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Price

From$3,800

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6088

17 days, 16 nights

Availability : Late April to May and October to November

Min Age : 15+

Max People : 12

DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT TREK:

The Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a challenging trek on an off-the-beaten-trail that circles Mt. Dhaulagiri with a night of camping at the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Dhaulagiri I was thought to be the highest mountain in the world from 1808 to 1848. Only since 1852 was Mt. Everest recognized as the highest mountain. Dhaulagiri is now the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is more challenging than the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It involves walking on a rocky-glacier for two days. Additionally, it involves hiking through a canyon with some rock fall danger. Also, mostly in the Spring season, on the descent from Dhampus pass, you would have to traverse through snow fields which involves navigating a 20-25 degree slope in some places. So you should feel comfortable walking on exposed “trail”.

Do read my recent blog of Jwalant’s Dhaulagiri Trek in May 2026 where he compares the recent trek to the one he did in 2010.

THE TREK

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek begins with a flight to Pokhara followed by a bus ride to the trail head. The trek begins in forested and terraced hills inhabited by the Magar people. Continue past permanent settlements through thickly forested jungle trails over the next couple days. The trek then continues on the seemingly never-ending Dhaulagiri moraine for several days to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Thereafter, cross the French Col (5,360m/17,600ft.) to enter the Hidden valley. From the hidden valley, you have the option to summit Dhampus peak (6,060m/19,850ft.). Finally, cross Dhampus pass and descend to Marpha where the trek ends.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is a CAMPING trek. This means you will sleep in tents and will eat meals prepared by our kitchen crew. We use Mountain Hardwear (Trango) and North Face (VE 25) 4-season tents which are quite spacious and very effective against the elements. We also provide sleeping pads. Meals prepared by our trek are also quite varied with many options including rice with locally available vegetables, spaghetti, dumplings, noodles, local breads etc.

BEST SEASON

The best seasons for trekking through the Dhaulagiri Base Camp are late Spring (late April-May) and Autumn (October-November).

TREK RATING

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is rated “CHALLENGING”. It is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The trek involves an average daily hiking of between 5-6 hours with lots of ascents and descents. The trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to the Hidden valley and the next day to Alubari are longer (6-8 hours). The highest altitude reached is 17,700 ft. and the highest camp is at 16,700 ft. While the trek requires good physical fitness and involves walking through rugged terrain and landslides, no technical climbing experience is required. But you do have to be a very experienced hiker willing to undertake some physical hardship. Also, this is a relatively long trek in a remote area. Regardless of the rating, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.

WHY TREK WITH US?

All our Dhaulagiri Base Camp treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services. All inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. And with over 35 years of experience, we employ the most professional and friendly staff. Also, it is important to understand that your porters are most vulnerable to the elements on this trek (more than on other treks). We equip our staff with good hiking boots, gaiters, micro-spikes, waterproof/warm parkas, warm hats/gloves etc. Our porters are also provided meals on the trek which isn’t the common practice on most treks in Nepal. Feel free to request references who can attest to this.

“I can confirm what others have said: the porters were supplied with real hiking boots, warm/waterproof shells and waterproof/breathable pants.”

Terence P: Dhaulagiri Circuit TREK, SF, USA

VIDEO OF THE TREK

In May 2025 Crystal Mountain Trek’s Chief Adventure Officer, Jwalant, and Tom, trekker from Australia, completed the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. This video is a video log of their adventure:

We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Trek’s staff. Contact us to learn more…

Trip at a glance

Brief Itinerary - Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Day	Description	Overnight	Altitude
Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu	Kathmandu	1,340m/4,300ft
Day 2	Exploring Kathmandu	Kathmandu	1,340m/4,300ft
Day 3	Fly to Pokhara. Drive to Boghara	Boghara	2,080m/6,800ft
Day 4	Boghara to Dobang	Dobang	2,520m/8,300ft
Day 5	Dobang to Sallaghari	Sallaghari	2,820m/9,250ft
Day 6	Sallaghari to Italy Base Camp	Italy Base Camp	3,660m/12,000ft
Day 7	Acclimatization day	Italy Base Camp	3,660m/12,000ft
Day 8	Italy Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp	Japanese Base Camp	4,300m/14,100ft
Day 9	Rest and acclimatization day	Italy Base Camp	4,300m/14,100ft
Day 10	Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp	Dhaulagiri Base Camp	4,740m/15,550ft
Day 11	Explore Dhaulagiri Base Camp	Dhaulagiri Base Camp	4,740m/15,550ft
Day 12	Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley	Hidden Valley	5,100m/16,700ft
Day 13	Hidden Valley to Kalopani/Yak Kharka	Yak Kharka	3,680m/12,100ft
Day 14	Kalopani/Yak Kharka to Marpha	Marpha	2,650m/8,690ft
Day 15	Jomsom to Pokhara	Pokhara	827m/2,700ft
Day 16	Pokhara to Kathmandu	Kathmandu	1,340m/4,300ft
Day 17	Final Departure

Detailed Itinerary - Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. Rest of day free. Welcome dinner. (Dinner)

Day 2Kathmandu

Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you’ll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 3Kathmandu to Boghara (2,080m/6,800ft)

Morning flight to Pokhara. Continue by chartered jeep/bus to Beni (3 hours) on a paved road. Continue onward to Boghara on a newly opened, sometimes bumpy, track built by hydro-electric projects following the Myagdi Khola (3-4 hours). There are currently six hydro power projects at different stages of completion on this river with licenses issued to around eleven. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 4 Boghara to Dobang (2,520m/8,300ft)

From Boghara, begin by ascending steeply on the old trail. The trail then becomes a gentle uphill followed by a short descent to the new jeep track. Continue through the thick forests for 2 to 3 hours (gentle uphill) to Dobang. Dobang is a large clearing in the forest with two lodges and a large area for tents. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

DISTANCE: 6.11 miles/9.9 kilometers
ASCENT: 2,586 feet/788 meters
DESCENT: 757 feet/230 meters

Day 05Dobang to Sallaghari (2,820m/9,250ft)

From Dobang, the trail follows the raging Myagdi khola and continues through dense forest of bamboo and rhododendrons. From a small clearing in the forest, ascend steeply for around 1 hour. And after 4-5 hours of total hiking we reach our camp at Sallaghari which means bamboo cluster. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

DISTANCE: 4.73 miles/7.6 kilometers
ASCENT: 2,455 feet/748 meters
DESCENT: 574 feet/175 meters

Day 6Sallaghari to Italy Base Camp (3,660m/12,000ft)

The trail on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek has improved significantly in the past decade. On treks 9-10 years ago the trails were not clearly marked and required crossing on precarious bridges.

A little past camp, Dhaulagiri I comes into view. Soon, cross a temporary bridge and climb steeply through bamboo and old growth forests. Here you may see langurs jumping around in the trees. After about 2 to 3 hours, you will arrive at Italy Base Camp used by the Italians for their ascent of Dhaulagiri. Overnight Camp (All meals)

DISTANCE: 2.43 miles/3.9 kilometers
ASCENT: 1,669 feet/508 meters
DESCENT: 62 feet/19 meters

Day 7Explore Italy Base Camp (3,660m/12,000ft)

Today is an acclimatization day at the Italy Base Camp. You have the option to climb a small ridge to the American Base Camp. Or you can walk on tomorrows trail towards the Japanese Base Camp. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 8Italy Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4,200m/13,800ft)

As you climb slowly from the Italian Base Camp, you cross several memorials for climbers that have perished on Dhaulagiri. They include three Chinese who fell to their death in the Spring of 2010. Descend carefully into the moraine and then hike back up to the trail and continue on a short switch-back. Many years ago, trekkers had to cling to a fixed line to cross a section of the moraine. Soon you arrive at the Swiss Base Camp (1-2 hours) where there is a single abandoned hut.

Today, you will be trekking through a narrow gorge. A section (about half an hour of walking) poses constant danger of rock fall and hence it is important to look up as you walk. Soon you will be on the moraine where you will need to wade through the river. From here, ascend for about 30 minutes to the Japanese Base Camp (Total 4 to 5 hours of hiking). Overnight Camp. (All meals)

DISTANCE: 5.13 miles/8.25 kilometers
ASCENT: 2,204 feet/671 meters
DESCENT: 657 feet/200 meters

Day 9Acclimatization day at Glacier Camp (4,200m/13,800ft)

Today is an acclimatization day at Glacier Camp. You have the option to hike towards the Dhaulagiri Base Camp for views of Dhaulagiri I. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 10Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m/15,550ft.)

Ascend slowly through the moraine. The moraine is constantly moving and hence the trail changes every year. Thus trail finding can be a tiresome process. Descend to another moraine adjoining a snow field extending from the Dhaulagiri ice-fall. There is the remains of a helicopter that had crashed several years ago. Walk a little further to camp. (4 to 5 hours of hiking). In the afternoon, you are free to hike to the ice fall. It is important to be very careful. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

DISTANCE: 3.89 miles/6.26 kilometers
ASCENT: 1,653 feet/504 meters
DESCENT: 173 feet/53 meters

Day 11Explore Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m/15,550ft.)

Explore. You are free to walk closer to the Dhaulagiri massif and the glacier. It goes without saying that you should be careful. You also have the option to continue towards hidden valley. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 12Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley (5,100m/16,700ft.)

Today is a grueling day involving walking up to 6 hours at high altitude. The moraine ends as we walk towards the pass. Climb steeply to a small hill and continue ascending gently on a trail on the ridge over which Tukuche Peak looms to the east. Looking back, the main Dhaulagiri massif looms. After a few hours of slogging, turn west and climb slowly to the French Col (5,360m/17,600ft.). At the pass, there are several cairns and memorials dedicated to fallen climbers. The Hidden Valley is visible to the north east and so are several peaks – Mukut Himal, Dhampus Peak, Hongde Peak etc in the distance. Descend on snow to the valley floor and continue to camp. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

DISTANCE: 5.96 miles/9.59 kilometers
ASCENT: 2,050 feet/625 meters
DESCENT: 862 feet/263 meters

Day 13Hidden Valley to Alubari (3,680m/12,100ft.)

Those climbing Dhampus Peak (6,060m/19,900ft.) will start out at 3:00 am. Climb Dhampus Peak and descend to Alubari. (10-12 hours). Others proceed to Alubari which is around 6-7 hours of hiking.

Start out by ascending steadily to the Dhampus pass. There may or may not be snow at the pass. On a clear day Annapurna I, Nilgiri (North and South), Tilicho and other peaks can be seen from Dhampus pass as well as on the long traverse (2 kilometers) from the pass. The Dhaulagiri peak is to the South West, Annapurna, Nilgiri to the East, the Kingdom of Mustang to the North and the deep Kali Gandaki valley.

After descending from the pass for around 30 minutes from the pass, the trail then becomes a long, 2 kilometer, traverse. Shoot for a saddle in the distance; and upon arriving at the saddle it is advised to put on your micro-spikes if there is snow on the trail. It is also important to stay with your group as white-outs occur frequently. And trail finding can be an issue especially when there is snow.

Soon reach a section with rocky scree from where it is a steep descent on switchback all the way to camp at Alubari.

Overnight Camp. (All meals)

DISTANCE: 8.05 miles/12.95 kilometers
ASCENT: 820 feet/250 meters
DESCENT: 3,753 feet/1,144 meters

Day 14Alubari to Marpha (2,650m/8,690ft.)

From Alubari it is a steep descent for 3-4 hours (almost 5,000 feet) to Marpha. Overnight lodge with showers. (All meals)

DISTANCE: 4.79 miles/7.71 kilometers
ASCENT: 52.5 feet/16 meters
DESCENT: 4,878 feet/1,487 meters

Day 15Marpha to Pokhara

After breakfast, we begin our 5 hour drive to Pokhara. Free day in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 16Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (All meals)

Day 17Kathmandu to home

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)

Trip Gallery

Detailed Cost Information

Per person price (valid until December 31, 2026)

2 persons: US$ 4,900 per person

3 persons: US$ 4,500 per person

4 or more persons: US$ 3,800 per person

Single Supplement: US$ 300

For those who wish to climb Dhampus peak, the peak permit and climbing Sherpa fee is extra as follows:

Permit Fee: Autumn – USD 175 per person; Spring – USD 350 per person

Climbing Guide Insurance – Rs. 70,000 per group (approximately US$ 500)

Climbing Guide Fee – US$ 400 per guide

Garbage deposit refundable fee – USD 500 per group (refundable)

This package is ALL INCLUSIVE – almost everything is included in the trip price. Budget an additional US$2,500-US$3,000 extra for your international airfare, tips, bottled beverages, Nepal visa, a couple meals in Kathmandu etc. See the “price excludes” section to learn about the extras. Please inquire for quote in AUS$/GB£ or Euros.

Price Includes

All airport transfers
Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary including entrance fees to monuments
Three nights twin sharing accommodation at Nepali Ghar or Ambassador (3 star) in Kathmandu
One night twin sharing accommodation at Temple Tree Resort (4 star) in Pokhara
Chartered transfer: Pokhara to Darbang and Marpha to Pokhara
Airfare: Kathmandu – Pokhara and Pokhara – Kathmandu
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
All inclusive camping trek
Camping gear: Tents and kitchen utensils
Guide and staff wages, equipment (hiking boots, gore-tex clothing, hats and gloves) and meals for all including porters
Guide and staff insurance
Annapurna Conservation Area Fee and Trekker Information Management System
Satellite Phone
Supplemental oxygen

Price Excludes

Your international airfare (US$1,500-$2,000)
Nepal Visa (US$50)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary (2 dinners in Kathmandu: US$50)
Bottled beverages and packaged snacks (US$ 100)
Battery charging and showers (US$50)
Tips and gratuities (US$ 200 per person approximately)
Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
Travel insurance (This is required – US$ 300 – 500)
Other expenses of a personal nature

Options

It is possible to add the climb of Dhampus peak (6,090m/19,700ft.) to the program. You would make an attempt to summit from the Hidden valley camp. This will add one more day to the trip for contingency for possible weather and health delays. But this will add a substantial amount to the cost as the Nepal Government has listed this peak along with other major expeditions peaks of Nepal. The climb itself, depending on the season, does not entail more than slogging and some scrambling and a little traversing on the ridge. The peak fee is US$ 400 per person and the climbing guide insurance is US$600 per group.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When is the best time to do the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

There are two preferred seasons for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Spring (April through June) and Fall (October through November). In the Spring, because this trek involves crossing a high pass, we wouldn’t recommend this trek in March as it may be too early and there may excessive snow in the pass. But that said, since this trek does involve trekking a lot in the rain-shadow region, you could push back the trek even till July.

Day time temperatures range in the 50’s and 60’s (10 to 15 Centigrade) while night-time temperatures are in the 30’s and 40’s (0 to 5 Centigrade). Expect night time temperatures of below Freezing near the Base Camp. Expect some late-afternoon showers in the Spring which is the season for rhododendrons and magnolias. October is historically regarded as the best month to trek with clear skies and better views of the mountains.

What kind of food should I expect?

All cooking gear and food have to be carried in from Kathmandu. The cook will purchase fresh fruit and vegetables and rice/lentils from the villagers en route. You will be surprised as to what the cook can make on a small gas stove. In general, expect porridge (Oatmeal), toast, eggs (various style), muesli, hash browns, sausages etc for breakfast. And sandwich, pizzas, momos, noodles (dry and with soup), rolls, fried rice, Indian bread with vegetables or Daal Bhaat (Rice with lentils) etc for lunch and dinner.

Will you provide tents and mats?

Yes, we will provide good quality Mountain Hardwear Trango or North Face VE 25 tents for this trek. We will also provide a 2 inch foam mattress and an insulation pad. You can bring an additional pad if you wish. We will also provide all the kitchen gear.

We have lately been providing Exped air mats. Check them out here.

What kind of gear do you provide for the staff?

This is a challenging trek. Even for the hardy Nepali staff. Make sure your staff and porters have good gear and enough food to complete this trek. Ask your operator what they provide for the staff. Are they provided meals or are they responsible for their own meals?

We provide snow goggles, mittens, gore-tex parka, water-proof pants and good water-proof hiking boots (mostly Lowa GTX renegade) to the staff. Also, the staff and porters will be provided all meals on the trek. We’d be glad to provide references who can allude to our claims. All our staff are insured. And we will bear the cost of a helicopter evacuation in case of an emergency.

How fit do I need to be to do the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

We would recommend the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek to seasoned hikers only. You must be able to hike up to 12 miles a day (mostly at high altitude). While this trek does not involve and require any technical climbing, you must have the mental and physical toughness to hike on sketchy trail with some objective danger – there are sections which with rock fall danger. You would be walking and camping on moraine for about four days as you walk from before the Italy Base Camp to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Here you would be walking on a canyon with possible rock fall danger. Also, earlier you would be crossing small streams on some sketchy bridges – one of the bridges is just a couple logs tied together.

It is advised that anyone with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor before signing up for a trek. We rate the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek a 5 on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging).

How would I prepare for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

The more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. There are three aspects to training for any trek.

1) Cardiovascular Training will make your body more efficient in using oxygen. Running, walking, swimming or biking, or any combination of these are great for cardiovascular conditioning.

2) Strength Training by either using free weights or machines at the gym will build hiking strength. Walking stairs, especially with a pack will simulate the hiking environment. We also recommend practicing squats. Trekkers will encounter low hanging obstacles to duck under, and many toilets are at ground level, which requires a low squat.

3) Endurance Training is where you build endurance in the months leading up to your trek, slowly increase your length of training sessions. By the time you are 2 weeks from the scheduled trek date you should be able to ascend 3,000 ft. in a 3-4 hour period.

In the end, the more your training simulates a trek, the better off you will be. So hiking 4-5 hours outdoors, uphill and downhill, about once or twice a week in addition to other cardio vascular training at the gym or at home will greatly benefit and prepare you for the trek.

Is there mobile signal available on the trek? Is wi-fi available?

There is mobile signal only at some of the villages at the beginning of the trek. And then at the end of the trek at Marpha and Jomsom. Wi-fi is only available at Jomsom.

What are the toilet facilities like? Will I have a chance to shower?

On camping treks, toilets are a hole in the ground in a small tent to allow for privacy. Showers are available during rest days and involve a bucket of hot water. On most days you can clean yourself with wet wipes. We will provide a small bowl of warm water with which you can wipe yourself with a towel.

What gear do I need for the trek? Can I buy/rent gear in Kathmandu?

Layering is key. And it’s always recommended to trek with good branded gear. A good pair of hiking boots that’s been broken in is very important. Good top and bottom base layers, a mid layer (fleece or capilene), and an outer layer (Gore-tex or other material). If you tend to get cold quickly, bring a down parka especially for the evening at the lodge. On most days, you’d be hiking in a convertible hiking pant that can be converted into shorts and one or two top layers.

if you’re trekking with Crystal Mountain Treks, we provide a sleeping bag (rated to 0 degree F or -17 degree C), duffel bags, down jacket and Steripen for water purification to our clients for no charge.

It is possible to buy cheap and relatively functional gear in Kathmandu – convertible pants, down jackets, fleece, Gore-tex jackets. But remember, you get what you pay for. Wool gloves, hats, socks are available too.

There are quite a few branded stores too. North Face, Moutain Hardwear, Marmot and Sherpa. If you’re coming from Australia or Europe, items in these shops are probably cheaper than back home. But if you’re coming from the US, it’s better to buy branded gear at home.

What vaccinations are required for trekking in Nepal?

No vaccinations are REQUIRED for travel to Nepal. However, some are recommended. Check out these sites to make a decision:

1) CIWEC hospital in Nepal

2) CDC (Center for Disease Control)

Map

dhaulagiri circuit map, Dhaulagiri Circui Trek — dhaulagiri circuit map

1 Review

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Terence Potter, Austin, TX

Group Traveller

I very much recommend Crystal Mountain. From the start of planning our trek Jwalant was very helpful as we explored a number of possible options. We were constrained in time and Jwalant was able to work through several possible itineraries with us to find something that suited our time constraints and met the goals of what we wanted from our trek. Communication via email (my preference) was clear and extremely responsive. Our guide was Ram Rai, who has worked with Crystal Mountain for 30+ years, with the assistance of Rinji Sherpa. Ram’s ability to manage the trek and work with us during the trek to ensure that it went well was outstanding. Because of Ram’s and Rinji’s experience and Crystal Mountain’s flexibility, we were able to make changes to our itinerary during the trek to ensure that were able to complete the ascent of Thapa Peak. Also we were able to change the second part of our trek “on-the-fly” when weather made our original plan questionable. Ram talked with us and kept us very well informed about what was going on throughout the trek. The food during the trek was outstanding, with lots of variety. The cook (Raju) was able to respond to our tastes, and came and talked to us at most meals about how he was doing, and to ensure that we were happy with the food. I can confirm what others have said: the porters were supplied with real hiking boots, warm/waterproof shells and waterproof/breathable pants.

-Trek: Dhaulagiri Circuit + Muktinath, October/November 2011

November 30, 2011

From$3,800

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