Expedition Overview


Facts of the trip

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Arrival On
    Kathmandu
  • Departure From
    Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Accommodation
    Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and camping basis accommodation during trekking
  • Meals
    BB plan in Kathmandu and All meals during the trek and expediiton
  • Best Time
    October-December, February- Jun
  • Transportation
    Private Car / Jeep in Kathmandu, domestic flight

Round Dhaulagiri Trekking is separated from the Annapurna Mountain range by the Kaligandaki River and its gorge (the deepest gorge on the planet). Dhaulagiri (8167 m), the seventh-highest mountain on Earth, is situated with fifteen peaks above 7000 m. Trekking around Dhaulagiri is relatively strenuous and requires some high-altitude trekking experience. This approximately 3-week trek around the white peak offers a verdant valley, cultivated fields, passes through rhododendron and alpine forests, and meadows with high passes, hot springs, waterfalls, and plenty of stunning scenery. This trek avoids the main trail and is therefore quite strenuous and demanding.

Highlights of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

  1. Immerse yourself in a multi-faceted and intriguing culture, experiencing the day-to-day lifestyle of the local people.
  2. Trek through diverse flora and fauna, witnessing the region’s rich biodiversity.
  3. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the landscape, including the iconic Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
  4. Marvel at outstanding views of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri range.
  5. Traverse through the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki.
  6. Conquer two high mountain passes: the French Pass (5,240m/17,192ft) and Thapa Pass (5,155m/16,913ft).

Itinerary

Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu (1,400m). After time to get refreshed, evening you will meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and after meal briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 45 Min
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Dinner

Today, morning we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our relaxing guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After your lunch at Bouddha visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and late afternoon back to hotel and evening briefing about your trip, what is your responsibility, what to do and does not in the trek? Introduce with our fellow trekking staff and chances to ask remaining question and simply relax at the hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 6
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast in the hotel we take a bus to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the 45 minute flight to Pokhara. Here we board our transport for the 3 – 4 hour journey through a fascinating and lush landscape of emerald green rice paddies and dense forest on the steeper and higher slopes. Travelling deeper into the Annapurrna Himal, we follow the Kali Gandakhi river to the town of Beni and then follow its tributary, the Myagdi Khola, passing several small settlements, to arrive at the small rural town of Darbang where we make our first camp. Approximate altitude of camp is 1100 metres. Overnight in Darbang.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 7
  •  Altitude: 1100m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Beginning our trek after breakfast, short easy walk we get to the river bank at Phedi, after we cross the Danyga Kholaa on a big suspension bridge and start to climb up to Dharapani. It offers nice views of Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal and Puta Hiunchuli to the west. After lunch at Dharapani (1200m) and then continue along the ridge to Sibang. Overnight in Sibang.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 6
  •  Altitude: 1770m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a long descent to the Dar Khola, the path goes steep climb to Muri which takes approximately 2 hours. The Dar River flows from the west, in which direction lies The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which is the only hunting reserve in Nepal established in 1987. We follow the route towards the north along the Myagdi River. We will stop at Muri for lunch and afterwards we continue the trek, to a bridge crossing of the Mudi Khola. We pass through pretty farmland, terraced rice fields and isolated houses to the village of Naura. Overnight in Naura.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 7
  •  Altitude: 1570m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we continue walking through the Myagdi River to the larger settlement of Bagar (2080m). After lunch at Bagara the trail descends down to a small ridge then crosses forest to Jyardan, it is the last village in this valley and the last village that we will encounter until we arrive at Marpha. Descend a long, steep, slippery stone staircase into a deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to crazing field know as Lapche Kharka. Overnight at Lapche Kharka.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 7
  •  Altitude: 2050m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After the breakfast, we continuing our gradual ascent on a spectacular alpine-style path, passing more grassy fields and arrive grazing area at Dobang. After lunch at Dobang we continue our journey crossing Konaban Khola, then climbing towards the Sallaghari. We will have west face of Dhaulagiri during the walk. Overnight in Sallaghari.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 7
  •  Altitude: 2500m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take an easy day today; it is just about 3-4 hours short walking. You’ll pass through beautiful forests trail and with the closer views of mountains panorama, where you will camp just in front of the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. Overnight in Italian Base Camp.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 4
  •  Altitude: 3660m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization day at Italian base camp, it is important that we include an acclimatization day before we reach over 4000m. A good day for resting, possible to make exploration walk above camp and enjoy the scenery and natural beauty. Overnight at tented camp.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 0
  •  Altitude: 3660m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast another short trek as we climb up above four thousand meters. The trail now crosses a rocky area then walk through first section of glacier, probably using a rope in couple of tricky spots while crossing the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular, dominated by the impressive west face of Dhaulagiri I and massive rocky walls of Tsaurabong Peak on the other. Overnight in Glacier Camp or Japanese Camp.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 4
  •  Altitude: 4250m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start early morning for the long and tough trek to Dhaulagiri Basecamp. Soon we follow the north side of the glacier passing to the smooth ice of the white part then climb steadily to the rough part before teaching to the basecamp. Tough walk but campsite offers the spectacular towering face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and to the west Dhaulagiri II (7751m), III (7715m) and IV (7618m). Overnight in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 8
  •  Altitude: 4748m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the next day you will be crossing the pass into the Hidden Valley where you will be constantly at an altitude of over 5000m so it is important you will have rest. You can walk over the camp for spectacular views. Overnight in Dhaulagiri Basecamp.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 0
  •  Altitude: 4748m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We follow the Ghhondarban Glacier towards the north before steadily climb hillside above the glacier. We cross over the French Pass (5370m) the highest point of the trek; it offers a stunning 360 degree panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges including Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak, and the huge Dhaulagiri I. We descneds an easy trail into Hidden Valley. Overnight in Hidden Valley.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 6
  •  Altitude: 5170m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another rest day or spare day in case of any problems affecting our schedule. Enjoy the surrounding Peaks and exploring around the valley. Overnight in Hidden Valley.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 0
  •  Altitude: 5170m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We follow high- level alpine style travers path to the eastern end of Hidden Valley and climb up the Dhampus Pass, a spectacular crossing between the Thukuche and Thapa peaks, which overlooks the Kali Gandaki valley with the view of the Annapurna range and we can once again see Dhaulagiri I. Then rocky steeply descent leading to Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

  •  Accommodation: Tented Camp
  •  Hours: 8
  •  Altitude: 4000m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our descent Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through first seasonal huts at Alubari(3400m) then to beautiful Thakali village Marpha (2667m) where we stop for Lunch. We take easy walk to Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 4
  •  Altitude: 2710m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today 22 minute morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, International Mountain Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave. Overnight at hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 5
  •  Altitude: 950m
  •   Meals: Breakfast

Driver back to Kathmandu. 7 hrs drive. You can choose flight option which will take 24 min to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 24 Min / 8 Hours
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast (or depending your flight schedule) we transfer to the airport final departure or follow your next adventures trip.

  •  Accommodation: No
  •  Hours: 30 Min
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Breakfast

Check Available Dates
Start Finish Duration Gurop Size Status
02/10/2023 20/10/2023 02-10 guaranteed
09/10/2023 27/10/2023 02-10 guaranteed
16/10/2023 03/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
23/10/2023 10/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
30/10/2023 17/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
06/11/2023 24/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
13/11/2023 01/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
20/11/2023 08/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
27/11/2023 15/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
04/12/2023 22/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
11/12/2023 29/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
18/12/2023 05/01/2024 02-10 guaranteed
25/12/2023 12/01/2024 02-10
02/01/2024 20/01/2024 02-10 guaranteed
08/01/2024 26/01/2024 02-10 guaranteed

Cost Details


What's Included
  • Arrival and Departure: Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop)
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu (3 nights in 2-3 star level tourist standard hotel with breakfast included, other possibilities on demand)
  • Welcome Dinner: One Welcome Dinner in tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staffs.
  • Sightseeing tour with an experienced local guide.
  • All land transfer as per given itinerary.
  • National Park, Conservation Area entry permit fees.
  • Accommodation: Tea house (twin sharing basis room)/ Camping (twin sharing two men tent), dining tent, toilet tent.
  • Meals (3 meals / B.L.D) while on the trek.
  • Experienced English speaking guide / leader, necessary experience local helpers.
  • Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance and other facilities to staffs.
  • Map: Trekking map.
  • Program according to the itinerary
  • Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
  • Government tax and Company service charges
  • Domestic Airfare (Jomsom – Pokhara USD 125 per person)
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
  • Air Fare: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • Nepal entry Visa fee: Nepali Visa fee $50 USD per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days is $100 USD).
  • Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, Helicopter medical & emergency evacuation. *Mandatory
  • Entrance fees for monasteries, temples, world heritage sites.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking)
  • Extra night in Kathmandu: Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking
  • Personal Expenses: Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu).
  • Personal Equipment: Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears.
  • Toiletries: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • Extra: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Filming: Special Filming, Drone permit fee and Photography charges (if and when applicable).
  • Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby, porters and trekking staff. (Tipping is expected.)

What to Expect

Accommodation:

We will be staying at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu, and in tea-houses during the trek. All rooms are on twin-shared basis. Single bedroom will be arranged on request and will cost additional. Fourteen Summit will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, tea-houses at some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and in trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher altitude.

Meals:

All meals will be provided during trekking (On demand, we can arrange only breakfast during the trek and trekkers can order lunch and dinner individually from the tea-house menu). In Kathmandu, breakfast will be available . There will also be welcome and farewell dinners taking place for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges where we spend the night and lunch on our way to next destination. Authentic Nepalese, Tibetan, continental meals and Indian cuisine are common choices in the menu.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements:

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is a moderate trek. Travelers who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day on an uphill and downhill trail will consider this trip fulfilling and enjoyable. It is a good idea to prepare for the Annapurna circuit trek by jogging and exercising regularly at least for a month prior to the start. Trekking to the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek should be relatively easy for those who have experience in walking/trekking in high altitudes. Determination, good physical health, positive attitude and average physical fitness are good preconditions for a successful accomplishment of the trek. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skills are required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Fourteen Summits before booking the trek.

Best Time to Travel:

The best time for trekking to Dhaulagiri Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The temperature is moderate and guarantees amazing views throughout the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

Equipment List

Fourteen Summit  has compiled a list of necessary equipment, personal medical supplies and symptoms of medical condition likely to face during trekking / peak climbing. Also, please do understand that items listed below should be considered as an essential summary.
We highly recommend you to be familiar with all of your equipment and basic understanding of medical Conditions related to high elevation.

Your document to travel to Nepal:
Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport)
Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines

Accessories:
Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles
Toiletries
Small wash towel
Rain coat

Personal Clothing items
Head:
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection

Upper Body:
T-shirts
Weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)

Hands:
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Lower Body:
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet:
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Personal Hygiene:
Personal hygiene supplies;
Two tubes lip sun cream, at least 1 large tube regular sun cream (min. factor 30), some after-sun lotion in case you do get a sunburn
One toothpaste/brush set;
One hand sanitizer gel
1 (fast drying) synthetic towel

Medical Supplies:
Personal prescription medications; Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb.
Small personal first-aid kit; (Simple and Light): first-aid tape, plasters (Band-Aids),alcohol-free wipes for cuts, personal medications, etc. (The leaders will have more extensive first-aid kits)
One skin blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills (Imodium) (one regular package)
Anti-headache medication (Aspirin or Ibuprofen) (one regular package)
One small bottle cough and/or cold medicine.
One course antibiotics for chest infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One course antibiotics for stomach infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One small bottle anti-altitude sickness medication: Diamox (Acetylzolamide), available locally, for more about this medication, please contact us or your doctor
One small bottle of water purification tablets (needs to contain silver-ions AND chlorine) or a water filter or UV sterilizer.
Earplugs
Extra prescription glasses/contact lens. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency.

Photo and Video