DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT TREK – 22 DAYS

As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you finish the custom formalities. Our representative will receive you with a placard displaying your name. After welcoming you to Kathmandu, we will drive you to the hotel.

As you will be transferred to the hotel in a private vehicle, you can have some rest.

In the evening, we enjoy our welcome dinner. You can taste some authentic Nepali dinner.

After that, you can enjoy the nightlife of Kathmandu.

Overnight in Kathmandu

After breakfast in the morning, we shall organise a sightseeing day tour. Kathmandu has many UNESCO Heritage sites that are worth visiting. We can take a whole day off to explore some of them.

The tour begins from Swoyambhunath Stupa. Also known as “Money Temple,” this is a 2500-year-old Buddhist monastery. Suited in the hilltop, this is an important pilgrimage for Buddhist people.

From the top of the hill, you can see the entire Kathmandu Valley below your feet. Then, we drive to the Pashupatinath Temple. This is a famous temple of Lord Shiva. Hindu people from different parts of the world visit the temple every year. You can take your time to explore the huge premises of Pashupatinath Temple.

Then, we will head towards Boudhanath Stupa. This is Nepal’s largest stupa and also the most beautiful one. The area is decorated with lights, colourful prayer flags, and rotating wheels.

Finally, we will drive to Patan Durbar Square. Patan is the centre of art and craft. The Durbar Square area has a palace, a temple, and a museum. You can learn about the architecture of Nepal from this place.

In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel. If you need to do some shopping and get the missing items, you can roam around Thamel.

You have time to complete your packing and get ready for the trip before bed.

Overnight in Kathmandu

In the morning, we start our journey after breakfast. We drive along the path leading us to Beni. The journey takes about 8 to 9 hours. During the drive, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountains, countryside, and forest.

Beni is a tiny town in a bank of Myagdi and Kali Gandaki River. The town is on an altitude of 899m above sea level. It’s the district headquarters where you need to show your trekking permits. It is a bustling town lined with stores, restaurants, hotels and various government offices.

From Beni, you get to watch the panoramic view of the Himalaya landscape. You can observe the flora, and fauna of the place. Beni is itself a significant pilgrimage place along with different temples and monuments. It is also the gateway for Mustang and Tibet. We will stop in this beautiful town for the night.

Overnight in Beni

Our trek begins from Beni. We walk on the North bank of the Myagdi Khola to the West. We cross the village of BeniMangalghat and then get to Singa and Tatopani. Before we enter Myagdi Khola Valley, we trekking along the Kali Gandaki River.

After crossing a bridge suited right beyond the village, the path takes a half loop before. Crossing a bridge, we get to the village of Simalchour. The total journey is about 5 hours of walk from Beni Bazaar. For the night we will crash at Babiachor.

Overnight in Babiachor

After breakfast in the morning, we leave Babiachor. First, we ascend through the terraced fields and get to the village of Shahashradhaara. Crossing Dudh Khola and walking through the fields, we arrive at Ratorunga.

Now, the widened valley narrows down and terraces disappear. The trail is moderate and mostly winding. We continue walking to Dharapani village. This is a small yet beautiful settlement with colourful houses.

Overnight in Dharapani

Today, we take a steep ascent to the place called Muri. The trek provides some opportunity to witness the clear view of Dhaulagiri ranges along with other Mountains peaks.

We cross DharaKhola to reach the west of Myagdi Khola. Crossing the switch-backs, we arrive at a ridge. Continuing the trek, we pass Sibang and Mattim.

Then, we descend to GattiKhola before we get to PhalaiGaon (1810 m). Further climbing takes us to a large Magar village of Muri.

This is a beautiful human habitation on the remote land of Dhaulagiri. Muri has some small shops and simple lodges.

Overnight in Muri

In the morning, we leave Muri behind us. We continue towards Boghara as we walk through Myagdi River via Naura Village.

Today, we cross a stream and walk along a terraced field. We climb a ridge from where you can witness Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m).

Descending to the Myagdi Khola, we trek on its West Bank to Naura village. We walk along a traverse and a grassy hill and thus climb a steep slope. A final descend through a forest finally takes us to our destination, Boghara.

Overnight at Boghara

Today, the path can be a bit tricky. You might also need rope assistance for the climb. Be careful and watch your steps properly. The trail passes through a forest, leading us to LapcheKharka via Jyardan. Jyardan is a remote permanent village in this part.

Then, we pick a delightfully small trail crosses a few rocky areas. Then we get to the place called Lipshe.

After crossing some streams, we reach a beautiful forest camp with some cedar trees. Further down, we cross a bridge on the West bank. The roller-coaster path stays on the West and crosses several streams.

Through a forest, we get to LapcheKharka and then to Doban. The place only has two small tea houses that are open during the peak seasons.

Overnight in Doban

After breakfast, we begin our trek by crossing a bridge out of Doban. The path ascends through the forest area as you get a glimpse of the west part of Dhaulagiri I. After a short descend, you cross Myagdi Khola via a wooden bridge.

As we walk, we rapidly gain altitude and the mountain peaks burst out all around. The trail takes us to the Chhonbarban Glacier. Tukuche Peak becomes clearly visible. At the far end, impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I dominate the skyline. Ascending the moraine requires a rope and help from the guide. 

Then, you get to the grassy area that is called the Italy Base Camp. The Base Camp has some simple shelters that are open on the trekking season. Now, to the west, peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri V (7618 m), and Dhaulagiri III (7715 m) are visible.

Overnight in Italian Base Camp

This is our first day for acclimatisation.

Now, we are already at an altitude of 4,210m so ensuring that our body gets enough rest is important.

This rest day is suggested so that you get adjusted to the thinner level of oxygen. Taking a rest will help you to climb the Glacier Camp.

We also recommend that you remain active. You can just walk around the place and explore the glacier.

Today, your path passes through a narrow gorge. You might encounter some stone falling on the path. We must depart in the morning when the weather is clear.

After you cross the initial glacier, use a rope in some tricky spots. The further climb takes you to the main glacier. The surrounding views are spectacular but the trail is rough and dangerous.

After a thrilling walk for 6 hours, we get to the Glacier camp. This is the most beautiful place to second the night.

Overnight in Glacier camp

Today, you reach the main destination of your trek- the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The trek will be exciting as well as difficult. The adventurous walk above a smooth white glacier is fun. Steady climb along the rough part will provide you with a stunning view of Dhaulagiri Base Camp. 

Also, Tukuche Peak is visible straight with massif north flank of Dhaulagiri I. To the West, you can get the view of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri V. In the front, there’s an impressive icefall from the north-east col.

Overnight in Dhaulagiri Base Camp

After a tough day of the climb, our body deserves some rest. And what place could be better than the stunning Dhaulagiri Base Camp?

In the day, we can witness the super views of Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri V.

This acclimatisation is necessary so that we can walk above 5,000 meters.

Today is the tough day of the walk. In the high pass, you might need to use a rope. After a few ups and downs, you walk above the steep moraine walls.

Finally, we descent to a French pass from a safer and smooth part. Still, the climb can be hard and breathless. After the glacier, you need to climb two terraced hills. The first hills run along the glacier and then cuts the mountain flank. We then reach the top of the French Pass (5,360m). A great mountain vista opens wide from the French Pass. 

You can also see Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, and SitaChuchura. These mountain ranges cover the Hidden Valley in all directions. To the South, there is Tukuche Peak and beyond is the majestic Dhaulagiri I peak.

From the French Pass, you continue walking on the right edge of the valley. Finally, you descend to the Thapa Pass and to the camp situated in the Hidden Valley at 5,200 meters.

Overnight in Hidden Valley

After a tough climb to the French Pass, our body deserves to have some rest. Today, we have two intentions-let our feet heal so that we can proceed down and to explore the valley.

In the morning we observe the magnificent sunrise from the Hidden Valley. We will enjoy our breakfast and then explore the place.

Although there aren’t any man-made structure, we explore the prodigious beauty of the place.

Overnight in Hidden Valley

Today, we descend from the hidden Valley to Yak Kharkha. But first, we cross the Dhampus peak that is located at 5200m above sea level. The walk uphill can be tough, but we have already completed the more difficult ones.

We spend some time on the top as we admire the surrounding peak. After some rest, we walk down the hill. We walk past the avalanche-prone slopes before descending to Yak Kharka. Ya Kharkha is a perfect camp spot to spend our night.

We can enjoy the surrounding area in roofless shelters. The view from the spot is stunning.

Overnight in Yak Kharha

After a delicious breakfast in Yak Kharkha, we begin our trek. Today, we catch the route leading us to the classic Annapurna Circuit.

We descend from the village of Marpha. As you walk, you cross the multiple beautiful sightseeing points. You can also feel the drastic change in the landscape as you walk towards Mustang.

Marpha is located right on the west of the Kali Gandaki River. It is famous for the big apple orchards and various food products. You can taste the local Apple Brandy from Marpha. The drink is famous all over Nepal.

Overnight in Marpha village

After a wonderful day in Marpha, we take the path to the west of the Kali Gandaki River. We walk on the recent path through the beautiful Thakali Villages.

We walk past the decorated houses and different wide paved streets. After some hours of walk, we cross the river. In a place called Koketanti, we stop for lunch. 

Then, we will again follow the path through woods of pine and fields to Kalopani. This is a smart town that nestles below the Icefall of Dhaulagiri.

Here, we can witness the typical Thakali culture and other traditions of Nepal. You can also try their delicious food.

Overnight in Kalopani

This is our final day of the trek. You will mostly trek downhill today through the agriculture fields and orchards trees.

After some hours of the walk, we stop at RukseChhahara for lunch. The place is quite close to a big waterfall. After enjoying the views at the waterfall, we continue downhill walk into the deep valley of Tatopani. 

In Nepali, Tatopani is hot water. Here, you can soak yourself in the natural hot spring. The bath in natural hot spring is believed to take you away from the pain from walking in the mountains.

In the evening, you can visit the river or other nearby areas.

Overnight in Tatopani

After a wonderful morning in Tatopani, we will drive towards Pokhara. The drive-in a private jeep begins after enjoying our breakfast.

The first part of the ride in an off-road is thrilling. You might feel a bit uncomfortable until you reach Beni. Then you join the highway. As we drive in the bank of the river, the views of the hills appear stunning. The peak starts to get far from us.

Along the way, we will stop at the place called Kusma. There, we can visit the longest suspension bridge in Nepal. Then we further drive to the city of Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city of lakes.

If you reach the hotel early, you can enjoy boating in Phewa Lake. In the evening, you can stroll around the place and experience the nightlife of Pokhara.

Overnight in Pokhara

After such an awesome trip, we drive to the place where it all started. After breakfast in Pokhara, we drive to the capital of Nepal. It is a beautiful drive on Prithivi highway. As you drive along the bank of Trishuli River, the stunning scenery accompanies you. 

Once you reach Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. Then you can have some rest or just explore the area around.

In the evening, we will all gather to enjoy the farewell dinner. We will talk about the wonderful journey we accomplished as a team.

Overnight in Kathmandu

This is your last day in Nepal. In the morning, enjoy your final meal in Kathmandu. As per your flight time, you can check out from the hotel.

Our representative will drop you at the airport three hours before the flight schedule. Waving a final goodbye to Kathmandu, you proceed to your home country.

You will take many beautiful memories of this journey back to your home.