You are currently viewing 5. Conquer the Dhaulagiri Circuit: A Guide to the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary
5. Conquer the Dhaulagiri Circuit: A Guide to the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary is one of the longest treks in Nepal’s Himalayas, and we think it will be an experience you’ll never forget.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary route map

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary takes you through a range of mountains in the Himalayas with a maximum height of 8,160 meters.  The mountain is one of the world’s highest, occupying the number seven spot among the highest peaks. Dhaulagiri’s length is about 120 km and starts from one of Nepal’s main rivers, the Kali Gandaki River. According to history, this peak was first climbed by Swiss and Austrian expeditions in 1960.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary route offers spectacular views, despite being one of the less crowded trek routes. Since the route has great technical difficulties, it implies a great deal of physical effort, so those who wish to trek it should be in excellent physical condition and have a lot of experience in the sport.

Trekking through the glaciers and valleys that surround Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary route is a fascinating part of the trek. From the tropical jungle to the rice fields as well as passing through arid and cold valleys, the tour’s vegetation is quite varied. Now, as is common in the Himalayas, not only is the landscape attractive, but also the people who cross it during the different routes, as in the route through Dhaulagiri. The towns they contain are full of enthusiasm and hospitality that makes anyone feel at home despite the constant presence of tourists, these are villages that still retain their traditions and with an authentic population.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary 2
Mount Dhaulagiri evening sunset view of mount Dhaulagiri Himalayas Nepal

A good time to ascend this mountain is between March and June or between September and November, with the second being more popular due to pleasant weather. To complete the tour, you must process the Trekking Information Management System card, as well as the permit which enables you to enter the Annapurna Conservation Park.

In the preparations of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary route you will need to include a tent or a sleeping bag since, unlike the most renowned, the opportunity for shelter is low. Additionally, you should keep in mind that due to height you will only be able to carry a limited amount of luggage. Although you can always hire porters or guides, if you are on a tight budget, you will need to plan the route very carefully. On average, the trek lasts about 15 days.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary
Mount Dhaulagiri evening sunset view of mount Dhaulagiri Himalayas Nepal

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek begins;

The first day’s trip begins from Beni, located on the banks of the river, to Darbang (1100m) along the stream of Myagdi Khola, although most tourists choose to take a van that takes them directly to Darbang. It is a rustic village with a school at its center and sport fields in its surroundings where you can interact with local children and learn about the customs of the region. In the morning, following the path up to Dharapani (1600m) should take roughly 3 hours, depending on how fast you walk, making a stop in the village on the way. We are about 1900 meters away from Muri on our next stretch of walking of five hours.

We will climb another 200 meters the following day in the direction of Bagar or Boghara, a 6-hour trek through rice fields with tropical jungle vegetation and diverse villages full of people and life. This is one of the most scenic parts of the route since the route becomes more solitary as the height increases. From this point on, the gain in height becomes more and more apparent.

In the sixth day of travel, the goal will be to reach Dobang at about 2500 meters high and then the Italian Base Camp the next day after seven hours of trekking we have reached an elevation of over 3600 meters and it is time to take a break. Admire the breathtaking view and prepare for the next phase on your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary.  

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

On the ninth day of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary, the most intense part of the journey begins with the section from the Italian Base Camp to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4800m), which takes about seven hours, with a stop at the Glacial camp at about 4220m. Continue to the French Base Camp (5350 m) after spending the night at the French base camp.

As the French Col is the highest point, you should take a full day of rest. Once the French facilities are passed, the descent begins, and, as well, it passes through an arid landscape as it enters the hidden valley (5100 m), where temperatures can drop to -10 ° C, the most dangerous part is probably the lack of oxygen.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary 1

Here we will trek for about seven hours until we reach Yak Kharka (3800m), where we will take the path to the Dhampus Pass (5210m). We are already in the last days of the tour and cross the roads that will lead us to Marpha (2700m), where most hikers complete the tour as it is a quaint village with an attractive architecture. The trip can take up to 18 days in total, depending on whether the trip continues to Ghorepani or if some extend it to Tatopani and enjoy its wonderful hot springs. 

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Pokhara – Beni

Day 02: Beni – Darbang

Day 03: Darbang- Dharapani

Day 04: Dharapani-Muri

Day 05: Mudi- Bazar

Day 06: Bazar – Dobang

Day 07: Dobang – Italian base camp

Day 08: Italian Base Camp – Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Day 09: Dhaulagiri Base Camp – French Col.

Day 10: Trek to French Cabbage – Hidden Valley – Dhampus – Yak Kharka.

Day 11: Yak Kharka – Tukuche.

Day 12: Tukuche – Gaz.

Day 13: Gaz- Tatopani and rest in Tatopani.

Day 14: Tatopani- Ghorepani.

Day 15: Tadapani-Ghandruk -Pokhara.