Dhaulagiri Circuit High Passes Trek
- 20 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Apr–May) & Autumn (Sep–Oct)
We lead an arduous circuit through high glaciers and remote valleys beneath the massive walls of Mt. Dhaulagiri.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a demanding 20-day expedition designed for experienced hikers with high physical endurance and a strong tolerance for remote terrain. We take you away from standard tea house routes into the high glacier zones surrounding the sixth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m). The route traverses deep river gorges, terraced agricultural hillsides, and isolated permanent settlements before climbing past Italian Base Camp onto high alpine ice and moraine.
The central technical challenge of our route involves crossing two major high-altitude mountain passes: the French Pass at 5360 m and the Dhampus Pass at 5200 m. Traversing these heights requires sound acclimatisation, careful pacing, and resilient teamwork. We spend adequate rest days at Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri Base Camp to allow our bodies to adjust safely to the thinning air.
Culturally, our journey introduces us to remote Magar and Thakali communities who maintain traditional ways of life far from modern roads. We pass through villages such as Muri and Boghara before descending past apple orchards into Marpha and Jomsom to join the Kali Gandaki valley. Because of the rugged nature of the terrain and the necessity of camping in high, unserviced areas, this route suits only seasoned trekkers seeking true wilderness solitude in Nepal.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Mt. Dhaulagiri North Face
We camp beneath the towering 8167 m ice walls of the world's sixth highest peak.
French Pass Crossing
Our team navigates the high snow-bound ridge at 5360 m, opening views of the Hidden Valley.
Dhampus Pass
We cross the 5200 m pass linking high alpine expanses down toward the Kali Gandaki gorge.
Remote Wilderness Camps
We establish fully supported tented camps at Italian Base Camp and Glacier Camp.
Myagdi Khola Gorge
We follow the wild waters of the Myagdi River through terraced hills and dense forests.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets our team at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival and transfers us to our hotel. We take time to rest and review our upcoming itinerary.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Our guides lead a cultural tour through key heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Beni (850m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Beni (850m)
Meals: B / L / D
We board our private vehicle after breakfast for the 8 to 9 hour drive west to Beni, where our trekking route begins.
Day 4
Beni to Babiachor (950m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Beni to Babiachor (950m)
Meals: B / L / D
Leaving Beni, we follow the north bank of the Myagdi Khola past Singa and Tatopani before crossing suspension bridges to reach Babiachor.
Day 5
Babiachor to Dharapani (1400m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Babiachor to Dharapani (1400m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail continues up the widening valley through terraced fields and small settlements like Shahashradhara and Ratorunga before arriving in Dharapani.
Day 6
Dharapani to Muri (1800m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Dharapani to Muri (1800m)
Meals: B / L / D
After crossing the Myagdi Khola, we climb through switchbacks to Phalai Gaon, cross the Dhara Khola, and ascend to the large Magar village of Muri.
Day 7
Muri to Boghara (2080m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Muri to Boghara (2080m)
Meals: B / L / D
We descend slightly, cross a stream, and traverse terraced hillsides below Mt. Ghustung South before descending through forests to Boghara.
Day 8
Boghara to Dobang (2520m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Boghara to Dobang (2520m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our path leads through Jyardan, the last permanent settlement in the valley, then across a rocky winding path through Lipshe and Lapche Kharka to Dobang.
Day 9
Dobang to Choriban Khola (3110m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Dobang to Choriban Khola (3110m)
Meals: B / L / D
We cross a wooden bridge out of Dobang, ascend forested slopes where the west face of Dhaulagiri I first appears, and continue to Choriban Khola.
Day 10
Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp (3660m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Choriban Khola to Italian Base Camp (3660m)
Meals: B / L / D
We follow the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier to Italian Base Camp, surrounded by the peaks of Dhaulagiri II, III, and V.
Day 11
Acclimatisation Day at Italian Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Acclimatisation Day at Italian Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We spend a necessary rest day at Italian Base Camp to let our bodies adapt to the increasing altitude and thinner air.
Day 12
Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4210m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4210m)
Meals: B / L / D
We set off early through a narrow gorge prone to stone fall, trekking steadily upward to reach Glacier Camp.
Day 13
Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our route climbs onto the high ablation valley toward Dhaulagiri Base Camp, where the massive icefall and north face of Dhaulagiri I dominate our camp.
Day 14
Acclimatisation Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Acclimatisation Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We take our second rest day at 4740 m to prepare for the high passes ahead, exploring the glacial surroundings under our guides' supervision.
Day 15
Cross French Pass (5360m) to Hidden Valley (5200m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Cross French Pass (5360m) to Hidden Valley (5200m)
Meals: B / L / D
We climb the gentle slope to French Pass at 5360 m for panoramic views of Mukut Himal and Sita Chuchura before descending slightly into the Hidden Valley.
Day 16
Cross Dhampus Pass (5200m) to Yak Kharka (3680m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 16
Cross Dhampus Pass (5200m) to Yak Kharka (3680m)
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the Dhampus Pass between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak, then descend long slopes down to our campsite at Yak Kharka.
Day 17
Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2710m) via Marpha
Meals: B / L / D
Day 17
Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2710m) via Marpha
Meals: B / L / D
We drop down into Marpha to walk among its apple orchards and stone-paved lanes before following the Kali Gandaki valley north to Jomsom.
Day 18
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (910m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 18
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (910m)
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning mountain flight out of Jomsom down to Pokhara, where our vehicle transfers us to our hotel.
Day 19
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 19
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our tourist vehicle after breakfast for the scenic 6-hour drive back along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu.
Day 20
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 20
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative escorts our team to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before our scheduled international flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and dropoff by private vehicle
- Three nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Guided Kathmandu valley sightseeing with entry fees
- All meals on full board during the trek
- Professional guide and camping support crew
- All necessary camping equipment and permits
- Jomsom to Pokhara domestic flight
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Personal trekking gear and apparel
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Our route reaches a maximum elevation of 5360 m at French Pass. We incorporate two dedicated rest days at Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri Base Camp to mitigate acute mountain sickness.
Fitness Expectations
This is a strenuous trek requiring high cardiovascular endurance, previous high-altitude experience, and comfort walking on rocky moraines and snow.
Accommodation on Trek
Teahouses are sparse and basic along the first half of this circuit. We utilize fully supported tented camps for much of the trek until we join the Kali Gandaki valley.
Weather & Seasonality
We run this trek during established dry windows in spring and autumn. High passes can experience sudden weather changes and heavy winds at any time.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy mountaineering bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots suitable for snow and rock.
Down jacket (-20°C rated)Essential
Clothing
Required for high camps and passes.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bag (-20°C rated)Essential
Camping
Essential for cold tented camp nights.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Helpful for steep scree and snow descents.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency evacuation up to 6000 m.
UV protection glacier glassesEssential
Clothing
Category 4 lenses for snow glare.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for early morning pass crossings.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.ACAP Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area as we exit via Marpha.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for registered trekking routes.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
It is an advanced trek over remote terrain, glaciers, and two passes above 5,000 m. Prior high-altitude hiking experience is mandatory.
What is the maximum altitude reached?
The highest point on our route is French Pass at an elevation of 5360 m.
Where do we sleep during the trek?
We sleep in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in supported tented camps along the remote sections of the Dhaulagiri circuit.
When is the best time to go?
We operate this trek during the stable weather windows of April to May and September to October.
Are permits included?
Yes, our team arranges all necessary local area permits and conservation area paperwork required for the route.
What happens in case of an emergency?
Our lead guides carry first aid supplies and maintain communication channels to arrange emergency helicopter evacuation if required.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 20 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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