Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 17 Days

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Route

The Dhaulagiri circuit trek sits at an elevation of 4,700 meters. Similarly, the French Pass, situated at a height of 5360 meters, provides majestic views from the high viewpoint. The journey begins from Kathmandu, where you rest and relax after arriving.

The next day, you move towards Darbang in a private jeep (in between lies Pokhara, where we stop for a while), relaxing and enjoying the scenic drive. The trek begins officially from Darbang to Dharapani after surpassing the Myagdi Khola river and Magar villages.

We move towards Jugepani following dense forests, suspension bridges, and remote villages. As you climb towards Boghara and Dobang, the route gets connected to the Dhaulagiri region, and the path is rich in local culture; also provides the surreal glimpse of the Dhaulagiri range.

From the Sallaghari the vegetation also becomes alpine, the landscapes also changes with the glacial valleys and moraines as you reach the Italian Base Camp. This will be your first acclimatization stop.

After taking the rest day, there will be moraine and glacier sections until you reach the Japanese Base Camp. Crossing the glacier, steep climbs with the use of fixed ropes, make your way to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Next up, you cross one of the popular passes,the  French Pass, situated at an altitude of 5,360m, which is also the highest point of this trek. It is followed by Hidden Valley, which is one of the isolated alpine valleys of Nepal.

A descent journey begins from here, moving down to Yak Kharkha and then to the Marpha village. Marpha village is renowned for its apple orchards. The drive begins from here, from Marpha to Pokhara, and finally the return trip to Kathmandu in a private jeep, concluding the Dhaulagiri Round trek.

• There are no teahouses at the higher altitudes (once you reach the Italian Base Camp).
• Sleep in the tent camps at Italian Base Camp, Japanese Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Hidden Valley.
• During the tent stay, all your meals are cooked by the support staff using a mobile kitchen.
• There will be a lot of gear and equipment that you’ve to carry, including tents, mats, and fixed ropes for climbing.
• Totally customizable itinerary not based on location or teahouse availability.
• Less travelled, peaceful, and you can enjoy the tent experience sitting and sleeping under the stars.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

For the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, we will be going beyond 5000 meters, and this significant altitude gain also increases the chances of altitude sickness. If proper acclimatization is not followed, there is a higher risk of altitude sickness.

It happens when you ascend to a great height rapidly before your body can adjust to the change.

The chances of altitude sickness increase once you ascend to an altitude of 2,500 meters. As soon as you’re at a higher altitude, you must be careful how your body adapts to the rising altitude. At the same time, you have to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and acclimate properly.

Some of the most common symptoms of altitude sickness are headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Trouble falling asleep is also a sign of altitude sickness. Keep these symptoms in mind when ascending, as they can get worse if you don’t give enough time for your body to adjust.

If your body sees these signs or patterns, the best thing to do is descend to a lower altitude. Resting in a lower region helps to get rid of these symptoms. If symptoms get worse, consult your guide immediately.

How to Get Rid of Altitude Sickness during Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

• First and foremost, you’ve to stay hydrated. Drink around 3 to 4 liters of water every day.
• Eat healthy, nutritious meals. Eat a light meal like soup in case you lose your appetite, which is quite common in high-altitude areas.
• Acclimatize properly and take rest days.
• Don’t perform any heavy exercise during this period.
• Don’t forget to carry a first aid kit containing medication.
• Take your guide’s instructions seriously and follow them without hesitation.
• Don’t drink and smoke during the whole trekking period.

Weather Conditions on Dhaulagiri Round Trek

Weather conditions during the Dhaulagiri Round trek are quite unpredictable. Weather conditions are constantly changing in high altitudes. Especially in the off-season, also referred to as not the ideal time for trekking, brings more challenges.

The weather during the winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) is the most difficult time to trek. During the winter season, the weather is freezing cold, with high chances of snowfall occurrences, and ice blocking the trails. Similarly, in the monsoon, the trail remains slippery, and rainfall brings cold as well.

Therefore, we suggest that you don’t do any trekking activities during this season, as there are various other unfavorable factors that add to the difficulty level even more. During the winter, the Dhaulagiri trekking route gets covered with snow.

The snowy trails are themselves a tough barrier, even during the ideal trekking time. The off-season trekking is even more difficult. During the nighttime, the climate of the Dhaulagiri region drops to -17°C or lower. Hence, it makes it very tough to acclimatize properly.

If you’re still determined to do the trek in the off-season, intense preparation, strong mental resilience, and the right gear and clothing are needed.

How Remote is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

The mainstream trekking routes of the Everest or the Annapurna region are also not that much developed. The Dhaulagiri trails are also remote and lie in an underdeveloped region. The facilities and services are just on a moderate level, so don’t expect much.

Compared to the Annapurna Circuit trek and the Manaslu Circuit trek, the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is highly remote and is one of the most isolated treks, which takes you deep into the wilderness of Nepal.

In the Dhaulagiri region, there is no proper mode of transportation. The primary ones are only yaks, mules, and porters. In case of any unforeseen events or emergencies, you will have to depend on a helicopter evacuation; our guide will help you in such cases (but your travel insurance should cover it).

Mountain Sights from Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass

Various mountain sights can be experienced during the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. Here is the list of all of them:

• Dhaulagiri I (8167m/26794ft)
• Dhaulagiri II (7751m/25429ft)
• Dhaulagiri III (7715m/25311ft)
• Dhaulagiri IV (7661m/25134ft)
• Annapurna (8091m/26545ft)
• Tukuche Peak (6920m/22703ft)
• Nilgiri Himal (7061m/23166ft)

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Price/Cost

The price of your Dhaulagiri Circuit trek varies depending on different factors, such as the group size, tour operator, and many other aspects. We, Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, provide this 17-day Dhaulagiri Circuit trek package at a competitive rate of USD 2990 per person.

Since it is an all-inclusive package so you don’t have to worry about anything. It covers all the essentials, including meals, permits, accommodations, guides, and much more. We put all our energy and focus on making your trek enjoyable, memorable, and hassle-free by all means.

The following price also covers the private jeep drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Darbang, and return trip too of Marpha and Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Accommodation Available on Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

For the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, you will stay in teahouses mostly, but not for the entire trek. You will stay in tented camps once you reach the Italian Base Camp and until the Hidden Valley. The teahouses come up with basic facilities, with minimal services.

The rooms are well-maintained, the beds are of good quality, including warm blankets, comfortable mattresses, pillows, etc. The majority of the rooms are available on a shared basis. The toilets are also traditional (Asian squat style).

Our team is also experienced in setting up camp. We provide high-quality tents that will handle any kind of weather. Altogether, two trekkers can sleep comfortably in a single tent (the space is quite big). We also offer a sleeping mat, a toilet tent, and a dining tent. These are all parts of a regular camp.

You can also get a hot bucket shower during the camping period; however, don’t take a bath on a daily basis, as it will be too cold up there.

Tented Camps on:

• Italian Base Camp
• Japanese Base Camp
• Dhaulagiri Base Camp
• Hidden Valley via French Pass

Meals on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Meals on the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek will be healthy, nutritious, and delicious at the same time. When you begin the trek, you’ll stay at the teahouses where all the dishes are served to you from breakfast to lunch as well as dinner.

When the camping begins, our team will be responsible for providing you with tasty food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). They will serve you all the meals by waking up early and will walk ahead of you to the lunch and dinner stops for the camp setup process.

Cooking isn’t easier in the high-altitude region, as it is done with the help of kerosene. At the same time, kerosene lights are used in during the nighttime to lighten the camp area.

Breakfast options:

• Tibetan bread
• Biscuits
• Porridge
• Oats
• Eggs

Lunch options:

• Nepali Dal Bhat (Rice, Lentil, and Vegetables as a side dish)
• Thukpa (Hot Noodles)
• Chowmein
• Pasta

Dinner options:

• Nepali Dal Bhat
• Fried Rice
• Dhindo (Doughy porridge)

Drink Options are:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Fruit juice
• Hot chocolate

We recommend that you carry energy/protein bars for extra energy during the trek.

Most of our meals are vegetarian, with a vegetarian option and some non-vegetarian options too.

You can inform us in advance if you’ve any kind of allergies or if you’ve specific dietary preferences.

Our package covers the cost of all the meals for this trek. Tea, coffee, and hot water are unlimited.

Drinking Water on the Dhaulagiri Round Trek

You should stay hydrated during the Dhaulagiri Round trek, and it is a primary rule. Drink plenty of water; 3 to 4 litres of water daily.

You can easily refill your water bottles in the kitchen tent (you’ll be provided with boiled water). In order to boil water, it takes an extra amount of fuel at higher altitudes (the fuel is quite limited). Therefore, the best is to refill the water from natural springs.

Drink spring water only after purifying it with the help of purification tablets. During the journey, you’ll find plenty of traditional taps, springs, and streams where you can refill your bottles easily. You can also ask your guide about the water sources, whether they’re clean or not (before filling).

Internet Facilities Available on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

At your teahouse stay, the Wi-Fi services will be available. However, you might have to pay extra charges from USD $2 to $5. With the help of that, you can get in touch with your near and dear ones.

You might have to rely on data packages when you go further up, especially when the camping begins. And it might not be stable enough, so better to take advantage of the available internet service.

How to communicate during trekking?

NTC and Ncell are some of the renowned network providers in Nepal. The mobile network coverage will also be quite good but not great, especially in the Dhaulagiri region.

All you have to do is buy a local SIM card (NTC or Ncell) from the local store in Thamel.

After you reach the camping area, you can then buy a data package for communication purposes. Thus, it allows you to stay connected even in the higher altitudes.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Distance

The overall distance of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is approximately 480 to 500 km. The following distances cover (driving and trekking distances). The 17-day itinerary of our Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass gives you the immersive experience of Nepal’s wilderness and the Himalayas. You’ll have to walk for 5-7 hours on a daily basis.

Based on our itinerary, here is a total breakdown of the duration of the Dhaulagiri region trek.

• Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Darbang – 300 km
• Trek from Darbang to Dharapani – 12 km
• Trek from Dharapani to Jugepani – 16 km
• Trek from Jugepani to Boghara – 14 km
• Trek from Boghara to Dobang – 15 km
• Trek from Dobang to Sallaghari – 16 km
• Trek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp – 12 km
• Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp – 10 km
• Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp – 8 km
• Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley – 12 km
• Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharkha – 18 km
• Trek from Yak Kharkha to Marpha – 20 km
• Drive from Marpha to Pokhara – 142 km
• Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu – 200 km

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is graded as a challenging trek and is not an ideal trek for beginners.

The weather conditions can change rapidly, with snowstorms and huge winds blowing at any time. There is no road access, so in case of any unforeseen events, emergency evacuation is only possible with the help of a helicopter.

In the glacial camp area, there is also the possibility of rockfall and the risk of avalanches. Once you surpass the French Pass, the risk of crevasses, slippery ice, and poor visibility makes the path very difficult.

The climb becomes technical too, with steep scree slopes needing technical gear like fixed ropes or ice axes. With the significant amount of elevation gain, there is also a high chance of getting exposed to altitude sickness.

Some amount of trekking experience is required, as there are plenty of high-risk zones in the Dhaulagiri region. Thereby, a solid physical & mental preparation is a must to achieve the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.

Your guide will perform the emergency evacuation through helicopter in the worst possible cases (but your travel insurance must cover it).

How to prevent altitude sickness during the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

Altitude sickness can only be prevented by acclimatizing. It is the process of making your body adjust to the new conditions or altitudes. Proper acclimatization and rest make sure your body adapts to the low oxygen levels successfully. It also reduces the chances of altitude sickness.

Proper Planning for Altitude Sickness

We are very thoughtful of the risks of altitude sickness, and in order to mitigate that, we’ve included acclimatization and rest days in our itinerary. We try our best to ensure the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek becomes much more convenient for you.

Physical Fitness and Preparation for the Dhaulagiri Round Trek

To successfully complete the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, you must have a very good fitness level. That means you should be able to walk for 6 to 7 hours daily carrying a heavy backpack through different kinds of terrains.

Prepare hard and thick for a few months before starting the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. If you have any kind of medical conditions, you have to consult your physician and trekking guide about the trek before coming.

The preparation should make it easy to handle 6-7 hours of trekking on the rugged off-road trails. And that too, carrying your luggage.

To mimic the real trekking scenario, it is best to do hiking practice in natural landscapes while carrying your backpack. Thus, it makes you able to mitigate the steep segments on the trek without much sweat.

You should do the right preparation, and it should look like:

• Investing in strength and endurance exercises, including squat, weightlifting, overhead press, leg press, bench press, hammer curl, calf raises, deadlift, etc.
• Give some time to cardiovascular training exercises, including hiking, cycling, swimming, jogging, cardio, aerobics, etc.
• Alongside physical preparation, you also need to be mentally fit. Practice mindfulness exercises, including deep breathing, meditation sessions, etc.

Emergency and Evacuation for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

During the emergency situations or worst possible cases, our guide will take care of you, handling the rescue situation professionally. He will communicate with the base office and coordinate accordingly.

Our guides are very experienced in trekking in higher altitudes and are trained adequately for such scenarios. Due to the zero road access, emergency evacuation with a helicopter is kept on standby, and the rescue operations are conducted very quickly.

Make sure the insurance you purchase covers the emergency helicopter evacuations.

Travel Insurance

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass takes you over 5000 m elevation, so any unfortunate events might occur (even though we take care of proper safety throughout the trek). This is why purchasing travel insurance is a must, as you will have financial coverage even if an emergency case arises.

It becomes very handy whenever you’re doing moderate to challenging graded treks in the higher-altitude regions. They provide economic support when things go wrong, especially during the trekking period.

Thus, we recommend that you buy travel insurance before heading for the trek. 

Our tour and travel packages don’t include travel insurance, hence this is something you need to rely on your own.

When you’re about to choose travel insurance, make sure it covers 

• Altitude Sickness
• Accidents
• Tour Cancellations
• Helicopter Evacuation

Packing List for Dhaulagiri Circuit trek

For the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass, you have to do heavy packing. Here is the list of all the essential gear and equipment. Here is the list of them:

Upper Body

• Waterproof Jacket
• Down Jackets
• Fleece Jackets
• Raincoat
• Thermal layers (moisture sucking base layers)
• Thick shirts
• Woolen hat
• Scarf/Buff

Hands

• Waterproof gloves
• Woolen gloves
• Sports Bra (for women)

Lower Body

• Rain pants
• Trekking pants
• Underwear

Feet

• Woolen trekking socks
• Trekking boots
• Camp sandals

Toiletries

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothbrush
• Towel
• Toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Hand Sanitizer

First Aid

• Water purifying tablets
• Anti-nausea medication
• Mosquito and insect repellent
• Rehydration salts

Gears & Other Items

• Duffel Bag (complimentary gift)
• -20 Degree sleeping bag (available upon request)
• Water bottles (We provide free water purification tablets)
• Moisturizer
• Sun screen
• Lip balm
• Camera/Smartphone
• Two-pin charging plug
• Personal Medication
• Binoculars
• Swiss army knife or a multi-tool
• Daypack
• Trekking poles
• Headlamps
• Power Bank

Essential Documents/Materials to Carry

• A passport (with validity for at least six months)
• A few passport-sized photos
• Tourist Visa
• Photocopies of the Passport
• Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Permits (We take care of these for you)
• Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary
• Travel Insurance paper
• Vaccination Certificates
• Agency’s registration copy 
• Booking Confirmation
• Copy of flight tickets with date of arrival and departure

Best Time for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

In order to get the best possible views and weather conditions, you’ve to do the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass in this specific time period. This is from September to December and March to June.

Trekking during these times is best in terms of views, experience, and climate. You’ll experience mild and clear weather with blue skies, pure freshness of air, lush green grasslands, and majestic views of the Himalayas.

Other than that, blooming rhododendrons can also be experienced along with other wildflowers, and the visibility also remains crystal clear.

Dhaulagiri Region in Spring

Blooming rhododendrons are the main sight of attraction during the spring season. The weather conditions remain pretty perfect with mild climate, clear blue skies, making it an ideal time to trek.

Dhaulagiri Region in Autumn

The days are pretty mild, bright, sunny, and a bit chilly too. The skies remain clear, the visibility is good, and the sunset views are also pretty amazing. The gorgeous peaks look shiny, clearer, and offer the best experience.

Dhaulagiri Region in Winter

Since the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek goes above 5000m, heavy snowfall can occur, mostly there are chances of covering ridges and steep segments. Freezing cold makes the journey harder.

Hence, it is not the best time for the long days of trekking.

Dhaulagiri Region in Monsoon

One of the worst times to trek the Dhaulagiri region is during the monsoon season.

The monsoon season is generally known for the heavy rainfall. So there are high chances of slippery trails, disruption in transportation due to landslides and floods. Hence, it can mess up a lot if you trek during these times.

Permits Required for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

If you’re thinking of doing the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, you require two permits: these are Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Let’s get to know these permits in detail:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required when entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.

The cost for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit is:

• NRP 1000 or US$10 approx (for SAARC nationalities)
• NRP 3000 or US$30 approx (for other nationalities)
• NRP 100 (for Nepali citizens)

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card costs NRP 2000 or US$20 (this price is for people outside of SAARC Nationals). For SAARC nationals, the price of this permit is NRP 1000 or US$10 approx.

The permits can only be obtained by a government-registered, licensed trekking agency.

How to get these permits?

You can easily get these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). It is situated in Kathmandu, Nepal.

We, Access Nepal Tour and Trekking get all the needed permits for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, so you don’t have to worry on this aspect.

What are the Required Documents To Obtain Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Permits?

You’ve to make certain documents ready to obtain the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. First and foremost, you need a passport-size photo and a photocopy of your passport with a minimum of six months’ validity. Besides that, you need travel insurance papers and a Nepal tourist visa.

Guide and Porter For Dhaulagiri Round Trekking

Our Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass includes a guide and porter services without taking an extra charge from you. This is what separates us from other tour operators.

Other renowned tour/trekking companies charge you extra fees for the porter services but we don’t. The charges are already included in the cost of the Dhaulagiri Round trek package.

• We provide one porter for every two trekkers.
• One licensed, local & experienced guide for a big group of trekkers.
• The luggage weight limit is 9 kg per person.

Can I do the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

Undoubtedly, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging trekking adventures in Nepal. The Dhaulagiri region falls in a quite remote area with poor road facilities, high passes, and rough trekking trails. These factors add up to make the journey even more challenging.

Before heading for the trek, you’ve to make sure you prepare hard rigorously for 6 1o 8 weeks minimum. With the right preparation, you can successfully complete the trek without much difficulty.

We have included one rest/acclimatization day in between so that you can properly adapt to the changing and gradually inclining altitude.

You can walk at a normal pace without hurrying much, as you’ve to do 5 to 7 hours of trekking on a particular day. You can slowly adjust to the rugged and rough trails, enjoying the Himalayan views in the background. Our guide will show you the way and will make sure you don’t get caught with altitude sickness.

The success rate of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is over 90% and thanks to our properly planned itinerary, achieving this trekking target isn’t that hard. We put every sweat and blood into making the experience comfortable and enjoyable for you.

At the end, what matters the most is how much you are driven and how much sweat you’ve drained on the preparation to make this trek a big success. Other things, like age barriers, are just secondary factors; the only thing that counts is experience and preparation.

• Carry a first aid kit alongside you to remain safe in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
• Don’t forget to bring trekking poles as they help in the journey, maintaining balance, providing great stability, and mobility.
• Don’t roam here and there without informing your guide.
• Stay hydrated, drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every single day.
• Eat healthy, nutritious food in good quantity to maintain energy levels.
• If your body feels uneasy, inform your guide asap.
• Make sure to purchase the travel insurance before heading for the trek.
• Pack all the required gear and equipment.

If you’re looking for a quieter trekking experience with stunning sunrise views over Everest and fewer crowds, the Pikey Peak Trek is ideal. Travelers short on time but still wanting Himalayan scenery may find the Kori Trek more suitable.

Can I do solo trekking in the Dhaulagiri Region?

Solo trekking is not possible even for experienced trekkers who are quite familiar with the Dhaulagiri trail. If you listen to our opinion, we also completely discourage you from doing solo trekking because of steep climbs, high risks, and tough terrain.

Since the Dhaulagiri region is fully remote, there are very few teahouses, and it includes technical sections too, requiring some level of experience.

Depending on the itinerary, a specific permit like RAP (Restricted Area Permit) might be needed, which isn’t provided to a single person. In order to obtain this permit, a minimum of two trekkers is required.

There is also a new rule announced by the Nepal Government in April 2023, all foreign trekkers should have a licensed guide or join a group for safety.

The best way to do Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is by joining a group, and hiring a guide/porter, or you can simply book our package to remove unnecessary hassles.

Why Trek Dhaulagiri Circuit with Us?

Our experienced guide makes your Dhaulagiri Circuit trek journey amazing, enjoyable, and fully safe. We guarantee you a memorable experience when you walk into this remote region of Nepal.

Solo trekking in the Dhaulagiri circuit is too tough and costly at the same time. Thereby, we advise you to trek in a group, even if it may be a small one.