Dhaulagiri Circuit, also known as Dhaulagiri Round, is one of the best treks in the Nepal Himalaya. Dhaulagiri trekking trail crosses French Col and Dhampus Pass with both passes over 5,000m in altitude. Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world at an altitude of 8,167m. It was first climbed along the northeast ridge in 1960 by a team of Swiss and Austrian mountaineers.
This is a camping-style trekking expedition where you sleep in tents and our cooks provide the meals. Trekking Dhaulagiri route explores a remote area in central Nepal. The trek starts through villages framed by views of the Dhaulagiri range. After the Italian Base Camp, we walk through Chonbarden gorge towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. We cross French Pass at an altitude of 5,360m into Hidden Valley and camp in Hidden Valley for two nights.
On the day walk from Hidden Valley, you can explore this area with our trekking guides. Our recommendation is to ascend a ridge on the North-West side of the valley. From here there is superb views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiris, and Annapurnas.
The second option from Hidden Valley is to climb Dhampus Peak at an altitude of 6,060m. You need mountaineering experience for this route. If you like to climb to the summit of Dhampus Peak there is an extra charge to cover the cost of the climbing permit.
After camping in Hidden Valley we cross Dhampus Pass at an altitude of 5,240m. From Yak Kharka we descend on a steep walking path to Marpha then to Jomsom located on Annapurna Circuit. We use the airstrip in this town for the flight back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara (827m)
Day 3: Drive to Darbang (1,180m) and trek Dharapani (1,470m)
Day 4: Trek to Muri (1,850m)
Day 5: Trek to Boghara (2,080m)
Day 6: Trek to Dobang (2,500m)
Day 7: Trek to Sallaghari (2,820m)
Day 8: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Day 9: Rest and acclimatisation day
Day 10: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,200m)
Day 11: Rest and acclimatisation day at Glacier Camp
Day 12: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,700m)
Day 13: Rest and acclimatisation day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Day 14: Trek via French Col (5,360m) to Hidden Valley (5,050m)
Day 15: Option 1: Exploration walk around Hidden Valley option 2: Optional ascent of Dhampus Peak (6,012m)
Day 16: Trek via Dhampus Pass (5,240m) to Alu Bari (3,40m)
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2,670m)
Day 18: Fly to Pokhara & Kathmandu
Day 19: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 20: Fly back home
- All internal transport and transfers including airport collections.
- Internal flights. The flights are Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom to Pokhara & Kathmandu. The weight allowance is 15kg for your main bag checked into the hold and 5kg for your day pack.
- One day sightseeing in Kathmandu with Nepalese cultural guide and private vehicle.
- Twin share rooms at Hotel Tibet or Ambassador in Kathmandu and in Pokhara at Hotel Mount Kailash.
- Breakfast only in Kathmandu and Pokhara, all meals included while on trek.
- Twin share tents while on trek using our Western branded tents. These are three person domed tents with plenty of space for two people sharing plus gear.
- Trekking arrangements. Including permits and fees, tents, International and Sherpa guides, porters and cooks.
- Porterage. The allowance for your main bag is 18kg (or 20kg for those climbing Dhampus Peak too).
- Weather forecasts for Dhaulagiri region from EverestWeather.com.
- Thuraya satellite phone for organising logistics and medical evacuations. It can also be also used for personal calls at extra cost.
- GPS tracking on Google Maps. Your friends and family can track your progress during the trek.
- Trekking map given to you on arrival to Kathmandu.
- Rubberised luggage tag posted to you before departure.
- Full financial protection. Our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number is 10921. Our Association of Bonded Travel Operators Trust (ABTOT) membership number is 5365).
- Pre departure support and advice from The Mountain Company. We are available by email, phone or face to face meetings.
- International flight to/from Kathmandu.
- Travel & trekking insurance.
- Nepal visa for 30 days.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
- If you like to climb Dhampus Peak there is an extra charge to cover the cost of climbing permit.
- Personal clothing & equipment, please see the Appendix for suggested kit list.
- Tips. Each trekker should budget for giving tips into the group fund. This should be in region of 21,000 Nepalese rupees (£135, US$175 or €150)
- Other items not listed in “What is included”.
I highly recommend The Mountain Company. Excellent pre-trek info. Quick replies to emails from the owner. Great service in Nepal. Excellent English trek-guide and a happy, well managed team of Nepalese. Strong emphasis on wellbeing and safety. Fantastic food. Ongoing support of the Nepalese by The Mountain Company is rewarded in its ability to get great people.
This was a fantastic trek. Well planned from the start, as especially good on acclimitisation. The leader, Nat, was great. There was ample care and medical attention if needed. Ample food too - but inevitably it was basic. If this company is a little more expensive it is worth it. Roland advised well on level of difficultly, neither pushing for numbers on a trek that may be too hard, nor discouraging from a challenge.
Top Trip !!! A stunning adventure through changing Himalyan landscapes, from friendly villages to snow covered high passes into the amazing Hidden Valley. The Mountain Company took care of everything and everybody, clients and crew, and shows respect for the environment through which it travels. Well Done !! Some tough days but so rewarding and humbling.
This was my first guided Himalayan trek and in every aspect exceeded my expectations. All aspects of the trip were exceptional; the quality and experience of TMC staff and local trek leaders, the porter and cooking crews support of the trekkers, the handling of the logistics, the food, and the persistent attention to safety and hygiene. The leaders' commitment to the health, safety and comfort of the porters and cook crew was apparent throughout. The route and pace was perfectly designed to capture the extraordinary beauty of the region and allow for gradual acclimatization. As an example of attention to detail; I had a medication allergy that was missed by my doctor (pre-trip) but was identified by the trek leader. It could have resulted in a premature evacuation but resolved through satellite phone consultation with TMC's on call doctor and I was able to complete the trip. Highly recommended.
Great trip with the usual professionalism of The Mountain Company. They include extra days for acclimatisation and a free day in the Hidden Valley. On this schedule the altitude gain is steady and no day is particularly tough. The French Pass and Hidden Valley are amazing locations and there are few other trekkers around.
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