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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

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16 reviews
3000+ happy travelers
Duration12 days
DifficultyDemanding
Max Altitude5300Meters
Starts / EndsBeni/Jomsom
AccommodationCamping
Trip Guide
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$2,430
/ person
Erik - Travel ExpertKumar Lama - Lead Expedition GuideAstrid - Custom Itinerary Planner

Kumar, Erik & Astrid

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Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? If so, then the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is calling your name! This spectacular trek through the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal will take your breath away.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes you on a journey around Mt.Dhaulagiri (8167m), one of the highest peaks in Nepal and the seventh tallest peak in the world. It's also known as "White Mountain" because its snow-covered slopes are visible far away. On this trek, you'll experience breathtaking views from high-altitude passes such as French Col (5240m) and Dhampus Pass (5258m). Along with that, there will be plenty of opportunities for exploration along riverside villages, lush green forests, and alpine meadows full of wildflowers - all providing an unforgettable experience!

During this 15-day journey, you can expect to encounter several challenges, including steep ascents/descents over rocky terrain while carrying heavy backpacks; however, these obstacles only add more excitement to your trip.

In addition, the route offers diverse cultural experiences by taking us through various ethnic communities living on both sides of Kali Gandaki Valley, which makes it even more enjoyable! The locals here are amiable & welcoming towards tourists who visit their homeland & they love sharing stories about their culture & traditions with them.

So if you want to embark upon an epic adventure that combines physical challenge with stunning natural beauty, don't hesitate any longer – book yourself a ticket today for a fantastic trip!

What To Expect

Either Beni or Jomsom are the starting points for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. It passes the distant villages and beautiful passages from Beni. The route takes us through dense forests, alpine meadows, and pastures, with a spectacular view of Mount Dhaulagiri. After passing through the glacier, the trail leads to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Furthermore, the Dhaulagiri Base Camp ascends to the French pass at 5360 meters to access the hidden valley through the French col. It allows for exploring stunning mountain views since you approach the Thapa pass (5250m), where you will be treated to a magnificent view of Annapurna I.

Trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit allows discovering the green lush terraced hillsides and typical villages. However, wandering through the twisted trail next to glaciers and climbing high snowy passes can be challenging. If you seek a peak climbing experience, Dhampus Peak is ideal for the soft adventurer. On the other hand, the Mount Dhaulagiri expedition will be worth it for an extreme adventurer. But you should have excellent physical condition and technical skills whichever mountain you climb.

Dhaulagiri Trek: Highlights

The Dhampus Peak (6,060 m) ascension alternative for experienced mountaineers.
Due to the isolated aspect of the walk, it's for an 'expedition' sense.
Crossing over 5000 meters of the French and Dhampus pass.
Diverse landscapes from typical green villages to rugged snowy mountain vistas.
Trekking into the calm, cool alpine forest to remorseless ice fields and glaciers.
Trekking Around Mount Dhaulagiri, Close-up view of Mount Dhaulagiri itself and other sister peaks over 7000 meters plus.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary

DaysDestinationsAltitude in MetersDistance
1.Fly to Pokhara, drive to Beni, then trek to Tatopani900at 6h30
2.Trek to Dharapani15605h30
3.Dharapani to Muri17004h00
5.Trek to Bagar23756h30
6.Bagar to Dobang26006h00
7.Trek to Chatere/Bhaisi Kharka30005h00
8.Bhaisi Kharka to Japanese Base Camp38506h00
9.Acclimatization day!
10.Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp47507h00
11.DBC to Hidden Valley via French Pass (5360 m)49007h00
12.Contingency Day!
13.Trek to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (5250 m)49207h30
14.Yak Kharka to Jomsom28006h00
15.Fly Back to Pokhara
16.Drive to Kathmandu

Customize Your Holiday?

Tailor your holiday with help from a local travel specialist that matches your requirements.

Permits and regulations

You will need to purchase TIMS and ACAP, respectively. Your trekking company will arrange these, or you may buy them independently in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This trek is not very popular; the checkpoints are widespread, especially on the way down when you reach the Annapurna circuit.

You can do it independently without a guide because this area is not restricted. It is strongly discouraging, however, due to the trek's difficulty and the weather conditions. It requires bringing tents and supplies, and walking and sleeping on snow are spent some days.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Difficulty

Dhaulagiri Circuit is a strenuous trek—one of the toughest in Nepal. The optional ascent of Dhampus Peak (6,060 meters) requires the requisite mountaineering skills, such as knowledge of ice axes and crampons—at least three days in a row need to spend without getting comfortable over snow above 5,000 meters. The cold adds to the challenge—because this is a camping trek, there are no cozy lodges to stay in overnight. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is not ideal for beginners, but the rewards are high for those with more experience.

Route Map

Elevation Profile

Safe (< 3,000m)
High (3,000m - 4,500m)
Extreme (> 4,500m)

Swipe to see the full profile →

01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0001,300 m1Day900 m3Day1,560 m4Day1,700 m5Day2,375 m6Day2,600 m7Day3,000 m8Day3,850 m9Day4,750 m11Day4,900 m13Day4,920 m15Day2,800 m16Day

Itinerary

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Includes

  • All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks
  • All necessary documentation and permits
  • All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)
  • Professional guide and porters
  • A First Aid Kits
  • Applicable Government Taxes

Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)
  • Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)
  • Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
  • Travel Insurance
  • Guide and Porter gratuity

Need a custom mix of inclusions?

We can add private single rooms, helicopter returns to any plan.

FAQs

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Tripadvisor
5.0

9 reviews on Tripadvisor

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ale
aleSep 5, 2025

Upper mustang trek

I did this trek in Upper Mustang with my sisters, and it was an incredible experience. Everything was very well organized, and we truly enjoyed every part of the journey. I also highly recommend kumar as a guide – he was knowledgeable, helpful, and made the trek even more special. A truly unforgettable adventure!

Guillaume D
Guillaume DJuly 18, 2023

A wonderful experience!

I did the Phoksundo Lake trek with Kumar and it was a superb experience. It is an adventure, so you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone, but Kumar always adapts to the unexpected and makes the trip as enjoyable as possible! The landscapes are magnificent, you meet lots of people along the way, and you really push your limits! Kumar is an excellent guide attentive, friendly, and his prices are very fair!

santos
santosMay 10, 2018

Best company best guide

I recently did an annapurna curcit with my brother and his girlfriend. It was an amazing trek with the help of kumar and his team . It was one of the best experience of our life . The annapurna curcit is the best of the treks that people can choose for. I sincerely recommend this company for other travellers.

Christine B
Christine BOct 18, 2023

Impressive tent trekking Dolpo 2023

The 18-day Lower and Upper Dolpo tour was individually tailored to our needs by Kumar. Kumar had put together a great team of guide, cook and mule guide. This team fulfilled all of our wishes at all times during the entire tent trek. Narsang, our guide, is very attentive and careful along the entire route. Kumar is very reliable. He looked after us very well in the preparation and execution of our trek and during our stay in Kathmandu right up to the farewell at the airport. A highly recommended local company when it comes to individually planning a trekking tour. The trip was a great experience. Chris and Hajo

Boli
BoliJan 21, 2019

Amazing Memories in Nepal .. again!

Recently I did EBC Trekking with my Girl Friend and this is my forth time to trek in Nepal with Kumar! Kumar is very professional and helpful. He always arranges all the things well before you asking for. Highly recommended for anyone who is first time to visit Nepal and trek!

saisosai
saisosaiMarch 26, 2015

Wonderful ABC Trekking

H.E.T were professional and helpful for my first trekking in Nepal. Friendly and joyful trek. Thank you for every things. Thank you to lead me there at ABC. It was so wonderful and I couldn't forget this experience.

Yarmun
YarmunDec 5, 2018

Honest & Friendly

Our non-profit organisation needed a local tour guide to help with our local guide and logistics. After much research, we engaged with Kumar. During our 4 days trip, Kumar demonstrated excellent local knowledge, punctuality, friendliness. During the trip he never tried to sale us anything. And with a charitable and kind heart, he did not even charge us for this ngo trip. thank you so much.

stellardayz
stellardayzMarch 26, 2015

Reliable and responsible

I was very lucky to have Kumar to arrange our 5 day stay in Nepal. From the pick up at the airport to showing up punctually every morning at the hotel lobby, everything was smooth and hassle free. Kumar is a friendly and kind-hearted gentleman who genuinely wants to help visitors to experience the best of Nepal. Will definitely choose Himalayan Exploration for my next trekking.

qiushasha
qiushashaDec 4, 2018

Very friendly and helpful guide

Kumar has a very kind heart to help me arranging logistics before and during my volunteer work in Kathmandu. He also guided me with my city tour and mountain trekking after my volunteer work. He can always surprised me with brilliant suggestions.

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Associated With:

Nepal Tourism Board
Nepal Mountaineering Association
Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal
Government of Nepal
PATA

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