Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking (Dhaulagiri Round Trek) Adventure with RP Adventures takes you around the world’s 7th highest Mountain ,Mt. Dhaulagiri. Towers high at above 8,167 m / 26,795 feet with its massif range of peaks Dhaulagiri II, III, and IV. The Dhaulagiri Himalaya stretches from the far north-west of Myagdi district to Dolpo and Mustang areas.
Located west of Mt. Annapurna, it is separated by the world’s deepest gorge, the Kaligandaki River, in the Lower Mustang district. One of the challenging and adventurous treks starts in the low sub-tropical farm villages of paddy fields around the Mygdi district. Then leaving the last village of Bagar to enter amidst pure mountain wilderness towards cooler green hills.
Covered in dense forest of tall Rhododendron, Oaks, pines, and fir trees with lovely pasture fields. As the walk continues, leave the forest behind and head towards remorseless fields of moraine, ice, and glaciers. Reaching Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp, setting overnight tents right beneath towering Mt. Dhaulagiri and its huge ice fall and glaciers.
Enjoying the most dramatic scenery of arctic zone landscapes enclosed by a series of Dhaulagiri ranges of peaks. On leaving the base camp, a steep climb takes you to the top of French Pass, the highest point of the adventure. From the high pass, spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri Himalayas include Tukuche, Mana-Pathi, Mukut Himal, and Thapa Peak.
Then slowly, the walk heads towards the scenic, wide Hidden Valley, surrounded by tiers of snow-capped peaks and rugged, jagged mountains. After an exciting walk to Dhaulagiri base camp and Hidden Valley, the trail follows to cross Thapa/DDhampus Pass. The high mountain path leads to a long descent, reaching back into green tree lines.
Facing stupendous views of Annapurna and Nilgiri’s peaks towards the northeast, the walk follows down towards the Kaligandaki River valley. On reaching the foothills at the charming gem of a village in Marpha, famous for delicious apples, Then finally ending the adventurous walks at Jomsom Town, the headquarters of Mustang District. Located on the Old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet/China, which extends beyond the Upper Mustang.
Spending a pleasant and marvelous overnight at Jomsom in the comfort of a nice lodge the next morning. A short panoramic flight from Jomsom brings you to scenic and beautiful Pokhara City, close to lovely Phewa Lake. A perfect and wonderful place to conclude our great trip after a mesmerizing experience on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Adventure.
The best time and right seasons for a wonderful Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Adventure are spring and autumn. The spring season is from April to May, when most days are full of sunshine. This is the time when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, like rhododendron and other various species of high-altitude flowers. Afternoon time, it can get overcast with light rain sometimes and cold morning and nighttime as altitudes wise. The next right time and season is autumn/fall, starting from September to November. Most days are fine and crystal clear. For views and pleasant walks, but much cold morning and late afternoon until nighttime. We can expect snowfall above 2,500 m sometimes.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport, pickup to hotel – 1,300m
Day 02: Kathmandu day Sightseeing – 1,300m
Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara – 860m 30 min by air – 06 hrs on road to Bani
Day 04: Drive to Darbang 1,200m from Pokhara via Beni 900m – 06 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Kamala on a river side 1,000m – 05 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Bagher 2,375m – 07 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Dovan 2,600m – 06 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Chattare / Bhaise Kharka / Jungle Camp/Italian camp – 3,660m / 3,000m – 05 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp) m via Italian Camp – 05 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Dhaulaghari base camp 4.800m – 03 hrs
Day 11: Rest day in Dhaulaghari base camp -4.800m
Day 12: Trek to Hidden Valley 5,140 m via French Pass 5,360 m – 05 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Alu Bari or Yak Kharka 4,915 m via Damphus / Thapa-La pass at above 5,244m – 06 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Marpha 2700m – 06 hrs
Day 15: Rest day in Marpha 2,700m
Day 16: Drive from Marpha to Jomsom 15 Min and fly to Pokhara 30 min – 850m
Day 17: Drive or fly to Kathmandu – 06 hrs journey ½ hour flight
Day 18: Departure your home land – 1,300m
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport, check the Nepal Standard Time, which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Outside the air terminal, our staff from RP Adventures will greet and receive you for a short drive to your hotel. The hotel is located in the hub of Kathmandu; on arrival, check into your lovely rooms. Then meet with other members of the trek for a briefing regarding the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Adventure. After collecting all the useful information and trek details, a group welcome dinner in nice authentic Nepali restaurants was an introduction to Nepali foods and cultures.
After breakfast, we took an interesting drive towards our starting point of the trek. Leaving behind the Pokhara valley, drive heads further west, facing views of the Annapurna Himalayas. A scenic drive through low, warm farmlands and rural villages to reach Beni. The headquarters town of Mygdi district and the Dhaulagiri zone of western Nepal. From here, the drive leads on a rough, winding road following the Mygdi River to Darbang. A farm village is the junction of various trekking routes to Dolpo towards the west and to Dhaulagiri base camp and beyond. At Darbang overnight in the best available lodge, enjoy the afternoon exploring the village populated by Magar, the hill tribe of western Nepal.
Morning from Darbang! Our adventure begins by following the Myagdi River past rural farm areas to reach our first overnight camp. It is located near a small farm village called Kamala, where our first tented camp is set up close to the river. Enjoy an afternoon dip in the cold, refreshing river.
After our first overnight in the tent camp, breakfast was prepared by our camping cook and staff. The walk follows the river for a few hours to the small farm village of Juge-Pani. Stopping for hot lunch, served by our cook, the afternoon walk starts with a steep climb for an hour, reaching a high ridge covered in dense rain forest. From the top, downhill to Bagar for an overnight camp close to the village, the last village for some days. Until our journey reaches the other side of Dhaulagiri at 2375m Kaligandaki valley around Mustang areas at Jomsom.
Leaving the last village of Bagar, walk leads on gradual path for a short while, and then steep climb for an hour. Then downhill into dense vegetation and forest of pines and rhododendron trees reaching Dovan for overnight camping. A small temporary settlement with few simple huts and shades.
From Dovan, after a good breakfast walk amidst the forest, the trail follows through the forest to reach our overnight camp. Situated on a small grassy field amidst dense tree lines, the overnight camp is called Chattare or Bhaise Kharka. Which means a place for cattle grazing fields, also called Jungle Camp.
Today’s walk leads closer towards massive Dhaulagiri Mountain range, morning starts heading further North West. After few hours of trekking leaving the tree lines and lush vegetation reaching around arid arctic like landscapes. A wide small glaciated plateau which is named as Italian Camp, where Italian Dhaulagiri Expedition team has set their first camp for the climb.From here walk leads over moraine and glaciers with short climb to a grassy path to reach the overnight camp. Located on a small spot called Pakhaban or Japanese Camp. From the camp enjoy close views of Putha Huin-Chuli, Mana-Pathi with Mt. Dhaulagiri and Tsaurabong Peak.
The morning walk follows a glaciated uphill path to Dhaulagiri base camp. The walk involves crossing over glaciers and boulders of ice and rocks. The route crisscrosses over moraine and glaciers to reach Dhaulagiri base camp for an overnight stay. Tents are pitched on the best available level ground with a close view of Mt. Dhaulagiri-I and its icefall, along with Tukuche Peak.
Hike around Daulaghari Base Camp area
From the base camp on return journey, as the trail leads over glacier, moraine with rocks on a small path. Then slowly climb leads to the top of French Pass, the highest point of the adventure. Enjoy the grand views of Mt. Dhaulagiri-I (8,167 m) withTukuche peak and Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m.). Includes Dhaulagiri IV (7,618 m.) with Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang 5,386 meters. From the pass a short descend to Hidden Valley a large wide field for overnight camp on top of hard grassy ground.
After Hidden Valley, the morning walk follows east on a small path of scree and rocks to cross over Thapa or Dhampus Pass. A short climb to the top-facing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. From here, leave Mygdi area for Mustang district. A long descent, reaching back into green vegetation at Yak Kharka or Alu Bari, for last overnight in a tented camp.
From the last campsite, downhill coming across thick woodland of firs, pines and rhododendron. The walk continues to long descent reaching at the bottom of a hill at Marpha, a lovely and charming village. The village is famous for apple orchard, after a short rest. Taking a short drive to Jomsom, a large town the headquarters of Mustang district. Enjoy the afternoon in the comfort of a good lodges and lovely foods to enjoy.
We have rest day in Marpha,Marpha is Beautfful Village in Lower Mustang they have own tradational and tibeten cultures.
Early morning drive from Marpha to Jomsom and then take a flight to Pokhara, a lovely and charming village famous for its apple orchards. After a short rest, take a drive to Jomsom, a large town and the headquarters of the Mustang district. Enjoy the afternoon in the comfort of good lodges and delightful food. After overnighting in Jomsom, take a short walk to Jomsom airport after bidding farewell to the porters, camping staff, and guide. Then board a small aircraft for a panoramic short flight to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara airport, transfer to hotels near Phewa Lake. The rest of the day is for relaxing or enjoying individual activities.
Morning after early breakfast, an interesting overland journey to Kathmandu. The drive leads on a busy highway, following the Trisuli River for a few hours, and then the drive climbs on a winding road. Then, reaching the Kathmandu valley and back into the city, after an exciting drive, check into your hotels. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for individual activities. (Options for a scenic short flight of half an hour to Kathmandu from Pokhara)
The last final day in Kathmandu and in Nepal is your international flight time. Our RP Adventures guides and staff transfer you to the airport, and then you bid farewell to the guide and staff. Then enter the airport terminal for a homeward-bound flight after a wonderful experience on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Adventure.
The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, including Annapurna I, the 10th highest peak in the world.
Trekking in the Annapurna Region offers a variety of routes catering to different preferences and fitness levels. Some of the popular trekking routes in the Annapurna Region include: Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek.
To ensure a safe and comfortable trek in the Himalayan region, it is highly recommended to bring the appropriate equipment and gear to cope with the cold temperatures. The following is a list of essential equipment and gear for Dhaulagiri Round Trek, which can be purchased either in the Thamel market or brought from your home country:
The following basic checklist for trekking and hiking equipment should assist you in packing for our trips. Keep in mind the importance of minimizing the weight of your clothing and gear. Your packed trek bag should weigh less than 15 kilograms. Remember, this is merely a guideline and not everything listed is essential to bring.
Additional Equipment Checklist
I hiked with Rajan on the Dhauligiri circuit.
He was amazing and very helpful on a tough and potentially hazardous trek.
I can’t recommend him enough.
Born in a small village of Nuwakot, began his career in the tourism industry as a porter which helped him to become a professional experienced guide and now operating RP Treks sincerely.