Nepal · Remote Area Trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Trip Highlights
Trip Overview
Journey of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
This journey begins in Beni, a big town about 2-3 hours drive from Pokhara. The road to Beni winds and passes through the mountains, but otherwise reasonably well-maintained. A number of treks in the Annapurna region continue or leave, Beni.
Plus, this is a demanding trek, and most trekkers won't want to extend it because of fatigue.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Kathmandu. Once you reach the airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly received by our airport representative who will help you with the transfer to the hotel.
Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square).
We 're going to take the early morning bus to Beni. It's a nice ride with the green scenery. It is the offices of the district where the permits will be reviewed. The town we 're staying in is situated at the confluence of Myagdi Khola and Kali Gandaki.
After leaving Beni, we travel west along the north bank of Myagdi Khola. We pass through the village of Beni Mangalghat, Singa, and Tatopani. After passing two bridges, we enter the village of Simalchaur on the north bank. We 're going to meet Babiya Chaur from here.
As we leave Babiya Chaur, we come across terraced hills on either side of the river. The trail is fairly leveled as we pass through villages, Duk Khola, and fields to reach Rotorunga. As we move ahead, the valley narrows and we finally reach Dharapani.
We cross the river from Dharapani to the west bank. After leaving Phedi, there is a steep climb until we reach the ridge where the trail flattens for a while. After climbing again, we 're going through Sibang, Mattim, Ghati Khola and Phalai Gaon. After passing Dhara Khola, we again reach the western bank of Myagdi Khola. Following that, we ascend the hill to eventually get to the Magar Village of Muri.
From Muri, we go down for a short time, cross the stream and pass through the terraced fields before ascending the ridge and entering the pass. We can see the glorious Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m.) from the pass. We 're going down to the west bank of Myagdi Khola and we're going to the village of Naura. Then we ascend a little, cross a slope, and scale another steep hill with zigzag tracks. Then we cross the forest and the terraced fields to finally get to Boghara.
First, we go down through the lush greenery to the ridge and then through the forest to meet Jyardhan (the most remote settlement in the region). A long winding road needs to cross a mountainous landscape, descends and ascends again to meet Lipshe. Then we go through the forest to Lapche Kharka and then ascend to Doban, which is a fairly flat area.
We cross a footbridge to depart Doban and then go up a forest land. We gradually get a peak of Dhaulagiri I and then get back to Myagdi Khola Bank. Then we cross a wooden bridge to the east bank and Cartare. We cross a wood, a rocky region, and a stream to enter Choriban Khola.
From here we continue to the Chhonbarban Glacier, which we join from the west. As we soak in the splendor of the Tukuche peak and the Dhaulagiri I road, after a while we reach the Italian Base Camp. The base camp (at an altitude of 3660 m.) has a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V.
Have easy day for acclamatization.
The trek starts early in the morning with good weather to avoid the stone falls that the area is prone to. We pass through a narrow gorge and then reach the Glacier camp.
This is an interesting day to see the north face of Dhaulagiri I along with other peaks such as Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V. The view of the ice-fall falling from the north-east is spectacular.
Since reaching the lake, we 're going to ascend two hills. The first hill runs along the glacier and crosses the mountain and the moraine. As we climb a gentle slope, we reach the French Pass at an altitude of 5360 m. A wonderful view greets us at the pass, which includes Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang and Sita Chuchura, which surrounds the Hidden Valley. We continue along the right edge of the French Pass to reach Thapa Pass at 5250 m. We're going down from the pass to reach the base camp
Acclimatize and have easy day.
We descend from Hidden valley to Dhampus pass at an elevation of 5200m. We continue from there to Yak Kharka which is perfect to set up camp and enjoy the surroundings at 3680m.
From Yak Kharka, we descend steeply through forests and moraines for a few hours to reach Tukuche. Overnight local lodge.
From Tukuche, we take a rough trail (on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River) to Larjung. There are a lot of fruit orchards here. Then we walk along a paved road, cross a pedestrian bridge and a forest to reach Kokkethanti. We pass the villages and pass the suspension bridge to meet our target, Kalopani. Local lodge for the night.
From Kalopani, we take an easy beautiful walk as we move towards subtropical vegetation. The trail follows a river through a narrow gorge and descends to cross a bridge and reach a waterfall. We then move across the valley to reach Tatopani. Overnight local lodge.
After early morning breakfast, we take the jeep or local tourist bus to Pokhara.
You will coming back to Kathmandu where your trip officially comes to end. You can enjoy 30 minutes whole body massage and farewell dinner with your trekking crew before you head back to your home next day.
After break fast, our airport representative will drive you to the airport for your flight back to home.
What's Included
Trek Route
Recommended Equipment
Available Departures
Frequently Asked Questions
This trek with HSJ starts from Beni which is 6-7 drive away from Kathmandu.
French Camp at 5360m is the highest point of this trek through which we reach to Hidden Valley which is at the altitude of 5115m.
AMS in Dhaulagiri is more likely because the altitude unexpectedly increases. Dramatic accents and descents on this trek is its dominant feature. AMS is the most common mountain sickness. It is essential to properly acclimate and hydrate. Go on a step by step and stop when necessary before you go ahead. An qualified guide is hence absolutely necessary for this trek. Listen to the guide and strictly follow his/ her guidance.
Best time to do Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Trek is during spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). HSJ can however organize the trek at any time of the year with absolute safety while still availing you to have memorable experience
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a difficult trek — one of the hardest in Nepal — suitable only for trekkers with prior trekking experience at altitudes above 5,000 m. The journey requires a high degree of endurance, power and commitment.
The Dhaulagiri Trek Tour is one of the toughest and the most demanding treks that need prior alpine trekking experience. Since the route is less marked chances of gettting lost and confused (paths are often obscured with snow) are hight, it is strongly recommended that you follow a tour guide.
Round Dhaulagiri Trek accommodation is offered on combined tea and camping. There are simple theahouses that provide minimal facilities. Yet the room is tidy and provides a good night's rest. Carry a sleeping bag for added warmth with a lining.
As the camping tour starts, we will sleep on the sleeping bags.
Charging your electric devices
Apart from the first and last nights in Beni and Pokhara, where you will stay in hotels. There are limited lodges and not even enough permanent settlements past Pakoban. And hence, you would have to depend on headlights, torches and power bank for charging of your devices.
Apart from the first and last nights in Beni and Pokhara, where you will stay in hotels, you will be walking on remote off beaten trails. Hence you would have to be prepared for the limited communication while on the camping trek. There is little to no internet connection. Our guides would have satellite phone that would be our means of communication with them regarding the welfare and emergencies that are of the concerns of our client.
Obtaining the effective Travel insurance that covers mountaineering and alpinism for helicopter evacuation is compulsory for this trek.
Yes, Himalayan Social Journey is flexible travel partner. It is possible to organize the private trip or private group trip to Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. The minimum people for the group is 2 however supplementary charge will be applicable for the solo traveler wanting to do private trip.
The Tap water supplied along the trails are considered safe for drinking and local people drink it without treating, however for the foreigners, it is best that the tap water be only drunk after purification. There are two good options for having proper drinking water during the trek. You can bring water purification tablets or fill your bottle for a nominal fee from the recognized and regulated "pure water" stations along the trek. As the last alternative, you can also purchase bottled water at the lodges but this is not recommended. It is very important that you drink at least 3 liters of pure water daily during the trek.
Liquid needs and usage of our body is about 3-5 liters a day (13-21 cups). Several findings suggest that drinking carbohydrate and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) in a liquid is safer than moisturizing water at altitude alone. There is also a study done on the effect of tea in reducing the fatigue and mood boosting. Results have been positive. This being said apart from water, you can drink green tea, masala tea, and ginger tea and garlic soup.
It is not suitable trek for novice trekkers and children.
In the average, you will be walking for 5-6 hours each day during the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Trek.
Insurance of the guide and porter is covered by the company. All our guides and porters are properly insured.
Yes, we do provide sleeping bags. The sleeping bags we provide are of good quality. They help you sustain the colder climate in Nepali mountains up to -25 degree Celsius of temperature. However if you need the one of your own, you can buy one here. Your guide shall assist you to get it here. Keep the track of the weather forecast of the area and pack your clothes accordingly. This would help you be prepared for the type of weather Nepali Mountains are accustomed to.
Traveler Reviews
"Best way to experience Nepal"
We did the 14 days Nepal budget tour and we could not be more happy with our choice. In only 2 weeks we visited Kathmandu, Chitwan national park, Pokhara and did a 5 day trek in the Annapurna region. The organization was flawless (like a swiss clock). We felt safe and welcomed in every place. Our guides Harka (Chitwan) and Ganesh (Pokhara and trek) + Bishal (our porter) did an outstanding job. We recommend them and the whole trip 100%. It was much better than we could have imagined. In the end, we recommand everyone to visit the beautiful places from Nepal and meet its warm and welcoming people.
"💯"
It was an wonderful experience with himalayan social journey,mingmar and Rupesh are our guide and they did so well. Everyday it was on time ,well planned and executed trek👍
"Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek!!"
Had an absolute amazing time. The Himalayas were beautiful, had blue skies and views everyday. Himalayan Social Journey and our guides Mingmar Sherpa and Rupesh went beyond our expectations. Definety helped us reach Everest Base Camp without any issues. Would definitely do another trek with them and would not use anyone else.
"Awesome Experience!!!"
Mingmar sherpa dai was our trek lead along-with Tenzing dai, Janak and Siddharth. All of them really helped us during entire the trek. Whether it is stay, food or assistance for any additional request. I would highly recommend them as trek leads if you are planning for the trek in and around Nepal. Specially EBC.
"Best Experience"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Trishuli rafting experience! I did this rafting in October 2024. Himalayan Social Journey made it safe, fun, and unforgettable. Thrilling rapids and stunning scenery combined for the perfect adventure. Highly recommend!
"Best Experience Of My Life!"
It was my first trekking experience in Nepal and Himalayan Social Journey made the entire experience memorable. They are very professional and will help you at every point. A special word of thanks to Sushma, who helped a lot throughout and was my go-to person. My guide Dinesh was a gem and so was the porter, Ramkrishna. Dinesh saved my life a few times (literally) and he is so efficient and helpful that it is hard to put in words. Want togo back to Nepal through HSJ, there is a lot more to do. If you are planning any activity in Nepal you may blindly book with HSJ and be assured of an experience of a lifetime. These guys are more than a tour planner, they are your friend. philosopher, guide all in one!
