Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek– High Passes, Glaciers & Himalayan Wilderness
Price
$1,745.00
Destination
Dhaulagiri Area
Duration
17 Nights/18 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Activity
Trekking
Group Size
2 to 16 people
Max Altitude
5360m/17585ft
Best Season
Mar to May in spring, Sep to Nov in autumn
Accommodation
Local Tea House/Lodges & Tent Camps where required.
Meals
Package (as per the deal)
Start/End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Overview
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes you through high passes, glaciers and remote Himalayan wilderness, with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and a journey through Nepal’s wild mountain landscapes.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a remote and challenging Trans-Himalayan adventure that takes you deep into one of Nepal’s most spectacular and least-traveled trekking regions. Far from the busy trails of the popular trekking routes, this journey offers a rare combination of dramatic mountain scenery, peaceful surroundings, hidden valleys, high mountain passes and genuine wilderness.
Known for its demanding terrain and high-altitude crossings, the trek is best suited to experienced trekkers who are prepared for long days in the mountains and changing Himalayan conditions. The reward is an extraordinary journey through landscapes where rugged mountains, glaciers, traditional settlements and pristine valleys come together in an unforgettable wilderness experience.
The Dhaulagiri massif rises dramatically to 8167 m (26795 ft), making Dhaulagiri I the world's seventh-highest mountain. The massif is separated from the Annapurna region by the spectacular Kali Gandaki Gorge, while the surrounding landscape is dominated by enormous Himalayan peaks, glaciers and remote valleys.
A major highlight of the circuit is crossing the high mountain passes, including French Pass (5360 m / 17585 ft) and Dhampus Pass (approximately 5240 m / 17192 ft), depending on the route and current trail conditions. These demanding crossings add a true mountaineering character to the trek and provide spectacular views across the Dhaulagiri Himalaya.
The trail has seen improvements in recent years, including route markings and facilities such as porter shelters in some sections. Nevertheless, this remains a remote and strenuous high-altitude trek, where conditions can change rapidly and trekking arrangements may need to adapt to weather and trail conditions.
For adventurers seeking something beyond Nepal's classic trekking routes, the Dhaulagiri Circuit offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience. It is a journey into the wild heart of the Himalayas, combining challenging high passes, dramatic glaciers, breathtaking mountain vistas and the profound tranquillity of Nepal's remote mountain landscapes.
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m|4429ft), reception at the international airport and transfer to hotel. Hotel check-in followed by welcome drinks and then trip sign-up with Q&A if there is any as well as last minute information, then free time.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Airport pick up and transfers,
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara (in 3 star) with daily breakfast (twin sharing),
- All transportation to and from Kathmandu by road as the program,
- Lodge & tented (camping) accommodation in the mountain as program (as availability),
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with hot drinks),
- Guide, porters, a cook with kitchen helpers etc as required,
- All trek permits and NP entry tickets/TIMS,
- And all regular services of Alpine Exodus,
What's Not Included
- Cold drinks, bar bills, luxury beverage consumption (in the market places),
- Nepal visa fee, international flight tickets,
- Personal equipment, travel insurance, medical expenses when any, emergency evacuation fi any,
- Tips and gratitude if any to your guide, porters, drivers etc.
- Anything that is not included in the above in Trip Include section.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered a strenuous and challenging high-altitude trek and is best suited to trekkers with previous experience in multi-day Himalayan trekking. The route involves long walking days, steep ascents and descents, rugged terrain, glacier sections and high mountain passes.
The most demanding part of the trek is crossing the high passes, particularly French Pass at around 5360 m (17585 ft) and Dhampus Pass at approximately 5200m, depending on the route and conditions. Altitude, weather and remote terrain make this considerably more demanding than many of Nepal's popular teahouse treks.
You do not need to be a mountaineer, but you should have good cardiovascular fitness, endurance and the ability to walk for several hours on consecutive days. Previous experience at altitude is highly recommended.