Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Dhaulagiri Region 17 Days TKHDHA17ADV

17 Days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – Glacier Trails, Hidden Valley & French Pass

Trip Highlights

  • Majestic views from Dhaulagiri Base Camp, surrounded by icy giants and hanging glaciers.
  • Crossing the dramatic French Pass (5,360m) with panoramic vistas of Mukut Himal, Tukuche Peak, and Dhaulagiri massif.
  • Immersive cultural encounters in traditional Magar villages with their unique lifestyle and warm hospitality.
  • Trekking through Dhaulagiri and Chhonbardan glaciers for a thrilling alpine experience.
  • A spectacular sunrise over the Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges from the high alpine passes.

Overview

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass is one of Nepal’s most adventurous and challenging trekking routes, set in the remote Annapurna region. This epic journey circles around the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and takes trekkers through an incredible mix of terrains—lush forests, terraced hillsides, glacier fields, and high mountain passes. The trek begins after a scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Darbang, leading through charming Magar villages where you can immerse in their culture and traditions. As the route ascends, trekkers reach Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp, each offering surreal amphitheater-like views of towering peaks and glaciers. The crossing of the French Pass (5,360m) and entry into the remote Hidden Valley is the most dramatic part of the trek, followed by another challenge at Dhampus/Thapa Pass before descending toward Jomsom via the apple orchards of Marpha. Demanding yet rewarding, this trek is a true Himalayan adventure for those seeking a remote, rugged, and unforgettable experience.

Itinerary

Pick up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Evening briefing and welcome dinner.

Location: Kathmandu (1350m)
Duration: 30 min transfer to Hotel
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Kathmandu

Morning flight or drive to Pokhara, then continue driving to Beni Bazaar by private vehicle.

Location: Beni (830m)
Duration: 7–8 hrs (25 min flight + 2.5 hrs drive)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Beni

Drive through rural landscapes, terraced fields, and Magar villages including Tatopani, Darbang, and Sibang before reaching Phaliyagaon.

 

Location: Phaliyagaon (1850m)
Duration: 5–6 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping / Homestay

Descend to Gatti Khola, climb to Muri village, cross Dhola Khola, and pass through Naura village before reaching Bagar.

Location: Bagar/Boghara (2080m)
Duration: 6–7 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Walk through forested trails, grassy ridges, and small settlements including Jyardan and Lipshe, before ascending to Dobhan.

Location: Dobhan (2520m)
Duration: 5–7 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Pass through oak, bamboo, and pine forests before reaching Italian Base Camp with stunning views of Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri massif.

 

Location: Italian Base Camp (3660m)
Duration: 7–8 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Rest and explore the base camp surroundings while enjoying panoramic mountain views.

Location: Italian Base Camp
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Climb over rocky terrain and glacial moraines before reaching the grassy valley of Japanese Base Camp with views of Dhaulagiri I and Tsaurabong Peak.

Location: Japanese Base Camp (3890m)
Duration: 4–5 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

A challenging day walking across glaciers and lateral moraines to reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks and icefalls.

Location: Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m)
Duration: 4–5 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Optional short hikes to higher ground for better acclimatization and spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri range.

Location: Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Climb across moraines and snow slopes to French Pass, with 360° mountain views, then descend to the remote Hidden Valley.

Location: Hidden Valley (5140m) via French Pass (5360m)
Duration: 6–7 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Buffer day for acclimatization, weather delays, or exploration around Hidden Valley.

Location: Hidden Valley (5140m)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Cross Dhampus Pass with magnificent views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before descending steeply to Yak Kharka.

Location: Yak Kharka (4190m)
Duration: 6–7 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Descend through rocky terrain to Marpha, the famous apple-growing village, and continue to Jomsom.

Location: Jomsom (2720m) via Marpha
Duration: 4–5 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge / Hotel

Morning scenic flight to Pokhara. Afternoon sightseeing including Phewa Lake boating and local highlights.

Location: Pokhara (822m)
Duration: 5-6 hours drive (20min flight)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Pokhara

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by private vehicle (5-6 hours drive) or Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Free day for shopping or rest.

Location: Kathmandu (1350m)
Duration: 5-6 hours drive (25min flight0
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.

 

Meal: Breakfast

Trip Information

What's Include?

  • Accommodation: 2 nights in Kathmandu & 1 night in Pokhara at Standard Hotel and 1 nights in Beni, 1 night in Marpha at Standard lodge and rest of nights at tented camp during trek.
  • Transportation: Kathmandu to Beni-Phaliyagaon & return from Marpha to Pokhara & Kathmandu by Private vehicle. (Domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara & Kathmandu is available on request) also other all necessary transfer by private vehicle.
  • Meals: Bed & Breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara Hotel and Full board basis (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with tea/coffee/seasonal juice) during trek.
  • Support Crew: 1professional mountain leader guide, and 1 porter for 2 clients, and Camping team (cook + support team with camping equipment including their allowances & insurance.
  • Permits: All required permits for trek (TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation area.).
  • Complimentary Gear: Duffel bag, sleeping bag & trekking poles (return after trek)
  • Additional Services: Airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle, First-Aid & essential kit, emergency rescue arrangements and All taxes & service charges

What's Exclude?

  • Personal expenses: Snacks, drinks, laundry, and other personal items.
  • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Personal trekking gear & clothing: All necessary gear, clothing, and hygiene items.
  • Travel insurance: Must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa).
  • Add-On Services (Optional): Accommodation in Kathmandu, trip extensions, additional support crew, horse riding, and other services available on request.
  • Emergency and unforeseen costs: Helicopter evacuation, additional expenses caused by strikes, weather, natural disasters, or itinerary changes.

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