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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Based on 1501 reviews in trip-advisor

Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 20 Days
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Trip Difficulty
Challenging
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Max. Altitude 5,360m/17,585.3ft
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Group Size Minimum 2 Pax
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Destination Hidden Valley, Dhaulagiri Base Camp
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Activity 5-7 hrs walking per day
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Best Season March-May (Spring), mid Sept-Nov(Autumn)
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Region Dhaulagiri Region
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Nature of Trip Camping Trek
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Meal B, L, D (included during the trek)
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Accommodation Tea Houses and Camping Tents
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Transportation Bus Transfer and Private Vehicles

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Highlights

  • The most difficult trekking expedition of Nepal
  • Breathtaking panoramic mountain view of Dhaulagiri Range, Annapurna Range, Manapathi Peak, Dhampus Peak and other surrounding mountains.
  • Exploration of unspoiled settlement and culture, tradition & lifestyle of the inhabitants.
  • Lush vegetation and exotic wildlife very distinct to the Annapurna Region
  • Major passes: Dhampus Pass (5,200m/17,060ft) and French Pass (5,360m/17,585ft)
  • Base camp of world’s 7th highest peak of the world Dhaulagiri I (8,167m/26,794ft); Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and other base camps; Glacier Camp, Italian Base Camp.
  • Stunning geographical landscapes carved by thawing of snow, glaciers, rivers, heavy showers and mountain winds.

Trip Overview

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek is considered to be one of the toughest and most challenging treks in Nepal. This challenging trek rewards any adventurer with stunning views of the high mountains of the Annapurna range, including Dhaulagiri I (8,167m/26,794ft), the seventh highest peak in the world.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek features exploration of some of the most remote and unspoiled areas in the region, and is a great way to experience the wild un fettered beauty of the Annapurna region. The trek starts in Beni and takes you through small villages, lush forests, and high passes. You will get to experience the unique culture of the Gurung people, and explore the diverse landscapes of the region.

Along the way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range. The trek is suitable for experienced hikers looking for a challenge, and is best done in the spring or autumn.

Along the way of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you’ll have the chance to spot some of Nepal’s most impressive wildlife, including snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan Tahrs. You’ll also pass through traditional villages, giving you an opportunity to experience the culture and tradition of the community residing in the region. The trek is physically demanding, but the rewards are worth it—the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are some of the bests in Nepal.

With its stunning panoramas, vibrant culture and incredible wildlife, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have while trekking in Nepal.


What to Expect from Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, also christened as the most challenging trek in Nepal, will offer you adventure of your life time. This trek will require you to push yourself beyond your limits. This arduous trek will take you through pristine geographical region and localities unscathed by modern world. While doing Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek one can expect to get soaked in natural and cultural enigma of the region. You will get astonishing panoramic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri(8167m/26794.62feet), Dhaulagiri II, III, IV and V, Annapurna Massif, and other numerous surrounding mountains. Traversing through unspoiled traditional village of the region you will get glimpse of culture, tradition and onerous lifestyle of the people inhabiting these villages. You can also expect to observe stunning glaciers, gushing rivers, amazing geographical marvel and breathtaking landscape sculptured by glaciers, snow, river, heavy showers and mountain winds. In addition to that, you will get to encounter flora and fauna unique to the Annapurna region. Conclusively, you can expect to get to experience unparalleled adventure, natural and cultural beauty from Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.


Is Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek for me?

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging trek, it requires trekkers and adventurers to be mentally and physically prepared. So, if you are physically fit and active, have previous experience of moderately difficult high-altitude treks, want to observe the enchanting natural and cultural beauty of this part of Annapurna Region, and finally want to challenge yourself and push your boundaries by embarking on the most difficult trek of Nepal then yes Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is undoubtedly for you.

If you don’t have any previous experience of trekking in high altitude, are not physically active and haven’t ever travelled to high altitude then you might want to skip this trek. Since, trekkers will have to spend significant amount of time in higher altitude, which have less oxygen concentration in atmosphere, the chances of an unexperienced trekker getting altitude sickness is high. Also, if you have any underlying health complications then Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek might not be for you.

With Breakfree Adventure we are always on the quest to make sure that you enjoy your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek to the fullest, and while you enjoy your trek, we will deal with all the thing that might bother you.


Can I do Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

Definitely Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is not a standard trek. This trek requires any adventurer trekker to be physically and mentally prepared.

Keeping that in mind, if you have previous experience of doing moderately difficult trek, are physically fit and active, don’t have underlying health condition, want to push your boundaries and ready to take on a challenge of trekking on the most difficult trek trail in Nepal then you can do Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking.


Is Dhaulagiri Trek worth the price?

For any adventurer trekker embarking on this challenging trek, it is a prevailing question. Sure enough it is important that you get what you paid for if not more, nevertheless Dhaulagiri circuit trek will not disappoint any trekkers. The enthralling Mountain views of surrounding Dhaulagiri peaks, mesmerizing geographical landscapes, glaciers and exceptional culture, tradition and lifestyle that you will witness along the trek assures that you get your money’s worth. Additionally, our guide, potter and entire Breakfree Adventures will provide uncompromising service that will no give you a single chance for you to regret having spend money for your adventure of lifetime.

We at Breakfree Adventures are always in mission to make every travel and trek you do with us worth your every hard-earned penny.


What level of physical fitness is required to Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

As Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered as one of the most challenging treks, it is physically exacting. One will spend significant amount of time traversing through high altitude areas where a person is more probable of getting altitude sickness.

For anyone who is thinking of embarking in this demanding trek, he/she must be physically active and fit. A trekker must not have any underlying condition especially related to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, which compromise the efficiency oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Also a previous experience of moderately difficult trek in high altitude is a huge plus point, or if any person has experience of living in high altitude with rarefied atmosphere then they can do this trek.


Why Dhaulagiri Circuit with Breakfree Adventures?

There are numerous trekking agencies operating Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Its plausible to ask, why to trek with Breakfree Adventures, what do we offer that other operators don’t? These questions need to be answered so that we make it lucid to our clients that we stand out in this competitive market.

Apart from exploration of natural wonders, cultural enigma and for adventure of lifetime, trekking with Breakfree Adventures will allow you to have stress free trekking experience. Breakfree Adventures will be dealing with arrangements and possible issues that might occur during the trek. Our diligent team of experts will make sure that you will have best trekking experience with us. Our experienced guides, cognizant with the terrain and all its adversities will address any of your queries regarding the geography, culture and trek, similarly our porter will carry your belongings safely throughout your trek making sure you possess things that you might need while on trek.

We at Breakfree Adventures are always on our marks to resolve your questions regarding the service we provide. Our responsive communication team will reach out to you as soon as possible with answers if not immediately. Breakfree Adventures has been successfully able to established as name to be reckoned with in this industry. With over 15 years of experience of satisfying clients with travel and tour service, we are more eager than ever to serve more clients. You can find us at Trip Advisor and see for yourself reviews left by our invaluable clients we have served here and decide by yourself.

Short Itinerary of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival


Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation


Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Beni (850m/2,788ft) (9 hrs drive)


Day 4: Trek Beni to Babiachaur (950m/3,116ft) (5 hrs hike)


Day 5: Trek Babiachaur to Dharapani (1,400m/4,593ft) (6 hrs Hike)


Day 6: Trek Dharapani to Muri (1,800m/5,905ft) (5 hrs Hike)


Day 7: Trek Muri to Boghara (2,080m/6,824ft) (6 hrs Hike)


Day 8: Trek Boghara to Dobang (2,520m/8,267ft) (5 hrs Hike)


Day 9: Trek Dobang to Choriban Khola (3,110m/10,203ft) (5 hrs Hike)


Day 10: Trek Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp (3,660m/12,007ft) (7 hrs Hike)


Day 11: Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp (3,660m/12,007ft)


Day 12: Trek Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,210m/13,812ft) (6 hrs Hike)


Day 13: Trek Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m/15,551ft) (7 hrs Hike)


Day 14: Acclimatization Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m/15,551ft) 2 hrs


Day 15: Trek Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley via French Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) (7 hrs Hike)


Day 16: Trek Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass (3,680m/12,073ft) (7 hrs Hike)


Day 17: Trek Yak Kharka to Marpha (2,670m/8,759ft) (5 hrs Hike)


Day 18: Drive Marpha to Pokhara (830m/2,723ft) (7 hrs drive)


Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu, drive or flight (25 min)


Day 20: Transfer to the Airport for your onward destination


Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

1

Welcome to the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, the land of pure mysticism and spirituality. The capital, Kathmandu is also known as the “city of temples”, is in itself a historical and cultural chronicle which encapsulates civil evolution of people of the region.

Our representative will welcome you at the airport and chauffer you to the designated Hotel. For early arrivals, after getting fresh if interested you can explore around the city or else you can rest and relax to recover from jetlag. At evening you can go shopping for Trekking gears and other essentials at Thamel.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

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Max Altitude

1,400m/4,593ft
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Accommodation

3-Star Hotel
Trip Note:

At Breakfree Adventures we are always seeking ways to improve travel and trekking experiences of our clients as we wish to provide best service in an unbeatable price.

All our hands are on deck to make your travel and trekking in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan an experience to last lifetime. You are a call/email away from booking a The Best Holiday with us.

The itinerary mentioned and explained above is a standard itinerary. Depending upon your requirements and need we can tweak things here and there to either shorten or lengthen the duration of your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Please inquire us at: [email protected] or call at +977-9851014557 for more information regarding Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

What is Included/Excluded on Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Package.

What is included?

  • Airport pick up/drop by a private vehicle.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Guided Kathmandu city tour at 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with private vehicle and tour guide.
  • Kathmandu/Beni & Marpha/Pokhara transfers by a local bus or private vehicle
  • All accommodations during the trek at lodges/Teahouse.
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Experienced Government licensed English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) on the trek.
  • Trekking staff costs like their transportation, food, accommodation, wages, and insurance.
  • Annapurna Conservation area (ACAP) entrance permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 2 passport size photos for TIMS & Permit)
  • First Aid medical kit (carried by your trek guide)
  • Trekking gears like duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and walking pole. (To be returned after the trek)
  • Accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Pokhara/Kathmandu transfers by a local bus or private vehicle
  • Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant after the trek completion.
  • All government and local taxes, VAT.

What is excluded?

  • Any Lunch or Dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Monuments entrance fees while Kathmandu sightseeing.
  • Nepal visa fee (bring accurate USD cash, US$30 per person for 15 days, and two passport photos)
  • International airfare and travel insurance.
  • Any kinds of drinks or personal expenses (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
  • Tips for guide and porters.
Have a question?
Note:

We also operated private trips.

Essential Information for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

What is the packing list Dhaulagiri circuit trek?

No matter what season you are embarking in the trekking of Dhaulagiri region, it is going to be cold. The highest point of the trek, French Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) and hidden valley is at high altitude and you will be spending two whole day and one night at such high altitude. So packing list can be quite extensive, as you have to pack all the right equipment and clothes to keep you warm during day and night.

Packing list can make or break the Trek. It heavily influences how enjoyable and adventurous the trek was. So, it is necessary to have a good idea about what to pack depending upon the time of the year a person is doing the trek. Having extensive goods included in your packing list can make your bag pack cumbersome, whereas packing minimally excluding indispensable things can make the trek even worse. Using our decades of experience operating high altitude trek expedition we have curated a packing list best for Langtang Valley Trek which ensures optimum trekking experience.

Upper body

  • 4-5 T-shirt including at least 2 full sleeves. Breathable Polyester shirts preferred.
  • Thermal Top
  • 1 Down Jacket (Essential)
  • 1 Pullover (Hoodie, Sweater or Sweat shirt)
  • Windproof and Waterproof Jacket
  • Sports Bra for women

Lower Body

  • 3-4 Hiking Pants (Easy to walk on breathable material)
  • Thermal Pant
  • Leggings
  • Shell Pants (for winter and monsoon seasons when chances of snow and rain is high)

Head

  • Trekking Hat/Cap
  • Beanie/Thick woolen cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Ear muffles / Headscarf to cover your ear

Feet and Hands

  • 1 Pair of Hiking Boot (sturdy, all-purpose, weather proof and with ankle support)
  • 4-5 Pair of Thick and Thin Socks
  • 1 Pair of Slipper to wear in Lodges and Teahouse.
  • Liner Gloves
  • Quilted/Down Gloves
  • Mittens (for extremely cold seasons only)

Toiletries

  • Toothpaste and Toothbrush
  • Soap and Shampoo
  • Sunscreen and Moisturizer
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Towel
  • Deodorant (optional)

Equipment

  • Trekking Bag pack 40-70 liters and Rain cover for bags
  • Small Day Pack (in case of potter carrying remaining Bag pack)
  • Hiking Poles
  • Crampons/Micro Crampons (essential for winter treks)
  • Raincoats (essential during monsoon otherwise optional)
  • Head Lamps
  • Thermos and/or Water Bottle
  • Weather Proof Camping Tent
  • Down Sleeping Bags
  • Hiking Stoves
  • Methane Tanks
  • Utensils (Cups, Plates, Spoon and Forks)

Electronic Devices

  • Camera, Charger and additional batteries. (optional)
  • Power banks and Battery backup (optional)
  • Cellphone with functional SIM card and charger
  • Adapter (Nepali pin to usable pin system)
  • Headphones/Earpods (optional)

Including above mentioned goods will ensure that your bag pack is not cumbersome and consist thing that are essential for a good trek.

Click here to know more about packing list for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.


What will be the temperature of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

Temperature varies from month to month during Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek but it is sure that the it will always be cold at higher altitude i.e. above 4,500 meters or 14,763 feet. The temperature during winter season at higher elevation can reach several Celsius degree below freezing point. During summer and other seasons besides winter the temperature at higher altitude is going to be around 5°C to 15 °C but during night it is going to be below freezing point because of its close proximity to mountain and high altitude. The temperature at lower elevation part of the trek is as follow:

  • March to May is the best months to trek with temperature between 5°C to 15 °C in lower elevation.
  • June to August, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C during the day and nights will be 5°C to 15°C.
  • September to November is yet another best time to hike with mild temperatures in lower elevation ranging from 10°C to 20 °C
  • December to February, day time temperature can get as low as 0°C to 10°C with high probability of snowfall even at lower elevation of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trail.

Dhaulagiri circuit trek difficulty

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered as the most difficult trek in Nepal. There isn’t any settlement or tea houses after you ascend from Italian base camp, you will be camping in Glacier Camp and Hidden Valley. These two nights and 3 days you will have to spend your nights in camping tent inside your sleeping bag. You will be spending 2 days and 1 night in altitude above 5,000 meters or 16,404 feet, which is more than any other treks done in Nepal. Because of this it is physically very taxing and strenuous, chance of one getting altitude sickness because of rarefied atmosphere is high. If you are looking for comfort then it might not be the best choice for you. The teahouse and tourist establishments till Italian Base Camp are of a lower standard than in other trek regions but personal hygiene and cleanliness is not compromised. The hard and challenging trek does not hesitate to reward the adventurer. The hidden valley of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful landmarks that any trekker can witness, with 360o panoramic view of Dhaulagiri Range, Tobuche, Dhampus peak and surrounding mountain peaks it is nothing sort of land of magical fiction stories. You will get the taste of unparalleled adventure while in trek, pushing your physical boundaries.

Trekking to such high altitude brings high chances of altitude sickness due to rarefied atmosphere. But our itinerary curated by industry leading guides and professionals comprises several acclimatization days that should make the trek less challenging.

If you intend to do Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek we require you to have a proper idea of trekking in higher elevation, active and sound physical fitness, a previous trekking experience of at least moderately difficult trek and no underlying health condition specially related to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.


Dhaulagiri circuit trek best season

The best season for Dhaulagiri circuit trekking is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). During these seasons the weather is likely to be at its finest and the temperatures are good for trekking (particularly at low and mid-elevations). We recommend you to not trek during winter as in higher elevation there will be heavy snowfall, the occurrence of avalanches is high, trail will be covered with snow 1-2 foot deep, passes might be blocked by heavy snowfall, the rocky path can be slippery due to ice formation and extreme cold with temperatures several degree Celsius below zero during night. If you are looking for other remote and off-the-beaten-path treks then opting for Makalu Base Camp trek is a good idea.


What are the permits required while doing Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

The permits required while doing Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek are:

  1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  2. Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit will cost around $20 USD per person, and TIMS will cost you $10 USD. Cost of both of these permits are covered when you book Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek package with Breakfree Adventures.


Nepal Tourist Visa for Foreigners

All foreigners, besides Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Visa is to be had on arrival at the Tribhuvan global airport in Kathmandu, and you may increase your visa on the valuable immigration office. Click here to know more about tourist visa in Nepal.

The visa application would require a passport legitimate for at the least 6- months and a passport-length photograph. The present-day visa rate costs USD30 for 15 days, which you need to pay in cash (Please bring the exact change USD30 per person) on arrival at Tribhuvan international Airport. Citizens of China and the SAARC nations will acquire a loose visa.

A few countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan- may not get hold of an on-arrival visa. In case you are from those international locations, you should contact your local Nepalese embassy.


Safety and Insurance for Trekkers.

While operating challenging high altitude treks our first and foremost priority is Trekkers’ safety and we Breakfree Adventures put safety of our clients even before anything.

Our guides and potters are cognizant with the challenges and adversities of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trail. Our guides and potters well trained and tutored with proceedings to follow in case of any inauspicious happenings during the trail. Our guides will be measuring the blood oxygen level of the trekkers with oximeter regularly in order to detect early signs of altitude sickness. Also, there will be acclimatization days which obviate the chances of altitude sickness by allowing body adapt to rarefied atmosphere. In addition to that locals are very hospitable and friendly, and cases of assault, robbery and stealing on the trail is unheard of. We request our clients to not offend the culture, religion and lifestyle of natives to avoid confrontation. Sure, this is a perilous trek but we take no chances on our client’s safety, until it’s all green light no one is crossing the road. With Breakfree Adventure, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is as safe as it could get.

Insurance is mandatory for anyone doing high altitude trek. In case of emergency, insurance covers the cost for evacuation via helicopter and its better be safe than sorry. We Breakfree Adventures can help trekkers choose the ideal insurance for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.


Guides and Potters during the trek.

Nepal Tourism Board have made it mandatory for trekkers to have a licensed guide with them throughout the trek while doing high risk strenuous trek, which also includes Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. However, hiring a potter or is a personal choice. Our standard Dhaulagiri  Circuit Trek provides Potter service but if you are okay carrying your own stuffs then you don’t need to hire a potter and it will also reduce the cost of the trek. Our guides all have comprehensive knowledge of the trail and very apt with communication skills that can understand needs and issues of even the most reticent person. They are familiar with all subtleties and nuances of the trail and are prudent when it comes to facing such difficult situations.

Similarly, our potters, simply put, are super humans. Even we cannot fathom their resilience, strength and stamina. In places where a person needs to pant on every few steps our potters can carry your goods and reach destination faster than any trekkers. They are just indefatigable physically and mentally. However, if you consider yourself strong enough to carry your own bag then you are more than welcome.

Breakfree Adventures provide both experienced guides and indefatigable potters with standard Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek package.


Can I extend my trip? Adventure tourism activities in Nepal

After completing the trek, you may join other extra adventure activities for one day or more. There are numerous stunning and adventurous places in Nepal. You may spend your extras days in Kathmandu various approaches, which includes, Everest Mountain flight, Everest Base Camp Heli Tour, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot day trip, Chitwan Jungle Safaris, 2 nights 3 days Chitwan jungle safari, Chitwan Luxury Tour , Trishuli River Rafting before flying back home.

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