey up to the base camp, either from taps, boiling water, or bottled water. We also recommend using steriepen or other water purification solutions.
How long do trekkers hike every day?
On usual trekking days, you will be walking for 5 - 6 hours a day. However some days your hike could last up to 8 - 9 hours since it is advised to go as slow as possible, using the right amount of energy and stay hydrated.
Is there communication service?
The communication service on trails are available in few areas and some villages have telephone from where you can make international calls as well. The entire trip doesn’t favors in communication as some palce you might not get cell service.
How difficult is Dhaulagiri trek?
This is challenging trek and you must camp most of the days. The trails are rugged and sometimes difficult to hike on.
What happens in case of emergency?
Helicopter rescue is only the option in case of emergency as it is suggested to have some travel insurance covering the rescue service.
What is fitness requirement for the trek?
You should be fit as this is challenging trek both mentally and physically. Proper acclimatization and with proper gears you can easily complete this trek.
How to prevent Altitude sickness?
Proper acclimatization, hydrated body and some medicinal tablets like Diamox, Acetazolamide helps in preventing altitude sickness.
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$3,500 /person
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