Choice 2026
Nepal · Remote Area Trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Trip Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Kathmandu. Once you reach the airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly received by our airport representative who will help you with the transfer to the hotel.
Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square).
We 're going to take the early morning bus to Beni. It's a nice ride with the green scenery. It is the offices of the district where the permits will be reviewed. The town we 're staying in is situated at the confluence of Myagdi Khola and Kali Gandaki.
After leaving Beni, we travel west along the north bank of Myagdi Khola. We pass through the village of Beni Mangalghat, Singa, and Tatopani. After passing two bridges, we enter the village of Simalchaur on the north bank. We 're going to meet Babiya Chaur from here.
As we leave Babiya Chaur, we come across terraced hills on either side of the river. The trail is fairly leveled as we pass through villages, Duk Khola, and fields to reach Rotorunga. As we move ahead, the valley narrows and we finally reach Dharapani.
We cross the river from Dharapani to the west bank. After leaving Phedi, there is a steep climb until we reach the ridge where the trail flattens for a while. After climbing again, we 're going through Sibang, Mattim, Ghati Khola and Phalai Gaon. After passing Dhara Khola, we again reach the western bank of Myagdi Khola. Following that, we ascend the hill to eventually get to the Magar Village of Muri.
From Muri, we go down for a short time, cross the stream and pass through the terraced fields before ascending the ridge and entering the pass. We can see the glorious Mt. Ghustung South (6465 m.) from the pass. We 're going down to the west bank of Myagdi Khola and we're going to the village of Naura. Then we ascend a little, cross a slope, and scale another steep hill with zigzag tracks. Then we cross the forest and the terraced fields to finally get to Boghara.
First, we go down through the lush greenery to the ridge and then through the forest to meet Jyardhan (the most remote settlement in the region). A long winding road needs to cross a mountainous landscape, descends and ascends again to meet Lipshe. Then we go through the forest to Lapche Kharka and then ascend to Doban, which is a fairly flat area.
We cross a footbridge to depart Doban and then go up a forest land. We gradually get a peak of Dhaulagiri I and then get back to Myagdi Khola Bank. Then we cross a wooden bridge to the east bank and Cartare. We cross a wood, a rocky region, and a stream to enter Choriban Khola.
From here we continue to the Chhonbarban Glacier, which we join from the west. As we soak in the splendor of the Tukuche peak and the Dhaulagiri I road, after a while we reach the Italian Base Camp. The base camp (at an altitude of 3660 m.) has a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V.
Have easy day for acclamatization.
The trek starts early in the morning with good weather to avoid the stone falls that the area is prone to. We pass through a narrow gorge and then reach the Glacier camp.
This is an interesting day to see the north face of Dhaulagiri I along with other peaks such as Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri V. The view of the ice-fall falling from the north-east is spectacular.
Since reaching the lake, we 're going to ascend two hills. The first hill runs along the glacier and crosses the mountain and the moraine. As we climb a gentle slope, we reach the French Pass at an altitude of 5360 m. A wonderful view greets us at the pass, which includes Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang and Sita Chuchura, which surrounds the Hidden Valley. We continue along the right edge of the French Pass to reach Thapa Pass at 5250 m. We're going down from the pass to reach the base camp
Acclimatize and have easy day.
We descend from Hidden valley to Dhampus pass at an elevation of 5200m. We continue from there to Yak Kharka which is perfect to set up camp and enjoy the surroundings at 3680m.
From Yak Kharka, we descend steeply through forests and moraines for a few hours to reach Tukuche. Overnight local lodge.
From Tukuche, we take a rough trail (on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River) to Larjung. There are a lot of fruit orchards here. Then we walk along a paved road, cross a pedestrian bridge and a forest to reach Kokkethanti. We pass the villages and pass the suspension bridge to meet our target, Kalopani. Local lodge for the night.
From Kalopani, we take an easy beautiful walk as we move towards subtropical vegetation. The trail follows a river through a narrow gorge and descends to cross a bridge and reach a waterfall. We then move across the valley to reach Tatopani. Overnight local lodge.
After early morning breakfast, we take the jeep or local tourist bus to Pokhara.
You will coming back to Kathmandu where your trip officially comes to end. You can enjoy 30 minutes whole body massage and farewell dinner with your trekking crew before you head back to your home next day.
After break fast, our airport representative will drive you to the airport for your flight back to home.
What’s Included
Important Information
Trekking Difficulty
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a difficult trek — one of the hardest in Nepal — suitable for trekkers with prior trekking experience at altitudes above 5,000 m. The optional ascent of Dhampus Peak (6,060 m) requires simple mountaineering skills, such as knowledge about the use of ice axes and crampons. Three days in a row, trekking in the snow above 5,000 m, with no easy way down. Adding to the challenge is the cold — because this is a hiking trek, there are no warm lodges to escape at night. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is not for beginners or first-time visitors to Nepal, but the rewards are high for those with more experience.
Obtaining Trekking Permits
You will need to purchase a TIMS card ($10) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) ($20 USD). They can be purchased separately in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or they will be managed for you through your trekking company or agent. HSJ arranges the trekking permits for all its clients.
Lodging and food
Apart from the first and last nights in Beni and Pokhara, where you will stay in hotels, this is an entirely teahouse and camping trek. In tea houses you get basic accommodation and simple food like daal bhaat. This fact increases the effects of the cold. While camping food will be prepared in a camp kitchen, while guides and porters ensure that necessary provisions are carried to prepare high-energy, nutritious and tasty food.
Insuring your safety
We suggest taking out an insurance plan for your individual accountability, accidents and illnesses during the service.Regarding the type of activity, you may be asked to show a certificate of insurance for help and support, sanitation and search. This service is private and not free in Nepal, the helicopter will not take off until it is convinced to pay for the insurance.
List of Equipments you will need for trek
Clothing
· Trekking boots
· Short-sleeved Trekking shirts
· Trekking pants and jackets
· Thermals underwear
· Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
· Insulating down jackets
· Woolen cap
· Trekking Gloves
· Raincoats
First Aid
· Diamox tablets
· Sanitary pads / Tampons
· Anti-nausea Medicines
· Band-aids
· Mosquito and insect repellents
Toiletries
· Soap
· Toilet Paper
· Shampoo
· Sunscreen
· Moisturizer
· Hand sanitizer
Accessories
· Sunglasses
· Sleeping bag
· Cameras
· Batteries
· Water Bottle
· Solar Chargers
· Hot water Thermos
Important Documents
· Passport
· Travel Permits
Charging your electric devices
Apart from the first and last nights in Beni and Pokhara, where you will stay in hotels, this is an entirely camping trek. There are no lodges and not even any permanent settlements past Pakoban. And hence, you would have to depend on headlights, torches and power bank for charging of your devices.
Internet connection and Telecommunication
Apart from the first and last nights in Beni and Pokhara, where you will stay in hotels, this is an entirely tea house trek. Higher altitude have lesser tea houses and limited services. Hence you would have to be prepared for the limited communication while on the camping trek. Availability of internet would be limited or scarce. Our guides would have satellite phone that would be our means of communication with them regarding the welfare and emergencies that are of the concerns of our client.
Luggage limit for the trek
Often this depends on the trek and the maximum altitude gain. Each porter carries between 15 and 30 kg on average in the mountain region for trekking. There is up to 40 kg of a camping pack. We usually assign one porter to our two trekkers. 15 kg of luggage is allowed per person on the trek. The health of our porter crew is strictly guaranteed.
Availability of drinking water on trek
This being challenging trek, sufficient amount of water would be needed to carried all the way. Filling up water is quick. Taps in, out or in guesthouses mean that there are plenty of places to fill your bottles and/or your water bladders.This could be where you stay, a lunch stop, or a shared public tap used by locals whereever possible. Use an efficient sterilization method to make sure your water is safe and not contaminated in anyway.
Travel and Transportation Modes
On Land: Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private vehicle such as a car, jeep or microbus. Luxury tourist buses, which are only hired by the company for the most part, make the long distance travel. You will may have to take a public bus on some trip, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.
By Air: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu is available option for anyone who doesnt want to take 7-8 hours long drive back to Kathmandu. This option is however not included in the package and the cost would be extra USD 110 per person.
This Tour with HSJ
Guides and Porters
Our local Nepali team is one of the most experienced, hospitable and respected trekking outfits in Nepal. The team is fully licensed and affiliated with the Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Tourism Board, Govt. of Nepal, Sustainable Tourism Network, Himalayan Rescue Association and Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project. You will be provided with the professional and an experienced English speaking trekking guide with the good knowledge of the place and the trek. The trekking crew is skilled with the experience of over 10 years, well-trained, friendly guide and, courteous and helpful porters, assured of a wonderfully memorable experience.
For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 12-15 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your day pack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets, etc. The safety and concerns of our porters is our collective responsibility. We take our responsibilities towards them and their safety concerns strictly. On your part, please carry only things that are of absolute necessities.
Other Programs and complimentary services with this trip
• Welcome and Farewell dinner
• Yoga Classes
• Spa services
How do we make sure you get the best experience of this trek?
We are your completely flexible travel partner. Want to follow different route? We have you covered. Have extra time in Nepal? Excellent! We have more add-on tours like Chitwan Jungle Safari, Cable Car ride to Chandragiri hills, Cooking and Yoga classes in Kathmandu and so on. Would like to customize the trip? Well, why not? Give us your ideas and we will prepare complete itinerary for you. Do you want to use different standard of accommodations than provided in the itineraries? Of course! You absolutely can. From your arrival until you departure, your wishes are our command. Feel free to make the request.
Last minute booking
It is best to book in advance but for those who cannot, for whatever reason, make a last minute reservation special arrangement for Himalayan Social Journey. In the case of last minute reservation, 100% tour payment will be approved within 24 hours. We try to operate a trek at any time but we are not liable for the delay in case of last-minute reservation, because of uncontrolled changes such as weather and the availability of accommodation.
Feedbacks
Throughout the years of business, we have always put the customers feedback as our inspiration towards making our company great travel partner. With many ups and downs, and good and not so good feedbacks we have reached where we are now. At the end of the trek, while you are with the crew during farewell dinner, we would appreciate if you give us your valuable feedback, account of good and bad experiences, recommendations and also your honest rating to our trip advisor page.