Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking - 17 days

Detail Itinerary

• Day 1Arrival at TIA Kathmandu (1350m) & Transfer to the Hotel:The preparation to the Dhaulagiri circuit Trekking of Nepal begins even before you leave your home Country but the actual activities starts right after you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. After you arriving and completing immigration formalities at the airport, our representative will be at the airport terminal to meet and greet you and also assist you to transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking into the hotel you will be given a short brief about the trip and the rest day is free for your leisure.
• Day 2Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing:Today after breakfast you will be taken for the guided city tour the capital city of Kathmandu valley and time permitting the Darbaar Square of Patan. We shall explore the world heritages such as Pashupatinath Temple one of the famous and the holiest Hindu temples in Asia, which is an excellent illustration of Hindu religious based architecture. Besides Pashupatinath, we shall also explore the Buddhist pilgrimages of Buddhanath Stupa (one of the largest Buddhist stupa of its kind in the world) and Swayambhunath Stupa( better known as a Monkey temple). Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu and included bed and breakfast.
• Day 303: Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (800m, 6/7 hrs):We start early for today’s destination of Beni. Today we drive to the small hill side city along the banks of the holy River Kali Gandaki with beautiful and scenic landscapes, and colourful village to Beni. We drive out of Kathmandu valley through paddy fields,The winding path traverses along the hillsides accompanied by the perennial Trishuli River, Narayani River and Seti River. Past the Trishuli River is the gentle section of the road up to the stoppage of Pokhara. After the scenic Lake City of Pokhara, Ahead along the road we navigate through panoramic views of Himalayas, scenery with beautiful villages, whistling gorges and changing landscape besides the diverse inhabitation along the trail. We continue through the villages of Naudanda, Chandrakot and to Modi Khola. The next section of the trek through Kaligandaki River takes us to our final destination of today at Beni. Stay overnight here in Beni.
• Day 4Trek from Beni to Babiya Chaur (970m, 5/6 hrs):The trek starts with leaving behind Beni as well as the divine Kaligandaki River and heading westwards in the trail. We trek on the gentle trail with gradual ascent to Baguwa through various settlements along the Myagdi River. Further along the trail we ascent to the place famous for hot water spring known as Tatopani through the settlements of Singa and Tallo Singa in a winding path. Switching the sides of river a couple of times, we trail through the trail crossing several bridges on the way. Beyond the Tatopani village, the trail makes a loop before crossing the bridge near Simalchaur village and being on the northern side of the river which continues till the destination for today, the settlement of Babiya Chaur. Spend overnight in Babiya Chaur.
• Day 5Trek from Babiya Chaur to Dharapani (1565m, 5/6 hrs):The trail opens up to a bit wider valley after the settlement of Babiya Chaur with the terraced hills coming to the sight of the trekkers on the both sides of the trail. On a fairly gentle path trekkers cross the villages of Pipalbot, Kharpani, before arriving to the settlement of Ratodhunga after crossing the Dukhu River and past some temples and health posts. Past this point the trail narrows down a bit and terraces go out of the sight. Crossing a suspension bridge near Darbang we trek uphill through the dense forest dotted with rhododendron, oak and pine trees to reach onto a ridge back and through level path, winding trail and several smaller settlements we reach to the village of Dharapani. Spend overnight here in Dharapani.
• Day 6Trek from Dharapani to Muri (1800m, 6/7 hrs):From this section onwards the strain of the trail increases gradually. We start the trek with the view of Gurja Himal little after settlement of Dharapani and along the ridge after trekking early and through many switchbacks. We reach the settlement of Takam after ascent on a trail surrounded by lush hills and ups and downs of the path. The ascent continues till the settlement of Sibang with the view of Dhaulagiri Mountain intermittently. The climb continues through to the villages of Sibang, Machhim and Phaliyagaon on a twisting and turning path along the gradually rising elevation. After the settlement of Phaliyagaon the trail goes north and trekkers may go for a dry season shortcut route if the season permits. Trekking after a couple of hours leads to the settlement of Muri after smaller settlements. Trekkers may further trek onto the Magar settlement for overnight stay. Stay overnight, here in Muri.
• Day 7Trek from Muri to Boghara (2080m, 5/6 hrs):Starting with the short descent to the riverbank and crossing a stream and confluence of Myagdi River and Mudi River we continue onto the ridge after climbing past the terraced fields. This point has the view of mount Ghustung South (6465m). Trekkers then descent to the Myagdi River and traverse along the west bank of the river to trek till the settlement of Naura. Further on the trail we have a grassy hill and before reaching the destination of Boghara we have a steep elevation for a couple of hours. The entire trekking may extend from five to six hours depending on the trekkers. Boghara is also known as Bagar. Stay overnight here in Boghara
• Day 8Trek from Boghara to Dovan (2430m, 6/7 hrs):This section of the trail is a relatively difficult trail as compared to the previous sections. Occasional use of rope may be required by the trekkers. The beginning section of the trail leads through to the terraced fields and to a small hill. We shall explore the forests and the settlement of Jyardan, the most remote settlement on this trail. In a increasingly challenging path, we trek through to the winding and rocky path before reaching the settlement of Lipshe. The trail continues through the forest to Lapche Kharka and then ascents to the area of Dovan where the trail seems to level as compared to the terrain prior to this spot. Stay overnight here in Dovan.
• Day 9Trek from Dovan to Italian Base Camp (3500m, 5/6 hrs):The destination for today is the Italian Base Camp where we shall camp overnight facing the west wall of the Dhaulagiri massif. The route crosses a wooden bridge and navigates through the forested areas and witnessing the breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri through the forests breaks. Further ahead you shall reach to the spot, normally used by trekkers for camping, surrounded by forests and bordered by the perennial Myagdi River. Navigating through the forests rich in rare vegetation and trekking onto the terminal moraine of Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. We gain altitude bit rapidly during the trek in today’s section. From the ridge of glacier we have the view of impressive Dhaulagiri I (8167m) to the skyline on your right. After a short trekking along the rocky terrain further we reach to the Italian Base Camp keeping ourselves hydrated and climbing in an easy manner. Stay overnight here in Italian Base Camp.
• Day 10Trek from Italian Base Camp to French Base Camp (3870m, 6/7 hrs):In this section of the trek we trek to the French Base camp through the Swiss Base Camp with gentle pace that shall also serve as the preparation for the big day tomorrow where we shall reach to the much awaited Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Exploring the increasingly thinner air in this altitude supports the trekking on the higher and more challenging altitude. From the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri ranges, Manapathi Peak, Dhaulagiri II and other mountains to the view of larger glaciers, extremely different landscape view, we trek along a fairly challenging path while we trek to the French Base Camp. We spend overnight here in French Base Camp.
• Day 11Trek from French Base Camp via French pass (5360m) to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m, 7/8 hrs):The initial trek during this section has a relatively easier trek on the white part of the glacier. We pass through the trek slowly and gradually along the trial to reach the Deposit camp and further ahead to the Japanese Base Camp past the view of lofty mountain peaks overlooking the trail. Subjected to rock falls and avalanches, the trail traverses along the rocky terrain up the mountainside and trekking up and down from neighbourhood of one glacier to the other. A climb on the west side of the glacier to a wide grassy area takes us to Japanese Base Camp with the breathtaking views of Tsaurabong Peak besides the majestic Dhaulagiri Mountain. Further ahead is a really challenging trail with hiking on the lateral moraine of the Chhongardan glacier to a rocky ridge and descent to a glacier is ahead in the trail. Right bend of the trail along the valley takes us to the much awaited Dhaulagiri Base Camp with the view of Dhaulagiri II, III and V, and impressive Icefall descending from north east col. Spend overnight, here in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
• Day 12Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Yak Kharka/Aaru Bari (3900m, 6/7 hrs):To get off the glaciers above the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (may require the use of rope) and encounter a bit of easier trek after you are over the steep moraine walls after which the trekkers climb past the challenging French Col (5300m) where the valley opens out. Weather permitting trekkers have the view of Mukut Himal (6328m), Tashi Kang (6386m), Sita Chuchura (6611m) as well as Tukuche Peak (6920m) to the south beyond which is the massive Dhaulagiri I peak. Traversing through the Thapa Pass and through the Hidden valley to the Dhampus Pass via avalanche prone slope trekkers continue on to Yak Kharka, also known as Aaru Bari. Spend overnight here in Yak Kharka/Aaru Bari (3900m).
• Day 13Trek from Aaru Bari to Jomsom (2670m, 6/7 hrs):Start the trek with the descent from Aaru Bari to the Kali Gandaki River on a rather steep section of the trail and then continue on to the beautiful village of Marpha, famous for apple orchard and apple related food products. The local Apple Brandy is popular among the foreign and Nepalese trekkers passing through this place to savour the taste en route. Continue north up the river valley to reach to the beautiful town of Jomsom, famous for afternoon winds and enchanting landscape. Intermittently we trek past the sand dunes, wooden bridge and some gompas, prayer wheels and prayer flags. Explore the Mustang Eco Museum and other heritages reflecting the unique culture and tradition of the region. Stay overnight, here in Jomsom.
• Day 14Jomsom to Pokhara flight (take about 25 minutes):This marks the end of strenuous trekking activity in one of the most beautiful and challenging trekking regions in Nepal. We take on an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara that takes around 25 minutes with sight of glorious and glittering mountains, green hills and lush valleys and changing terrains are the chief attractions of this scenic flight to the Lake City of Nepal, Pokhara. In the afternoon trekkers may explore the Lakeside and the surrounding areas in sightseeing to attractions of this beautiful city such as Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Mountaineering museum, Gupteshwor Mahadev cave and others. After exploring the beautiful surrounding and landscape of this city we shall have rest in the hotel of our stay. Stay overnight, here in Pokhara.
• Day 15Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus (6/7 hrs):Today shall include the travelling to the capital city of Kathmandu. The drive shall be along the rives including the Seti River and Trishuli River among others, beautiful waterfalls and remote landscape and diverse landscapes, glimpses of the mountains overlooking the road from far away besides the different lifestyles of the inhabitants in route. On our arrival in Kathmandu stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu included bed and breakfast.
• Day 16A free day in Kathmandu:Today we shall have rest in the buzzing city Kathmandu the capital of Nepal,that has a variety of ancient heritages that exists in perfect harmony with the modern lifestyle and amenities of the locals. A cosmopolitan city in true sense, Kathmandu is home to unique Newari culture, unique and delicious cuisines and neighbours to the other well preserved cultural cities of Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur. Stay overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu included bed and breakfast.
• Day 17Final day & Departure:Today the beautiful, exciting and adventurous trekking experience in this Himalayan nation comes to officially an end. You will be transferred to Tribhuwan International Airport at least three hours prior to the flight for your respective destination. We hope that this adventurous and exciting trek you done, have cherished every memory that you created out of this trek. We hope to see you for more adventurous and other activities.
  “Have a safe Journey and hope to see you soon here in Nepal"