Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 18 Days | Itinerary, Map and Cost
Trip Overview
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a strenuous expedition that circumnavigates Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world. Unlike the teahouse-supported trails of Annapurna or Everest, this route remains a true wilderness experience requiring full camping logistics above the tree line. Trekkers navigate the Myagdi Khola valley, cross the glaciated French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240 m), and explore the isolated Hidden Valley.
This 18-day expedition suits experienced trekkers who seek solitude, technical terrain, and raw Himalayan landscapes. You spend three nights above 5,000 meters, testing your endurance against the elements while surrounded by peaks like Tukuche, Dhaulagiri II, III, V, and Gurja Himal. The trail connects the rugged Myagdi district with the wind-swept Mustang region, ending in the apple orchards of Marpha.
Travel To Nepal organizes this as a fully supported camping trek. Our crew includes expert guides, cooks, and porters who manage all logistics, ensuring you can focus on the challenging ascents and spectacular views.
What Are the Main Attractions of the Trek?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit offers 8 distinct highlights ranging from glacier crossings to high-altitude plateaus:
- Mt. Dhaulagiri Base Camp: Trekkers stand directly beneath the towering South Face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), experiencing the sheer scale of an 8,000-meter peak.
- French Pass Crossing: At 5,360 meters, this pass offers a 360-degree panorama of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, Mukut Himal, and the endless ranges of Dolpo to the west.
- The Hidden Valley: This high-altitude plateau sits at 5,100 meters, resembling the Tibetan tundra with its arid, wind-swept landscape and deep silence.
- Chhonbardan Glacier: You traverse this active glacier for two days, navigating moraine and ice while surrounded by vertical rock walls.
- Dhampus Pass: The second high pass (5,240 m) rewards trekkers with views of the Annapurna Massif, Nilgiri, and the deep cleft of the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
- Myagdi Khola Gorge: The trail follows this wild river from lush subtropical forests up to its glacial source, showcasing a dramatic shift in vegetation zones.
- Remote Magar Villages: Settlements like Muri and Boghara preserve traditional Magar architecture and farming practices, untouched by commercial tourism.
- Marpha Village: The trek concludes in this charming Thakali village, famous for its apple brandy, whitewashed houses, and paved stone streets.
Who Is This Trek Right For?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit challenges even seasoned hikers with its technical terrain, extreme altitude, and isolation. We recommend this expedition if you have previous high-altitude trekking experience (above 5,000 m) and prefer sleeping in tents over lodges.
Use the criteria below to assess your readiness:
- Trek Difficulty: Strenuous. You walk 6–9 hours daily on steep, rocky, and icy terrain. The route includes sustained time above 4,000 meters.
- Experience Level: Advanced. Previous experience on routes like Manaslu, Everest Three Passes, or Kanchenjunga is strongly advised.
- Accommodation: Camping. You sleep in tents for approximately 8–10 nights. We provide high-quality sleeping tents, dining tents, and toilet tents.
- Food: Camp Kitchen. Our trained cooks prepare fresh, hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) daily.
- Age Requirement: 18+ Recommended. Due to the physical demands, we generally do not recommend this trek for minors unless they have significant hiking experience.
- Group Size: Small Groups. We cap groups at 10 participants to ensure safety and personalized attention on technical sections.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Complete Itinerary
This 18-day itinerary ensures proper acclimatization by including rest days at Italian Base Camp and manageable daily altitude gains.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Overview
- Meals Included: None
- Elevation: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft
- Overnight: Kathmandu (Hotel)
Full Description:
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you complete immigration formalities. Our representative welcomes you outside the terminal and transfers you to your hotel. In the evening, we hold a mandatory pre-trek briefing to introduce your guide, check your gear, and finalize permits.
Day 2: Sightseeing and Preparation in Kathmandu
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Highlights: Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Overnight: Kathmandu (Hotel)
Full Description:
We dedicate this day to obtaining the necessary permits and finalizing logistics. While we handle the paperwork, you visit UNESCO heritage sites like Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. You also have time to rent heavy gear (crampons, down jackets) in Thamel if needed.
Day 3: Drive to Beni, then to Darbang
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,110 m / 3,640 ft
- Drive Duration: 9–10 hours
- Overnight: Darbang (Lodge/Camp)
Full Description:
We leave Kathmandu early for a scenic drive along the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers. The road ends at Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi. From Beni, we switch to local jeeps for a rough 2-hour drive to Darbang, the starting point of our trek. Darbang is a bustling town where we meet our full support crew (porters and kitchen staff).
Day 4: Trek to Dharapani
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,560 m / 5,118 ft
- Walking Duration: 5 hours
- Overnight: Dharapani (Camp)
Full Description:
The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Myagdi Khola and heads north. We walk through terraced wheat fields and small Magar settlements. The majestic Dhaulagiri massif begins to peek through the hills as we ascend to the ridge-top village of Dharapani.
Day 5: Trek to Muri
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,720 m / 5,643 ft
- Walking Duration: 5–6 hours
- Overnight: Muri (Camp)
Full Description:
Today’s path offers expansive views of Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal. We descend to the Gatti Khola before climbing steeply to Muri. Muri is a large Magar village where houses feature traditional slate roofs and intricate woodwork. We camp in the schoolyard or a designated open ground, enjoying the village’s hospitality.
Day 6: Trek to Boghara
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 2,080 m / 6,824 ft
- Walking Duration: 6 hours
- Overnight: Boghara (Camp)
Full Description:
We descend a steep trail to cross the Myagdi Khola, then hike along its West Bank. The valley narrows, and the vegetation shifts to sub-tropical forests. After a steady climb through bamboo groves and farm fields, we reach Boghara. This remote village marks the end of permanent settlements on this route.
Day 7: Trek to Dobang
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 2,520 m / 8,268 ft
- Walking Duration: 6 hours
- Overnight: Dobang (Camp)
Full Description:
The trail becomes more rugged, requiring the use of ropes in some slippery sections. We navigate through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Trekkers often spot Langur monkeys and varied birdlife here. Dobang is a small clearing in the forest used by herders, offering a quiet camping spot.
Day 8: Trek to Sallaghari
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 3,110 m / 10,203 ft
- Walking Duration: 5–6 hours
- Overnight: Sallaghari (Camp)
Full Description:
We continue ascending through the forest, crossing the Konaban Khola. The path climbs to higher altitudes where the trees transition to birch and juniper. We arrive at Sallaghari, a campsite surrounded by pine trees (Salla means pine in Nepali). This is our last camp below the tree line.
Day 9: Trek to Italian Base Camp
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 3,660 m / 12,008 ft
- Walking Duration: 4–5 hours
- Overnight: Italian Base Camp (Camp)
Full Description:
We leave the forest behind and enter the alpine zone. The West Face of Dhaulagiri I dominates the skyline, rising vertically 4,500 meters from the valley floor. We cross the Myagdi Khola and reach Italian Base Camp. This camp sits on a grassy moraine and serves as a critical acclimatization hub.
Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Overnight: Italian Base Camp (Camp)
Full Description:
We spend the day resting and hiking to higher altitudes to aid acclimatization. A popular side trip is hiking towards the Chhonbardan Glacier wall. You can hear the roar of avalanches falling from Dhaulagiri’s flanks, a safe distance away. Our guides check your oxygen saturation levels and prepare gear for the glacier crossing.
Day 11: Trek to Glacier Camp (Japanese Camp)
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Walking Duration: 5 hours
- Overnight: Glacier Camp (Camp)
Full Description:
The trail descends onto the rocky glacier. We traverse the Chhonbardan Glacier, navigating loose scree and ice. Ropes may be fixed for safety in steep, icy sections. Glacier Camp is located on a rocky shelf directly on the glacier, surrounded by towering peaks.
Day 12: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
- Walking Duration: 5 hours
- Overnight: Dhaulagiri Base Camp (Camp)
Full Description:
We continue up the center of the glacier. The views open up to reveal Dhaulagiri II, III, and V. Upon reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp, majestic Dhaulagiri I towers directly above us. Expedition teams often camp here during climbing seasons (spring). The sunset turning the ice walls gold is a highlight of the trip.
Day 13: Trek to Hidden Valley via French Pass
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 5,140 m / 16,863 ft (Camp) | 5,360 m (Pass)
- Walking Duration: 7–8 hours
- Overnight: Hidden Valley (Camp)
Full Description:
We conquer the highest point of the trek today. The climb to French Pass (5,360 m) is steep but non-technical. From the summit, you see Mukut Himal, Tukuche Peak, and the Dhaulagiri massif. We descend into the Hidden Valley, a vast, wind-swept plateau that feels like a piece of Tibet frozen in time.
Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft
- Walking Duration: 6–7 hours
- Overnight: Yak Kharka (Camp)
Full Description:
We cross the Dhampus Pass (5,240 m), our second high pass. The pass offers a final, breathtaking view of the Hidden Valley before revealing the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the Annapurna range. The trail descends steeply towards Yak Kharka, where vegetation and warmth return.
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom via Marpha
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
- Walking Duration: 5 hours
- Overnight: Jomsom (Lodge)
Full Description:
We descend steeply to the village of Marpha, known for its apple orchards and strong brandy. The white-washed houses and paved streets are a welcome change from the wilderness. After lunch in Marpha, we walk along the windy Kali Gandaki riverbed to Jomsom. Tonight, we celebrate the completion of our circuit in a comfortable lodge.
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Flight Duration: 25 minutes
- Overnight: Pokhara (Hotel)
Full Description:
We take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight passes through the deepest gorge in the world, with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna rising on either side. In Pokhara, you can relax by Phewa Lake or enjoy a massage to soothe your tired muscles.
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Drive Duration: 6–7 hours
- Overnight: Kathmandu (Hotel)
Full Description:
We drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus, enjoying the final views of the mid-hills. In the evening, Travel To Nepal hosts a farewell dinner with a cultural show to celebrate your achievement.
Day 18: Departure
Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Full Description:
Our representative transfers you to the airport three hours before your flight. You leave Nepal with memories of the “White Mountain” and the resilience required to conquer it.
Cost Inclusion & Exclusion
Included Services & Amenities
- Transport: All ground transportation (Kathmandu-Beni-Darbang) and domestic flight (Jomsom-Pokhara).
- Accommodation: 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara (3-star), 14 nights camping (twin-share tents).
- Camping Gear: High-quality sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables, and chairs.
- Meals: 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek, prepared by our expedition cook.
- Staff: Experienced Guide, Cook, Kitchen Helpers, and Porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers).
- Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card (or equivalent local permit).
- Safety: Oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter, and comprehensive first aid kit.
- Staff Insurance: Medical and emergency rescue insurance for all crew members.
Excluded From The Package
- International Airfare: Flights to/from Kathmandu.
- Nepal Visa: On-arrival visa fees (USD 30/50/125 for 15/30/90 days).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory insurance covering helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m.
- Personal Gear: Sleeping bag (-20°C), down jacket, trekking boots, and personal clothing.
- Personal Expenses: WiFi, battery charging, hot showers (in lower lodges), alcohol, and snacks.
- Tips: Gratuities for the guide, cook, and porters (customary in Nepal).
What Are the Best Scenic Spots in Dhaulagiri?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit offers photographers distinct, dramatic compositions that differ from the “standard” Himalayan views.
- Muri Village Viewpoint: This vantage point frames Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) rising majestically behind the terraced fields of the Myagdi valley. It captures the contrast between human settlement and raw nature.
- Italian Base Camp (West Face): From here, the West Face of Dhaulagiri shoots up 4,500 meters vertically. It is one of the largest vertical rises of any mountain face in the world, perfect for wide-angle shots emphasizing scale.
- Chhonbardan Glacier: The active ice formations, seracs, and supraglacial lakes offer abstract and textural photography opportunities. The interplay of white ice and dark rock is striking.
- Dhaulagiri Base Camp at Sunset: As the sun sets, the ice walls of Dhaulagiri turn gold and pink. The reflection on the glacier ice creates a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.
- Hidden Valley: This high-altitude desert offers stark, minimalist beauty. The brown, rolling hills against the deep blue sky create a “Tibetan” feel that contrasts with the icy peaks.
Facilities Available During the Trek
Lodging Standards
Accommodations shift dramatically during the trek.
- Lower Trek (Days 1–8): We stay in basic community lodges or camp in designated village grounds. Lodges offer twin beds and shared toilets.
- High Trek (Days 9–14): We use expedition-style camping. You sleep in high-quality 2-person alpine tents. We provide a foam mattress for insulation. A separate dining tent is set up for meals, and a toilet tent is erected at each campsite for hygiene.
- End of Trek (Days 15–16): In Marpha and Jomsom, we return to comfortable teahouses with attached bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.
Typical Meals and Food Quality
Since this is a camping trek, our kitchen crew travels with you.
- Breakfast: Porridge, eggs (omelet/boiled), Tibetan bread, pancakes, tea, and coffee.
- Lunch: Freshly prepared hot meals (pasta, noodles, potatoes) served at a scenic lunch stop.
- Dinner: A 3-course meal including soup, a main course (Dal Bhat, curry, stew), and dessert (fruit/pudding).
- Hygiene: Our cooks use treated water and maintain strict hygiene standards to prevent illness. We can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets if requested in advance.
Key Points to Know Before Trekking Dhaulagiri
Safety and Permits
- Permits Required: Foreign nationals must obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card (or local municipality permit). While a “Restricted Area Permit” is not strictly required for the standard circuit, the trek mandates a licensed guide and at least two trekkers due to safety regulations.
- Emergency Rescue: Helicopter rescue is the only option for emergencies above Muri. Ensure your insurance covers evacuation up to 6,000 meters, as rescue costs can exceed $3,000 USD.
- Altitude Sickness: You sleep above 4,000 meters for multiple nights. We carry a Gamow bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) or bottled oxygen for emergencies. Immediate descent is the primary protocol for AMS symptoms.
Physical Preparation
- Training: Begin a cardio and strength regimen 12–16 weeks prior. Focus on weighted hill climbs (carrying 10–12 kg) to simulate the physical toll of the trail.
- Technical Skills: Basic familiarity with crampons and ice axes is recommended for the glacier sections, though not always mandatory depending on conditions. Your guide will instruct you on their use if needed.
Packing Essentials
- Sleeping Bag: Rated to -20°C (essential for Base Camp and Hidden Valley).
- Boots: Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support. They must be compatible with strap-on crampons.
- Clothing: Down jacket, windproof/waterproof shell (jacket and pants), thermal layers, and warm gloves.
- Water: Bring a reusable bottle and purification tablets/filter. We provide boiled water at camp, but a backup filter is crucial.