Among Nepal’s many trekking routes, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures in the Annapurna region. This demanding trek takes you deep into the heart of the Himalayas, crossing two high mountain passes and offering close-up views of the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m).
The journey showcases extraordinary natural beauty combined with rich cultural diversity. Beginning in lower, inhabited areas, the trail passes through terraced farmlands and traditional mountain villages, allowing trekkers to experience the lifestyles, traditions, and cultures of the Magar, Gurung, and Chhetri communities. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into remote wilderness with dense forests of oak, juniper, and rhododendron, along with striking alpine scenery and wildlife habitats.
Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via High Passes includes visits to three remarkable base camps: Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp. The highest point of the trek is French Pass (5,360m), from where trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-covered Himalayan giants. Graded as a Strenuous trek, the route takes you through the hidden and dramatic Hidden Valley, offering unforgettable views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range.
Designed for adventurous trekkers who enjoy high-altitude challenges, glacier crossings, and remote trails, the Dhaulagiri Circuit delivers a true wilderness experience. One of the highlights is Dhaulagiri Base Camp itself, where you will witness a spectacular amphitheatre of towering Himalayan peaks unlike anywhere else in Nepal. The trek also leads through the legendary Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest valley in the world, adding another remarkable dimension to this journey.
Note: Take a bold step today and discover a different world with Himalaya Sacred Trek and Expedition, one that will become tomorrow’s unforgettable memories.
Departure Location: Kathmandu
Return Location: Kathmandu
Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Our company representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest, your trekking guide will brief you about the trek. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
We begin early with a scenic drive to Beni, passing through beautiful countryside, rivers, terraced farms, and hills. Beni offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and the Annapurna range. Time for last-minute shopping and exploring the town. Overnight in Beni.
Today we drove to Darbang through the landscapes of western Nepal, enjoying village life and Himalayan views. Darbang is mainly inhabited by the Chhetri and Gurung communities. We meet the rest of our trekking crew and enjoy a warm welcome. Overnight in Darbang.
After breakfast, we begin our first trek, passing through the villages of Takum and Sibang. Enjoy classic Nepali scenery with traditional houses and views of Gurja Himal and Putha Hiunchuli. We cross the Dhara Khola suspension bridge and continue to Muri, a Magar village with traditional architecture and warm hospitality. Overnight in Muri.
We descend to streams and cross the Muri Khola suspension bridge. The trail passes through small villages, farms, and fields before climbing to a pass with views of Mt. Ghustung South (6,465m). Crossing the Myagdi River, we continue through forests and grasslands to Boghara. Overnight in a tent camp at the school grounds.
Today we follow a trail through steep forests and along the west bank of the Myagdi River, passing through the remote village of Jyardan. After reaching Lipshe (2,080m), we continue through quiet green forests to Dovan. Overnight in a tent camp.
The trail leads through dense vegetation of ferns, bamboo, and rhododendron. We gradually gain altitude with a mix of climbs and level sections, enjoying distant mountain views and peaceful surroundings. Overnight in a tent camp at Sallaghari.
We trek through forests of pine, rhododendron, birch, and eventually beyond the tree line into juniper and alpine shrubs. The route follows narrow streams and bamboo forests before reaching Italian Base Camp, located on a lateral moraine. Overnight in camp.
A rest and acclimatization day to adjust to the altitude. Short hikes, relaxation, and enjoying the spectacular alpine surroundings prepare us for the higher sections of the trek.
We start on a steep rocky trail and continue onto glacier terrain. This is one of the more demanding days, as we gain significant altitude and cross moraines and narrow gorges. Enjoy breathtaking views of the west face of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tsaurabong Peak (6,395m), and Manapati Peak. We arrived at a wide grassy area known as the Japanese Base Camp. Overnight in a tent camp.
One of the most challenging and rewarding days. We carefully traverse glaciers and lateral moraines, with magnificent views of surrounding peaks. We pass the origin of the Myagdi Khola and Chhonbardan Glacier before reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Dhaulagiri massif, Tukuche Peak, and dramatic icefalls. Overnight at base camp.
We leave Dhaulagiri Base Camp and continue across glaciers toward French Pass. The final 100 meters to the pass may require basic rope skills. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and the vast Hidden Valley. Descending into the valley, we see peaks such as Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, and Sita Chuchura surrounding us. Overnight in Hidden Valley.
We descend from Hidden Valley toward Dhampus Pass, with spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The route crosses high-altitude terrain and avalanche-prone slopes before entering forested areas. Stunning views of the Nilgiri range and Kali Gandaki Valley accompany us as we reach Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
We trek down through the Kali Gandaki Valley to reach Jomsom. Due to strong afternoon winds, flights from Jomsom to Pokhara operate in the morning, so we stay overnight in Jomsom.
Early morning flight to Pokhara with spectacular mountain views. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the lakeside city. You may relax, explore the town, or enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.
We drive back along the Prithvi Highway, passing scenic rivers, hills, and settlements. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Time for rest or souvenir shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After the long, exhausting trek, you might have worn out a bit. Today, you can do some relaxation activities or just take some rest and connect with your friends and family back home. You can also just wander down the lively streets of Thamel and Asan and buy some souvenirs. In the evening, your tour officer will pick you up for dinner at one of the cultural restaurants of Thamel. After the dinner, you will be escorted back to your hotel.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! We will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Complementaries
| Date | Status | Group Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
|
16 Days
Start – 2026-04-25
End – 2026-06-03
|
Booking Open | 1 – 12 PAX |
