Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel 1350 m./4,430 ft./30 min. drive
We will pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Darbang 1,110 m/3,640 ft./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 a jeep, relishing the view of lush hills and snow-capped mountains. Following the flow of the Kali Gandaki River, we pass the town of Beni and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang. Overnight at the tent camp.
Day 03: Trek from Darbang to Sibang 1,780 m./5,838 ft./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 (7,193m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m). 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 1,570 m/5,149 ft./4-5 hours OR Bagar 2,080 m/6,822 ft/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 2,520 m/8,265 ft./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/12,004 ft./7-8 hours
Leaving the last village of Dobhan, we trek towards the Italian Base Camp. Today we pass through the forested trail filled with oaks, bamboo, and pine 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 (6920 m), Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from Italian Base Camp. Overnight at the tent 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/12,760 ft./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 been rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395 m) on the other. Overnight at the tent camp.
Day 09: Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,748 m/15,575 ft./4-5 hours
Today is the most challenging day 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 the Dhaulagiri range, along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgelines. Overnight at the tent camp.
Day 10: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley 5,140 m/16,859 ft./6-7 hours walking via French Pass 5,360 m./17,580 ft.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 the mountains, we make our way up to French Pass, which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through the snowy slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley. Overnight at the tent camp
Day 11: Reserve Day for bad weather or rest day
We keep the extra day in case the weather conditions become bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley. Overnight at the tent camp.
Day 12: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka 4,200 m/13,776 ft./5-6 hours walking via Dhampus Pass 5,244 m./17,200 ft.
We head towards Yak Kharka crossing over Dhampus Pass (5244 m). Relishing the beautiful view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the background, we descend steeply to Yak Kharka through avalanche prone slopes. Overnight at the tent camp.
Day 13: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom 2,720 m/8,921 ft./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 the Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight at the 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 by boating in the Phewa Lake and visiting the famous places of Pokhara. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.
Day 15: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
We catch our scenic early-morning flight back to the capital. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give you the rest of the day to yourself. You can either rest or shop for friends and family. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Global Adventure Trekking arranges your final departure to Kathmandu International Airport for the another chapter of your journey.