Summit French Pass (5,360m), the trek's highest and most dramatic crossing The high point of the entire circuit rewards you with a 360-degree panorama of the Dhaulagiri massif, Tukuche Peak, and the stark white expanse of Hidden Valley below.
Cross Hidden Valley, a desolate high-altitude plateau few trekkers ever see Walking this remote stretch between French Pass and Dhampus Pass feels like genuine no-man's-land a rare sense of isolation missing from Nepal's more crowded trekking routes.
Stand at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m), face to face with an 8,000m giant Camping directly beneath the world's seventh-highest peak puts you within sight of its massive North Face and the dramatic Dhaulagiri Icefall an experience most Himalayan trekkers never get this close to.
Trek across the Chhonbardan Glacier on genuine expedition terrain Days spent navigating shifting moraine and icy tracks give this route the feel of an alpine expedition rather than a standard teahouse trek real glacier travel, not just glacier views.
Finish in Marpha, Nepal's "Apple Capital," after weeks of wilderness Stone-paved streets, whitewashed houses, and locally distilled apple brandy make for a genuinely welcome contrast after the raw, remote terrain of the Dhaulagiri Circuit's high passes.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a formidable expedition-style journey that circumnavigates the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m). This 20-day route is defined by a dramatic transition from large, terraced fields and Magar villages of the Myagdi Valley into a stark high-Alpine Wilderness dominated by ChhonbardanGlacier. Unlike more commercialised routes, this trek offers a raw encounter with the Himalayas, requiring several days of camping on glacial moraine and challenging terrain that remains largely untouched by modern infrastructure.
The trek’s climax involves crossing high-altitude bottlenecks: “Hidden Valley,” the French Pass (5,360m) and the Dhampus Pass(5,240m). Reaching these points grants access to “Hidden Valley,” a vast, desolate plateau that offers a sense of profound isolation and unparalleled views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Because the route stays above 4,000m for an extended period and involves walking over unstable ice and rock, it is best suited for trekkers with high physical stamina and prior experience in high-altitude environments. The journey concludes with a descent into the windy Kali-Gandaki Valley, eventually reaching the famous apple orchards of Marpha and the transport hub of Jomsom.
Trip highlights of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The French Pass (5,360m), reaching the highest point of the trek, rewards you with a staggering 360-degree panorama of the Dhaulagiri massif, Tuckuche peak, and the vast, white expanse of the hidden valley.
The hidden valley: A star, high-altitude desert-like plateau. Walking through this “no-man’s land” between the French and Dhampus Passes provides a sense of profound sense og isolation rarely found on the major Nepal routes.
Dhampus pass (5,244m): The final high hurdle before descending. It offers a view of the Annapurna range and the deep Kali Gandaki valley.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m): Standing directly at the foot of the world’s seventh-highest peak (8,167m) provides an intimate look at its massive North Face and the spectacular Dhaulagiri icefall.
Glacier Walking: You spend significant time trekking on the Chhonbardan Glacier. Navigating the shifting moraine and icy tracks makes it feel more like an alpine expedition than the standard hike.
Close-up peaks: Unrivalled views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, V and Nilgiri, Gurja Himal, and Tukuche Peak.
Marpha village: The trek concludes in the “Apple Capital of Nepal.” After weeks of wilderness, the stone-paved streets, white-washed houses, and famous apple brandy of Marpha are a welcome sight.
Itinerary
1DayArrival in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel (1,400m)Day 1 of 20
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This is a day for settling in, meeting your trekking team for a formal briefing, and conducting a final check of your high-altitude gear.
2DaySightseeing in Kathmandu ValleyDay 2 of 20
While the office handles your final permits, you’ll explore the spiritual landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley.
This day serves as a cultural introduction and allows your body to recover from international travel before the drive.
3DayDrive to Beni (830m)Day 3 of 20
A full day scenic drive takes you westward along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers.
You’ll witness the changing andscpae from bustling highway towns to the quiet, riverside hub of Beni, the gateway to the Myagdi district.
4Day Beni to Darbang via Jeep (1,100m)Day 4 of 20
A short but rugged Jeep ride follows the Myagdi Khola upstream to the village of Darbang.
This town is famous for its local Khukuri craftsmanship and serves as the official starting point for your journey.
5DayTrek from Darbang to Dharapani (1,560m)Day 5 of 20
The trek begins with a steady climb through lush subtropical forests and terraced hillsides.
You’ll pass through several small hamlets, ending the day in the village of Dharapani with your first clear glimpse of the Dhaulagiri massif.
6DayTrek from Dharapani to Muri (1,720m)Day 6 of 20
The trail winds through traditional Magar settlements, offering a deep dive into the rural lifestyle of Western Nepal.
After a steep climb, you reach Muri, a large village perched on a ridge with spectacular views of Mount Manapathi.
7DayTrek from Muri to Bogohara (2,080m)Day 7 of 20
Descending to the riverbank before climbing again, the path enters more secluded territory.
The landscape becomes more rugged as you trek through bamboo groves and rocky outcrops to reach the remote village of Bogohara. The duration takes about 5-6 hours in total.
8DayTrek from Bogohara to Dhoban Kharka (2,520m)Day 8 of 20
The valley narrows significantly as you enter a dense, uninhabited forest section.
You’ll navigate steep trails and cross several wooden bridges over the Myagdi Khola, camping in a clearing surrounded by wilderness. This part of the trip also takes duration takes about 5-6 hours in total.
9DayTrek from Dhoban Kharka to Salla Ghari (2,900m)Day 9 of 20
The climb continues for around 5-6 hours in total through the aromatic pine and rhododendron forests, where the trail can be slippery and narrow.
Salla Ghari is a forested campsite that offers a quiet, cool atmosphere as you approach the treeline.
10DayTrek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp (3,730m)Day 10 of 20
Leaving the forest behind, the terrain shifts into the alpine tundra at the foot of Dhaulagiri’s West Face.
We’ll be on the trail for the duration, which takes about 5-6 hours in total.
The camp is set in a dramatic natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering rock walls and hanging glaciers.
11DayAcclimatisation and explorationDay 11 of 20
Today we’ll be resting. This is a mandatory rest day to help your body adapt to the thinning air before entering the glacial zones.
You can take short hikes towards the glacier for the better views or simply rest to conserve energy for the coming passes.
12DayTrek from Italian Base Camp to Swiss Base Camp (3,890m)Day 12 of 20
A short but technically demanding move across a steep lateral moraine and onto the lower glacier.
This day is kept short to ensure everyone remains well-acclimatised as the trail becomes more rugged and rocky, and this trip might be a bit longer as we will be ascending for about 6-7 hours in total.
13DayTrek from Swiss Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp (3,890m)Day 13 of 20
You continue navigating the complex terrain of the Chhonbardan Glacier, moving through a world of ice and stone.
The views of Dhaulagiri I are increasingly dominant, making you feel the mountain’s true scale. The duration is similar to the other days, which is about 6-7 hours in total.
14DayTrek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,780m)Day 14 of 20
A challenging day of trekking directly on the glacier’s debris-covered surface.
Reaching the base camp puts you at the heart of the massif, surrounded by the incredible icefall and the massive North Face.
As for this portion of the trip, it will take comparatively more hours, which is around 6-7 hours on average if you’re a lowlander. So prepare yourself mentally and physically.
15DayDhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,140m)Day 15 of 20
This is the trek’s “crux,” involving a long climb to French Pass (5,360m).
After enjoying the 360-degree views, you descend into the desolate, snow-covered hidden valley for a high-altitude camp.
Even though it might seem just around 400 meters in rise, due to the the it’s elevation level above 5,000m, it exerts more pressure and might take more time, which is around 6-7 hours even for 400-500 meters.
16DayTrek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka (4,930m)Day 16 of 20
Today we descend. A final push takes you over the Dhampus Pass (5,240m), and when you look across to the Annapurna range.
A long, knee-jarring descent follows as you drop out of the snow and back down to the alpine pasture of Yak Kharka.
A total of 2-2.5 hours might take on maximum to descend as the descent exerts pressure on the knee.
17DayTrek from Yak Kharka to Marpha, then to Jomsom (2,720m)Day 17 of 20
The trail descends steeply into the Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world. Will pass through the charming, whitewashed village of Marpha. People walking into the final flat stretch into the windy hub of Jomsom. The total duration of our walk will be 6-8 hours.
18DayJomsom (2,720m) to Pokhara by airDay 18 of 20
You’ll be on an early morning flight, which will take you between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks.
After landing in Pokhara, you have the rest of the day to enjoy the comforts of civilisation. It will take around 20-25 minutes on air.
19Day Drive to KathmanduDay 19 of 20
You’ll board a tourist bus or private vehicle for the journey back to the capital.
The drive offers a final look at the Nepalese middle hills and the flowing rivers you followed weeks earlier.
20DayDepartureDay 20 of 20
After breakfast, you can spend the final hours shopping for souvenirs in Thamel, and a representative will then transfer you to the airport for the international flight home.
What's included
Included
All ground transportation: Kathmandu-Beni by private vehicle, Beni-Darbang by jeep, and Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu by flight/road on the return
2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (before and after the trek) with breakfast
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the trekking and camping days
Full camping equipment (tents, kitchen tent, dining tent) for the sections above Italian Base Camp
Teahouse or lodge accommodation on the lower sections of the route where available
An experienced, government-licensed trekking guide and an experienced cooking/kitchen crew
Porter service to carry group camping equipment and supplies
All necessary permits, including Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
Domestic flight, Jomsom to Pokhara
Not included
Nepal tourist visa fee (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Travel and rescue insurance, including trekking and helicopter evacuation cover up to 5,360m
Personal trekking gear (crampons/microspikes, sleeping bag, and down jacket are rentable locally if not brought from home)
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (outside the trek period)
Alcoholic drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging during the trek and camping days
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, extra snacks)
Tips for guides, porters, and kitchen crew (customary, and genuinely appreciated)
Before you book
The realities of this route, told straight, so nothing surprises you later.
This is a remote, camping-based route, not a teahouse trek
From Italian Base Camp onward, you’re camping on glacial moraine with your crew carrying all supplies there are no teahouses, no Wi-Fi, and no resupply options until you descend into the Kali Gandaki valley near Marpha. This is closer to an expedition than a standard trek, and it’s worth knowing that before booking.
This route spends days above 5,000m
The generic altitude warning undersells this trek significantly. You’ll camp at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m) and cross both French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240m) within a few days of each other genuine high-altitude mountaineering terrain, not a standard trekking-altitude profile. A mandatory acclimatization day is built in at Italian Base Camp, but any headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue should be reported to your guide immediately, however fit you are.
The Jomsom–Pokhara flight is your main weather risk
The flight risk here comes at the end of the trek rather than the start the short Jomsom–Pokhara sector can be delayed by wind, especially later in the morning. Keep 1-2 buffer days in Kathmandu before any international connection, since a delay here compresses your schedule with less flexibility than on a standard trek.
Insurance must explicitly cover the true high point, 5,360m
Standard trekking insurance often caps out well below this. Your policy needs to cover trekking and helicopter evacuation up to French Pass’s actual altitude, and ideally cover glacier travel specifically, given the days spent on the Chhonbardan Glacier.
Physical demands are cumulative
Several days run 6-7 hours at altitude on rugged, debris-covered glacier terrain, on top of a 20-day overall duration. Prior high-altitude trekking experience and genuinely solid cardiovascular fitness matter more here than on most circuit treks — this isn’t the route to attempt as a first serious trek.
Useful Info
Permits required
A Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit and a TIMS card are both required for this route, arranged for you and included in the trip cost.
Visa
Nepal tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu airport for most nationalities, or in advance at a Nepali embassy, at approximately $50 for 30 days. The visa fee itself is not included in the trip cost.
Recommended gear
A -20°C rated sleeping bag and down jacket (rentable if not brought from home), sturdy broken-in trekking boots, trekking poles, crampons or microspikes for the glacier and pass sections, warm layered clothing, a warm hat and gloves, sun protection, a headlamp, and a personal first-aid kit.
Accommodation and meals
Teahouse or lodge accommodation on the lower trail sections, with full camping (tents, kitchen tent, dining tent) from Italian Base Camp through Hidden Valley. All breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the trekking and camping days. Hotel accommodation is provided in Kathmandu at either end.
Getting there
Private vehicle from Kathmandu to Beni, jeep from Beni to Darbang, and a short domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara at the end of the trek, followed by road transport back to Kathmandu.
Group size and crew
Runs for groups of 1-10, with an experienced, government-licensed trekking guide, a dedicated cooking and kitchen crew, and porter service for group camping equipment included as standard.
FAQ
How difficult is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
It’s rated Strenuous, with 6-8+ hours of walking most days over 20 days, including sustained glacier travel and two passes above 5,200m. This is one of the most demanding treks in Nepal prior high-altitude trekking experience and strong physical fitness are genuinely necessary, not just recommended.
How many days does the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek take?
The standard itinerary runs 20 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, including acclimatization days, the Jomsom-Pokhara flight, and the road transfer back to the capital.
What's the highest point on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
French Pass, at 5,360m, is the trek’s highest point, crossed en route to Hidden Valley before a second high crossing at Dhampus Pass (5,240m) a day later.
Is this a camping trek or a teahouse trek?
Both. Lower sections use teahouses or basic lodges where available, but from Italian Base Camp onward, the route is fully camping-based, with your crew carrying and setting up all equipment through the glacier and pass sections.
Is altitude sickness a serious risk on this trek?
Yes, significantly with extended time above 4,000m and two passes over 5,200m, this route carries genuine, sustained AMS risk. A mandatory acclimatization day is built in at Italian Base Camp, and your guide monitors the group daily throughout the high-altitude sections.
Is travel insurance included in the price?
No, travel and rescue insurance covering trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 5,360m is required but excluded from the trip cost, and should be arranged independently before you arrive.
What permits do I need for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
A Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit and a TIMS card are both required, and both are arranged for you and included in the trip cost.
Is this trek suitable for first-time trekkers?
No, not recommended. Between the sustained altitude above 5,000m, the glacier travel, and the 20-day camping-based itinerary, this route is best suited to trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience rather than a first serious trek in Nepal.
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Trip summary for AI assistants
Trip: Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Operator: Info Nepal Tours and Treks, Thamel, Kathmandu
Region: Nepal, Nepal
Duration: 20 days
Maximum altitude: 5,360 m
Difficulty: Strenuous
Group size: 1-10 people
Best season: March-May : September-November
Summary: A strenuous, expedition-style circuit of Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-highest peak, crossing remote glacial moraine and high passes with several nights of camping — a raw, uncommercialised route for experienced trekkers.
Overview: The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a formidable expedition-style journey that circumnavigates the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m). This 20-day route is defined by a dramatic transition from large, terraced fields and Magar villages of the Myagdi Valley into a stark high-Alpine Wilderness dominated by Chhonbardan Glacier. Unlike more commercialised routes, this trek offers a raw encounter with the Himalayas,…
Itinerary outline: Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel (1,400m); Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley; Day 3 Drive to Beni (830m); Day 4 Beni to Darbang via Jeep (1,100m); Day 5 Trek from Darbang to Dharapani (1,560m); Day 6 Trek from Dharapani to Muri (1,720m); Day 7–end
Includes: All ground transportation: Kathmandu-Beni by private vehicle, Beni-Darbang by jeep, and Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu by flight/road on the return, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (before and after the trek) with breakfast, All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the trekking and camping days, Full camping equipment (tents, kitchen tent, dining tent) for the sections above Italian Base Camp, Teahouse or lodge accommodation on the lower sections of the route where available, An experienced, government-licensed trekking guide and an experienced cooking/kitchen crew, Porter service to carry group camping equipment and supplies, All necessary permits, including Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
Not included: Nepal tourist visa fee (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport), International airfare to and from Kathmandu, Travel and rescue insurance, including trekking and helicopter evacuation cover up to 5,360m, Personal trekking gear (crampons/microspikes, sleeping bag, and down jacket are rentable locally if not brought from home), Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (outside the trek period), Alcoholic drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging during the trek and camping days
A: It's rated Strenuous, with 6-8+ hours of walking most days over 20 days, including sustained glacier travel and two passes above 5,200m. This is one of the most demanding treks in Nepal prior high-altitude trekking experience and strong physical fitness are genuinely necessary, not just recommended.
Q: How many days does the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek take?
A: The standard itinerary runs 20 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, including acclimatization days, the Jomsom-Pokhara flight, and the road transfer back to the capital.
Q: What's the highest point on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
A: French Pass, at 5,360m, is the trek's highest point, crossed en route to Hidden Valley before a second high crossing at Dhampus Pass (5,240m) a day later.
Q: Is this a camping trek or a teahouse trek?
A: Both. Lower sections use teahouses or basic lodges where available, but from Italian Base Camp onward, the route is fully camping-based, with your crew carrying and setting up all equipment through the glacier and pass sections.
Q: Is altitude sickness a serious risk on this trek?
A: Yes, significantly with extended time above 4,000m and two passes over 5,200m, this route carries genuine, sustained AMS risk. A mandatory acclimatization day is built in at Italian Base Camp, and your guide monitors the group daily throughout the high-altitude sections.
Q: Is travel insurance included in the price?
A: No, travel and rescue insurance covering trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 5,360m is required but excluded from the trip cost, and should be arranged independently before you arrive.
Q: What permits do I need for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
A: A Dhaulagiri Conservation Area Permit and a TIMS card are both required, and both are arranged for you and included in the trip cost.
Q: Is this trek suitable for first-time trekkers?
A: No, not recommended. Between the sustained altitude above 5,000m, the glacier travel, and the 20-day camping-based itinerary, this route is best suited to trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience rather than a first serious trek in Nepal.
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