Around Dhaulagiri Trek is the complete circuit of Dhaulagiri massif! The Round Dhaulagiri or around Dhaulagiri Trek is one of the most challenging and beautiful treks in Nepal. The Around Dhaulagiri Trekking starts with a short flight to Pokhara and a drive to Darbang, the Around Dhaulagiri Trekking starting point, and ends at Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang district. Jomsom is a famous point where most Upper Mustang Trek, Upper Mustang to Nar Phu Trek, Around Annapurna Trek, and Dolpo to Mustang trek ends or starts.

Introduction:
Mount Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh-highest mountain, is one of the most imposing mountains visible from all angles west of Kathmandu. This beautiful mountain scenery can be enjoyed from Pokhara, from all the routes of Kali Gandaki valley to Mustang, from the many points of Upper and Lower Dolpo Trekking and also from the far distance of Rara to Mugu and Dolpo Trekking routes and from most of the windows of most of the international flight entering and exiting from Nepal.

Around Dhaulagiri Trekking g Package for 2022 and 2023

A trekking route that makes a circle to Mount Dhaulagiri is Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek or Dhaulagiri Round Trekking. This trekking starts with a flight or drives to Pokhara and same day drive to Beni or by taking a direct ride to Beni, the trekking starting point. From Beni, following the Myagdi Khola (River) and several beautiful Gurung and Magar villages to the wild and remote Dhaulagiri Himalayan massif; crossing the French col, Hidden Valley, and Dhampus pass drops us to Kali Gandaki river valley, requiring a long descend.

The views of the hilly regions full of scattered villages, terraced fields, mountain scenery, wilderness and the horizon stretching to other beautiful mountain ranges are common until we don’t sit back into our international flight back home.

Once arrived at the Kali Gandaki river valley, the round trip is thought accomplished because of its road and airport facilities. However, the actual round trip ends with a few days of extension through Kali Gandaki gorges to Tatopani and a short drive to Beni or another two-day extended trek via Poon Hill to Pokhara.

Trip Highlights

Trip Profile

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,350m

Day 02: Sightseeing and resting day in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 820m. A 6 hours’ drive /30 mins by air

Day 04: Drive to Darbang village 1,230m. Via Beni town 900m. A 5 hours’ drive

Day 05: Trek to Riverside 1,700m. A 4 hours trek

Day 06: Trek to Bagar 2,375m. A 6 hours trek

Day 07: Trek to Dovan 2,600m. A 6 hours trek

Day 08: Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka 3,110m. A 5 hours trek

Day 09: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp) 3,745m. A 5 hours trek

Day 10: Trek to Dhaulagiri Basecamp 4,750m. A 6 hours trek

Day 11: Trek to Hidden Valley 4,890m. via French Pass 5,357m. A 6 hours trek

Day 12: Optionally at Hidden Valley, a contingency day

Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,890m. A 6 hours trek

Day 14: Trek to Marpha 2, 675m. A 5 hours trek.

Day 15: Fly to Pokhara 22 mins and transfer to hotel by the lake Phewa

Day 16: Pokhara

Day 17: Pokhara – Bandipur – Kathmandu

Day 18: Kathmandu

Day 19: Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,350m

Our personnel will be waiting at the Kathmandu international airport (TIA) to receive you with a traditional welcome. After checking into the hotel and refreshments, your guide of the circuit will update you about the necessary formalities for your proposed trek. Depending on arrival time, you will have the choice of either visiting nearby shrines or resting back in your room.

• Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing and resting day in Kathmandu

Optionally take a round of Kathmandu and Patan cities where one gets to see and experience fascinating aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism and many other charms. Those not willing on visits are in rest while we finalize trekking area permits. O/N in Kathmandu.

• Breakfast
• Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 820m. A 6 hours’ drive /30 mins by air

After early morning breakfast, we start the day with a long drive. The first phases of the journey take us out of Kathmandu valley, which crosses the busiest section of Thankot pass, the main entry, and exit toward the south. Just after crossing Thankot there is a fantastic view of the Ganesh Himal, the Manaslu Range and even the Annapurnas on a clear day. From here the road drops to the valley bottom and follows the Trishuli River enjoying a thrilling highway drive to Pokhara. The beautiful scenery along the way includes terraced fields, vast river valleys and villages, and on a clear day, sights of the snowy mountains. Arrive at our hotel and get distributed to the rooms. In the evening we stroll around the lake to enjoy the evening atmosphere and at the same time choose one of its best restaurants for dinner – Overnight in a hotel.

• Breakfast,br>
• Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 04: Drive to Darbang village 1,230m. Via Beni town 900m. A 5 hours’ drive

Breakfast and take a drive to Darbang, our trek starting point. The first part of the ride takes over Pokhara city which offers us a complete and beautiful view of Pokhara city and the entire Himalaya range that decor to Pokhara. Then the road goes down through a beautiful valley full of scattered villages and farmland to Beni, the headquarters town of the Myagdi district within the Dhaulagiri region.

The drive further continues west to reach a farm village called Darbang, located around low and warm areas, which lies on the trail to Dhaulagiri basecamp. We will arrive earlier with time to explore the village around and to prepare for our trek the next day. Darbang is home to the Magar people, one of the dominant tribes of mid-hills of Nepal and one of the colourful ethnic groups.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 05: Trek to Riverside 1,700m. A 4 hours trek

Start the walk following the river upstream past farm villages and terraces by the bank of Myagdi River through a cool shade of the forest and into the gorge till we approach our camping site for an overnight stop by the Riverside, with a small farm village and paddy field.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 06: Trek to Bagar 2,375m. A 6 hours trek

From here the trail takes us upstream to reach an isolated small farm village at Juge Pani (Meaning - leech water), where we will stop for lunch. The afternoon walk leads with a steep climb to reach a ridge top, and then on downhill through a cool forest until we arrive at Bagar, the last village on our trek until we reach Marpha, on the main circuit of Annapurna.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 07: Trek to Dovan 2,600m. A 6 hours trek

The morning trek goes into a forest area for an hour and begins with a climb through bamboo, oaks, and rhododendron forest. The trail again drops downhill to Dovan, a lovely forest area with a temporary teahouse and shop.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 08: Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka 3,110m. A 5 hours trek


Cross over a small bridge at the confluence of Myagdi River and continue into forested path until at Chartare, also called Bhainsi Kharka, situated amid a dense forest, a rich grazing area for local herders.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 09: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp) 3,745m. A 5 hours trek

The morning walk starts through the complete wilderness. We slowly come over the tree lines and arrive at the southwest of Mount Dhaulagiri massive. This point is also known as the Italian camp. The views of Putha Huinchuli, Manapathi, and Dhaulagiri's south flank are impressive. After good hours of walking within the glacier, moraine and then climb over a rocky ridge to reach Pakhaban or the Japanese camp. From our campsite, there are excellent views of Dhaulagiri South-West Face, Manapathi, Puttha Hiunchuli, and the massive ice wall of Tsaurabong Peak.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 10: Trek to Dhaulagiri Basecamp 4,750m. A 6 hours trek


The trek continues over moraine, glaciers, and boulders of the iceberg at some sections on the faint trail, where the trail follows over the glaciated area. After a tough walk over the glacier, we reach a rocky open space, the Dhaulagiri basecamp. We have some of the closest views of Mount Dhaulagiri-I towering above us, its icefalls, glacier, and Tukuche peak, the Western mountains of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m.), and Dhaulagiri IV (7,618 m.), one of the greatest mass of peaks just in your hand reaching distance.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 11: Trek to Hidden Valley 4,890m. via French Pass 5,357m. A 6 hours trek

Today we cross the fame filled French pass, at above 5,357 metres. Just after the crossing, the downhill brings us to a wide grassy field best known by the hidden valley, where we will camp overnight. The views of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang 5,386 meters, Tukche Peak and Dhaulagiri-I, are awe-inspiring and in their full majesty.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 12: Optionally at Hidden Valley, a contingency day

Our body probably requires a rest day. We need to give a rest, a recharging day, to our porters as well. The rest day gets decided on the evening of yesterday. If all are in sound and if the weather is appealing for continuing, then the camp will go ahead. A rest day may be enjoyed at Marpha, Jomsom, or in Kathmandu.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,890m. A 6 hours trek

The morning walk starts with a gradual going up for a few hours until we approach the last high pass of the circuit, the Thapa or Dhampus pass, at above 5,250 metres above sea level. Crossing over with great views of Annapurna Himal, Nilgiri peaks, and then descending to Yak Kharka, an open place for Yak Shade, we are back into the green vegetation of Juniper, Burberry, and rhododendron bushes.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 14: Trek to Marpha 2, 675m. A 5 hours trek.

An exciting day for all members to end the trek. The trail is a long downhill. The views of the Kaligandaki valley and across are breathtaking. The trail again enters into the bushes and forest of firs, pines, and rhododendron and to the charming village at Marpha, on the ancient salt trade route to Tibet on the bank of famously known Kaligandaki River.

Marpha is one of the villages located around the Kaligandaki riverbank of the lower Mustang district and is one of the ancient villages in the area. A limited region of the Kaligandaki river is also called Thak Khola (river of Thakalis) and the apple pie route. Several apple gardens are enabling them to fame with apple pie, apple cider, apple brandy, juice, dry apples, and apricot fruits. Enjoy the afternoon in the comfort of a lovely lodge and get relaxed for a memorable accomplishment around Dhaulagiri Trek.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the Tented Camp.

Day 15: Fly to Pokhara 22 mins and transfer to hotel by the lake Phewa

In the morning, we take a short drive to Jomsom airport and then board a small aircraft (Twin Otter / Dornier or similar types). The flight offers fantastic views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna range of mountains on both sides of the plane.

A great mountain scenery lasts till it touches at beautiful Pokhara city airport. Once we get out of the plane, the panorama to the northeast of Pokhara, filled with high mountain rows, greets you back. Transfer to Pokhara Lakeside and get distributed your room. The rest of the day is free for rest and refreshment. In the evening, we stroll around the lake of Pokhara while choosing one of its best restaurants for a hearty dinner.

• Breakfast
  
• Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 16: Pokhara

A lately wake up and a hearty breakfast at your hotel. At around 10 am we walk to Phewa Lake and take a boat to cross the lake to hike to Peace Stupa, Above Lake Phewa. The stupa known as Peace Stupa, in Pokhara, is located to the west of Pokhara on a beautiful hill saddle facing to the northeast and west is one of the must-visit places in Pokhara.

A pagoda is a Buddhist stupa, a significant monument inspiring peace. The Peace Pagoda is designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds and to help unite them to live harmoniously in peace. Most of the Peace Pagodas, though not all, built since World War II are built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, 1885–1985. Nichidatsu Fujii is a Buddhist monk from Japan and the founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. Fujii, much inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931, devoted his whole life to promoting peace, and non-violence. In 1947, he began constructing Peace Pagodas as shrines to World Peace.

Peace Pagodas were built as a symbol of peace in Japanese cities including Hiroshima and Nagasaki where the American atomic bombs took the lives of over 150,000 people, almost all of whom were civilians, at the end of World War II. By the year 2000, eighty Peace Pagodas had been built around the world including in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

The Nipponzan-Myōhōji monks of the New England Peace Pagoda were awarded the Courage of Conscience award on June 5, 1998, in Sherborn, Massachusetts.

We then descend back to the Lake and take our boat back to Lakeside. Then we proceed for lunch. Then we will go to visit the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara, where we will see and understand the history of mountains and mountaineering on the tallest peaks in the world. We will know about the importance of the Himalayan range of Nepal and the benefits given by the Himalayas to billions of people and to the natural habitat. The rest of the evening is to rest and relax.

• Breakfast
  
• Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 17: Pokhara – Bandipur – Kathmandu

In the morning, at around 08:30, we head to Kathmandu. The 200 km will be covered in approximately 6 hours by private car. A beautiful trip from Pokhara passes through several small towns and farmland and brings us to Dumre. From the Dumre bazaar, we leave the main highway to Kathmandu and go up to the village of Bandipur, for our lunch.

Bandipur, an old trading post, is situated on a hill halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. This medieval town situates 8 kilometres above the village of Dumre Bazar. Bandipur offers panoramas of Mount Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal. High mountains, the valley of the Marshyangdi River, and lush terraces provide an experience of happiness that never ends.

After lunch, we continue to Kathmandu. Arrive at your hotel and get distributed into rooms. The rest of the evening is free. Overnight in the hotel.

• Breakfast
  
• Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 18: Kathmandu

A free day or optionally take a guided city tour. The trip is over. In the evening we enjoy farewell dinner in one of the best local restaurants in Kathmandu.

• Breakfast.
• Accommodation in the Hotel.

Day 19: Departure

Have breakfast and have some relaxing free time for yourself. At the indicated time, our office representative and vehicle will arrive at your hotel to escort you to the airport. Drive to Kathmandu international airport (TIA), you will go through the immigration formalities and departure.

• Breakfast.

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