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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Trip Facts

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade:Moderate

This trek around Dhaulagiri is one of Nepal’s most challenging treks that involves narrow ridges, snow and glacier crossings and exceptionally rough terrain with two 5000 meter French pass and Thapa Pass.

A circuit of the Dhaulagiri massif is possible for well-equipped and fully self-sufficient parties. The minimum time that should be allowed for this itinerary is eighteen days Pokhara to Pokhara but a few extra days to allow for side trips or bad weather are advisable. The route crosses two high passes which are in remote country far from any assistance. Particular care must be taken with regards to proper acclimatization and staff equipment. Since much of the first half of the trek travels on rarely trekked trails, the services of an experienced local guide is highly recommended. No special permits are required to the Dhaulagiri Circuit but for the last part, down the Kali Gandaki, an ACAP entry permit is needed.

The trek is best started at Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi district. Myagdi is one of the most easterly of the districts where the Magar people can be found. This group of hill dwellers are similar in many ways to their Gurung neighbours but are thought to have settled in Nepal some time earlier. Like their Gurung cousins, the Magar have a tradition of service in the Gurkha regiment. Regular bus services operate form Pokhara as far as Baglung and from there, are less frequent services to Beni.

The Dhaulagiri trail follows the Myagdi Khola, the river that drains the southern side of the Dhaulagiri massif. Passing through the settlements of Darbang and Muri, the country is still quite heavily populated with scattered villages and farming land. Beyond Muri, the Myagdi Khola swings north and the landscape becomes much more rugged and sparsely populated. The tree line is reached just below the site of the, so called, Italian Base Camp. Italian Base Camp, located at the snout of the Chhonbaraan Glacier, is an ideal place to spend an acclimatisation day exploring the hills around about.

The next two days are spent on the glacier, the second night being at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, a rugged spot with some spectacular views of the western face of Dhaulagiri. From here the trail crosses French Pass which at 5360 meters is the highest point of the trek. Descending French Pass you enter the lonely but fascinating area known as Hidden Valley. This place is one of the few true wilderness areas accessible to trekkers in Nepal. The valley stretches away to the north eventually narrowing to a rugged gorge that connects to Upper Dolpa. There are reports of many endangered species residing in this area including the elusive snow leopard. If all the members and staff of the group are fit then a rest and exploration day spent in Hidden Valley is well worth while.

From Hidden Valley the trail now crosses Dhampus Pass (sometimes known as Thapa Pass). While not as high as French Pass, it is roughly 100 meters lower, Dhampus Pass has a reputation for bad weather which can make the crossing and subsequent descent something a problem. Trekkers must be aware of the health of their group members and staff, especially on the section between French Pass and Dhampus Pass. Any person suffering from symptoms of AMS must never be taken over French Pass but rather, taken back down the Myagdi Khola to a lower altitude. Having a group member suffer from AMS between the passes poses a serious problem as the only way to get the patient assistance is to ascend which would make the problem worse.

Having crossed Dhampus Pass the trail descends into the valley of the Kali Gandaki meeting the main trail at either Marpha or Tukuche. On the way down to the valley there are some spectacular views across to the Annapurnas and up into the arid steppes of Mustang. 

Day

1Arrival in Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft

Welcome to Nepal! A friendly representative from Purple Journeys will meet-and-greet you at the arrival area of the Tribhuvan International Airport with a flower garland – a tradition gesture of Nepalese hospitality. You will then be ushered to your pre-booked hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening at a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a fine meal accompanied by folk music and a cultural program.

Explore the cultural treasures of Kathmandu in our guided tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant array of bustling streets, incomparable historic buildings and heritage, exquisite temples and religious sites. The tour includes the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site of Pashupatinath Temple, the colossal stupa of Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as The Monkey Temple and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square with ‘Kumari Ghar’. There will also be time for shopping, picking up a thing or two for your trekking, if you have not done it back home. In the evening, we will have a pre-trek discussion and familiarize with our leader, other crew and participants.

Depart Kathmandu in the morning by private van or bus, following the banks of the Trishuli and Marsyandi Rivers toward Pokhara. The scenic road continues on to Beni, about 80 kilometers from Pokhara. We spend the night in tents at Beni.

Our first trekking day will take us through picturesque hillsides along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. An pleasant stroll through a string of rural settlements will take us to our overnight stop at Babichaur.

After a gradual climb through pastoral hillsides and the small villages of Shahashadhara and Ratorunga we will arrive in Dharapani.

A steep climb today through lush forests of rhododendrons and oak takes us further above the Kali Gandakiriver. Ascending a tree lined hillside to the village of Muri, the peaks of the Dhaulagiri range appear visible beyond the verdant hills.

A gradual descent through subtropical forest marked by cascading waterfalls takes us to Phedi. After a lunch break, we ascend steeply to Boghara for our overnight stop.

A challenging day of navigating steep ridgelines awaits today. Fixed ropes may be required in some sections of the trail. Emerging from thick forest in the afternoon, we’ll cross a bare rocky plain to Dhoban.

Today’s dramatic change in altitude will prove a bit challenging. We’ll encounter a change in scenery as well, with subtropical conditions giving way to the harsh rocky terrain. As we approach Italian Base Camp, the peaks of the Dhaulagiri Himal tower around us. We’ll camp for the night at Italian Base Camp before Dhaulagiri’s west face.

We spend the day acclimatizing for the coming altitude increases today. Relax and prepare for the tough day ahead.

Our approach to Glacier Camp will take us across the Magdi glacier, encountering challenging terrain along the way that will require the use of ropes and technical maneuvers. Fantastic scenery abounds as we traverse the ice and rock to Glacier Camp.

Our glacier traverse continues en route to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, situated beneath the spectacular north face of Dhaulagiri I.

We stop for another acclimatization day in preparation for the coming days in which we’ll remain above 5000m.

The highest point of the trek occurs today in our crossing of the French Pass. You will need all the stamina you can muster to complete this challenge. The breathtaking scenery along the way will encourage you to continue. After the high pass, our trail levels for an easy descent into Hidden Valley.

Spend the day in wonder admiring the untouched and impossibly serene Hidden Valley. This pristine snowy world, hidden amongst the soaring Dhaulagiri Himal’s peaks will be an enchanting respite after the previous days’ challenges.

The trail today takes us over Dhampus Pass 5200m/17060ft, a spectacular crossing between the peaks of Thukuche and Thapa. We descend from the pass down steep, snowy slopes to Yak Kharka.

A further descent will take us Marpha, Nepal’s apple capital and a great place to stop for a local treat after our long journey. We continue via Thapa Pass to arrive at our final destination in Jomsom.

We depart in the morning for an amazingly scenic flight to Pokhara between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon and enjoy the evening relaxing by Fewa Lake.

Depart by private van or bus this morning for Kathmandu. Spend the evening in Thamel reminiscing after an amazing journey.

Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Purple Journeys. Farewell and Namaste.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
  • Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
  • All required equipment for trekking crew, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent
  • Accommodations in camps during trekking
  • Three daily meals while trekking
  • All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)
  • Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
  • Visa fee for entry into Nepal
  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)

AFFILIATIONS