Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Trip overview
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, in full
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Dhaulagiri Region
- Duration
- 20 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max elevation
- 5360 m
- Group size
- 8-12 people
- Activities
- Trekking
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport
Namaste and welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport , you are greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant heart of Kathmandu. The afternoon is free to explore the ancient streets, colorful markets, and temples of this fascinating city. In the evening, meet your trekking guide and expedition team for a comprehensive briefing about the Dhaulagiri Circuit, equipment check, and final preparations. This is an expedition-style trek requiring careful planning and proper gear.
- 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Beni by Public Bus
An early morning departure takes you on a scenic drive to Beni , the gateway to the Dhaulagiri region. The road follows the Prithvi Highway along the Trisuli River to Pokhara before continuing to Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi. The journey passes through the middle hills of Nepal with views of terraced fields, traditional villages, and glimpses of the Himalayan peaks. Beni sits at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi Khola rivers. Meet your porters and support team, and prepare for the wilderness adventure ahead.
- 3
Trek from Beni to Babiachor
Your trekking expedition begins as you leave Beni and follow the Myagdi Khola valley north. The trail passes through traditional villages and lush subtropical forests, with the river roaring below. You cross suspension bridges and climb through terraced farmland, entering increasingly remote terrain. The first camp at Babiachor (950 m) is set beside the river in a scenic location. This marks the beginning of your tent-based journey, with the expedition team setting up camp and preparing meals.
- 4
Trek from Babiachor to Dharapani
Continue up the Myagdi Khola valley through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. The trail crosses the river multiple times on suspension bridges and traverses steep hillsides. You pass through small settlements where Magar people maintain traditional ways of life. The vegetation is lush and green, with waterfalls cascading down the valley walls. Camp is established at Dharapani (1,400 m) , a small village with limited facilities. Note: This is a different Dharapani from the village on the Annapurna Circuit.
- 5
Trek from Dharapani to Muri
The trail continues climbing through the valley, with the forests becoming denser and the terrain more rugged. You pass through Magar villages where local hospitality welcomes trekkers. The river gorge deepens, with dramatic cliff walls rising above the rushing water. Views of snow-capped peaks begin to appear through gaps in the forest canopy. By afternoon, you reach Muri (1,850 m) , a small settlement that serves as a stopping point for trekkers and traders. The expedition team establishes camp in a scenic location.
- 6
Trek from Muri to Boghara
Continue deeper into the wilderness as the valley narrows and steepens. The trail passes through beautiful forests with occasional clearings offering views of the surrounding ridges. You may encounter local people collecting herbs and forest products. The sense of remoteness increases with each passing hour. Camp at Boghara (2,080 m) is established in a clearing beside the river. This is one of the last settlements before entering the true wilderness zone.
- 7
Trek from Boghara to Dobang
The trail climbs steadily through changing vegetation zones, from subtropical forest to temperate oak and rhododendron. The valley sides are steep and dramatic, with the river far below. You reach Dobang (2,520 m) , the last permanent settlement on this side of the circuit. Beyond here, there are no villages until Jomsom on the other side. Take time to absorb the transition from inhabited to uninhabited wilderness. The expedition team makes final preparations for the high-altitude sections ahead.
- 8
Trek from Dobang to Choriban Khola
Enter the true wilderness as you climb beyond the last village. The trail follows the river valley through increasingly sparse vegetation, with rhododendron and juniper giving way to alpine scrub. The first views of the Dhaulagiri massif appear, with glaciers and snowfields visible above the valley. Camp is established at Choriban Khola (3,110 m) , beside a tributary stream in a wild and scenic location. The altitude is significant, and you may begin to feel the effects of the thinner air.
- 9
Trek from Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp
A significant day as you climb to the historic Italian Base Camp (3,660 m) . The trail ascends through alpine terrain with increasingly dramatic views of Dhaulagiri and its satellite peaks. This site was used by the 1955 Italian expedition that made the first ascent of the Dhaulagiri massif. The camp sits in an alpine meadow surrounded by glacial moraines and towering peaks. Views of Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. The transition from forest to glacial world is complete.
- 10
Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp
A crucial rest day for acclimatization before climbing to higher elevations. Options for the day include hiking to higher viewpoints for panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri massif, exploring the glacial moraines and alpine terrain surrounding camp, or simply resting and allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. The guides monitor your health and provide guidance on proper acclimatization. The high camps ahead require good adaptation to altitude. Spend time absorbing the wild beauty of this remote location.
- 11
Trek from Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp
The trail climbs onto the lateral moraine of the Dhaulagiri Glacier , one of the most impressive glacial systems in the Himalayas. The terrain is rocky and demanding, with the massive ice formations of the glacier visible below. Seracs, crevasses, and ice walls create a dramatic and constantly changing landscape. You reach Glacier Camp (4,210 m) , perched on the moraine with front-row views of the glacier and the south face of Dhaulagiri I towering above. The scale of the mountain is humbling.
- 12
Trek from Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
The climax of the approach! The trail continues along the glacier moraine, ascending through increasingly dramatic terrain. The massive bulk of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) dominates the horizon, its ice walls and snowfields creating scenes of raw Himalayan power. Finally, you arrive at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m) , set in a spectacular glacial amphitheater. This is one of the most dramatic base camps in the Himalayas, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. The sense of achievement is profound.
- 13
Acclimatization Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Another essential acclimatization day before the challenging pass crossings ahead. Explore the base camp area, hike to viewpoints with different perspectives of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding peaks, or simply rest and absorb the extraordinary environment. Watch mountaineering expeditions if present, and observe the avalanches that regularly thunder down the massive walls above. The guides assess weather conditions and prepare for the French Pass crossing. This is a day to appreciate the raw beauty and power of the high Himalayas.
- 14
Cross French Pass and Trek to Hidden Valley
The most challenging day of the trek! An early start takes you up the steep trail toward French Pass (5,360 m) , one of Nepal's highest trekking passes. The climb is demanding, ascending over rocky moraine, possible snow, and glacial terrain. The altitude makes every step challenging, requiring determination and physical strength. From the pass, breathtaking panoramic views encompass Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and countless other summits . The descent leads to the mystical Hidden Valley (5,200 m) , a vast, otherworldly plateau surrounded by snow-capped peaks. This remote, high-altitude expanse earns its name from its isolation and the profound sense of being in a secret world.
- 15
Cross Dhampus Pass and Trek to Yak Kharka
Another high pass day, crossing Dhampus Pass (5,200 m) to complete the circuit around Dhaulagiri. The climb from Hidden Valley is shorter than yesterday's, but the altitude remains challenging. From the pass, spectacular views extend across the Kali Gandaki valley, Nilgiri, the Annapurnas, and the Mustang region beyond. The long descent drops dramatically through alpine terrain, passing yak pastures and eventually reaching Yak Kharka (3,680 m) . The relief of descending to thicker air is palpable.
- 16
Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom
The final trekking day descends through the Kali Gandaki valley to civilization. The trail drops through alpine meadows and juniper scrub and eventually reaches the arid landscapes of the upper Kali Gandaki. Views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri accompany you throughout the day. By afternoon, you arrive at Jomsom (2,710 m) , the windswept district headquarters of Mustang. The contrast between the wild terrain of the circuit and this established town marks the triumphant conclusion of your wilderness expedition. Celebrate with your team and enjoy the relative comforts of a guesthouse.
- 17
Morning Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
An early morning flight from Jomsom offers spectacular aerial views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre , and the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge. The 30-minute flight is one of the most scenic in Nepal, providing a fitting finale to your expedition. Upon arrival in Pokhara , transfer to your lakeside hotel. The afternoon is free to relax, shop, or take a boat ride on Phewa Lake with views of the Annapurna range reflected in the water. Celebrate your incredible achievement!
- 18
Spare Day in Pokhara (In Case of Flight Delays)
This spare day is built into the itinerary to account for possible flight cancellations due to weather. Jomsom flights are highly weather-dependent and frequently cancelled due to wind or clouds. If the flight operates as scheduled on Day 17, this becomes a free day in Pokhara to explore, relax, or enjoy optional activities like paragliding, boating, or visiting the World Peace Pagoda. If the flight is delayed, you will fly today instead.
- 19
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
After breakfast, board a tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The scenic drive follows the Prithvi Highway along the Trisuli River, offering final views of the Himalayan foothills and traditional Nepali villages. Upon arrival in Kathmandu , transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping in Thamel or visiting cultural sites. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your expedition team, celebrating your incredible achievement of completing one of Nepal's most challenging treks.
- 20
Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, you are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As your plane soars over the Himalayas, you carry with you the unforgettable memories of standing at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, crossing French Pass and Dhampus Pass, the mystical Hidden Valley, the remote wilderness of the Myagdi Khola, the expedition camaraderie, and the profound sense of achievement from completing one of the Himalayas' greatest adventures . Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Expert Gokul Thapa +977-9851026840 View Dossier Online