Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 17 Days

After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you have to complete customs and collect your luggage. Our company representative welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. You can rest for a while to recover from the long flight. Later, you join a briefing session with our guides, who will explain the trek, accommodations, meals, and important tips. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances, where you meet fellow trekkers and make new friends.

• Accommodation: 3 star hotel
• Travel Distance: 6 to 8 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes
• Maximum Altitude: 1,350 meters (Kathmandu)
• Meal: Dinner

After having breakfast at the hotel, the full-day sightseeing tour begins around 8:00 AM. A private vehicle will be provided for the day, ensuring a comfortable and convenient trip. Our professional guide will accompany the tour to explain the history, culture, and significance of each site. The itinerary is relaxed, allowing ample time to explore each location without feeling rushed.

A. Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site)
Pashupatinath Temple is a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the temple complex and rituals can be observed from the eastern side of the river. The temple features a two-tiered pagoda design and is internationally recognized for its spiritual and architectural importance.

B. Boudhanath (World Heritage Site)
Boudhanath is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Constructed in the 5th century, this large stupa has four pairs of Buddha’s eyes facing every direction, representing awareness. Devotees can be seen circumambulating the stupa while spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers.

C. Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
Situated in the heart of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is a prime example of Newari architecture. Most of the buildings were constructed during the Malla period, showcasing intricate wood carvings and detailed craftsmanship.

D. Swayambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhu Stupa sits atop a hill and provides wide views of the Kathmandu Valley. It is often called the Monkey Temple due to the many monkeys living around the site. The stupa is an important spiritual place for both Buddhists and Hindus.

• Accommodation: 3 star standard hotel
• Travel Distance: 25 to 30 kilometers (total driving between sites)
• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours (throughout sightseeing)
• Maximum Altitude: 1,350 meters
• Meal: Breakfast

The journey moves closer to the mountains on this day and after breakfast, you head towards Kathmandu Airport for a 30-minute scenic flight to Pokhara. During the flight, if the weather is clear, you can enjoy views of the Himalayan range and green hills below. This trip continued by private vehicle toward Darbang, after landing in Pokhara. The drive takes around 6 hours, passing through Beni and following the Myagdi River. This drive can be long and bumpy in some sections, but it gives a good first look at rural western Nepal. Darbang is a small and quiet town and also it is the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. After reaching Darbang, you can rest and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 230 kilometers (flight + drive)
• Travel Hours: 6 to7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 1,100 meters (Darbang)
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Your official day of trekking starts from today. The route from Darbang to SIbang starts with a steady uphill climb along a ridge. Then the path slowly goes up toward Dharapani, a small village located on top of a hill with open views of the surrounding area. Climb is also gradual and comfortable, helping you adjust to the walking pace and higher elevation. After reaching Dharapani, you stop for lunch and take a short rest. From there, the trail continues above the river, passing through small villages and terraced farm fields. Along the way, you walk through Takam Village, where you can see traditional houses and local Magar culture. The trail includes some uphill and downhill sections, but the walk remains steady and manageable. After walking for about 6 to 7 hours in total, you arrive at Sibang, a quiet village surrounded by hills and farmland. This is your stop for the night, where you can rest and prepare for the next day of trekking.

• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 10 to 12 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 1,770 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The walk from Sibang to Naura Bhir takes around five to six hours at a normal speed. You will pass local houses and farmland where people grow crops and keep livestock. After crossing a small river, the path climbs steadily toward Muri. This section is mostly uphill but manageable with short breaks along the way. From Muri, the trail becomes easier with gentle ups and downs. The route continues through quiet hillsides and scattered settlements. As you approach Naura Bhir, the surroundings become less crowded and more peaceful. You will stay overnight in a simple local teahouse where basic meals are provided.

• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 10 to 12 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 1,450 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Route from Naura Bhir to Lapche Kharka follows the Myagdi Khola for most of the day. The trail starts with a gentle descent to the river and then gradually climbs through forested areas of oak, rhododendron, and pine trees, typical of the mid-hill region. Birds and small wildlife, such as langurs or pheasants, are often seen along the way. After a few hours, you reach Baghara Village, a small settlement with farmland and traditional stone houses. From here, the trail ascends steadily toward Lapche Kharka, a seasonal herder’s camp surrounded by open alpine pastures. This area offers views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges in the distance. You may also see grazing yaks and domestic livestock. The night is spent in a simple lodge or herder’s shelter, providing a quiet place to rest and prepare for the higher altitude ahead.

• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 12 to 14 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2000 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

As you continue to trek from Lapche Kharka to Sallaghari, it is a gradual climb through a mix of forest and grazing lands. The trail passes through areas of rhododendron, pine, and oak trees, and you may spot birds such as Himalayan monals or pheasants along the way. Small streams and terraced fields are scattered along the path, showing the local farming lifestyle. You start to see mountains as you move ahead, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak, appearing in the distance. You reach Sallaghari, it is a quiet spot where you set up camp or stay in a local tea house. You can spend the evening resting and enjoying the calm surroundings before the trek continues to higher altitudes.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Camp
• Travel Distance: 10 to 12 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2,500 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You can continue this day’s adventure on the ascending trail that passes through the forests and green landscapes. The trail from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp moves through lush forests and green meadows, with streams and terraced fields along the way. As you gain altitude, you can spot the birds and small wildlife, such as Himalayan sparrows and mountain squirrels, and also grazing yaks are more common in this region. After a few hours, the path leads toward the Chhonbardan Glacier, marking the start of the high-altitude alpine environment. The climb here is steadier and requires more effort, but the views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and surrounding mountains make the journey worthwhile. Following the glacier’s edge, you reach the Italian Base Camp, set against a backdrop of peaks including Dhaulagiri II, III, IV, and Tukuche. This is a good place to rest and prepare for the higher-altitude sections of the trek.

• Accommodation: Tented Camp
• Travel Distance: 10 to 12 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude:  3,660 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Camp begins with a steady move along the Myagdi Khola. Here, the trail passes through a narrow gorge with rocky cliffs on either side, so you need to be careful of loose rocks. After about 30 minutes in this area, you reach the moraine of Chhonbardan Glacier, marking the start of the higher alpine section. Then the route ascends gradually along the glacier edge, offering clear views of the surrounding Dhaulagiri peaks, including Dhaulagiri I, II, and III. The camp is set near Japanese Base Camp, providing a safe resting point for the night with stunning mountain views. This is an important acclimatization stop for you before the higher sections of the trek.

• Accommodation: Tented Camp
• Travel Distance: 8 to 10 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4,200 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Route from Japanese Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp is a challenging section of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. The trail passes through glacier terrain with some steep sections and crevasses, so careful footing is required. You need to walk slowly in this area due to the rocky and icy surfaces. After about five hours of walking, you reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp, located at the foot of the massive peaks. From here, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, including Dhaulagiri I, II, III, and IV. The nearby icefall adds to the dramatic landscape. This is a good spot to rest, take photos, and appreciate the scale of the high Himalayan environment before continuing on the circuit.

• Accommodation: Tented Camp
• Travel Distance: 8 to 10 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4,748 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization at Dhaulagiri Base Camp before crossing the highest pass on the trek. To help your body adjust to the high altitude, you can do a short hike of about 300 meters uphill from the base camp. The walk is steep in some places but provides excellent views of Mount Dhaulagiri and nearby peaks. Light walking around the camp and short excursions helps you to adapt to thinner air while you can also enjoy the surrounding environment. You can see glaciers, snow-covered ridges, and alpine vegetation typical of this high-altitude region. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, taking photos, and enjoying the views of the massive mountains. Meals are prepared at the camp, and this day helps restore energy for the challenging passes ahead.

• Accommodation: Tented Camp
• Travel Distance: Short local hikes around base camp
• Travel Hours: 2 to 3 hours of light walking
• Maximum Altitude: 4,748 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The route today takes you to Hidden Valley, crossing one of the highest points of the expedition, French Pass (5,360 m). This route leaves the glacier behind and winds across rolling hills, moraines, and mountain slopes. Here, the climb is steep in places, so walking slowly and taking regular breaks is important for you to adjust to the high altitude. From the top of French Pass, you get panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Dhaulagiri Massifs, Mukut Himal, Tukuche Peak, Thapa Peak, Sita Chuchura, and Tashi Kang. After spending time at the pass, the trail descends along snow, loose rocks, and gravel toward Hidden Valley. The valley is a wide, grassy meadow surrounded by high mountains. Camp is set up here for the night, providing a quiet place to rest and take in the high-altitude scenery.

Accommodation: Tented Camp
Travel Distance: 10 to 12 kilometers
Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 5,360 meters
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

It takes you around 7 to 8 hours to reach Yak Kharka from French Pass via  Dhampus Pass (5,280 m), another high Himalayan pass on the Dhaulagiri Circuit. The trail includes several uphill and downhill sections, so a steady pace with regular breaks is important. Climbing to Dhampus Pass is challenging due to its altitude, but the view from the top is rewarding. From here, you can see Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, and the Annapurna Massifs clearly. After enjoying the views, the trail descends gradually along alpine pastures and moraine paths toward Yak Kharka, a wide grazing meadow surrounded by snow-covered peaks. You camp here for the night, resting in the peaceful high-altitude environment and preparing for the final sections of the trek.

• Accommodation: Tented Camp
• Travel Distance: 12 to 14 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 5,280 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Continuing trekking from Dhampus Pass to Jomsom is mostly a gradual descent through alpine meadows and open pastures. You pass through Marpha Village (2,667 m), a charming settlement in the Annapurna region known for its apple orchards and traditional stone houses. After Marpha, the trail becomes relatively flat as it follows the Kaligandaki River, offering views of the river valley and surrounding peaks. The descent from the high alpine areas to the valley allows your legs to recover after the high passes. You arrive in Jomsom, a small town with lodges, guesthouses, and basic facilities, where you can spend the night. This section of the trek gives a mix of high mountain scenery and river valley landscapes, providing a gentle transition from the remote high-altitude areas back toward more populated regions.

• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Travel Distance: 12 to 14 kilometers
• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2,736 meters
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After the trek, a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara offers aerial views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you are transferred to your hotel to rest and refresh. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the hotel, taking a gentle walk around the lakeside area, or enjoying Phewa Lake. You can also admire the distant Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peaks from the lakeside. Pokhara provides a calm and comfortable environment to recover from the high-altitude trek while enjoying the serene views and mild weather.

• Accommodation: 3 star hotel
• Travel Distance: 120 kilometers (by air and road)
• Travel Hours: 30 minutes flight + 30 minutes transfer
• Maximum Altitude: 827 meters (Pokhara)
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

In the morning, you take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of the mountains, rivers, and valleys along the way. The short flight gives a final perspective of the Himalayan landscape before returning to the city. After arriving in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel to rest and freshen up. In the evening, a farewell dinner is arranged, where you can enjoy traditional Nepalese food while watching cultural performances and dances. This is a great way to celebrate the completion of your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and reflect on the journey.

• Accommodation: 3 star hotel
• Travel Distance: 200 kilometers (by air)
• Travel Hours: 30 to 35 minutes flight
• Maximum Altitude: 1,400 meters (Kathmandu)
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek comes to an end today. A company representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport about three hours before your scheduled flight. On the way, you can reflect on your trek and the incredible landscapes, mountains, and villages you experienced over the past 17 days. This is the time to say goodbye to Nepal and carry home lasting memories of high passes, glaciers, alpine meadows, and local culture. The journey may be over, but the experiences and photos from this trek will remain with you for a lifetime.

• Travel Distance: 5 to 6 kilometers (to airport)
• Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes
• Maximum Altitude: 1,400 meters (Kathmandu)
• Meal: Breakfast