.....for the admirers of nature....
info@natureloverstrek.com
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is a spectacular journey to the remote North West Nepal away from mainstream trekking trail, leading into complete wilderness of ice-snows and moraines in between giant snowcapped peaks. Discovered in 1808, the 7th highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri is one of the most popular peaks for climbing.
This fabulous adventure to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp and Hidden Valley starts with a drive to the popular city, Pokhara and further down to Beni town, followed by trekking past farm areas to reach the high Dhaulagiri mountainous area. Walking on glaciers to base camp located beneath world’s 7th highest and then traversing over French Pass we will reach at Hidden Valley enclosed within high mountains. We will cross another pass Thapa / Dhampus pass to reach the popular Annapurna circuit route at charming Marpha village. From there, we drive back to Pokhara.
Trekking in Dhaulagiri circuit is a very challenging trek since we have to cross two passes of 5000m plus altitude. However, the majestic mountain views, exceedingly beautiful Hidden valley, diverse cultures en route and the sunrise panoramas are sure to keep everyone self-motivated and give once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the nature.
While you are here, please don't forget to check Dhaulagiri Base Camp only trek too.
Day 01:Drive to Pokhara 950m 6hrs, B, Hotel
Day 02:Drive to Darbang via Beni 900m 5hrs, BLD, Lodge
Day 03:Trek to Riverside 1560m 4hrs, BLD, Camp
Day 04:Trek to Bagar 2100m 5hrs, BLD, Camp
Day 05:Trek to Dovan 2600m 6hrs, BLD, Camp
Day 06:Trek to Italian base camp 3800m 5hrs, BLD, Camp
Day 07:Acclimatization day, BLD, Camp
Day 08:Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4740m 6hrs, BLD, Camp
Day 09:Rest and acclimatization day, BLD, Camp
Day 10:Trek to Hidden Valley 4900m via French Pass 5360m 7hrs, BLD, Camp
Day 11:Rest and also contingency day, BLD, Camp
Day 12:Trek to Yak Kharka 4915m via Dhampus pass 5250m 6hrs, BLD, Camp
Day 13:Trek to Marpha 2650m 5hrs, BLD, Lodge
Day 14:Drive to Pokhara, BL, Hotel
Day 15:Drive back to Kathmandu 6hrs, BL.
Day 01: Drive to Pokhara 950m 6hrs, B, Hotel
A long scenic drive to Pokhara will be an enjoyable ride for you. This ride is not your common kind of ride since you will be experiencing the drive through the Himalayan roads and terrains. Arrival in Pokhara to relax in boating and chill by the lakeside.
Day 02: Drive to Darbang via Beni 900m 5hrs, BLD, Lodge
After the breakfast we take a private jeep to drive from Pokhara to Darbang. Following the Kali Gandaki River relishing the lush hills passing through the town of Beni. Then we follow the Myagdi River to reach Darbang.
Day 03: Trek to Riverside 1560m 4hrs, BLD, Camp
Today is the starting day of our trekking. The trail ascends through the valley and terraced fields. The way passes through the steep way to reach small village Dharapani and it continues along the ridge of river to reach Riverside. From the top ridge it offers the stunning view of Dhaulagiri range, Gurja Himal and Putha Hiunchuli.
Day 04: Trek to Bagar 2100m 5hrs, BLD, Camp
The initial walk start with the descending down to Gatte River and then ascending to the Muri village. We climb up through the terrace farming from the west side of the Myagdi River to reach Bagar.
Day 05: Trek to Dovan 2600m 6hrs, BLD, Camp
The trail follows numbers of ups and downs to Dovan. The starting part of trek starts with descending through the forest and climb up to the Lipshe. The trail continues through the forest from Lapche Kharka and climb to Dovan.
Day 06: Trek to Italian base camp 3800m 5hrs, BLD, Camp
Crossing the wooden bridge, the trail ascends through the forest and the west side of Dhaulagiri is visible. As we go further on the higher elevation, the view of mountain gets visible. Also we can get the excellent view of Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri range and other peaks.
Day 07: Acclimatization day, BLD, Camp
We spend all the day in Italian base camp for the acclimatization. On this day you can explore the base camp and admire the spectacular views surrounded by the mountains.
Day 08: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4740m 6hrs, BLD, Camp
As we go further, we leave forest area behind and start walking on the rocky landscape. It is also the hardest part of the trek whereas we need to through the glacier. From the Dhaulagiri Base Camp you can observe the impressive view of north face of Dhaulagiri and other Dhaulagiri ranges and breathtaking skyline of the mountains.
Day 09: Rest and acclimatization day, BLD, Camp
Another day of rest and an important day for acclimatization. There are many places to explore in and around the Dhaulagiri base camp. Also you can hike up for the best views. Get your cameras ready to take the perfect shots of the Himalayan paradise.
Day 10: Trek to Hidden Valley 4900m via French Pass 5360m 7hrs, BLD, Camp
We start our trekking from the north side of Chhondarban glacier. We climb the massive moraine ridge that leads us to French pass. The pass shares the dramatic 360 degree view of the mountains including Mukut Peak, Tashi Kang and Sita Chuchura, which surrounds the Hidden Valley. Lightly descending from the French Pass it leads to the Thapa pass and then to the Hidden Valley.
Day 11: Rest and also contingency day, BLD, Camp
Another rest day after the big spine-chilling adventurous day. It is specially separated as the extra day in case the weather would have become bad. Also you can explore the outskirts of the Hidden Valley.
Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka 4915m via Dhampus pass 5250m 6hrs, BLD, Camp
We descend to the Yak Kharka passing through the Dhampus or Thapa pass. The high pass has one of the best views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Day 13: Trek to Marpha 2650m 5hrs, BLD, Lodge
Today we descend to the floor of Kali Gandaki River and the amazing village of the Marpha village. This village is famous for the apples. The definition of Marpha is ’Mar’ that stands for hard working and ‘Pha’ means people which means it is the village of hard working people.
Day 14: Drive back to Pokhara, BL, Hotel
After many days of strenuous adventure, we finally come to the end of our trekking journey and we get our vehicle drive back to Pokhara to relax by the lakeside.
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu 6hrs, BL.
After the breakfast, head towards Kathmandu. End of the journey.
Customized Trips and Trip departure
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available fixed departure groups if you are a solo or small group travelers if you wish to, when the trips cannot be customized.
But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable for you and so you need to choose your own dates and packages, when you can customize the trek as per your travel needs. For further information, please kindly contact your own friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.
Accommodations in Pokhara and during trek
You will be staying in a hotel in Pokhara while in the teahouse lodges and tented camps during the trek.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best accommodation arrangement for you from the beginning to the end. We believe after the tough walking day, everyone deserves the proper rest and the right ambience to relax and chill. Therefore, our choice of accommodation is the best when it comes to the trekking days. The rooms will be clean and comfy. Our entire accommodations will be on twin-sharing basis as you can see, so you have to let us know if others; let’s say if you want triple or quadruple sharing or if you want a double bed, etc. There will be extra charge for the single supplement. Similarly, you will have the proper comfy tents during camping days.
If you wish to change the accommodation category to a better ones in Pokhara, please let us know and we can change it for you on added cost.
Route Map and Company T-shirt
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers you a complimentary trekking map and the company t-shirts.
Safe Drinking Water during Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking
Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the trek. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid the altitude sickness and to avoid other health issues. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides you water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. We will boil the water during the camping days.
Your trekking guides and porters
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best guides and porters in the whole tourism industry. We can guarantee you on that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured and are they paid well? Well, they are the staffs of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.
Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have a significant knowledge in the climbing and trekking so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles on the way. We, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trekking guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are fully trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone through a whole lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and to make your journey a smooth and pleasant one.
Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone do. Some of the things he tells you, might even be hard to find in the travel guide books. Depending upon the situations and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly which when happens, he will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexibly ready to accommodate to your guides’ instructions. Let him know if you have any health problems as well since he will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will also provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.
Our porters are always fully equipped with the gears they need and as per the company policy, they are always insured and completely looked after. They are our backbone. We allow maximum weight of 25/30 kg to be carried by one porter. They are the strongest in our group with less communication skills. We also closely work with IPPG {International Porter Protection Group} and follow their ethics and guidelines.
Extra personal expenses during and after trek
The clients are responsible for their own personal expenses during or after the treks like, for buying beverages and snacks, WiFi, doing laundry, buying souvenirs & personal equipment, tips for the field staffs, etc. Therefore, we recommend you to bring some extra cash (in dollars or euro, etc.) of about $400-600, and change it into Nepali Rupees since only NPR are accepted in majority of the Nepali market.
Your safety
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you our own comprehensive first aid medical kit bag along with the professional team of guides and porters. We are always in communication with our field team members to keep track of your safety and concerns. Your entire journey will be monitored by us and we make sure you enjoy your journey in full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking.
How much does the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking cost?
The cost of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking varies from $2000-$4000 depending upon the number of days you choose to trek. The longer the trek, more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the accommodation choices and group sizes also. Normally, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package which is inclusive of all the cost and expenses for the entire journey from the moment you land in Nepal till the moment you fly back home. However, you could also choose to buy only service-based package from us when we will be providing you only the supporting field staffs plus trekking permits and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.
How is the Accommodation during the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
In Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking, we will provide you the teahouses and tented camping accommodations. A teahouse is typically a mountain lodge which is a combination of a lodge or a guest house and a restaurant or a café with basic furniture and interiors suitable for the social hangout. Most of the teahouses have attached bathrooms and the central heating furnace. Also they provide the European toilets mostly while Asian style of toilets are available in every teahouses. Hot showers are available but on extra cost. The same goes with the hot drinking water since they use the gas or solar to boil the water. Sleeping blankets are usually provided but we recommend you to carry your own sleeping bags for the hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to carry your own toiletries including the towels.
During the camping days, you will be sleeping in the camps most of the days set up by our field Sherpa staffs. There will be separate kitchen and dining tents. Your meals will be freshly cooked and you will be served day and nights by our Sherpas. Our staffs will carry the sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses for you to sleep in the tents. Undoubtedly, you will have a perfect camping trek experience with Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.
What are the permits that I need for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
For Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking, you will need to make two permits: ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
How does this tipping system in Nepal work and do I have to tip?
Tipping is not compulsory for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking however tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staffs in the fields so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and also your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected and we’ve made it mandatory too. The amount of gratuities can be determined by yourselves.
Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
You can charge your electronic devices during Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking in some days but also by paying small amount or fees for charging. Most of the days you will be completely in the wilderness with no human and their settlement's trace. Don’t forget to buy a plug adapter or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu still.
Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking route has poor network coverage most of the days. But you can buy one of the Nepalese Sim cards from any local phone shops in Kathmandu which has coverage mostly all over Nepal. It is wiser to buy a sim card with around 4 GB data in Kathmandu and use the mobile data in the trek to avoid paying extra by buying WiFi on the trek. Most of the days you will be completely in the wilderness with no human and their settlement's trace.
WiFi is available on some of the teahouses in Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking route and cost some charges. However, the signal varies from place to place and please don’t expect to receive the fast data coverage in the trek.
When is the best time to trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit?
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking can be done throughout the year. However in average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit. Spring and Autumn are known as the Peak season or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} season, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, less busy season can also be the right time to do Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking. The problem is the weather is harsh cold in winter and there’s snow everywhere while the summer has rainfalls and clouds obscuring the mountains and the views are not so great most of the time.
Do I have to worry about the altitude sickness in Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
The itinerary of our Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours and has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact can affect anyone regardless of the age or the fitness level, so it is very important to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more in details about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking.
Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
When it comes to trekking in the mountains, health and fitness of a person plays a vital role. If you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is for you but if you have any sorts of medical issues, please consult to your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining the high altitude of 5360 m above the sea level which is not a joke. People normally start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from the sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Now when it comes to the fitness level required, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking demands very high physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents including high passes which means you need lots of practices before you start the trekking journey. You will be traversing through the glaciers, moraines and high passes. If you do not have the previous trekking experience, it's nearly impossible to do this trek but obviously if you have previous experiences, it will be lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least few months prior to your trekking departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go for trekking to Dhaulagiri Circuit.
What kind of food items or meals can I eat on Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
Only breakfast is included in Pokhara while full board meals or full meals are included during the trek. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse / tented camps where you spend the night while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. There are a enough choices to choose from; Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, etc. during teahouse days. Except in camping days, when freshly cooked meals will be served and usually the foods are basic and with few choices but they will certainly be healthy and nutritious. Our Sherpas will make sure that you eat enough food for the trekking journey.
Do I need a travel insurance for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
Travel insurance is a must when you trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance which covers any medical risks up to 5500 meter as well as the medical evacuation from the mountains.
In general, most of the places in Nepal don't accept the card payments as they are remote and of limited use to them. So, we recommend you to withdraw some cash before departing for the journey. ATMs will charge you minimal service fee for withdrawing money and you will also get good exchange rate from the banks.
How much weight of luggage can I take during the trek?
Our porter is allowed to carry maximum of 25 kg so, since 2 clients will share one porter, both of your combined weights shouldn't be more than 20kg. We care about our porters and he also has his personal belongings to carry as well.
For the important things and your personal items, you might have to carry your own backpack. But please, only carry the essentials and you will have to leave the rest of the unimportant items, either in the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.
Is there any age limit for Dhaulagiri circuit trek?
Not, at all. No matter if you're 5 years old or 85, you can trek as long as you can. In fact, the children seem to adapt to the high altitudes faster than an adult. So, as long as you're willing to hike the Himalayas, you can hike no matter what your age is.
How do you take the remaining balance on arrival in Kathmandu? Do I need to pay you by cash or I can use my card?
On arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance either on cash or by card. We prefer to be paid in cash (doesn't matter which currency) rather than by card but however, you can also swipe your card which will incur you extra 3.5% charge from the bank.
How big should my backpack be?
It all depends on what you wish to carry on your day pack. We recommend a backpack between 20-40 liter or roughly the size of a school bag.
Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu?
Definitely, you can leave your excess stuffs in Kathmandu. Either you can leave them on the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.
What about extra days and nights in Kathmandu?
For any extra days and nights in Kathmandu which is outside of your schedule, you can let us know beforehand and we can book the hotels for you and also other add-ons or activities as you may like. If under unforeseen circumstances you get extra days in Kathmandu after the trek, we shall work out the right solution for you.
What if I get sick or injured during the trek?
Like we said earlier, we, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. Our professional team is always with you and monitoring you to ensure your wellness and safety. Our experienced and well-trained guide will use his emergency skills in case of emergency; either if you get injured or if you get sick. If it's regarding a symptom of altitude sickness or AMS, you will have to go down to the lower altitudes as fast as possible in order to gain your energy back. You can always continue in the later days or retreat as per your choice. In case of necessity, he will arrange the rescue helicopter for you as well to get the quick medical attention in Kathmandu.
How cold is it during the Dhaulagiri circuit trekking?
The places in the mountainous region are always cold no matter which season or what time. But the temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude.
What gears and equipment do I need to pack for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking?
Choosing the right gear and equipment is important as well for the successful trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit. Pack the right gears and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when trekking to Dhaulagiri Circuit. You should read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry.
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