Dhaulagiri Trek will take you to one of the most exotic corners of the Annapurna region where only a few people visit every year. This trek will take you to the base of world's seventh highest mountain, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek will present you excellent views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lateral moraines. During Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will get to undergo a completely different experience that trekking in the Annapurna region usually presents. Walking on difficult terrain in the extremely secluded and trodden trail, trek to Dhaulagiri will allow you to test your endurance and spend some quality time with yourself.
Also known as Dhaulagiri Round Trek, it is one of the challenging, yet adventurous journeys of Nepal. You will get to see panoramic views of Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri Range (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Mt. Gustung South (6,465 m), Tukuche Peak (6,837 m), etc. Crossing high passes like French Pass, picturesque villages, fine valleys, dense forests, and streams, you will traverse the region. As you will pass by villages, you will get to see the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the locals.
You can not go on Dhaulagiri Trekking throughout the year because of unstable weather. The best time to go on Dhaulagiri trek is in Spring and Autumn. During this time of the year, the weather generally stays stable. Plus, the entire region also gets bloomed up with wildflowers. This is a perfect journey for adventure junkies looking for some extra thrills in the Himalayas. We, Mountain Rock Treks & Expedition have professionally designed Dhaulagiri Trek itinerary. Moreover, we are open to making tailor-made Dhaulagiri Trek itinerary for those who want, therefore feel free to contact us anytime for further information.
Trip Facts
Destination: Annapurna region, Nepal
Group Size: 1-12 people
Max-Altitude: 5,010 m/16,437 ft
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure From: Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Hotel and Camping
Best Time: Spring & Autumn
Major Highlights of Dhaulagiri Trek
Trek in one of the secluded parts of Nepal
Off-the-beaten trekking experience
Stay overnight in camp throughout the trek; this shows the isolation of the region
Com across a diverse range of flora and fauna
Experience rich culture and unique lifestyle of the locals
Get to witness closer views of Mt. Dhaulagiri
Witness spectacular scenery and Himalayan mountains views
Several routes will take you to the base of Mt. Dhaulagiri, and among them, we, Mountain Rock Treks & Expedition have designed the most adventurous Dhaulagiri Trekking itinerary. From Kathmandu, you will drive to Beni and begin trekking towards Sallaghari through beautiful villages like Babiyachaur, Dharapani, Muri, Baghar, and Dobang. The trail then ascends to Italian Base Camp where you will take a day off for rest.
Further, you will ascend gradually towards Japanese/Advance Base Camp and finally reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp. After enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains, you will climb to the Hidden Valley crossing French Col. The trail from here descend to Tatopani en route Yak Kharka, Marpha, and Kalopani. From Tatopani, you will drop down to Ghorepani and Nayapul from where you will drive to Pokhara.
During Dhaulagiri Trek, you will need basic trekking equipment. Below is the list of things that you should carry during Dhaulagiri Trekking:
Innerwear
Underwear
Thermal wear
Trousers/Trekking Pants
Down Jacket
Fleece Jacket & Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Pair of gloves/mittens & Lightweight gloves
Lightweight walking boots
Thick woolen socks & Thin socks
One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
Sunglasses
Warm hat/Bandana
Toiletries (sunscreen with a very high SPF, lip balm with a high SPF, quick-drying towel, toothbrush & paste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face & body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror, tissue paper, toilet papers, etc)
First Aid Kit (bandage for sprains, band-aids, antiseptic ointment for cuts, aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller, diarrhea stopper, Diamox, etc)
Iodine or water filters
An emergency light
Reusable water bottle
Trekking Pole
Sleeping bag
Miscellaneous (binoculars, book, map, journal & pens, cards, camera, extra batteries, snacks, etc)
Permits needed to do Dhaulagiri Trek
You need to get TIMS Card and ACAP Permit to go on Dhaulagiri Trek. Below is the price for both of the permits:
Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card: USD 20 per person
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: USD 20 per person
Dhaulagiri Trek difficulty
Trekking to Dhaulagiri is one of Nepal's toughest journeys. This trek is perfect for trekkers who want some real adventure and challenges in the Himalayas. The trek will take you above 5,000 meters where the air gets thinner and chances of altitude sickness also increase. Likewise, you will ascend & descend numerous times, cross challenging passes, and trek on trodden paths. All of these demand strong physical fitness, good health, and intense will power.
Dhaulagiri Trek cost
Dhaulagiri Trek cost depends on the services you want to use during the trek and company you are traveling with. The cost usually includes your lodging and foods on the trail, accommodation in the city, ground transportation as per the itinerary, all necessary permits, and expenses of guides and porters. Keep in mind that this cost does not include personal expenses, tips, travel insurance, etc. You can check our cost includes and excludes for more information.
Dhaulagiri is a camping trek that means you will stay in camp throughout the trek. The tents will be placed by the porters and guides. As you will stay overnight in tents during the trek, all the food will be cooked and served by the porters. Our porters are trained in cooking delicious food. During the Dhaulagiri Trek, you will be carrying all necessary amenities required to survive on the trail.
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.
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.