Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Via French Pass

19 days

Duration

Extreme

Trip Level

Min 2 person

Group Size

5360 m

Max-altitude

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is the most challenging trekking destinations of Nepal. The Nepali name is Dhaulagiri, and the name comes from Sanskrit. DHAWALA means incredible, white, and delightful, and Giri says the chain of mountains. So in exact translation in Nepali is the white mountains. The altitude of Dhaulagiri is 8,167 meters and the 7th highest peak in the world. The Dhaulagiri massif thus extends from the Kali Gandaki River west to Bheri. Although the Dhaulagiri circuit trek via French pass is severe, giving you a thrilling experience. But the wilderness features includes Dhaulagiri Base Camp presents adventurous trekking into the trans-Himalaya of Nepal.

The Dhaulagiri circuit trek begins from Beni then passing through the remote villages and delightful passages along the Rahu River en route into the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. The trail leads us too dense forests, alpine meadows, and pasture with a fascinating glimpse of Mount Dhaulagiri. Once getting the glacier then it leads to Dhaulagiri Base camp. From the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, even more, climb up to the French pass with a height of 5360 meters to enter the hidden valley passing through the French pass. It allows exploration of superb mountain views heading to cross the Thapa pass (5250m) whereas to appear magnificent view of Annapurna I.

Trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit allows discovering the green lush terraced hillsides and typical villages. While wandering into the twisted trail next glaciers and traverse high snowy passes can be difficult. If you are seeking a peak climbing experience, then Dhampus Peak is ideal for the soft adventurer, and Mount Dhaulagiri expedition will be worth for extreme adventurer. But you should have an excellent physical condition and technical skill whichever the mountain you are going to climb.

Dhaulagiri Trek: Highlights

Trek Around Mount Dhaulagiri, Amazing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif

Trekking into the serene, cool alpine forest to remorseless fields of ice as well as the glaciers

Spectacular scenery, really admirable but a lifetime experience

Crossing over 5000 meters of two different passes, French pass and Dhampus pass

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary

1: Arrival day (1,300 m)
2: Free day and trek preparation.
3: Fly Pokhara (45 Min.), drive Beni (3h00), Trek Tatopani (900m) 3h00 walk.
4: Trek to Dharapani (1560 m) 6h00 walk.
5: Trek to Muri (1700 m) 4h00 walk.
6: Trek to Baghara (2375 m) 6h30 walk.
7: Trek to Dobang (2600 m) 6h15 walk.
8: Trek to Chatare/ Bhainsi Kharka (3000 m) 5h00 walk.
9: Trek to Japanese Camp (3850 m) 5h45 walk.
10: Acclimatization Day!
11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base camp (4750 m) 7 – 8h00 walk.
12: Acclimatization Day!
13: Base Camp – French Pass (5360 m) – Hidden Valley (4900 m) 7h00 walk.
14: Contingency Day!
15: Hidden Valley – Dhampus Pass (5250 m) – Yak Kharka (4920 m) 7h20 walk.
16: Yak Kharka – Jomsom (2800 m) 6h40 walk.
17 – 19: Fly to Pokhara.

Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will greet and welcome by our agency’s representative in front of Arrival gate with Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.

Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.

During the free day in Kathmandu, you may have a chance to visit heritage site of Kathmandu valley, followed by pre-trip departure meeting regarding upcoming trekking peak climbing where you meet trek guide and others team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment and nature of peak climbing and others necessary information

Day 3: Fly Pokhara (45 Min.), drive Beni (3h00), Trek Tatopani (900m) 3h00 walk.

We will have breakfast at the hotel, followed by transfer to the domestic terminal to get a flight to Pokhara. Then, pack off all the backpack and 3 hours drive to Beni road through the Annapurna Foothill. Then, 3 hours walk to Tatopani along the bank of Myagdi Khola.

Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1560 m) 6h00 walk.

The trail leads you Dharapani along the bank of Myagdi Khola. There might be a disturbance in the path in several places during the monsoon season due to landslides that leads several ups and downs. The trail goes passing by several settlements along the trail to Dharapani.

Day 5: Trek to Muri (1700 m) 4h00 walk.

Today is a short day walk to Muri. The trail leads climb up above the River with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, and a long descend to another stream named Ghatte Khola the climbs up to Muri for the night.

Day 6: Trek to Baghara (2375 m) 6h00 walk.

Initially, starts trek descends with a bridge of Dhola Khola. Then, across it, the pretty trail downs through the cultivated land, rice fields and isolated villages and gradually, climb up to get the village of Naura which is larger settlements of Baghar.

Day 7: Trek to Dobang (2600 m) 6h00 walk.

Initially, the trail goes down to Jyardan, this is the last village of the valley and another village we will meet until we arrive at Marpha. The trail goes gradually climbs up passing through the forest as we find some shepherd huts in some place. It called Kharka where cattle graze the grass. Finally, we arrive at Bobang. It is also Kharka.

Day 8: Trek to Chatare/ Bhainsi Kharka (3000 m) 5h00 walk.

Once again, we enter the forest area after crossing Konban Khola, climb to the top where we can see the west wall of Dhaulagiri I and descend to Myadgi Khola, cross it takes a path to the east bank of the river to get a summer grazing camp, Bhaisikharka.

Day 9: Trek to Japanese Camp (3850 m) 6h00 walk.

The trail leads forested area well known as Italian Base Camp in the rocky area, passing a steep slope and ascending to cross moraine of Glacier which falls from Dhaulagiri. Continue to walk along glacier encounter a spectacular grassy campsite called Japanese Camp.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day!

Majestic views of Dhaulagiri hike around for proper acclimatization.

Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base camp (4750 m) 7 – 8h00 walk.

Today early start up the trek due to a long day walks in the mountain through the glacier. Finally, we reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From the Base Camp, I can See the majestic view of Dhaulagiri I, II, III and IV and an amazing view of Icefall in front of Campsite which falling from the pass between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak.

Day 12: Acclimatization Day!

Today is the second day of Acclimatization, before crossing the pass of Hidden Valley. There is an opportunity to walk around for good views.

Day 13: Base Camp – French Pass (5360 m) – Hidden Valley (4900 m) 7h00 walk.

We will continue our adventure journey along the Chhondarban Glacier on the north side and continue climbs the stairs above the glacier with zigzag trails across the moraine of the glacier to the easy snow slope which leads up to French Pass (5360 m). We can see 360° stunning mountains range the pretty descend across the easy snow slope that takes us to the Hidden Valley.

Day 14: Contingency Day!

This is considered as a spare day in case of any problems that affect our schedule. If it is not required, the day can be used for exploration valley.

Day 15: Hidden Valley – Dhampus Pass (5250 m) – Yak Kharka (4920 m) 7h00 walk.

Today, we climb another adventure Dhampus pass with an altitude of 5250 m. lesser than French Pass which overlooks the deep gorge of Kali Gandaki Valley and Annapurna range. A steep and rocky descend to Yak Kharka.

Day 16: Yak Kharka – Jomsom (2800 m) 6h00 walk.

Today a long day descend more than 2000 m to edge of Kali Gandaki River. We can see Dhaulagiri I once descend a couple of hours. Then, gradually, Descending to Marpha village with zigzagging slope trails and walk along the bank of Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom.

Day 17: Fly to Pokhara.

Early morning take a short and exciting domestic flight to Pokhara. Rest of the day at leisure and have a chance to explore the lake and city.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

In the morning, we transfer to the airport and board the flight back to Kathmandu. Reminders of the day at leisure.

Day 19: Final departure

You will be transfer to airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight to your home country

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu International Airport

DEPARTURE TIME

Please enter at least 2 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

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

NOT INCLUDED

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

Prices are quoted in (US$ dollars) and payable in any convertible currency. All prices published on our website are set as low as possible. The Prices may vary at any time due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. But, we guarantee our prices which already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a custom quote.

Crossing Myagdi Khola en route Dhaulagiri Base Camp

Beautiful village en route Dhaulagiri Base Camp