Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

First things first, to begin your trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit, you need to enter Nepal and arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will welcome you and then take you to your hotel in Thamel. Thamel is the lively tourist area of Kathmandu.

After checking in, you’ll have time to rest or take a short walk around the colorful streets full of shops, cafes, and local culture. It’s a relaxed day to settle in and get ready for the trek ahead.

Day 2 of the Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a preparation day. On this day, you will check your trekking gear, arrange necessary permits, and do any last-minute shopping for essentials around Thamel. You will find everything you need for your trek in Thamel, so you don’t need to worry if you forget to bring anything with you.

Later in the day, your guide will also brief you on the trek, go over the route, and answer any questions you may have. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and meet your fellow trekkers before the real adventure begins tomorrow.

On day 3, we will leave kathmandu and go to Pokhara. We will take an early morning ride as the distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is 220 km and takes 8 hours to get there. However, the duration can vary depending on the traffic jam and road conditions.

The drive is scenic as it passes through the lush green hills, terraced fields, rivers, and small villages along the way. The bus will stop for lunch and short breaks to enjoy the views. Once in Pokhara, you’ll check into your hotel. You can then explore the peaceful Lakeside area or rest in your room.

Following the Dhaulagiri circuit trek with the French Pass and Dhampus Pass itinerary, today we will leave for Darbang from Pokhara via private jeep. The drive passes through Beni, where two rivers, Myagdi and Kaligandaki, meet. From Beni, it takes 2 hours to reach Darbang (1,110m), passing through the towns of Tatopani and Babiyachaur.

Once in Darbang, we start our real trek to the Dhaulagiri Circuit. After checking in at the checkpost, we’ll start walking along the Myagdi River and cross a suspension bridge. Then, the trail slowly goes uphill until we reach Dharapani, a village where the Gurung and Magar communities live. If the weather is clear, you’ll get your first view of Dhaulagiri to the north here. We spend the night here and prepare for the next day’s journey.

After breakfast, we’ll start trekking uphill from Dharapani towards the village of Muri. Along the way, you’ll cross several rivers and walk through forests, enjoying views of the Dhaulagiri mountains and the Myagdi River.
Muri is home to the Magar people, who farm crops like rice, wheat, and maize. You’ll have enough time to explore the village and see how the Magar community lives.

As usual, we begin the day with a hearty breakfast. After that, we will head towards Bagar. At first, we follow the path that descends to a suspension bridge over the Myagdi River. Then the trail climbs steadily through thick forests and along narrow ridges.

We’ll then cross a low pass with amazing views of Mt. Ghustung South. From the pass, the path winds through pine and oak trees, then goes down to the villages of Mahatala and Naura, surrounded by jungle and greenery. Finally, you’ll climb steeply on zigzag trails to reach Bagar. Bagar offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri I and Gurja Himal. Today’s trek is a bit tough but offers wonderful scenery and great mountain views.

Today’s trek takes you into a more remote and challenging landscape. The trail starts by going down through farm fields to a small ridge, then into a forest that leads to Jyardan. Jyarden is the last permanent village in this region. After Jyardan, the path climbs over some rocky terrain, then descends slightly before rising again to Lipshe, where there is only a small hut.

From Lipshe, we continue walking through forested areas to Lapche Kharka and then climb to a flat area called Doban Kharka. You will stay here overnight at a campsite.

Today’s trek takes you into a more remote and rugged part of the Dhaulagiri region. The trail climbs steadily, and you’ll notice the landscape starting to change. Forests become thinner, and you’ll walk through rocky trails, old glacier paths, and open meadows with hardy mountain plants.

The higher you go, the fewer trees you’ll see. The air becomes cooler and clearer, and the views get even better. When you reach Chaurbag Khola Camp, you’ll be surrounded by high peaks. The campsite here is peaceful and scenic. It is a good place to rest and take in the wild beauty of the mountains.

The destination for the eighth day of trekking is the Japanese camp. The trekking trail today leads you closer to the Dhaulagiri Massif, with the trail getting steeper and more challenging. You will pass through rocky moraines, snowy sections, and icy trails.

As you approach Japanese Camp, the landscape opens up to reveal spectacular views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, and IV. The high-altitude air is crisp, and the sense of isolation adds to the raw beauty of this remote campsite. Japanese Camp is one of the most stunning spots on the trek. On one side, you’ll see the towering west face of Dhaulagiri, and on the other, the massive rock walls of Tsaurabong Peak.

This is a rest day to help your body adjust to the high altitude. You can explore the surrounding glacier area or take short hikes. You can watch the sunlight change over the Dhaulagiri peaks, creating beautiful shadows on the mountains. This day is crucial for avoiding altitude sickness before moving to higher elevations.

Today is one of the most exciting and challenging days of the trek. We leave the Japanese Camp early in the morning and follow a tough trail across glaciers, moraines, and snow-covered paths. The route is steady, and the high altitude adds to the challenge.

As you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Mt Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche Peak, and other surrounding mountains. After about 8 hours of walking, you will arrive at Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From base camp, you can witness the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I, with views of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri V in the west. Camping under the Dhaulagiri massif makes today one of the most exciting and memorable parts of the trek.

You will take a rest day in Hidden Valley to acclimatize to the high altitude and explore the surrounding areas. You can take a short hike around the valley, witnessing snow-covered ridges and vast open landscapes. This is an ideal time to relax, take photos, and prepare for the next challenging part of the trek. The night will be spent in tents under the clear Himalayan sky.

You will take a rest day in Hidden Valley to acclimatize to the high altitude and explore the surrounding areas. You can take a short hike around the valley, witnessing snow-covered ridges and vast open landscapes. This is an ideal time to relax, take photos, and prepare for the next challenging part of the trek. The night will be spent in tents under the clear Himalayan sky.

To leave Hidden Valley today, you will cross another pass called Dhampus Pass, which is at 5,244 m (17,205 ft ). You can still see glaciers as you cross the pass and go down toward the Kali Gandaki Valley. In Yak Kharka, you might see groups of yaks. The name Yak Kharka means “yak pastures.”
The landscape changes from glaciers to rolling green hills, giving you a fresh perspective of the region. The trek takes around seven hours, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas.

Today, you will experience a dramatic descent of over 2,000 meters, leaving behind the high-altitude wilderness and entering lush green valleys. The trail follows a narrow ridge before reaching Marpha, a charming Thakali village known for its apple orchards, whitewashed houses, and Buddhist culture. You can explore the village, taste local apple products, and visit the Marpha Monastery.

Today starts with a scenic drive to Pokhara. Marpha is a windy mountain town in the Kali Gandaki Valley. From Marpha, we’ll catch a Local transport to Pokhara. During the Drive, you’ll see amazing views of mountains and deep valleys below.

Once in Pokhara, we’ll check into a hotel near Lakeside. You’ll have free time to relax by Phewa Lake, enjoy the views, or stroll through the quiet streets. After many days in the mountains, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

• Attraction of the day: Thamel tourist market

Today, we’ll drive back to Kathmandu. The road goes through hills, rivers, and small towns. It’s a long ride, but the scenery along the way is beautiful.
When we arrive in Thamel, you’ll have time to walk around, shop for souvenirs, or just relax. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together to celebrate the end of your trek. It’s your last night in Nepal, so enjoy it.

Your journey comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have time for some last-minute shopping or a short walk around Kathmandu. We will bid you a warm farewell as our guide drops you off at Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Hope you had unforgettable memories of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and the breathtaking Himalayas.