Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a strenuous and challenging trek around Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the seventh highest Himalayan Peak. The trek route lies south of the Tibet-Nepal border and offers great views of Dhaluagiri Massif, which includes more than 30 peaks over 6000 meters, eight of these surpassing 8000 meters.
Trekking in Dhaulaigiri is more like an expedition than a trekking, owing to its wild locations, snow trails and glacier moraines and cold climes. Also termed as ‘number one’ trek in the world, majority of trekkers regard it as a classic trek, having a full range of trekking experiences from low hill to high alpines.
The trek starts from Beni and passes along Myagdi river leading through forests into the high country and onto snow and glaciers trails. The highest point of the trek is French Col (5240m.), which sits across the northern slopes of Dhaulagiri peak, offering a stunning display of Dhaulaigiri ranges. We will then drop to the Hidden Valley and continue our trek over Dhampus Pass (5155m). You can also grab the unique opportunity to climb Damphus (6,060 metres) peak when you are in the area. The trek ends with a steep descent to Jomsom and a quick flight return to Pokhara. The other option is to trek back to Pokhara via the Kali Gandaki valley or over the Ghorepani ridge.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a full-on camping trek and one of the longest trekking trails in Nepal. However, there are few home stay and lodging facilities available.
As it is longer and physically demanding trek, every member is required to have sound fitness and good health. The team members also need to acquire good boots to wear and bring along crampons and ice axes.
September-November and March-May are the best seasons to trek Dhaulagiri Circuit. Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition offer you the best team of highly skilled and professional guides who have already had years of experience of trekking on this route. Our guides will help you provide personal guidance on glacier walking, using ropes and ice axes.
You follow the Marshyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Pokhara is tourist's paradise with lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with beautiful mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal D from here goes uphill all the way to Naudanda. It then descends to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, your drive moves along the bank of the Mardi River. This is one of the most picturesque road journeys. Stay overnight at camp/lodge.
Same day, you will trek from Darbang to Takum takes about 4 hours. This day your trek ascends through a narrow path for early one hour. Next, you go along the flat land passing through jungle with varieties of rhododendrons, oaks and Christmas trees at some distance. After you cross a small stream, your trail follows an ascending path until you reach Takum. Here, you camp behind the school located in central Takum. Here you will also find a Hindu temple where the villagers go to submit their offerings. Stay overnight at camp.
You start trekking on a descending trail for an early one hour passing through jungle. Then you follow an ascending path and before you approach Muri you pass along flat land until you reach Muri. This is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and Rai, one of the ethnic communities of Nepal. Stay overnight at camp.
Trek from Muri to Naura (1570 m.) takes about 5 hours. Stay overnight at camp.
Soon you descend through a forested area, emerging to a ridge snout where Bagar (2080) is visible. Descend through terraced fields to this mountain village where you camp in people's yards or the terraced fields. Stay overnight at camp.
Here, you leave the villages behind and the trial becomes increasingly challenging. Stay overnight at camp.
It is also known as Sallaghari. Stay overnight at camp.
Passing through the beautiful forest you rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around. You camp for the night.
After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, you climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. We may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough day. You camp on the glacier rubble. Stay overnight at camp.
Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. You climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.
You trek along trail covered with ice and soft snow. The stunning views of the Dhaulagiri range completely enchant you. Stay overnight at camp.
You traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then take on the steep descent to Yak Kharka. This day you trek through bare land for some distance. Stay overnight in camp.
This day the trail moves downhill until Marpha. On the way you pass small forests of juniper and other local vegetation. You will be accompanied by the splendid views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and rocky hills. Stay overnight at camp/lodge.
Drive from Marpha to Pokhara by Jeep/Bus. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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