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Trekkers resting on a snow-covered high pass with Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks in the background.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

  • Nepal
  • Hiking
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Kathmandu – Beni – Dharapani – Italian Base Camp – Dhaulagiri Base Camp – French Pass – Dhampus Pass – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu

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Travelers Reviews
142 reviews

Duration

20 Days

Price

US$ 2650
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The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging 20-day trek through one of Nepal’s most remote mountain areas. The trek circles the world’s seventh-tallest peak at 8,167m, the giant Dhaulagiri range. You’ll pass through varied landscapes, from rich green lowlands to harsh, high alpine zones.

Your trek begins with a two-day tour of Kathmandu. Here, you will explore historic temples and prepare for the trek. The trek begins with a scenic drive to Beni, the trek’s starting point in the Myagdi Valley. From Beni, the route takes you through diverse terrain, including terraced fields and traditional Magar villages such as Muri and Boghara, steadily climbing higher.  Oak and rhododendron forests will gradually give way to open alpine meadows, then to rocky moraines near the mountains. The Italian Base Camp at 3,660m is one of the key acclimatization stops in the trek. After crossing the Italian Base Camp, the trail becomes more rugged and remote. You’ll trek along glaciers and camp surrounded by ice and snow at the Glacier Camp.

The trek’s highest point is Dhaulagiri Base Camp at 4,740m. The camp offers a close-up view of the massive north face of Dhaulagiri I. Its scale and remoteness create a powerful impression on anyone who visits.

Then, the route crosses two high mountain passes, the French Pass at 5,360m, and the Dhampus Pass at 5,200m. The French Pass climb is challenging but rewards you with panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range. After crossing the French Pass, you’ll see Hidden Valley, a remote alpine valley above 5,000m known for its quiet and wild atmosphere.

You’ll leave Hidden Pass and descend towards lower altitudes and familiar villages.  As you descend, you’ll reach the Kali Gandaki village. Visit the town of Marpha and its apple orchards and meet the Thakali people there.

The trek concludes in Jomsom, where a short flight will take you to Pokhara. You can relax and celebrate your accomplishment after reaching Pokhara. Finally, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu and officially complete the trek.

Trip Highlights

  • Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m): Get a close-up view of the world’s seventh-highest mountain just 8 km away from you.
  • French Pass (5,360m): Cross the challenging high pass with the panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
  • Hidden Valley (5,360m): You’ll explore the quiet, remote alpine valley surrounded by rugged peaks.
  • Cultural Experience: You’ll walk through traditional Magar villages like Muri and experience traditional mountain life.
  • Glacial Trails: The trek takes you over rocky glacier moraines and rewards you with the views of the Himalayan peaks and the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
  • Mountain Flight: The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara offers excellent views of the Himalayan peaks and the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
  • Marpha Village: Marpha village is known for its apple orchards, whitewashed houses, and cobbled streets.
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Included Meals

  • Breakfast: 19
  • Lunch: 14
  • Dinner: 14
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Trip staff

  • Guide
  • Porter
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Transport

  • Bus/Car
  • Flight
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Accommodation

  • 3-star hotel
  • Teahouse
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Trip Grade

  • Moderate
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Group Size

  • Minimum 1
  • Maximum 8

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Itinerary

You’ll arrive in Kathmandu today. Look for our company’s banner and meet our staff who will transfer you from the airport to your hotel. You can use the rest of the day to rest after the long flight. You can explore some parts of the city to glimpse the countryside. Meet your guide in the evening for a brief orientation and to prepare yourself fully for the trek ahead.

accommodation-icon Accommodation:

Hotel Thamel Park or similar

Grade: Comfortable Hotel
difficulty-icon Difficulty
Grade: Easy

Includes & Excludes

What is included?

The package price covers essential services, logistics, accommodation, and staffing for the duration of the 20-day trip:

1. Accommodation & Meals:

  • Hotels in Cities: 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (on a twin-share basis).
  • Trekking Accommodation: All teahouse stays in lower trekking villages (twin-share) and all tented camp accommodation at higher altitudes (twin-share tents, sleeping mats provided).
  • Meals: Full board meals during the trek (Breakfasts: 19, Lunches: 14, Dinners: 14). This covers freshly cooked meals prepared by the camping crew at higher elevations.

2. Staffing & Crew:

  • Experienced Trekking Guide: A professional, English-speaking, licensed trekking guide for the entire duration.
  • Porters: Required number of porters to carry luggage (a typical limit is 15-20 kg per trekker).
  • Camping Crew: Full support crew (cooks, kitchen helpers, etc.) necessary for the camping sections beyond the Italian Base Camp.
  • Staff Wages, Insurance, & Equipment: All costs associated with the guides’ and porters’ salaries, insurance, meals, and lodging.

3. Permits & Fees:

  • All necessary trekking permits, including the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • National park entry fees and conservation area fees.

4. Transportation & Flights:

  • Private vehicle transportation for all necessary road transfers, including the long drive from Kathmandu to Beni.
  • Domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off) in Kathmandu.

5. Other Services:

  • First aid kit and necessary medical supplies for the crew.
  • Necessary camping equipment (kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, etc.) for high-altitude use.

What is excluded?

The following personal, optional, and emergency expenses are not covered in the package price:

1. International Travel:

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Cost of the Nepal entry visa (which is typically available upon arrival).

2. Insurance & Emergency:

  • Travel and Medical Insurance (mandatory). This must cover trekking up to 6,000 meters and include emergency helicopter rescue/evacuation.
  • Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances like weather delays, natural disasters, or sickness.

3. Meals & Drinks:

  • Lunch and Dinner while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except for the breakfast).
  • Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, or any special beverages during the trek.
  • Snacks, chocolates, and energy bars.

4. Personal Expenses & Tips:

  • Tipping for the guide, porters, and camping crew (highly appreciated and customary).
  • Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi access fees at teahouses (these usually incur a small extra charge in the lower villages).
  • Personal trekking gear (e.g., sleeping bag, down jacket, boots, poles, etc.).
  • Laundry expenses, personal phone calls, and shopping.

Is the Trip for you?

This trek is for trekkers with previous experience, like in the Annapurna Circuit or the Everest Base Camp. It is not an ideal option for the first trek. You should be fit enough to hike for about 7 hours with a loaded backpack for several days. The trek involves some steep climbs and tricky descents through rough terrain. You need good stamina and strong legs. Training in advance is necessary for a fit enough body.

The trek is also mentally demanding as you go through long days, cold nights, and live in simple conditions. You need to accept discomforts like no shower, sleeping in tents, and no internet. Keep a positive attitude and accept these challenges. Some nights you will sleep in tents instead of teahouses. Our team will try to make camping comfortable with a warm meal and shelter, but it’s still basic.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is remote and off-the-beaten-path. You will enjoy the trek if you love nature, solitude, and unpredictability. You’ll trek in a group unless you book a private trek. The entire group needs to be supportive and flexible. You’ll share meals, camps, and sometimes tents. The trek will be challenging if you cannot adjust to a group setting.

The trek takes about three weeks, including travel time. You must dedicate your time fully and disconnect from work and other duties. If you identify with most of these points, Dhaulagiri is an excellent match for you. However challenging, this trek is deeply rewarding and has fantastic views.

Accommodation during Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

You will stay in lodges, tents, and hotels throughout your trek. The facilities and charges depend on the altitude and place.

Teahouses (Mountain Lodges): Accommodation is mainly traditional Nepali teahouses in the lower and middle sections of the trek. These family-run lodges are simple with basic rooms. You will usually stay in rooms with two single beds, foam mattresses, and pillows. Most teahouses have a communal dining hall with a central stove of wood or dung and lights in the evening, providing warmth to the trekkers. You will likely share toilets with other trekkers and the lodge staff. Toilets are usually squat-style with limited washing facilities. Lower altitude lodges may offer hot showers for a small fee, but as you go higher, amenities start to reduce. Lodges are sometimes just a single room in a simple hut as you trek to higher altitudes. The hospitality and warmth of the owners make the humble teahouses feel like home.

Camping (Tented Camps): There are no teahouses beyond Italian Base Camp, so you will camp in locations like Glacier Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Hidden Valley, etc. Our crew will provide all camping gear, including high-quality expedition tents for harsh conditions. Tents are usually twin-share unless you specifically ask for a single tent. We provide a foam mattress for comfort under your sleeping bag. You should bring a warm sleeping bag rated at least -20 °C or rent one from us in Kathmandu. Our cooks freshly prepare the meals, and we set up a dining tent for shelter during meals. Toilet tents with pit latrines are far from the camp for privacy. Camping may be tough, but it is memorable. Our crew will try to keep the atmosphere cheerful and comfortable with hot drinks and water for washing.

Hotel in Cities: You will stay in comfortable 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with clean rooms, attached bathrooms, hot showers, WiFi, and restaurants. Accommodation is twin share by default or double for couples. We offer upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels on request. Many trekkers appreciate the comfort of the hotels in caves after days in rugged terrain.

You can expect occasional power outages while trekking. You don’t get any heating in your bedroom and will sleep in your sleeping bag. Electricity for charging devices and WiFi is available with an extra fee. Our team will handle all logistics for you.

Trip information

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews

Excellent

5/5 rating based on 11 reviews

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11 customer photos & videos reviews

Erik Svensson / Sweden
I chose the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek after completing the Annapurna Circuit last year, wanting an even bigger challenge. It was the right choice. This trek is definitely a step up in difficulty and isolation. As a Swede, I appreciate nature and silence, and here I got plenty of both. I must say it was tougher than I expected – the trails are rougher (sometimes no trail, just following the guide over rocks), and the altitude kicked in sooner than I thought it would. But the support from the staff was excellent, and that made all the difference. They were like guardian angels when things got hard, always ready to help or just give an encouraging nod. One of the most memorable parts was the morning we left Dhaulagiri Base Camp to cross French Pass. It had snowed a few centimeters overnight, so everything was white and pristine. We set off at 5 AM with headlamps, and I felt like an explorer from a bygone era. When the sun rose, the snow glittered and we could see the pass in the distance. It was intimidating and exhilarating at the same time. Reaching that pass was a 10/10 moment in my trekking life. The rest of the trek after the passes felt like a victory lap – descending into Marpha and seeing trees and villages again was oddly comforting (civilization, hello!). Quick practical note: I was happy to have waterproof boots and gaiters, especially for the glacier sections and snowy parts. Some in our group had only hiking shoes and their feet got wet and cold. The trek was a solid test of endurance, but oh-so rewarding for the soul. I came home with stunning photos and even better stories. Highly recommend to hardcore trekking enthusiasts.
Sean Connor / Ireland
As an Irishman, I’m used to a bit of wind and rain on hikes, but doing the Dhaulagiri Circuit took “hardy” to a new level. And I mean that in the best possible way! This trek is wild and beautiful. Some sections felt like we were the first to ever tread there (though of course we weren’t). We encountered almost no other trekkers, which is unheard of these days. I really cherished that aspect – it was just our group and the Himalayas. The scenery changes dramatically and kept me in constant awe, from thick forests to barren high-altitude deserts. I’d read that the Dhaulagiri Circuit was one of the tougher treks, so I came prepared mentally and physically (running, hill-walking back home, etc.). Even so, French Pass made me dig deep. It was a steep slog, and the altitude hit a few of us hard on that day. But reaching the top with the prayer flags and the panoramic view made it all worth it. Our guide did a fantastic job keeping the group motivated – at one point he started singing a Nepali trekking song (“Resham Firiri”) and we all clapped along, out of breath but smiling. A moment of levity when we needed it. One of the unexpected highlights was the camaraderie that formed among us trekkers. It’s the kind of trip where you bond over the shared challenge. By the end in Pokhara, we were already reminiscing together like old friends. If you’re the kind of person who loves real adventure and doesn’t mind roughing it a bit, I’d wholeheartedly say: go for Dhaulagiri. It tests you, but it rewards you more than you can imagine.
Jeroen van den Berg / Netherlands
My wife and I chose the Dhaulagiri Circuit because we wanted something off the beaten track, and it delivered in full. We were tired of overcrowded trails. On this circuit, we often felt like the only people in a vast mountain kingdom. The experience was adventurous and very authentic. Being from the flat Netherlands, I won’t lie – the first few days going up and down the hills had my legs screaming! But by acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp, I was in the groove. One thing I appreciated was how transparent and honest our guide was. He briefed us each evening about what to expect the next day, not just the nice bits but also, “Tomorrow will be a long day with a steep climb, so get a good rest.” This helped us mentally prepare. Crossing the French Pass was tough; the air was thin and we moved at a snail’s pace, but no one cared about speed – reaching the top and seeing those prayer flags flapping in the wind was emotional. My wife actually got a bit teary, overwhelmed by the beauty and the challenge of it all. Equipment-wise, we rented sleeping bags and down jackets in Kathmandu, which were very warm and necessary (night temperatures were far below zero at base camp). If you want a trek that feels like a true expedition, with basic living and grand scenery, Dhaulagiri won’t disappoint. Just remember to respect the altitude and take it slow – the motto “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) from Kilimanjaro also applies here!
Olivia Taylor / New Zealand
Kia ora! The Dhaulagiri Circuit pushed me to my limits physically, but every bit of sweat and exhaustion was rewarded tenfold by what we saw and achieved. I come from New Zealand, and we pride ourselves on our tramping routes, but being in the Himalayas is another story. Out there under Dhaulagiri, I truly felt the grandeur of nature. The diversity on this trek is astonishing – one day we’re walking through terraced fields and interacting with local villagers, and the next we’re roped up to cross a glacier in complete wilderness. I want to compliment the guides for how they handled the altitude and our group’s varied paces. We had a couple in their 60s with us, and the guides made sure they were never left behind; one guide would stay with the faster hikers, and one would stay with the slower, keeping radio contact. It was very professional. The tea and popcorn in the dining tent every day at 4 pm became a ritual we all looked forward to! Little things like that made a big difference in morale. I won’t forget the morning we crossed Dhampus Pass – we started before sunrise with headlamps, and as we reached the top, the first light hit the peaks around us. It was sublime. By the time we got to Jomsom, I was dirty, tired, and had the biggest grin on my face. If you’re considering this trek, just do it – but make sure you’re fit and ready for some real hard yakka.
María González / Spain
¡Este circuito de Dhaulagiri fue una experiencia inolvidable! Viajé desde España con mi esposo para hacer este trekking, y desde el primer momento el equipo en Nepal nos hizo sentir como en casa. Nuestro guía hablaba español básico (para nuestra sorpresa), lo cual fue un lindo detalle que apreciamos mucho. Las montañas de Dhaulagiri y los alrededores son impresionantes – nunca había visto glaciares de tan cerca ni noches tan estrelladas. Cada día era una aventura distinta: algunos días caminábamos por bosques verdes pasando por pueblitos donde los niños nos saludaban con “namaste”, y otros días cruzábamos paisajes áridos de alta montaña donde apenas podíamos creer la altitud a la que nos encontrábamos. Hubo momentos duros, claro – subir el French Pass me costó muchísimo, el aire tan delgado me obligaba a parar cada pocos pasos. Pero la paciencia y el ánimo de nuestro guía y porteadores realmente me impulsaron a seguir. La logística del viaje fue excelente; las comidas siempre calientes y sabrosas (probé el dal bhat y me encantó), y las tiendas de campaña resistentes al frío intenso de las noches en el campamento base. Recomiendo esta ruta a los montañistas experimentados que buscan algo remoto y auténtico. Nepal me robó el corazón, y sé que volveré.
Jean-Luc Martin / France
En tant que Français ayant randonné dans les Alpes, je peux dire que le circuit du Dhaulagiri est d’un tout autre niveau. Simply magnificent! The raw beauty of the Himalayas around Dhaulagiri left me speechless. I went on this trek with high expectations and it managed to exceed them. The altitude was my biggest worry, but the itinerary’s acclimatization strategy worked very well. We took it slow and steady; as a result, I only had a mild headache one evening, which went away by the next morning. The crew était très professionnel – our guide Mingma was attentive and made sure everyone was feeling okay. He even carried my backpack for a short period when I was feeling tired, insisting I needed a break. The food during the camping portion was surprisingly good and filling; our cook somehow baked a cake at base camp to celebrate one trekker’s birthday! Talk about going above and beyond. The trek was definitely strenuous, especially the day we crossed French Pass (notre Dieu, that was hard), but the sense of achievement was énorme. Looking at my photos now, I still can’t believe I was up there among those peaks. Highly recommended for serious trekkers seeking something extraordinary.
Stefan Mueller / Germany
I chose a local company for the Dhaulagiri trek and it was an excellent decision. As a German, I value good organization and efficiency, and the team did not disappoint. From the moment I was picked up at the airport to the final drop-off, everything ran like clockwork. Our guide had an encyclopedic knowledge of the route, the mountains, and also the local culture. He often explained the significance of places and even taught us a few Nepali phrases, which made interactions with villagers fun. The trek itself is exhilarating. It is remote – don’t expect mobile signals or hot showers – but that’s part of the charm. We trekked through a heavy snowfall on the approach to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, which was challenging, but the crew handled it safely, cutting steps in the snow for us. That kind of expertise was impressive. My favourite memory is crossing the Dhampus Pass. It was very windy on that day; I could feel the adrenaline because we knew we had a long descent after. When we finally saw the green valley on the other side, everyone cheered. I felt very accomplished. This trek is hard, ja, but if you are prepared and have a good guide, it is absolutely doable. Danke to the team for an unforgettable adventure!
Samantha Clark / Canada
This trek blew my expectations out of the water. As a Canadian, I’m used to big mountains (hello, Rockies), but the Himalayas are something else entirely. Dhaulagiri Circuit is less famous than some other Nepal treks, which is exactly why I chose it. The solitude and untouched feel of the route were amazing. There were days we didn\'t see any other trekkers at all, just our small group and the vast mountains. The experience with Peregrine Treks (our Nepali outfitter) was top-notch. Everything was well planned, from acclimatization days to meals. They even catered to my vegetarian diet with ease – I enjoyed delicious dal bhat almost every day and never got bored of it! The guide, Bishnu, was very attentive, always checking our oxygen levels and heart rates in the evenings, which was reassuring. I won’t lie, it was a hard trek – I had a slight headache going over the French Pass but I took it slow and the guide was encouraging all the way. The moment we reached that pass and everyone hugged each other with tears of joy... I\'ll remember that forever. After finishing in Jomsom and flying to Pokhara, I felt like I’d conquered something huge. Truly one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Lachlan Smith / Australia
Crikey, that was an epic trek! I\'m an Aussie who loves the outdoors, but the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek was probably the toughest thing I\'ve done – and also the most rewarding. The terrain was so diverse; one day we’re in lush green valleys, the next day we’re crossing glacial moraines in a stark, icy landscape. I have to give a shout-out to our support crew. The guides and porters were absolute legends. They always had a smile, even while hauling our gear up those steep climbs. One of our porters, Raju, would boil us tea at Dhaulagiri Base Camp before we crawled out of our tents – what a champ! The trek is remote (no fancy lodges or wi-fi most of the way, mate), which I actually loved. It felt like a real adventure, not a touristy trail. A heads-up to future trekkers: be prepared for basic facilities and some very cold nights. But also prepare to be blown away by the scenery. When we crossed French Pass and saw the panorama of snow-capped peaks all around, our whole group just went speechless. I\'d do it again in a heartbeat (after my legs recover, haha).
Emily Brown / United Kingdom
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a proper expedition, not just a walk in the park, and that’s exactly what I was after. As a Brit used to the Lake District and Scottish Highlands, I found Nepal’s sheer scale astounding. The trek was well organised from start to finish. Our guide, Pasang, was marvellous – he had decades of experience and a delightful sense of humour. The cultural experiences in the small villages, like Muri, were a highlight for me; it’s not just about mountains, but also the people. Weather was generally clear, and the mountain vistas were the best I’ve seen (and I’ve trekked in the Alps and Rockies). One tip: make sure you have good gear for the cold nights. Waking up to see the sunrise on Dhaulagiri after a freezing night was unforgettable. This trek pushed me physically, but I never felt beyond my limits because of the support from the team. It was a remarkable adventure that I’ll be talking about for years.
Michael Miller / United States
I had heard the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek was tough, and it lived up to its reputation. But every step was worth it! The remote trails, the views of Dhaulagiri towering above, and the sense of accomplishment at the end are beyond compare. I\\\'m from Colorado and have done a lot of trekking back home, but this was on another level. The altitude was challenging for sure (French Pass tested my lungs), yet the team managed the pace and acclimatization perfectly. The guides were knowledgeable and caring. They made sure we were safe and comfortable even in the harshest conditions. I especially loved the night we camped in Hidden Valley under a sky full of stars – absolutely magical. If you are an adventure enthusiast looking for something off the beaten path, this trek will not disappoint.