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Private Vehicle + Bus/Flight
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Max 8
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5355
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Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping
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Moderate to High
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Kathmandu
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Kathmandu
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Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
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Live Personal Trekking Guide
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Trekking
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English
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Includes (BLD)
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Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a 19-day hard-grade wilderness trek around Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the world’s seventh-highest mountain, crossing two high passes (French Pass 5,360m and Dhampus Pass 5,200m) and visiting the dramatic Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Unlike most Nepal treks which use tea houses, the Dhaulagiri Circuit requires full-service camping for 8 to 10 nights in the high country where no lodges exist. The route begins with a drive from Pokhara to Beni, then climbs through the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi valleys, past terraced hillsides and traditional Magar villages, into the alpine zone and finally the glacier. The trek reaches its high point at French Pass (5,360m) with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, before crossing to the Hidden Valley and Dhampus Pass for views of the Annapurna massif.
Highlights
- Stand at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m) beneath the world's 7th highest mountain (8,167m).
- Cross two high passes: French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,200m).
- Full-service wilderness camping for 8-10 nights on the high route.
- Walk on the Dhaulagiri glacier with crampons and ice axe support.
- Witness panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and Annapurna massif.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 19 Days Itinerary
Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing.
6-hour tourist bus ride to Pokhara. Afternoon lakeside stroll.
4-hour jeep ride to Beni, then trek along the Myagdi Khola to Babiyachour.
Continue up the Myagdi valley through terraced fields and Magar villages.
Climb through forest with first views of Dhaulagiri.
Continue to Bagar, the last permanent village before the high country.
Enter the forested gorge with no villages.
Climb to the Italian Base Camp, the first high camp. Tents are set up by our crew.
Rest day for acclimatization with optional short hikes.
Cross the glacier with crampons and rope. Reach the dramatic Glacier Camp.
Continue up the glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp beneath the immense north face.
Rest day for acclimatization before the pass crossings.
Early start for the dramatic French Pass (5,360m) crossing. Descend to the Hidden Valley.
Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m) with views of the Annapurna massif. Descend to Yak Kharka.
Continue descending to the apple-producing village of Marpha.
Rest day with hot showers, apple brandy, and celebration.
Long jeep ride back to Pokhara. Evening farewell dinner.
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for shopping.
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
What is Included in the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- All airport pickups and drops in private vehicle
- Kathmandu hotel (3 nights, B&B) with welcome and farewell dinners
- Domestic flights where applicable to itinerary
- All ground transport in private vehicle
- All necessary permits (TIMS, National Park, Conservation Area, Restricted Area where applicable)
- Three meals daily (BLD) during the trek with tea/coffee
- Tea house or camping accommodation during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide for groups of 6+
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers, 15kg luggage allowance) with full insurance
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (refundable deposit)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Satellite phone for emergency communications
- All government and local taxes
- Full camping crew and equipment (4-season tents, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen gear)
- Climbing gear rental (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, jumar) where required
- 1:2 guide-to-trekker ratio on glacier sections
- Expedition cook and kitchen crew
What is Not Included in the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days)
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, and alcoholic beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost)
- Costs from unforeseen events (weather, flight delays, route changes)
Things to Carry for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Headwear
- Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
- Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
- Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow
Upper Body Layering
- 2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
- 1x mid-layer fleece jacket
- 1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
- 1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
- 1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)
Lower Body
- 2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
- 1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
- 1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
- 2x merino wool underwear
- 1x swimwear (for hot springs)
Hands
- 1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
- 1x insulated waterproof gloves
- 1x expedition mittens for passes above 5,000m
Footwear
- 1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
- 1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
- 4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
- 2x pairs liner socks
- Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud
Sleeping Gear
- 1x 4-season sleeping bag rated to -20C (we provide rental for USD 30)
- 1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)
- 1x inflatable sleeping pad
Trekking Equipment
- 1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
- 1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
- 1x 20-30L day pack
- 1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
- 1x dry bag for electronics
- 1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)
First Aid & Health
- Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
- Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
- Ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Imodium for stomach issues
- Rehydration sachets (ORS)
- Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
- Antiseptic wipes and bandages
- Lip balm with SPF 30+
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
- Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
Electronics
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
- Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
- Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
- Headphones
- eReader or book
Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
- Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 5355m)
- Flight tickets
- Credit cards and USD cash
- Emergency contacts
What We Provide (Rental)
- 4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
- Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
- Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
- Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
- Water purification tablets
- Satellite phone on remote treks
Related Packing Guides
Read our detailed packing guides: Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Gear List, Annapurna Circuit Packing List Warm Valleys Cold Pass, Manaslu Circuit Trek Gear Cash Documents Checklist, Kanchenjunga Circuit Gear To Prepare Before Booking.
Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.
Know Before You Book – Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Information
Trip Name: Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 19 Days
Duration: 19 days
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum Altitude: 5355m
Group Size: Max 8
Difficulty & Fitness
This trek is rated Hard. Hard treks involve 6-8+ hours of walking daily at high altitude. Previous high-altitude experience strongly recommended. The maximum altitude is 5355m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.
Read our difficulty guides: Dhaulagiri Circuit Vs Annapurna Circuit Difficulty Solitude, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Difficulty.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Read our seasonal guides: Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Best Season, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Photography Season Value.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.
Food and water guides: Dhaulagiri Circuit Remote Camping Support Crew, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Camping Required.
Transportation
Transport: Private Vehicle + Bus/Flight. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.
Flight and transport guides: Jomsom Muktinath Trek Transport Backup Flights Roads, Shey Phoksundo Trek Days With Transport Buffer.
Required Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.
Permit guides: Short Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Risky Limited Time, Dhaulagiri Circuit Once In A Lifetime Trek.
Altitude Safety
Maximum altitude is 5355m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Altitude safety guides: 17 Day Dhaulagiri Circuit Too Rushed Acclimatization, Dhaulagiri Circuit Acclimatization Check.
Training & Preparation
Read our training guides: Details To Prepare Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Quote Australia, Annapurna Circuit Trek Fitness Level.
Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 5355m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.
Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.
Culture guides: Manaslu Vs Annapurna Circuit Village Culture, Annapurna Circuit Mountain Views Villages Culture.
Booking & Payment
To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
What is Not Included
International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.
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