Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: A Complete Guide

26th Mar, 2020

Summary of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging and remote trekking route that encircles the Dhaulagiri massif (8167 meters), the seventh-highest mountain in the world. This trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including terraced fields, forests, high mountain passes, and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and other peaks.

Highlights of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

Dhaulagiri Massif: Enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, the attraction of the trek, as well as other neighboring peaks like Annapurna and Nilgiri.

Challenging Passes: Cross challenging High Mountain passes, including the French Pass (5,360 meters) and Dhampus Pass (5,182 meters), which provide stunning vistas.

Diverse Landscapes: Trekking trail traverse a variety of landscapes, from terraced fields and traditional villages in the lower regions to alpine meadows and glacial moraines at higher altitudes.

Remote Villages: Experience the unique culture of the region by interacting with the locals in the small, remote villages along the trekking route.

Annapurna and Mustang Region: The trek also passes through parts of the Annapurna and Mustang regions, providing a diverse cultural and natural experience.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Overview:

Duration of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek typically takes around 13 to 18 days, depending on your itinerary and acclimatization schedule as well as there are varying places to start and ending place to complete the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

A real adventure and challenging Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek starts from Darbang Village which is beautiful village with nice farmland and takes 2 hrs drive from Beni and 4/5 hrs drive from Pokhara city and then follows the Myagdi river passing through few villages, farmlands, forest to reached out the Dhaulagiri Base camp. Around the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, there is narrow walking trail to cross French Pass into get Hidden Valley. You will cross Dhampus Pass to get Marpha village from hidden Valley.

Day by day Itinerary:

Kathmandu to Beni:
Beni to Naura,
Naura to Boghara:
Boghara to Doban:
Dhoban to Sallaghari or Choriban Khola
Sallaghari or Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp:
Acclimatization Day:
Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp:
Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp:
Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden valley :
Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka:
Yak Kharka to Tatopani:
Tato Pani to Pokhara:
Pokhara to Kathmandu

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Location

The Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m) is the seven highest mountains in the earth above sea level. Also the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is located in the western part of Nepal, in the Dhaulagiri region. This Dhaulagiri Mountain is surrounded on the north and southwest by tributary of the Bheri River and on the southeast by the Myagdi River. Annapurna Mountain range is east of Dhaulagiri. The Pokhara city is south of Annapurna and it is center and gateway for climber and trekkers to both region.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Difficulty

Respect for the trek is best way approach it and prepare the travel in life time for research and experience nature and culture of the world. Dhaulagiri circuit trek difficulty level is challenging so it requires physical fitness, good health condition trekkers and previous trekking experiences in a life. The walking distance are 5/6 hours a day through beautiful village in low altitude but trekking trails will be narrow and steep slope is difficulty in high altitude.

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is completely camping trek so you need to hire experience trekking guide and strong porter for carry camping equipment. They will help you every step along the trail and they know about how to fix the camping tent avoid the wind and how to cook the meal. In the beginners of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, there are few villages with warm home stay and end of the trek also good tea-house for accommodations. This is quite short challenging trek compare others trek in Nepal so high altitude increase very quick and you will be 4/5 day at above 4000 m heights. So we strongly recommend to trekkers, should trained before this Dhaulagiri circuit Trek.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Cost

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is located in near Annapurna Conservation area so you need to normal TIMS Card and ACAP permits. not need to special permits like restricted area (Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Manaslu Region, Nar-Phu Valley and many more). Dhaulagiri circuit is serious remote route with no lodge, not clear trail and cross the high pass. Trekkers have died there both from High altitude (AMS) and lost the Trail (Missing). It means, Dhaulagiri circuit trek requires experience trekking guide to success the trekking. Many trekking agency offering online cost but they have different cost of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek depends on requires service. Before choose the cost, you have to read all information about Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek cost. If you buy the trekking package, all include in this package like Guide, Porter, Camping Equipment, Food, Transport and trekking permits of Dhaulagiri circuit Trek.

Here is tentative cost of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek for one person

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) is compulsory for everyone to Trek in Nepal. (It Cost USD $ 20 per person/ per trek)
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (It cost USD $ 30 per person/ per trek)
Guide cost per day: $30 (per person)
Porter Cost per day: $25 (per person) needs 2 porters
Accommodations before trek and after trek $100
Camping Equipment with food and tent $500

Permits for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

You need several permits to trek in this region, including the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card:
• The TIMS card is a mandatory permit for all trekkers in Nepal, including those undertaking the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. It helps in tracking trekkers and provides emergency assistance if needed.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
• The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek passes through areas that fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, an ACAP permit is required.

Both permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or its sub-offices in Pokhara, but you must apply through authorized trekking agents. Make sure to check the latest requirements before starting your trek.

Food and Accommodations in Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

If you are doing solo or couple trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit, you have to carry light tent for 4/5 nights. You can have basic tea-house accommodations for first few (4/5) nights with shared bathroom and last few (2/3) nights good accommodations with internet and hot cold shower facilities. Who are doing full camping trek, accommodations is more expensive than normal tea-houses trek. Who are planning to Dhaulagiri circuit Trek,

We strongly recommend to them Camping Trek is much better than half Tea-House and half camping. If you want do the half camping and half tea-house trek, cost will be more expensive full camping or full Tea-house Trek, so make sure with trekking organizer agent about your trek will be camping or tea-house. Trekking cook provide you best meal during the Dhaulagiri circuit Camping Trek. They bring all food with them and cooked various item of meal like pasta item, potatoes item, vegetable item, rice item, pizza, Mo Mo and more like western food. Food is more basic than camping during the tea-house. They serve to you Nepali Dish (Dal-bhat, boiled potato, Noodle soup, and basic local dish).

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Requires a primarily teahouse trek

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is primarily a teahouse trek, meaning that trekkers typically stay in local teahouses or lodges along the route rather than camping. Teahouses provide basic accommodation and meals, making it a more comfortable and accessible trek compared to fully supported camping treks.

However, trekking conditions and regulations can change, and some trekkers may choose to incorporate camping for certain segments of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, especially if they are venturing into more remote or less-developed areas.
If you are considering a camping trek for a specific reason, such as exploring less-visited areas or having a more isolated experience, it's essential to plan and coordinate with a reputable trekking agency. They can provide information on the feasibility of camping in specific locations, arrange for necessary permits, and ensure that you have the required equipment and support staff.

Best Time to Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

We have main two Best Trekking Season namely autumn trekking season (September to November) and spring trekking season (March to May) in Nepal for the trekking and climbing. Dhaulagiri circuit trek is important to consider the right time to trek there. So these two seasons are the best time for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Weather is sunny and warm with wonderful mountains views, compare with other trekking season and temperature is moderate. Off season, monsoon and winter season are not recommend because hard to find the trekking trail and risky from the landslide along the trail in monsoon and too much snow during the winter time. Please contact us for further details. We (High Pass Adventure) have many years experience working team in this trekking field so we provide best guide and strong porter for carry of your luggage to make memorable Dhaulagiri circuit trek in your life.

Equipment/ Gears for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Trekking equipment are necessary to pack before you travel. We hope it is too much to carry from your home to others country but some are the necessary equipment can be hired or buy in Kathmandu around Thamel. These general equipment are for all seasons while on trekking in Nepal, but may be different as per the different season and duration of trekking routes on your chosen trip. Specialized equipment needs for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek because it is fully tent camping trek. Equipment are depends on different seasons and weather conditions but all gears should be good quality. You can also ask to trek company about what things brings from home and what thing provides the trekking agency.

Clothing:

Insulating layers
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Trekking pants and shorts
Thermal wear
Trekking boots and sandals

Gear:

Backpack
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Health and Hygiene:
First aid kit
Water purification tablets or filters
Personal hygiene items

Miscellaneous:

Camera with extra batteries
Power bank
Snacks and energy bars

Difficulty and Altitude:

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered challenging due to its high-altitude terrain, remote location, and long trekking hours. Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Prior trekking experience is recommended.

Difficulty:

Terrain:
• The trek includes a variety of terrains, ranging from lower-altitude villages with terraced fields to higher-altitude alpine meadows and glacial moraines.
• Some sections involve steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, and challenging river crossings.

High-Altitude Terrain:
• The trek reaches high elevations, and trekkers will experience the effects of altitude. Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
• The trail includes technical sections, especially when crossing High Mountain passes like the French Pass and Dhampus Pass.

Weather Conditions:
• Weather conditions can be unpredictable, with the possibility of snowfall even during the trekking season. Trekkers should be prepared for varying weather conditions.

Remote and Limited Facilities:
• As you ascend, the availability of teahouses and facilities decreases. Some nights may be spent in more basic accommodations at higher elevations.

Long Trekking Hours:
• The trek involves long hours of walking each day, and trekkers should be physically fit to endure the demands of the trail.

Altitude:

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Elevation:
•   The Dhaulagiri Base Camp is situated at an elevation of around 4,750 meters (15,583 feet).
High Mountain Passes:
•   Trekkers will cross high mountain passes, including the French Pass (5,360 meters) and Dhampus Pass (5,182 meters), which require good acclimatization.
Acclimatization Days:
•   It's essential to incorporate acclimatization days into the itinerary to allow the body to adjust to the increasing altitude gradually.
Altitude Sickness:
•   Altitude sickness is a concern at higher elevations. Trekkers should be aware of the symptoms and descend if they experience severe altitude-related issues.

Preparation and Considerations:

Physical Fitness:
•   Trekkers should be in good physical condition and undertake regular cardiovascular and strength training before the trek.
Prior Trekking Experience:
•   Previous trekking experience, especially at high altitudes, is beneficial for tackling the challenges of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.
Guides and Support:
•   Hiring a local guide and possibly a porter can enhance the trekking experience and provide valuable support, especially in navigating technical sections and dealing with altitude-related challenges.
Equipment and Gear:
•   Proper gear, including warm clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, trekking poles, and appropriate footwear, is crucial for a comfortable and safe trek.

Altitude Sickness during Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

High Altitude Sickness is known as mountain sickness. If you walk or climb to higher elevation, it appears very quickly so you have to know symptoms of high altitude sickness. If you are wondering why it happens, here are some information. It is from the air pressure. When you go to higher elevation, this air pressure drops down and less oxygen so your body will need time to adjust to change air pressure. According to doctor, it starts from 8,000 feet (2400 meter) if you are from sea level.

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is suddenly gaining the altitude but it is not big problem on this trek. We have best trekking itinerary with acclimatization and extra day for succeed the trek. So you have to Walk on a gradual pace and take rest if needed before stepping your foot forward. Our experienced guide knows very well about where and when you needs to acclimatization, so better to go with a professional Adventure Trekking Guide. Also you have listened to your guide information and follow his footsteps strictly. If you have symptoms of high altitude sickness, recently notice to your guide and descent down to the lower altitude and use necessity medicines.

High Altitude Sickness Information

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): it is very common and symptoms feel like a tiredness, dizzy, headache, thirsty, muscle aches, nausea

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): it is effect in the lungs, which can be very dangerous and hard to do life threatening

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): it is effect in the brain and most difficult to treatment and you need to go hospital attention right way.

Here are causes of high altitude sickness

-You live at near sea level and travel to a high elevation
-You have had the sickness before
-You climb quickly
-You have not acclimatized to the altitude
-If you are drink alcohol when you ascend
-If you have medical problems of heart, nervous or lungs

Here are symptoms of High Altitude Sickness

Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid Pulse (Heart Rate)
Short breath with action
Blue color of skin or gray soft skin
Chest tightness or blocking
Confusion
Dry cough or coughing with blood
Cannot walk in a straight line

Insurance information of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Travel Insurance is the very important for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Sometimes might be unexpected happening or accident, it’s require medical assistance and evacuation which might be expensive to come back down or city. So you have to make sure to get insured that covers the costs of air ambulance, treatment and all the travel related risk like lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage and flight delays. Yours insurance policy should cover up yours entire activities during the stay in Nepal. Also, this trekking trail in Dhaulagiri circuit trek takes you to above 5,000 m height, so, you also need to ensure that your insurance policy covers treks that go over 5,000 meters otherwise you have to take the responsibility regarding unexpected expenses of the cost during this trek.

Conclusion:

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a rewarding adventure for those seeking a less-trodden path with stunning views and a sense of isolation. It's important to be physically fit, mentally prepared, and equipped with the right gear to tackle the challenges of this trek. Hiring a local guide and porter can enhance your trekking experience and provide valuable insights into the region's culture and geography. Always check for the latest trekking regulations and weather conditions before embarking on this journey.