Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek also famous as the Dhaulagiri round trek is a stunning adventurous journey, that takes you on a fascinating and exhilarating journey of the western-central part of the Himalayas.
Moreover, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes you on the rugged beautiful terrain of Dhaulagiri Massif where the world’s seventh highest mountain is nestled, Mount Dhaulagiri (8167 meters). In this journey, you will be traveling through the untampered holy places of the Himalayas.
Additionally, In Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek we will be exploring Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp. So this trek is perfect for those trekkers seeking sublime views of nature along with thrilling experience.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a 17-day long trek, which commences with a graceful ride from Kathmandu to Beni. You will get sight of several waterfalls, green dense forests passing through soaring rivers, Kali Gandaki River, and Myagdi Khola. Thereafter, enjoying a blissful drive our true trek starts. We will be advancing through many hikes to get to our first base camp, Italian Base Camp.
The series of treks will be, Beni to Babiachaur, Babiachaur to Dharapani, Dharapani to Muri, Muri to Boghara, Boghara to Dobang, Dobang to Chroiban Khola, and finally CHoriban Khola to Italian Base Camp.
On our trip to Italian Base Camp, we will see a variety of natural wonders. We will be crossing through numerous alluring villages, Beni Mangalghat, Singa, Tatopani, Takam, Sibang, Phalai Gaun, and Naura village. Each of these villages has unique customs and traditions, so diversity is clearly visible in those villages signifying the cultural richness of Nepal.
Aside from villages, we will be greeted with the breathtaking sights of Manapathi Peak, Gurja Himal, and Dhaulagiri I. Sights of these captivating mountain ranges will surely uplift your mood and motivation.
Lastly, after taking in those divine views along our journey we finally reach our first base camp, Italian Base Camp passing through Chhonbarban Glacier. It will be a kind of uphill trek so this hike might feel a little bit burdensome. However, a stunning glimpse of Tukuche and Dhaulagiri will make you forget about your weary feelings.
After reaching the summit of the Italian Base Camp, you witness the immaculate greatness of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, Dhaulagiri IV, and Tukuchen. The panoramic view of mountain ranges from this base camp is truly a piece of art.
Afterward, we take a rest day at the Italian Base Camp to get our body used to the high altitude. After a relaxing rest day, we proceed toward Glacier Camp. Be ready to be overwhelmed again. Immediately after Italian Base Camp we trek to Glacier Camp.
After passing through the rough trail of Swiss Base Camp we reach Glacier Base Camp, displaying an immaculate view of Dhaulagiri, Manapathi Peak, Tsaurabong Peak, and Dhampus Peak.
In a 3 day event, you have experienced two of the most beautiful places that nature has to offer, but don’t stop here yet. Be ready to be amazed again, after Glacier Camp our next stop will be Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Welcome to the main event of our Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. After a 7-hour-long trek from Glacier Camp, enjoying the majestic view of Tukuche Peak we get to Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Upon reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp you will be rewarded with the mesmerizing glory of Dhaulagiri, Manapathi Peak, Tsaurabong Peak, and Dhampus Peak. Every hardship of your journey will start to feel worth it, as you take in the scenic serene view of Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
After this majestic experience, we trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley then to Dhampus Pass and to Marpha. From Marpha we will take a relaxing drive to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu. Here, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek has come to an end. Fool proud of yourself as you have come across one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Itinerary
Your journey of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek will begin today with a long bus ride to Beni. the drive will be quite scenic, as the new picturesque views of green hills, swift rivers, streams, and the local villages will keep you company.
Continuing the drive, you’ll reach Pokhara, where you’ll stop for lunch and head to Beni. Beni is a beautiful town located at the joining of two major rivers of Nepal, Kali Gandaki River and Myagdi Khola.
Following the trails of the Myagdi Khola, you’ll trek to Babiachaur today. Along the way, you’ll come across several suspension bridges and pass many local villages of Nepal including, Beni Mangalghat, Singa, Tatopani, and Simalchaur.
Eventually, you’ll get to Babiachaur, the hidden gem of west Surkhet with stunning sceneries and lakes.
Day 3 starts with a relatively easy trek towards Dharapani. We’ll leave Babiacharu and start on a mostly leveled terrain reaching Shahashradhara then Ratorunga and lastly, Dharapani.
You’ll come across scenic views of the hills of Nepal, some wildlife, and rivers, and also cross several suspension bridges as continue on the path.
On this day, we’ll move in an upward ascending path, following the way via the terraced farms, till we reach Takam, a traditional Magar town. Thereon, we’ll continue walking towards Sibang Village, Mattim Village, and Phalai Gaon alongside Gatti Khola and views of the Myagdi Khola. You’ll also get your first glimpse of Mt. Dhaulagiri on this trial.
Ultimately, you’ll reach Muri, a beautiful Magar village offering stunning views of the highland landscapes and mountains.
Trekking through a downhill path along the Myagdi Khola, crossing small streams, and passing through lush forests will get you to Naura Village. Thereafter, taking an ascending trail leads you to Boghara.
Boghara, a peaceful village offering an incredible view of Manapathi Peak, Gurja Himal, Dhaulagiri I, and Gustung South.
Early on will start this day’s trek following the enchanting forested trail alongside the Myagdi Khola, leading us to Jyardan, a remote settlement. Thereafter, we will move along the scenic trail crossing the high-winding path across the rocky segments to reach Lipshe.
We will move along the ascending trail to Lapche Kharka, and another ascending trail from here will take you to Dobang. It takes about 5 hours to reach Dobang from Boghara as you follow the isolated route without any human settlements.
Today we’ll move alongside the Myagdi Khola, through dense forests, cross over the Myagdi Khola, and trek across the pasture grazing lands to finally reach Chroiban Khola. The path today contains steep climbing gaining significant elevation.
You will be trekking uphill through lush forests and green landscapes alongside the Chhonbarban Glacier as you enter into the alpine Himalayan environment. As you’ll be gaining significant height on this trek, it might be a bit challenging, however, the breathtaking views of Tukuche and Dhaulagiri I will energize you through it.
After crossing the glacier and a short trek, you’ll reach the Italian Base Camp. Here, you’ll marvel at the stunning vistas of Dhaulagiri II, III, IV, and Tukuchen.
As you would have reached an altitude of 3,660 meters at the Italian Base Camp, you’ll take this day to acclimatize to the changing elevations, weather, and thin air. Later in the day, you can go on a few short hikes to some popular spots around the base camp and enjoy the stunning vistas.
An ice cave present there is a popular hiking spot, giving you mesmerizing views of the Dhaulagiri and an incredible sight of blue sheep grazing on rocky cliffs.
Today, early morning you’ll begin trekking through steep rocky trails alongside glacial moraines to reach the Swiss Base Camp. Then, taking a long flat rocky trail from here will get you to the destination for today, the Glacier Camp.
The trek today rewards you with the unforgettable sights of Chhongardan Glacier, Dhaulagiri, Manapathi Peak, Tsaurabong Peak, and Dhampus Peak.
At last, the pinnacle moment of the trek is here. On this day we’ll trek up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, the main destination of this journey.
We’ll start early, trekking via the central moraine glaciers reaching a wide T-junction point between Tukuch and Dhaulagiri. From there it is a short distance hike to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Enduring the challenging 7 hours of trekking, to Dhaulagiri base camp will pay off with the panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters), Dhauligiri II (77,751 meters), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 meters), Dhaulagiri V (7,618 meters), and Tukuche Peak.
Also, the awe-inspiring views of icefalls stretch from the northeast will leave you star-struck!
The overwhelming treks of the past few days will exhaust you, so day 12 is an acclimatization day to rest, replenish your energy, and adapt to the high-altitude environment.
You can also take short hikes to viewpoints to enjoy the magnificent sunrise. Moreover, you can spend the day savoring the moment, making memories, and taking photographs beneath one of the massive peaks of Nepal
Today is yet another major point of this trek. It is the most demanding trek on the journey, as you’ll be crossing the French Pass at 5,360 meters in height, the highest point of the journey. You will begin climbing up two hills that cut across the moraine and the mountainside, enjoying the scenery with a slow-paced walk.
The trek is as demanding as the rewarding 360° panoramic views of the Himalayas from the Pass. Once you reach the pass, immerse yourself in the exquisite scenery of Mukut Himal, Sita Chuchura, Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak, Thapa Peak, Mukut Himal, Dhampus Peak, and the Dhaulagiri Range.
After spending some time there and soaking in the views, you will descend to the Hidden Valley for the night.
Another challenging trek awaits us as we head toward Yak Kharka passing through the Dhampus Pass (5,240 meters). We’ll move through several uphill and downhill sections along the trail leading us to Dhampus Pass.
The pass is decorated with Buddhist prayer flags and presents a mesmerizing view of the Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, and Annapurna Massifs.
Then, we’ll continue our descent to Yak Kharka for the night.
From this day on we’ll start descending to return to Kathmandu. Following the famous trekking route of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, we’ll hike towards Marpha.
We’ll get to Marpha easily enjoying the scenic beauty of the lush rhododendrons, pine forest, and green hills. Marpha is a beautiful village, known for its religious monasteries, apple orchards, and Marpha Brandy.
This day, we’ll take a drive back to Pokhara while enjoying the scenic views of highland landscapes, terraced farming, and vibrant settlements.
Upon arriving at Pokhara, after some rest, you can head out and enjoy the bustling lakeside streets.
Day 17 marks the end of your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. After a hearty breakfast at Pokhara, you’ll head back to Kathmandu via a 7-hour scenic bus ride. Views of green hills, the Trisuli River, and local villages will keep you thrilled throughout.
You can enjoy strolling around the city and visiting cafes and souvenir shops if you have time left.
