Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at 3-star hotel.
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Darbang 1110m/6-7 hours
We fly to Pokhara catching our early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu. After a 30-minute flight to Pokhara, we drive to Darbang via Beni on jeep relishing the view of lush hills and snow-capped mountains. Following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we pass the town of Beni and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 03: Trek from Darbang to Sibang 1780m/6-7 hours
Today, we head towards Sibang ascending to the ridge-top village of Dharapani from where we can get a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal (7193m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m). We continue our trek walking along the ridge on the path above the river to reach Sibang. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 04: Trek from Sibang to Naura 1570m/4-5 hours OR Bagar 2080m/7-8 hours
Leaving behind Sibang, we descend to Gatti Khola then climb up to the village of Muri where Myagdi and Dhara rivers meet. We continue to trek crossing the bridge over Dhola Khola and descend through the terraced farm fields and sparse settlements before arriving in Naura village. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 05: Trek from Naura OR Bagar to Dobhan 2520m/5-7 hours
Moving alongside the bank of Myagdi Khola through a grassy hill and a steep slope, we arrive in Bagar. We then follow the up and down trail to Dobhan. We continue to descend through a forest to Jyardan before climbing uphill to Lipshe. The route then enters the forested area before ascending up to Dobhan. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 06: Trek from Dobhan to Italian Base Camp 3,660 m/7-8 hours
Leaving the last village of Dobhan, we trek towards Italian Base Camp. Today we pass through the forested trail filled with oaks, bamboo, and pines trees. As we move further and gain altitude, mountains start to surround us from all around. We can get the best view of Tukuche Peak (6920m), Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from Italian Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day
We take this day for acclimatization. We can explore the base camp area or spend the day relishing the spectacular view of surrounding mountains. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 08: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp 3,890 m/4-5 hours
Leaving behind Italian Base Camp, we trek through the rocky area on a steep slope before crossing the glacial moraines. We then reach a wide grassy area in a shallow ablation valley known as “Japanese Base Camp”. We have rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395m) on the other. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 09: Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,748 m/4-5 hours
Today is the most challenging day out of our journey. Walking on the glacier, sometimes on the lateral moraine and undulating surface of the glacier itself, we carefully and responsibly make our way up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Upon reaching, we can see the stunning view of all the peaks of Dhaulagiri range along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgeline. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 10: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley 5,140 m/ 6-7 hours walking via French Pass 5,360 m
We continue to trek on the north side of Chhondarban Glacier, and gradually climb the steep hillside above the glacier. Following the zig-zag trail across moraines, we make our way up to French Pass which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through snow slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley. Overnight at tented campv
Day 11: Reserve Day for bad weather or rest day
We keep the extra day in case the weather condition becomes bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 12: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka 4,200 m/5-6 hours walking via Dhampus Pass 5,244 m
We head towards Yak Kharka crossing over Dhampus Pass (5244m). Relishing the beautiful view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the background, we descend steeply to Yak Kharka through avalanche prone slopes. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 13: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom 2,720 m/4-5 hours walking via Marpha
We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Passing through the whitewashed houses, paved streets, and following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight at lodge in Jomsom.
Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel. Free day in Pokhara
We fly back to Pokhara, early in the morning, enjoying an aerial view of the mountains. Later in the afternoon, we explore the beautiful Pokhara city boating in the Phewa Lake and visiting the famous places of Pokhara. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Pokhara.
Day 15: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
We catch our early morning scenic flight back to the capital. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself. You can either rest or shop for friends and family. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Our team representative drops you at Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure hoping to see you again.