Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
Our trek starts with a drive to Beni (899m), the district headquarters of Myagdi district. It is located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River and Myagdi River. From here, we shall navigate our way through the lively Magar and Gurung villages of Dharapani and Muri. Besides that, we also move past other settlements of Baguwa, Tatopani, Darbang, Lipse and Dobhan Kharka. Before reaching the Chaur Bag Khola Camp. Next, an uphill trail with many steep sections comes ahead of us. Continuing on with our trek, we head from American Base Camp, Italian Base Camp, French Base Camp to Japanese Camp.
In addition to that, glittering glaciers and ever-changing landscape help us get through the last phases of our trek. Then we pass through the narrow Chonbarden gorge while marching to Dhaulagiri Base Camp through French Pass (5360m). Pushing ourselves further, we trek through Dhampus Pass (5244m) before reaching Alu Bari/ Yak Kharka. Last of all, we end our trek at Jomsom by taking a flight to Pokhara city.
Previous trekking experience can be of good uses for those joining this trek. Along with that, a good physical and mental condition is a must in order to complete the trek. Furthermore, this trek should be attempted from September to December or from May to August.
Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu City tour
Today shall be the guided city tour of medieval capital city of Kathmandu and the well preserved cultural city of Patan. We shall explore the heritages listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site List which are symbols of ancient and golden Nepalese architecture. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Asia and an excellent example of Hinduism based architecture. Besides this epitome of Hinduism, we shall also explore the Buddhist pilgrimages of Buddhanath Stupa (one of the largest Buddhist stupa of its kind in the world) as well as the Monkey Temple, better known in Nepal as the Swayambhunath Stupa, the 14th century stupa is also in the list of our city tour. Besides these, we shall also explore the intricate architecture and heritages in the Patan Durbar Square, consisting the royal palaces courtyard, temples and others built by the Malla Dynasty of Nepal, in which most of the structures are from the 1600s.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Beni (800m) by Bus. (6/7 hrs)
We start early for today’s destination of Beni. This inroad trip to the small hill side city along the banks of the holy Kali Gandaki River is a rich drive through rural landscapes, beautiful scenario of colorful villages, paddy fields and jungles as well as the gorges and lush hills. The winding path traverses along the hillsides accompanied by the perennial Trishuli River, Narayani River and Seti River. Past the Trishuli River is the gentle section of the road up to the stoppage of Pokhara. After the scenic Lake City of Pokhara, we move ahead in the journey bypassing the trail leading to Dhampus that arrives after about half and hour’s drive from Pokhara. Ahead in the trail we navigate through panoramic views of Himalayas, scenery with beautiful villages, whistling gorges and changing landscape besides the diverse inhabitation along the trail. We continue through the villages of Naudanda, Chandrakot and to Modi Khola . The next section of the trek through Kaligandaki River takes us to the destination for today, Beni.
Overnight in Beni.
Day 03: Trek from Beni to Babiya Chaur. 970m (5/6 hrs)
The trek starts with leaving the overnight stay place of Beni as well as the torrential and holi Kaligandaki River and heading westwards in the trail. We trek on the gentle trail with gradual ascent to Baguwa through various settlements along the Myagdi River. Further along the trail we ascent to the place famous for hot water spring known as Tatopani through the settlements of Singa and Tallo Singa in a winding path. Switching the sides of river a couple of times, we trail through the trail crossing several bridges on the way. Beyond the Tatopani village, the trail makes a loop before crossing the bridge near Simalchaur village and being on the northern side of the river which continues till the destination for today, the settlement of Babiya Chaur.
Overnight in Babiya Chaur.
Day 04: Trek from Babiya Chaur to Dharapani. 1565m (5/6 hrs)
The trail opens up to a bit wider valley after the settlement of Babiya Chaur with the terraced hills coming to the sight of the trekkers on the both sides of the trail. On a fairly gentle path trekkers cross the villages of Pipalbot, Kharpani, before arriving to the settlement of Ratodhunga after crossing the Dukhu River and past some temples and health posts. Past this point the trail narrows down a bit and terraces go out of the sight. Crossing a suspension bridge near Darbang we trek uphill through the dense forest dotted with rhododendron, oak and pine trees to reach onto a ridge back and through level path, winding trail and several smaller settlements we reach to the village of Dharapani.
Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Muri. 1800m (6/7 hrs)
From this section onwards the strain of the trail increases gradually. We start the trek with the view of Gurja Himal little after settlement of Dharapani and along the ridge after trekking early and through many switchbacks. We reach the settlement of Takam after ascent on a trail surrounded by lush hills and ups and downs of the path. The ascent continues till the settlement of Sibang with the view of Dhaulagiri Mountain intermittently. The climb continues through to the villages of Sibang, Machhim and Phaliyagaon on a twisting and turning path along the gradually rising elevation. After the settlement of Phaliyagaon the trail goes north and trekkers may go for a dry season shortcut route if the season permits. Trekking after a couple of hours leads to the settlement of Muri after smaller settlements. Trekkers may further trek onto the Magar settlement for overnight stay.
Overnight in Muri.
Day 06: Trek from Muri to Boghara. 2080m (5/6 hrs)
Starting with the short descent to the riverbank and crossing a stream and confluence of Myagdi River and Mudi River we continue onto the ridge after climbing past the terraced fields. This point has the view of mount Ghustung South (6465m). Trekkers then descent to the Myagdi River and traverse along the west bank of the river to trek till the settlement of Naura. Further on the trail we have a grassy hill and before reaching the destination of Boghara we have a steep elevation for a couple of hours. The entire trekking may extend from five to six hours depending on the trekkers. Boghara is also known as Bagar.
Overnight in Boghara.
Day 07: Trek from Boghara to Dovan. 2430m (6/7 hrs)
This section of the trail is a relatively difficult trail as compared to the previous sections. Occasional use of rope may be required by the trekkers. The beginning section of the trail leads through to the terraced fields and to a small hill. We shall explore the forests and the settlement of Jyardan, the most remote settlement on this trail. In a increasingly challenging path, we trek through to the winding and rocky path before reaching the settlement of Lipshe. The trail continues through the forest to Lapche Kharka and then ascents to the area of Dovan where the trail seems to level as compared to the terrain prior to this spot.
Overnight in Dovan.
Day 08: Trek from Dovan to Italian Base Camp. 3500m (6 hrs)
The destination for today is the Italian Base Camp where we shall camp overnight facing the west wall of the Dhaulagiri massif. The route crosses a wooden bridge and navigates through the forested areas and witnessing the breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri through the forests breaks. Further ahead you shall reach to the spot, normally used by trekkers for camping, surrounded by forests and bordered by the perennial Myagdi River. Navigating through the forests rich in rare vegetation and trekking onto the terminal moraine of Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. We gain altitude bit rapidly during the trek in today’s section. From the ridge of glacier we have the view of impressive Dhaulagiri I (8167m) to the skyline on your right. After a short trekking along the rocky terrain further we reach to the Italian Base Camp keeping ourselves hydrated and climbing in an easy manner.
Overnight in Italian Base Camp.
Day 09: Trek from Italian Base Camp to French Base Camp. 3870m (6/7 hrs)
In this section of the trek we trek to the French Base camp through the Swiss Base Camp with gentle pace that shall also serve as the preparation for the big day tomorrow where we shall conquer the much awaited Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Exploring the increasingly thinner air in this altitude supports the trekking on the higher and more challenging altitude. From the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri ranges, Manapathi Peak, Dhaulagiri II and other mountains to the view of larger glaciers, extremely different landscape view, we trek along a fairly challenging path while we trek to the French Base Camp.
Overnight in French Base Camp.
Day 10: Trek from French Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m) via French pass 5360m. (7/8 hrs)
The initial trek during this section has a relatively easier trek on the white part of the glacier. We pass through the trek slowly and gradually along the trial to reach the Deposit camp and further ahead to the Japanese Base Camp past the view of lofty mountain peaks overlooking the trail. Subjected to rock falls and avalanches, the trail traverses along the rocky terrain up the mountainside and trekking up and down from neighborhood of one glacier to the other. A climb on the west side of the glacier to a wide grassy area takes us to Japanese Base Camp with the breathtaking views of Tsaurabong Peak besides the majestic Dhaulagiri Mountain. Further ahead is a really challenging trail with hiking on the lateral moraine of the Chhongardan glacier to a rocky ridge and descent to a glacier is ahead in the trail. Right bend of the trail along the valley takes us to the much awaited Dhaulagiri Base Camp with the view of Dhaulagiri II, III and V, and impressive Icefall descending from north east col.
Overnight in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 11: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Yak Kharka/Aaru Bari. 3900m (6/7 hrs)
Get off the glaciers above the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (may require the use of rope) and encounter a bit of easier trek after you are over the steep moraine walls after which the trekkers climb past the challenging French Col (5300m) where the valley opens out. Weather permitting trekkers have the view of Mukut Himal (6328m), Tashi Kang (6386m), Sita Chuchura (6611m) as well as Tukuche Peak (6920m) to the south beyond which is the massive Dhaulagiri I peak. Traversing through the Thapa Pass and through the Hidden valley to the Dhampus Pass via avalanche prone slope trekkers continue on to Yak Kharka, also known as Aaru Bari.
Overnight in Yak Kharka/Aaru Bhari
Day 12: Trek from Aaru Bari to Jomsom. 2670m (6/7 hrs)
Start the trek with the descent from Aaru Bari to the torrential Kali Gandaki River on a rather steep section of the trail and then continue on to the beautiful village of Marpha, famous for apple orchard and related food products. The local Apple Brandy is popular among the foreign and Nepalese trekkers passing through this place to savor the taste en route. Continue north up the river valley to reach to the beautiful town of Jomsom, famous for afternoon winds and enchanting landscape. Intermittently we trek past the sand dunes, wooden bridge and some gompas, prayer wheels and prayer flags. Explore the Mustang Eco Museum and other heritages reflecting the unique culture and tradition of the region.
Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 13: Jomsom to Pokhara flight. (25 minute flight)
This marks the end of strenuous trekking activity in one of the most exquisite and challenging trekking regions in Nepal. We take on a early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara that takes around 30 minutes. Sight of glorious and glittering mountains, green hills and lush valleys and changing terrains are the chief attractions of this scenic flight to the Lake City of Nepal, Pokhara. In the afternoon trekkers may explore the Lakeside and the surrounding areas in sightseeing to attractions of this beautiful city such as Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Mountaineering museum, Gupteshwor Mahadev cave and others. After exploring the beautiful surrounding and landscape of this city we shall have rest in the hotel of our stay.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus. (6/7 hrs)
This day shall include the travelling to the medieval capital city of Kathmandu city by the inland trip. The trip shall be accompanied by torrential rives including the Seti River and Trishuli River among others, beautiful waterfalls and remote landscape, diverse landscape, glimpses of the mountains overlooking the road from far away besides the different lifestyles of the inhabitants en route. You may extend the trip by continuing to Chitwan in the southern plain of Nepal for Jungle Safari, rafting adventure and others. You shall be greeted by evening farewell dinner and cultural performances.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Activities
Cost Included
- Kathmandu arrival and transferred to hotel
- Kathmandu to Beni by Jeep or AC bus
- Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by private car, bus or flight.
- All ground Transportations
- Annapurna ACAP permits and TIMS cards
- Hotel in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- All meal during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guide and staffs wages and insurance
- All trekking equipment ( tents, tables, chairs, mattress, cooking utensils etc.)
Cost Excluded
- Bar bills, laundry and tips
- Rescue, insurance, souvenir shopping
- Items of personal expenses
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal rescue if needed
#Note above day to day itinerary. May be change depending on weather and flight.