Last Updated on June 6, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an exciting and adventurous expedition that takes you in a circle around the world’s seventh highest summit, Dhaulagiri Himal (8,167 meters/26,780 ft). The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trip, also known as the Dhaulagiri Round Trek or the Dhaulagiri Pass, is a classic adventure for those who have previous expertise with high altitude hiking and is a hard yet equally scenic off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, which begins in Beni (a 2-3-hour drive from Pokhara), is a rough, high-altitude camping trek in one of the Annapurna Himalayas’ less-visited sections. The Myagdi Khola River is followed for the first several days to the Chhonbardan Glacier at the foot of Dhaulagiri. The scenery shifts from cultivated farmland to barren, often snow-covered rocky slopes, all with views of Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan giants in the distance. The primarily Magar villages dwindle out as you climb higher, until you’re traveling through places with no permanent populations for the last few days. Trek up the slope of the glacier, across the French Pass (5,360 m), and into the Hidden Valley after a rest day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Experienced mountaineers will have the opportunity to summit Dhampus Peak at this point (6,060 m). Continue down to Jomsom, the Mustang gateway, through the Dhampus Pass. The descent to Jomsom is quite steep, with a total elevation loss of over 2000 meters in two days.
Why the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
- Due to the trek’s remote and harsh character, it has a ‘expedition vibe.’
- Cross to high passes such as the French and Dhampus passes.
- From green farming villages to icy glaciers to desolate, rocky mountain vistas, the environment is diverse.
- Climbing Dhampus Peak (6,060 m) is an option for skilled mountaineers.
- Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and numerous other 7000-meter-plus peaks are seen up close.
- There is no retracing of steps in the second portion of a circular trip.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Difficulty
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a difficult trek—one of Nepal’s most difficult—suitable for trekkers who have previously trekked at altitudes above 5,000 meters. Basic mountaineering skills, such as the use of ice axes and crampons, are required for the optional ascent of Dhampus Peak (6,060 m). Three days in a row are spent climbing over 5,000 meters in the snow, with no simple way down. The cold adds to the difficulty—this is a camping trip, so there are no warm lodges to return to at night. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is not for novice trekkers or first-time tourists to Nepal, but for those with more experience, the rewards are substantial.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Best Season
The weather on the Dhaulagiri trail is forecast to change anytime soon. However, a professional guide has identified certain times of the year as the best for trekking.
The optimum time to trek Dhaulagiri is between September and November (autumn). Spring (March – May) — The weather is ideal for naturalists, with clear blue skies and breathtaking sights. Summer (June – August) — Best for keen botanists because the entire country is covered in greenery. Because it is monsoon season in Nepal, the constant rain may cause landslides and floods. Leeches can be found almost anywhere. It is not advisable to embark on a journey. The winter season (December to February) — Winter is thought to be the finest time to visit the mountains. The extreme height of the Dhaulagiri trekking trail, however, makes it dangerous to travel. Due to excessive snowfall, the trail is frequently covered in snow, and teahouses are closed.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Permits & Regulations
A TIMS card ($10) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) ($20 USD) are required. These can be obtained individually in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or they can be arranged through your guide company. Because this is a less-frequented trek, the checkpoints are few, but they do arise on the way down, after the main Annapurna Circuit path is joined. Because this journey is not in a restricted area, it is possible to go on it without a guide. However, given to the difficulties of the route, the weather conditions, the need to carry tents and food, and the fact that some days will be spent walking and sleeping on snow, this is strongly discouraged.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Accommodation
This is an entirely camping journey, with the exception of the first and last nights in Beni and Pokhara, where you will stay in hotels. Beyond Pakoban, there are no lodges or even permanent villages. This fact amplifies the cold’s effects. Food will be made in a camp kitchen, with guides and porters ensuring that all required supplies are carried to produce high-energy, nutritional, and delicious meals.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Price/ Cost
The type of trek and the quantity of money involved influence the projected budget. On the other hand, the typical cost is between $2200 and $2999. It also depends on the amount of money available for added luxuries. Transportation, meals, and other perks such as tents, camping, high-altitude tents, and other goods specified in the Include section are all included in the fee. The trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit can be done in either the spring or the fall, however the spring is recommended. If you have a large party interested in hiking the Dhaulagiri Region or any other trekking peaks in Nepal, please contact us. We may be able to offer group discounts.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Required Equipment’s\ Packing List
Here is a recommended packing list of items to bring for the hike. This list will assist you in making a safe and comfortable journey.
Clothing:
- Insulated Jacket
- Water and wind proof Jacket (breathable)
- Down Jacket
- Thermal tops
- Trekking shirts
- Trekking trousers or shorts
- Breathable underwears
- Rain gears
- Lightweight thermal trousers
Head and Hand:
- Lightweight gloves
- Bandana or head scarf
- Warm woolen hat
- Sun hat
- Buff, Balaclava or Neck Band
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Foot:
- Good pair of hiking socks
- Woolen socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Hiking sandals
- Cotton socks (optional)
- Gaiters
Toiletries:
- Quick drying towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap
- Deodorants
- Nail Clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Sunscreen Cream
- Lip Balm
- Foot Powder
- Female hygiene products
- Personal hygiene
- Wet wipes
- Tissue/ toilet roll
Important Accessories:
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack
- Daypack for carrying your valuables
- Personal first-aid kit (light)
- Medicines – Aspirin, anti-diarrhea pills, Anti-headache pills, cough and cold medicines, stomach ache and medicines for high altitude sickness
- Camera with extra batteries and memories
Extras:
- Books
- Trekking route map
- Playing cards, chess, scrabble etc. for leisure
- Binoculars
- Lightweight pillow case
Documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity dare
- Passport photocopies
- 2 extra pp size photo (you can get it quickly in Kathmandu)
- Insurance Proof
- Cash
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