Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Stunning Mountain Views

You will see breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the world’s seventh-highest mountain. Other towering peaks like Annapurna (8,091m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Nilgiri (7,061m), and Gurja Himal (7,193m) surround the region, creating a stunning panorama. Witnessing sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas will add more beauty to your overall journey.

Traditional Villages

People living here are simple and follow traditional life. Magar, Gurung, and Thakali are the inhabitants of the area. You will see beautifully built stone houses, terraced fields growing rice and barley, and yak herds grazing in the highlands. Villages like Muri, Marpha, and Dharapani are known for their warm hospitality. Passing by these villages, you can also try delicious apple orchards, where you can try fresh apple juice and brandy.

Glaciers and Two High Passes

The trek passes through Chhonbardan Glacier and other icy landscapes, giving you a real adventure feel. You will cross two high passes, French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m), which offer breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. These passes are steep and challenging, but the incredible scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Located at 4,748m, Dhaulagiri Base Camp is a highlight of the trek. Upon reaching this point and overcoming challenges, you can see beautiful views of Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, and Tsaurabong Peak. From here, you can see the massive icefall that flows down from the mountains. The base camp is a peaceful place where you can rest and admire the beauty of the Himalayas.

Italian Base Camp

Situated at 3,660m, Italian Base Camp is an important stop before heading towards the higher altitudes. It offers incredible views of Dhaulagiri, Manapathi Peak, and the Tsaurabong Glacier. Trekkers use this camp to acclimatize before moving towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The place is named after an Italian expedition team that set up camp here during their climb.

Unique Culture and Traditions

Throughout the trek, you will see Buddhist monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and stone-carved Mani walls with sacred inscriptions. The Thakali and Magar people celebrate festivals like Tihar, Dashain, and Lhosar with traditional music, dance, and rituals. The local culture and hospitality make this trek not just about nature but also about experiencing the traditions of the Himalayan people.

Most of the people you will interact with while taking this journey are Gurung, Magar, and Takhali. Offering you a chance to experience unique cultures and traditions, they all follow the Tibetan-inspired Buddhist culture. No matter which village you visit, all these people are known for providing you with warm hospitality. Throughout the trek, you will pass by many ancient monasteries, mani walls, and chortens, enhancing your cultural experience. To further understand their culture, you can also take part in the festival and try out their local cuisine.

Not only does the trek offer you cultural beauty, but it also offers you a chance to witness the diverse flora and fauna the region offers. As the trek passes within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you can see some rare species of animals, such as red pandas and snow leopards. The chances of you encountering the Bengal tiger and Langur monkey, along with our national bird, Danphe, are also high. From Himalayan yak and sheep to goats, you can also see some rare and seasonal birds while trekking here.

Trekking Permits You Need for this Trek

If you are trekking to the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will need two permits: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit. It is essential for you to obtain these two permits as they are checked at different checkpoints throughout the entire journey. Here is a brief explanation of both:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

As the trek passes within the conservation area, getting this permit is very essential. The cost paid for this permit is used to protect the biodiversity of the region. You can get this permit either in the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at the entry point of the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Cost: NPR 3000 per person for foreign people and NPR 100 for Nepali.

Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit

The trek passes through some of the region’s restricted areas. Thus, getting this permit is mandatory. This permit has replaced the TIMS card. The permit helps preserve the beauty of the restricted area and tracks the trekker’s location, enhancing your safety. You can get this permit at the same time as ACAP or can even receive it from the District Administration Office in Baglung.

Cost: NPR 2000 per person per week

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek starts from a short, 6 to 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Upon arriving in Pokhara, we will take another jeep ride to Darbang. From there, the real trekking journey begins. Starting off the first location you will reach is Dharapani, and then you will go to Muri, passing through traditional villages and lush landscapes.

The journey continues to Bagar and Dobhan, where the altitude gradually increases. As you move forward, you will trek to Chaurbag Khola Camp and then to the Japanese Camp. The trek then takes you to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. From there, you will cross the challenging French Pass to reach Hidden Valley Camp, where another rest day allows for proper acclimatization.

After a well-deserved rest, you will trek from Hidden Valley Camp to Yak Kharka, crossing Dhampus Pass. The descent then leads to the beautiful village of Marpha, known for its apple orchards. The next day, you will take a drive to Jomsom and then fly back to Pokhara, marking the end of the trekking journey. On the final day, you will prepare for your departure, marking the end of the trek.

To reach the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will first travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can choose between a 30-minute flight or a 6 to 7-hour drive by bus or private vehicle. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas, while the drive takes you through scenic hills and rivers. From Pokhara, you will take a jeep ride to Darbang, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. The road is bumpy and passes through rural villages.

After completing the trek, you will return from Marpha to Jomsom by jeep, which takes around 2 hours. From Jomsom, you can take a short 20-minute flight to Pokhara or drive back, which takes about 9 to 10 hours. The flight is quick and scenic, but it depends on weather conditions, while the drive is long but offers beautiful mountain and valley views. Once in Pokhara, you can either take a flight or drive back to Kathmandu, completing your journey.

We, Himalayan 360, are a government-registered company. We work together with a team to make your dreams into reality. Our agency is quite different from other local adventure trekking companies and is truly committed to providing the best and most money-worthy holidays. Here is why you should choose us for your next trip to Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

• Highly experienced local operator
• Authorized government-registered trekking company
• Organizes fully responsible trekking
• No additional hidden charges
• Multiple packages as trekking, rafting, jungle safari, and more
• We can give you the rescue facilities