Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek (Camping Trek)

Trip Facts

  • Cost Start FromContact Us
  • Duration 23 Days
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • TransportationNA
  • DestinationNepal
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About Trip

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a strenuous journey through high alpine pasture lands, uninhabited valleys, passes at high altitude and even involves snow and glacier walking. Dhaulagiri – the White Mountain stands 8,167m tall and is the seventh highest peak in the world. Considered one of the best for adventure treks simply as the route passes several 7,000m peaks and enormously varied geography.

The trek begins after an eight hour drive from Kathmandi to Beni. Heading towards the north-west the trail moves through Babichour, Darapani and Muri in the subsequent days. Muri, the last formidable settlement along the trail is inhabited by the Magar tribe. Heading north following the trail on the banks of MyagdiKhola, we pass walk pass villages of Baghar, Dobang and Sallaghari, ascending gradually. We rest for a day at the Italian Base Camp for acclimatization. Walking along the Chhanbardan Glacier we reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp where massifs of giant mountains form an inspiring view. After ascending a steep incline, we reach the French Pass that lies between Tukche Peak and SitaChuchura. A short descent towards the east leads to the Hidden Valley. Crossing the valley, we climb to Thapa Pass between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak. Going downhill to  Alubari and descending further to Marpha, a village on the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we move through Kalopani and join the Annapurna circuit trekking trail following Tatopani, Ghorepani and Birethani all the way to Nayapul. 

Trip Highlights

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek has been recently reopened, and the thrill of exploration here is both enchanting and challenging. Mountain passes such as the French Pass is 5,360m high and Thapa Peak is 5,200m high and offer unimaginable views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Throng Peak and Kali Gandaki River. The deepest gorge in the world, Gandaki Gorge is an unknown marvel.

Walks on icy tracks passing mountain sheep and yak, exploration of the wild with frequent alterations in landscape and vegetation and majestic views of massifs of over 7,000m peaks makes the trip equally rewarding and challenging.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival; Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu
  • Day 02:Trek preparation day
  • Day 03:Drive to Beni from Kathmandu (O/night Altitude 850m/6 hrs. approx.)
  • Day 04:To Babiyachaur (O/night Altitude 910m/7 hrs approx.)
  • Day 05:To Dharapani (O/night Altitude 1,565m/6 hrs approx.)
  • Day 06:To Muri (O/night Altitude 1,850m/5 hrs approx.)
  • Day 07:To Baghar (O/night Altitude 2,080m/7 hrs approx.)
  • Day 08:To Dobang (O/night Altitude 2,520m/7 hrs approx.)
  • Day 09:To Sallaghari (O/night Altitude 3,110m/5 hrs approx.)
  • Day 10:To Italian Base Camp (O/night Altitude 3,660/4 hrs approx.)
  • Day 11:Acclimatization Day (O/night Altitude 3,660m)
  • Day 12:To Japanese/Advance Base Camp (O/night Altitude 4,440m/5 hrs approx.)
  • Day 13:To Dhaulagiri Base Camp (O/night Altitude 4,750m/4 hrs approx.)
  • Day 14:To Hidden Valley via French Col (O/night Altitude 5,010/7 hrs approx.)
  • Day 15:To Yak Kharka (O/night Altitude 3,680m)
  • Day 16:To Marpha (O/night Altitude 2,667m/4 hrs approx.)
  • Day 17:To Kalopani (O/night Altitude 2,530m/6 hrs approx.)
  • Day 18:To Tatopani (O/night Altitude 1,160m/6 hrs approx.)
  • Day 19:To Shikha (O/night Altitude 1,940m/4 hrs approx.)
  • Day 20:To Ghorepani (O/night Altitude 2,750m/4 hrs approx.)
  • Day 21:To Birethanti (O/night Altitude 1,020m/6 hrs approx.)
  • Day 22:To Nayapul (1 hrs) then Drive to Kathmandu (9 hrs)
  • Day 23:Final Departure or onward for next program

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01Arrival; Transfer to your hotel in KathmanduArrival in Kathmandu. Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A drop to the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detail arrangement of the Trek.
  • Day 02Trek preparation day After breakfast, you will be introduced with the trek leader/guide at the hotel. This pre-trip meeting is for briefings on the trek and other necessary details. Please bring along your passport and three passport sized photos and a copy of your travel insurance policy. You can use your free time to rest or explore around for some last minute shopping. A visit to the world heritage sites in Kathmandu including Swayambhu, Boudha, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square et cetera is also arranged as per request.
  • Day 03Drive to Beni from Kathmandu (O/night Altitude 850m/6 hrs. approx.)The early morning drive to Beni after breakfast is scenic through the countryside. Beni, the district headquarter lies in the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Myagdi. Permits are checked at the police check post before entering. Overnight stay in Beni.
  • Day 04To Babiyachaur (O/night Altitude 910m/7 hrs approx.)Heading along the banks of MyagdiKhola, the trek passes through BeniMangalghat, Singa and Tatopani. Crossing the bridge after a short walk, the trail continues through Bholamza, another tiny village, before reachingasuspension bridge after a short walk near Simalchaur. Shortly after passing this village, the trail climbs toBabichaur where we unfold our tents for the night.
  • Day 05To Dharapani (O/night Altitude 1,565m/6 hrs approx.)Today’s trek begins with winding paths along a mountainside alongside the valley that widens with approaching terraced hills. The easy trail is mostly flat with a few slight ascents. Shahashradhara, a small village along the trail is stone paved and further on, after crossing the DukhKhola, we walk past paddy fields to reach Ratorunga, another village with tea houses and shops. The valley gets narrowed down again as terraces end. After following zigzags, the trail takes a steep ascent before reaching the densely populated village at Dharapani.
  • Day 06To Muri (O/night Altitude 1,850m/5 hrs approx.)Descending to the MyagdiKhola and crossing to its west bank and climbing again, the trail starts taking steep ascents before it eases out along the ridge. To Muri, another small village, the trail climbs again and continues along Sibang and Mattim. After a yet another climb, we descend to GattiKhola and reach Phalai. After crossing DharaKhola, we once again reach the west bank of MyagdiKhola and climb a ridge to reach Muri, a large Magar village, where we tent for the night.
  • Day 07To Baghar (O/night Altitude 2,080m/7 hrs approx.)After crossing a rocky stream and DhoraKhola, a river, we ascend to GhorbanDhara where the first views of Ghustang South (6465m) can be seen. The trail then descends to MyagdiKhola and climbs along the mountainside along the right banks to Naura and further takes a steep grassy hill. The climb continues through a steep slope and finally descends along a forest that leads to terraced fields. We arrive at Baghar, a small mountain village where we camp in a yard or terraced field of the locals.
  • Day 08To Dobang (O/night Altitude 2,520m/7 hrs approx.)Leaving the terraced fields, the trail moves through a ridge to a forest and reaches Jyardan, the remotest settlement in the area. Following the winding path that crosses a rocky area, we descend and climb again to reach Lipse. After walking through a forest and crossing LapcheKharka, we climb again to reach Dobang where we camp for the day.
  • Day 09To Sallaghari (O/night Altitude 3,110m/5 hrs approx.)Crossing the river, we ascend through a forested area, which is steep at times. At a clearing, the views of Dhaulagiri I becomes visible. Further, we reach a pine forest area or Sallaghari in Nepali, where a clearing suitable for camping is available.
  • Day 10To Italian Base Camp (O/night Altitude 3,660/4 hrs approx.)Today’s walk goes through periphery of Chhonbarban Glacier and also passes small makeshift bridges and forest areas. The trail ascends further to the spectacular campsite at Italian Base Camp. It’s a strenuous walk, nevertheless, rewards with views of Dhaulagiri massif and GurjuHimal up close. Overnight stay in a tent.
  • Day 11Acclimatization Day (O/night Altitude 3,660m)Before moving further into higher altitudes with thinning air, we take a day to acclimatize ourselves in this high altitude. You can explore around the Base Camp and prepare for the next day’s climb. Overnight in tent.
  • Day 12To Japanese/Advance Base Camp (O/night Altitude 4,440m/5 hrs approx.)As the trail ascends, its gets challenging at some places. Use of ropes in certain sections adds to the safety of the climb. Also an early journey is taken to avoid avalanches and rock falls. Through a rocky portion, we climb a mountainside and cross two glaciers that originate from Dhaulagiri. The other side of the glacier is a grassy land known as Pakhaban or Japanese/Advance Base Camp. Dhauligiri and Tsaurabong Peak stands massive above the camp. Overnight stay in a tent.
  • Day 13To Dhaulagiri Base Camp (O/night Altitude 4,750m/4 hrs approx.)The gradual increase in altitude and hiking in glaciers makes today’s walk difficult. After passing a rocky ridge, the trail descends to along the glacier and directs towards the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Impressive views of Dhaulagiri along with the adventurous walk gives the thrill of being in the mountains. Overnight stay in a tent.
  • Day 14To Hidden Valley via French Col (O/night Altitude 5,010/7 hrs approx.)Another day of strenuous walk through glaciers and high passes. Crossing the glacier from the base camp with the help of ropes, the trail eases out a little, but again picks up to another strenuous climb to the top of French Col (5300m). Here, the Hidden Valley opens up along with giant snow peaks surrounding the valley namely MukutHimal, Tashi Kang, SitaChuchura, Tukche et cetera. From Thapa Pass (5250m) that lies between Tukche and Thapa peak, we descend to the extremely cold valley where we camp for the night.
  • Day 15To Yak Kharka (O/night Altitude 3,680m)It’s a downhill walk for most of the day although difficult sections come across at places. The trail moves on from the Hidden Valley to Dhampus Pass and takes a dangerous section of avalanche prone slopes which continues all the way down to Yak Kharka.

  • Day 16To Marpha (O/night Altitude 2,667m/4 hrs approx.)The trail passes barren and steep descents at many places. Yak and sheep herds can be seen along the route. Reaching Marpha, the trail joins the Annapurna Circuit trek route. Marpha is inhabited by both Hiindus and Buddhists. You can visit the monastery with prayer flags and mane walls surrounding its periphery. Overnight stay in a lodge.
  • Day 17To Kalopani (O/night Altitude 2,530m/6 hrs approx.)Change in vegetation can be seen as we descend along the trail. We pass forests covered with pine and rhododendron ideal for bird watching. Views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri among others keep company on a clear day. After around six hours of walking we reach Kalopani where we stay in a lodge for the night.
  • Day 18To Tatopani (O/night Altitude 1,160m/6 hrs approx.)We follow the Kali Gandakiriver on this easy nature walk which mostly descends. The trail crosses lush forests and several bridges to pass RupsheChhahara and further reach Tatopani. You can relax at the healing waters from these natural hot water springs. Overnight stay in a lodge.
  • Day 19To Shikha (O/night Altitude 1,940m/4 hrs approx.)After crossing the Kali Gandaki River, we climb through stone steps along most of the trail to reach Shikha. Numerous small villages pass along the way inhabited by the Magar community where we can observe their daily lifestyle. A final steep climb leads to Shikha, our stop for the day.
  • Day 20To Ghorepani (O/night Altitude 2,750m/4 hrs approx.)The climb to Ghorepani is a pleasant one with lush vegetation and wonderful scenery. We pass through small settlements along the hills as we move through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani.
  • Day 21To Birethanti (O/night Altitude 1,020m/6 hrs approx.)The day starts early with a hike to Poonhill, the renowned viewpoint in the trail and unmistakably a photographer's paradise. A 45 min walk takes us to the top of the hill which is at a height of 3210m. We return back to Ghorepani for breakfast and move out to Birethanti. Overnight stay in a lodge.
  • Day 22To Nayapul (1 hrs) then Drive to Kathmandu (9 hrs)From Birethanti, Nayapul is about an hour walk. We further take a bus ride back to Kathmandu.
  • Day 23Final Departure or onward for next program Departure from Kathmandu. A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle. You can also opt for another package with Mountain Rock treks.

Trip Note

Above itinerary can be re-designed as per your interest & preferences. Let us know whether you would like some changes. you can also book Hotel in Kathmandu.

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