Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking, Trekkign In Nepal

Dhaulagri Circuit Trekking

With the advent of democratisation in Nepal, treks that have been difficult or completely offlimits to foreign travellers are now possible. For very many years the circuit around Dhaulagiri’s neighbour, Annapurna, has become one of the classic walks of the world. Some would say, in fact, that it has become over-trekked. This will certainly not be the case for the Dhaulagiri Circuit. Dhaulagiri, 26,794ft/8,167m, is the seventh highest mountain in the world and its name translated means ‘The White Mountain’. It was first climbed by the Swiss expedition in 1960 and among those who ascended successfully, is the still-famous Austrian, Kurt Diemberger. This is a long trek involving the crossing of two passes in excess of 17,000ft/5,200m, but offers the opportunity for the fit enthusiast to explore some very un-travelled country.

Fact Box
Duration of the trek:	21 Days	Total days	24 Days
Maximum elevation	French pass (5300m), Thapa pass (5200m)	Trek grade	Moderate-Difficult
Destination	Dhaulagiri	Accommodations	Camping
Geography	Countryside / Small town, Forest and cold place
Transportation	Car / Van / plane
Minimum Group Size:	2
Itinerary type	Fixed / Customized
Best Season	March till May & September till November
Per day Walking:	5 to 7 hours
People & Culture	Gurung, Magar, Thakali
Himalayan sights:	Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna range, Manaslu, Nilgiri
Most Attraction of the trek:	Close Mountain View, Villages

Day to Day Itinerary

Day -01:	Arrive to Kathmandu & transfer to the Hotel
Day-02:	Kathmandu sightseeing, We will be visiting three of the famous heritage sites in Kathmandu. You will visit first the Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. The painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist place where pilgrims from all over the world come. It is situated to the west of the city on a hill some 77 meters above the valley. It is a 30 minutes drive to Boudhanath Stupa, another important Buddhist pilgrims site. This ancient Stupa is considered one of the biggest in the World. Every morning and evening, many Buddhist devotees come here to pray and circumambulate enabling the visitors to observe local religious practices. The sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath is considered the holiest cremation ground, and people bathe in the Bagmati River with a faith of cleansing themselves spiritually. Many Sadhus or Hindu Ascetics live here. During religious festivals, Hindus come to make offerings, and it is sometimes very crowded. Evening on your own. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
Day-03 :	DRIVE TO POKHARA. 7/8 hrs. The fun is about to begin. You travel by minibus through the foothills to reach the lush, flat Pokhara valley with its paddy fields, winding rivers and views of the Annapurna range, including of course the famous ‘Fish Tail’ peak of Machhapuchhare. The 6 or 7-hour drive gives a taste of all that is Himalayan – amazing scenery, Third World farming communities, colour, vibrant life and big mountains. You fly back at the end of the trek to sample both experiences. Overnight at Hotel
Day-04 :	DRIVE TO BAGLUNG AND BENI. (2,200ft/671m) 4 hrs TREK TO SINGA. (2,800ft/853m). 3 hrs. After hot breakfast is over, you drive up to Baglung and on to Beni, the central hub of the district with many buildings including government offices. It will probably be hot and humid as the trek begins west up the left bank of the Mayagdi Khola, past a cable car over the river. You pass many small villages before reaching Singa and camp overnight at the school field.
Day-05 :	TREK TO DARBANG. (3,350ft/1,073m). 6½ hrs. Beyond the village, the Mayagdi Khola meanders, passing through many cultivated areas and villages like Tatopani Shiman and Tal Kot; lunch after about 4 hrs is by a stream. It is a short climb to Babiyachaur and then a high, winding path on a mountainside. Here there are terraced hillsides and paddy fields and the path is an easy walk, being either flat or gently ascending. After Ratorunga the path follows the river. After quite a bit of up and down, you finally reach Darbang (3,650ft/1,113m). and on to Darbang. Camp overnight.
Day-06 :	TREK TO SIBANG ( 5,905ft/1,800m), 7 hrs. From Darbang, after crossing the Myagdi river over the suspension bridge, the trail winds up gradually for one hour. After leaving the river behind, a steep climb of 1½ hrs leads to the ridge, then a short pleasant walk will bring you to the village of Dharapani, 1½ hrs, where lunch is taken with stunning views of Putali and Ghurja, the western peaks adjoining Dhaulagiri massif. The path follows along the farm fields to the south of the ridge from where Dhaulagiri Himal is visible before reaching Sibang, 3 hrs, where you camp overnight.
Day-07 :	TREK TO MURI. 4½ hrs. The track descends towards the Gatti Khola for two hours before a steady climb for a further two hours until the large village of Muri is reached for the overnight campsite. The inhabitants of this village are mostly of the Magar tribe. You will have time here after the camp is organised for a short visit around the village of Muri and to wash clothes. Camp overnight.
Day-08 :	TREK TO BAGAR. 6 hrs. Your trek path skirts around and descends to the warm areas of paddy fields partially penetrated by the tributary Dhora Khola. After crossing it, the main path ascends the cultivated valleys, passing rural farmhouses, and goes through a hamlet to a mountain path then skirts around the ridge. The path continues winding steeply uphill for two hours and coming out at the top of the ridge, the path descends gradually to a small farm village at Bagar, the last village en-route before Marpha village is reached at the Kali Gandaki valley. You camp overnight at the primary school playground.
Day-09 :	TREK TO DOBANG. (8,202ft/2,500m) 6 hrs. The day begins with a very steep hill (30 mins) after an hour from camp, then a descent with stone steps cut from the rock. There are cliffs above with massive bees’ nests and ropes for collecting honey. Lunch is within the trees after about 4 hrs. The high winding trekking path follows the village through the grassy area, there is damp and slippery ground, requiring concentration, before finally descending as a steep stone path to the river’s edge. You may see monkeys here. Following the river for a while, the path follows a gently sloping mountain and continues through a forested area with many ups and downs grassy area you make the ascent through the forest to emerge to camp overnight at the level area of Dobang.
Day-10 :	TREK TO CHARTARE(SALIGARE)AND ON TO BHAINSI KHARKA. 7 hrs. Crossing Konban Khola, once again you enter the forested area until the ascent becomes a descent, and you can see the west wall of Dhaulagiri I, between the breaks of the trees. You head down to Myagdi Khola side, take the left bank path and climb up towards another khola called the Pakite Khola, without ever getting too far from the Konaban river. You will cross this little stream to the tableland of Chartare(Saligare), lunch shortly before the hamlet 4½ hrs. There are some short steep sections on mud where you use roots for hand holds- care! Then 2½ hrs of climb to a misty, moss-hung clearing in the forest and camp for the night.
Day-11 :	TREK TO PAKHABAN (Japanese camp). 5-6 hrs. Leaving your campsite, you continue following the trail ahead leading to the forest areaknown as Italian Base Camp, 10,499ft/3,200m, 40 mins. The trail leads into a rocky area, then climbs the mountainside with a steep hill at the end. After crossing the steep hill, the path narrows until you cross one glacier and descend to another glacier that originated from the west wall of the Dhaluagiri. You climb the opposite bank to a wide grassy area in a shallow valley of Pakhaban, also known as Japanese Camp. Pakhaban is a beautiful campsite with an impressive view of the West wall of Dhaulagiri I and to the rear the huge stonewalls from Tsaurabong Peak press closer. You get a feeling here that you are deep in the heart ofthe Himalaya. Camp overnight.
Day-12 :	REST AND ACCLIMATISATION. A rest day for acclimatisation, you explore the glaciers for the next day’s ascent to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Camp overnight.
Day-13 :	TREK TO DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP. (15,420ft/4,700m), 8 hrs. You follow a lateral moraine from Pakhaban to a rocky ridge, which finally descends to the glacier again. This you follow as the valley bends to the right to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. From here you are looking up at the impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I, while to the west there are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II, 25,423ft/7,749m and Dhaulagiri III, 25,305ft/7,713m and Dhaulagiri V, 24,987ft/7,616m. In front of you is the impressive icefall that descends from the north east col. Camp overnight.
Day-14:	REST DAY AT DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP. It will be very cold here but further acclimatisation is necessary; it is important to prepare for the days to come.
Day-15:	TREK VIA FRENCH COL TO ABOVE HIDDEN VALLEY. 16,732ft/5,100m) 6 hrs. You need to carry lots of water as you cannot fill up. Leaving the glacier you climb a terracedhill on the right bank, which runs along beside the glacier for a while. You have to cross the moraine entering from a gently sloping incline on the right. You follow this valley to the French Col, 17,585ft/5,360m, 4½ hrs, naturally from here there is an amazing view of Himalayan peaks in all directions, including Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal and Tahshikang. All these peaks surround the Hidden Valley. To the right you can see Tukche Peak West and to the rear stands Dhaulagiri I. A gentle descent along the snow-covered landscape finally ends at the wide Hidden Valley and grass for camp overnight.
Day-16 :	TREK TO ALUBARI. (9,842ft/3,000m), 7 hrs. Alubari is much lower than Yak Kharka where we used to camp, so much warmer and safer if the weather breaks. It is a long day but worth it. It is an hour to the bottom of the pass, care needed on easy snow slopes. You then contour very high on north, (left) bank which is a potentially dangerous pass as the path stays above 15,420ft/4,700m for 5½ hrs before dropping very steeply. The ground is featureless with shale slopes. There are superb views of Tukche Peak, Nilgiri and perhaps the Annapurnas behind, Tilicho becomes visible later; there are also stunning views of Jomsom and towards the arid trans-Himalayan zones towards Mustang. The path then goes down to the right and crosses a stream to reach Alubari, comprising several stone huts. Camp overnight.
Day-17:	TREK TO MARPHA VILLAGE. (8,750ft/2,667m). You start with a sharp descent along a narrow mountain path to a ridge from where Dhaulagiri is visible again. You wind around to the right and descend down by a long climb along a steep mountainside, zigzag path. The final descent of the day brings us to Marpha Village. Camp overnight.
Day-18:	TREK TO LETE. (8,200ft/2,500m) 6 hrs. Today you follow the path on the left bank along the Kali Gandaki river up to Tukche village, where, in the past, it is said that trade between Tibet and India flourished. You carry on further through the cultivated areas and then the rocky area up to the settlement of Larjung at 8,399ft/2,560m. You head along the banks of the Kali Gandaki then descend to the tableland of Lete. Once again, you have excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Tukche Peak, Annapurna I and Nilgiri. Camp overnight.
Day-19:	TREK TO TATOPANI. (3,800ft/1,158m) 6 hrs. Today brings many ups, downs and zigzags. You start by going along the narrow valley of the Kali Gandaki without going very far from the river and head up to Kabre where the valley widens. From here you descend along the zigzag mountain path through rocky cliffs to enter the village of Dana, consisting of little hamlets surrounded by orange groves. From autumn to winter, baskets of oranges are offered for sale to travellers along the way. The path ahead meanders through small villages and finally reaches the village of Tatopani. Camp overnight.
Day-20:	TREK TO GHOREPANI. (9,600ft/2,926m). Today you make the long ascent to Ghorepani. After crossing a suspension bridge you carry on downstream along the Kali Gandaki crossing a wooden bridge across the Ghar Khola. You turn left and ascend a steep stone path to Durun Dhara. From here you descend along the rocky path to the Chhetri village of Ghare with its red walled houses. Ascend through terraced fields all the way up to Ghorepani. Ahead of us is a panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri range. Camp overnight.
Day- 21	TREK TO TIRKHEDHUNGA. (2,000ft/609m). 5 hrs. An early start is needed this morning to reach the highest point on Ghorepani Ridge, Poon Hill, for the close-up view of the south wall of pyramid-shaped Dhaulagiri for the sunrise. Today is an easy day with gradual walks through the main Trans-Himalayan Trade Route through the rhododendron and rain forest, descending to Ulleri and Tirkhedhunga villages, a pleasant spot with waterfalls. Camp overnight.
Day- 22	END TREK, DRIVE TO POKHARA. You trek for about 3 hours, a very short distance up to Nayapool. After this point you board your bus to Pokhara after an enjoyable and adventurous journey. The final walk of this superb journey leads through a series of farm villages to a more sub-tropical region, back to the rice paddies and following the course of fresh flowing rivers with a cascade of beautiful waterfalls as you come to Birethanti. After this lovely village over the Modi Khola another ½ hr will bring you to the road head for the 2 hr drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel
Day- 23	FLY TO KATHMANDU. Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus (202 km. 7/8 hours)
Day- 24	Depart Kathmandu You will be transferred to the airport for your final departure from Kathmandu.

Our most competative cost for above service and itinerary:

Group Size	2 - 3	4 - 5	6 - 7	8 - 9	10 - 11	12 + Above
Price in US$	1675.00	1627.00	1555.00	1505.00	1435.00	1387.00

The above price include:

International Airport pick up & drop off service by private vehicle
Kathmandu valley sightseeing with transfer and all monuments by private vehicle
4 nights accommodation with breakfast at deluxe hotel in Kathmandu. ( 3/4 Star)
Flight Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Taplejung-SuketarKathmandu (domestic airport tax, transfer to and from airport)
Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee during the trek.
Tented accommodation along the trek
Trek Permit & National Park Fee
Trek leader for entire tour (above 12 pax)
One English speaking goverment registered guide and support scalledfull Sherpa's crews
All expenses for staffs.
Equipment like down jacket, sleeping bag with extra linner, water boddle
Iodine purify drinking water
All the transportation by tourist / local bus for staffs

The above price doesn't include:

Meals while in Kathmandu - allow apppr US$ 10 - US$ 15 per day.
Travel insurance for personal
Nepal entry visa fee US$ 30 (duration 60 days from date of issue)- you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
Tips for trekking staffs, driver etc..