Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – A true Himalayan wilderness in Nepal
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one most challenging treks and requires previous experience of alpine altitude trekking. It is said to be one of the toughest three-weeks plus trek in Nepal. It requires minimum 13 days plus two more days of acclimatization but most trek option are over 20 days. The trip can be extended with some side trips – climbing to non-technical Dhampus Peak (6,060m). Since, the trail is remote and very less-trodden, we suggest you to an experienced guide for the trek.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes you to the wild vicinity soaring Mt. Dhaulagiri standing at 26,795ft, the seventh highest mountain on Earth. The peak was first summited in 1960. It was considered as highest peaks in the world, from 1808 to 1848, when other highest peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and other peaks were undiscovered. In Sanskrit, "Dhawala" means "White" and "Giri" means "Mountain".
There are several Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itineraries but the below we have laid out is the most popular and suitable – 17 days, leaving from Kathmandu.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m), Tribhuvan International Airport, Overnight at hotel
Day02: Flight to Pokhara – 25 minutes and drive to Darbang (1,110m), overnight at hotel
Day03: Trek starts: Darbang – Shibang (1,780m), Overnight at teahouse
Day04: Shibang – Mahatala (1,575m), overnight at teahouse
Day05: Mahatala – Bagar (Boghara) (2,080m), overnight at teahouse
Day06: Bagar – Dovan (2,520m), overnight at teahouse
Day07: Dovan – Sallaghari (3,150m), overnight at teahouse
Day08: Sallaghari – Italian Base Camp (3,660m), overnight at teahouse
Day09: Rest and acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp
Day10: Italian Base Camp – Japanese Base Camp (4,110m), camp overnight
Day11: Japanese Base camp – Dhaulagiri base Camp (4,700m), camp overnight
Day12: Dhaulagiri Base Camp – Hidden Valley (5,050m) via French Co (5,360m), camp overnight
Day13: Hidden Valley – Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (5,240m), camp overnight
Day14: Yak Kharka – Jomsom (2,670m) via Marpha, overnight at lodge
Day15: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu, flight, overnight at hotel
Day16: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley
Day17: Final Departure
Attraction of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- Close insight of highland culture and tradition that has remained intact for centuries
- Dramatic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, eight highest peak in the world, Tukuche, Annapurna and multiple peaks
- Trekking through very rarely used trail, crossing isolated valley and high passes
- Camping amidst of Himalayan peaks, where there are no settlement (a true wilderness)
- Exploration of both Dhaulagiri and Annapurna region
- Exploration of highland wildlife and bird species
Best Season to trek Dhaulagiri
Spring (March- June) and autumn (September - November) are considered as the best time of the year to trek Dhaulagiri. The weather during these times are moderate and view are crystal clear. Although sometime the weather in high altitude tend to change even in favorable season. Your trekking guide will be experienced enough to determine whether to start trek or not. Spring brings full of color and greenery on the trail. The hillside is entirely filled with stunning wild flowers; looks like a colorful flowers are blanketed over it.
Monsoon invites the risk of landslide and floods in trekking region. The trekking trails is slippery and filled with full of mud and leeches. Likewise, the extremely cold temperature and heavy snowfall makes the Dhaulagiri trek uncomfortable in winter. The passes are full of snows; making it impossible to cross.
Physical Requirement for Dhaulagiri Trek
This trek demands a physically fit person with strong determination and positive attitude. Previous experience and technical skills are not required, however, it would be great asset during the trek.
We suggest you to join a physical training like Jogging, leg exercise, swimming and cardio exercise few weeks prior the trek. It boosts up your strength and stamina and enhances your confidence at a same time. As we have enough time to rest and acclimatize, the size and age does not matter in this trek.