Duration

20 Days
Max. Altitude

6012m.
Trip Grade

Strenuous
Activity

Tours, Hiking, Mountaineering
Group Size

6 People Max

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek With Dhampus Peak

Dhaulagiri Circuit is a challenging trek through high alpine pastures, high passes, and serene and uninhabited valleys. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m – the 7th highest mountain in the world. Everyone is familiar with the name Dhaulagiri, which is probably the best place for remote and adventurous trekking in Nepal.

Mount Dhaulagiri rises above the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki, and the circuit offers stunning views of the entire Dhaulagiri range. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Route was discovered in the 1950s by a French team, hence the French Pass, which leads to a lonely area known as the Hidden Valley. The rewards of this trek include a beautiful view of Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Dhaulagiri ii (7,751m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715m) and Dhaulagiri V. (7,618m).

Dhampus Peak (6012m) is located in the northeast of the great Dhaulagiri massif in the Annapurna region. This 6012-meter-high peak is one of the non-technical climbing peaks and can also be a good beginning climbing option for aspiring mountaineers. Dhampus Peak climbing offers an incredible view of Tukuche Peak, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Sita Chuchura, Tukche Peak, Thorong Peak, Tangu Peak, Tsarste and Hongde Peak. We also discover the different quaint and cultural villages of Kaligandaki valley.

The trail to the mountain separates from the Hidden Valley camp after the French pass. Dhampus peak base camp is only a few hours away from the Hidden Valley camp and the only requires one day from the base camp to climb to the summit.

This is one of the non-technical peaks of the Himalayas and beginners with a bit of training during the climb can attempt the peak, but it required a good level of physical fitness.

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek with Dhampus Peak routes starts after an 8-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni. From Beni, you head in a north-westerly direction through the villages of Babiachour. You pass the warm and vibrant villages of Darbang, Muri, and Choriban to the Italian and Dhaulagiri Base camps. On the route, you pass the high mountain passes like the French Pass and the Dhampus pass from where you descend to the Marpha and join the Annapurna Circuit.

The circuit trail makes its way through villages and terraced farmland, along rivers and gorges, and along glaciers and moraine. With time to acclimatize before tackling the high passes, there is plenty of opportunity to take in the magnificent mountain vistas.

Highlights

A stunning and challenging hike around Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest mountain on Earth
Walk across the French Pass (5370m) and the spectacular Hidden Valley
The Dhampus peak expedition has an amazing view of the Annapurna range and more
Crossing two major high alpine passes the French Pass (5360m) and the Dhampus Pass (5200m).

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu (1400m)

You will arrive at Kathmandu where we will pick you up from the airport and drop you to your hotel. Meanwhile, you can take your time to stroll around to visit the temples and monuments.

There are plenty of places that you will find fascinating if you wander around.

Accommodation

Optional
Meal

No
Max. Altitude

1400m.
Time

Rest day

Free / Permits preparation and gear check

Today in the morning, our team will meet you to review the equipment you have brought and take you to the gear rental shop. Before you head off to the Himalayas, we will make sure that you have quality climbing boots that fit well.

Today, there will also be a trip briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.

You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images.

Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Buddhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.

Accommodation

Optional
Meal

No
Max. Altitude

1400m.
Time

Free day

Drive to Beni

After breakfast, you head to Beni by private jeep/van. You’ll find most of the scenery is very enjoyable along the countryside.

Beni is the district headquarters and has police check post where your trekking permits will be examined. The town is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

850m.
Time

8 hours drive

Trek to Babiachour

Leaving Beni and Kali Gandaki the trek heads west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani (hot springs).

Crossing the bridge beyond the village to the south bank of the river, the trail makes a little half loop before crossing another bridge, near the village of Simalchour, back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babichor.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

950m.
Time

5 hours

Trek to Dharapani

The valley widens and terraced hills develop on both sides of the river. The trail is fairly level and you pass the village of Shahashradhara, cross the Duk Khola and walk through fields arriving at Ratorunga. From here the valley narrows again and terraces disappear on either side of the river. Continue to the village of Dharapani.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

1400m.
Time

6 hours

Trek to Muri

After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi, the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again, the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim.

From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1,810 m). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Mur.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

1850m.
Time

5 - 6 hours

Trek to Boghara

Descend a little, cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6,465 m).

Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naural from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, then descend through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

2080m.
Time

6 - 7 hours

Trek to Choriban Khola

After crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang, the trail ascends a forested area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) becomes visible through breaks in the trees.

Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross via a wooden bridge to the east bank continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, you cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

3110m.
Time

5 - 6 hours

Trek to Italian Base Camp

Follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6,837 m) becomes visible straight ahead; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) dominates the skyline to your right.

After a short walk, you will reach Italian Base Camp (3,660 m), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m).

Accommodation

Tent
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

3660m.
Time

7 hours

Rest and acclimatization day

We will spend a day acclimatizing to the thinning of the air. It is recommended that your body acclimatizes to the high altitude and be adjusted for higher altitudes in the days to follow. Overnight at Italian Base Camp.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

3660m.
Time

Rest day

Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp

This is one of our adventurous days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From here you can look up at the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) dominating the skyline to your right. To the west are peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m).

In front of you is the impressive icefall that descends from the north-east col. Overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Accommodation

Tent
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

4750m.
Time

6 - 7 hours

Trek to Hidden Valley (5000m) via French Pass (5360m)

After the glacier, you climb two terraced hills, the first of which runs along the glacier, then cuts across the mountain flank and the moraine you enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley. Climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5,360 m).

A great vista opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6,328 m), Tashi Kang (6,386 m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611 m), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukche Peak (6,920 m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I.

From the French Pass you continue along the right edge of the Hidden valley losing a little altitude to the Thapa Pass (5,250 m) between Tukche Peak and Dhampus Peak (6,012 m). Descending from the Dhampus Pass you will make it to the camp at 5,200 m.

Accommodation

Tent
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

5000m.
Time

6 hours

Trek to Dhampus Peak Base Camp

Now the trek leaves the Dhaulagiri trek trail and heads towards the Dhampus peak towards the base camp. The base camp can be reached within 4 hours of comfortable trek.

Accommodation

Tent
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

5150m.
Time

4 hours

Summit Dhampus Peak (6,012m) and decent to Hidden Valley

The climbing to summit is straightforward on a comfortable slope and is assisted with fixed ropes on risky sections. The summit can be reached within 7 – 8 hours and after taking the view for a bit, we will make our way down to Hidden Valley.

Accommodation

Tent
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

6012m.
Time

7 - 8 hours

Reserve day

This day will be set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to reach the summit of the Dhampus peak on the desired day due to bad weather or any other unforeseen reason. However, this day will not be required if the trip goes smoothly.

Accommodation

Tent
Meal

Breakfast
Max. Altitude

5150m.
Time

Reserve day

Trek to Yak Kharka (4,750m) via Dhampus Pass (5,210m) 7 hours

Descend from the Hidden Valley to the Dhampus Pass and continue to Yak Kharka. There is a perfect campsite to enjoy the surroundings.

Accommodation

Tent
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

4750m.
Time

7 hours

Trek to Jomsom

Continue on to the village of Marpha, on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Marpha is home to many apple orchards as well as all various food products made from the fruit.

Don’t forget to taste the local Apple Brandy a specialty from the region that you may be lucky enough to taste en route. Continue north, up the river valley to the town of Jomsom.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

2710m.
Time

5 - 6 hours

Fly to Pokhara

We will take an early morning flight to Pokhara. The flight passes through the gorge between the mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, making the flight itself an amazing experience.

After arriving in Pokhara, we can spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

895m.
Time

20 Mins.

Drive back to Kathmandu

We leave for Kathmandu at about 7:30 AM by tourist bus. We’re back in Kathmandu at around 3 PM.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with culture show.

Accommodation

Optional
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

1400m.
Time

6 - 7 hours

Free day / Fly to home

Enjoy the city’s luxuries again! Spend the afternoon shopping in Thamel for souvenirs or simply relax or leave for your respective country.

The time has come to say goodbye to Nepal. Our representative will drop you off at the international airport, as per your flight schedule.

What to Expect

What's Included

Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
From Kathmandu to Beni by private jeep/van.
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
From Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist coach.
1-nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
All necessary paperwork for the Dhaulagir Circuit trek and Dhampus peak climbing permits.
Annapurna conservation area permit (ACAP).
English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
Peak climbing a native Sherpa guide with his equipment.
The required number of staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
Tent camp during the climbing period. (twin sharing trekking tent, dining tent, Kitchen tent, staff tents and Kitchen utensil etc.).
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
Accommodations in tea house (lodges) and some nights for camping.
Necessary trekking/camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, cooking utensils, etc.
Cooking fuel and camping charges.
Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
Walking stick (if it is required)
Trek map.
Farewell dinner with culture show.

What's Excluded

International airfare and Nepal visa.
Tips for guide / porters (tipping is expected).
Any personal medical / travel insurance which included rescue.
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Price Includes’ section.

FAQs

1. How fit do I need to be for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a challenging trek, suitable for trekkers at altitudes above 5,000m with previous experience of trekking.

2. Can I do Dhaulagiri Circuit trek independently?

3. How difficult is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

4. How long people have been trekking to the Dhaulagiri Circuit?

Your dream itinerary, crafted with you

I was born and raised in Nepal near the Everest region. I am a proud native Sherpa and have been a mountain guide for over a decade.

Following my passion, I started Magical Summits because I was ready to see a new kind of travel brand, one built on the simple idea of feeling good and doing good.

Since its start, Magical Summits has been super-powered by you, our community; when you “travel” it, we create it. We’re on a mission to make travel better with clean, award-winning adventures that are sustainable and conscious of the planet we share.

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