Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara on a comfortable tourist bus. The road follows the Trishuli River, offering views of terraced hills, villages, and changing landscapes. After reaching Pokhara, you continue by local jeep or bus toward Beni, the administrative hub of the Myagdi district. This transition from the busy capital to quieter hill towns sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Overnight in a lodge in Beni, where final trek preparations are made.

Today marks the official start of the trek. Following the Myagdi Khola, the trail passes through fertile farmlands, suspension bridges, and small settlements. Walking is gentle and unhurried, allowing time to observe daily rural life, traditional houses, and terraced fields. The lower altitude makes this an enjoyable introduction to trekking conditions. Dharapani sits peacefully beside the river, offering a calm overnight stop before the trail gradually becomes more demanding.

Continuing upstream along the Myagdi Khola, the trail winds through subtropical forest and cultivated land. Stone paths, river crossings, and shaded woodland make today’s walk varied and engaging. You’ll notice fewer vehicles and a slower pace of life as you move deeper into the Dhaulagiri region. Children playing, farmers tending fields, and water buffalo grazing create a lively rural atmosphere. The gradual ascent helps your body adjust naturally to increasing altitude.

Today involves multiple river crossings and steady climbs through forested slopes. After crossing the river, the trail ascends to a ridge overlooking the valley before reaching the village of Muri. This Magar settlement is one of the most culturally interesting stops on the trek. Here, you can observe traditional farming practices and village life that have remained unchanged for generations. Overnight in Muri allows time to explore and interact with locals.

The route climbs over a low mountain pass, rewarding you with views of Mt. Ghustung South. Walking through pine and oak forests, the trail alternates between gentle ascents and short descents. As you approach Boghara, the landscape opens up to terraced hillsides and dramatic mountain scenery. From the village, clear views of Dhaulagiri I and Gurja Himal signal your gradual entry into higher Himalayan terrain. Overnight in Boghara.

Leaving permanent settlements behind, the trail follows forested paths alongside the river. The terrain becomes more rugged, with fewer cultivated fields and more wilderness. Crossing small streams and shaded woodland, you sense the increasing isolation of the region. Dobang lies in a quiet forest clearing and serves as an important stop before entering the more remote sections of the trek. Camping here marks a shift from village trekking to expedition-style travel.

As altitude increases, human settlements disappear almost entirely. The trail follows dense forest along the Myagdi Khola, with occasional seasonal teashops offering a welcome rest. The path becomes rockier, and the air noticeably thinner. Crossing streams and uneven terrain, you reach Choriban Khola, where camp is set beside the river. The sense of remoteness grows, preparing you mentally and physically for the alpine environment ahead.

A demanding ascent of roughly 500 meters brings dramatic changes in scenery. Forest gives way to rocky terrain, glacial valleys, and towering peaks. As you climb, views of the Chhonbardan Glacier and Dhaulagiri massif begin to dominate the landscape. Italian Base Camp, named after a historic expedition, offers stunning panoramic views and marks your entry into true high-altitude trekking. Overnight camping here is both challenging and rewarding.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, which is essential for safety. Short hikes around camp help your body adjust while allowing you to explore the rugged surroundings. The area offers close-up views of glaciers, icefalls, and surrounding peaks. You can rest, journal, photograph the scenery, or simply enjoy the silence of the high mountains. This rest day significantly improves your chances of crossing the high passes comfortably in the coming days.

The trail traverses glacial moraine and rocky ground, demanding careful footing. Passing the area known as Swiss Base Camp, you continue across barren terrain shaped by ice and rock. The environment feels harsh and otherworldly, with minimal vegetation and immense mountain walls. Glacier Camp is reached after a steady, challenging walk and offers dramatic views under vast Himalayan skies. Camping here brings you closer to the heart of the Dhaulagiri massif.

A thrilling day as you trek beneath towering peaks. The route climbs steep moraine slopes with breathtaking views of Tukuche Peak. As the valley widens, Dhaulagiri Base Camp appears beneath the massive south face of Dhaulagiri I. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, marking this iconic location. Surrounded by Dhaulagiri I, II, III, and V, spending the night here is a highlight of the entire trek.

Another vital acclimatization day allows your body to adapt before crossing high passes. You can explore nearby ridges, photograph glaciers, and admire peaks such as Manapathi. The team prepares equipment while trekkers rest and hydrate. Despite the altitude, the day feels peaceful, with sweeping views and crisp mountain air. Proper rest here plays a key role in safely reaching Hidden Valley in the following days.

An early start leads to the crossing of French Pass (5,360 m). The climb is demanding but rewarding, offering spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Sita Chuchura, and surrounding giants. Prayer flags mark the summit of the pass. From here, the descent leads into the vast, open Hidden Valley at around 5,200 meters, where camp is set for what is often the coldest night of the trek.

Crossing Dhampus Pass (5,240 m) is another major highlight. Glaciers and moraine dominate the landscape as you climb and descend carefully. Once over the pass, the trail drops steeply toward the Kali Gandaki Valley. The altitude loss brings noticeable relief in breathing and temperature. Yak Kharka, meaning yak pasture, welcomes you with grazing herds and a sense of returning life to the landscape.

Descending further, the scenery changes dramatically. Rocky terrain gives way to pine and rhododendron forests. The trail eventually reaches Marpha, a beautiful Thakali village known for its whitewashed houses, apple orchards, and monastery. Located along the Kali Gandaki River, Marpha offers comfort, culture, and teahouse facilities. After days of camping, this village feels especially welcoming and relaxed.

Today involves a long but scenic drive back to Pokhara along the Kali Gandaki corridor. The road is dusty in places but offers striking views of deep gorges and arid landscapes. Arriving in Pokhara feels lively after the solitude of the mountains. Enjoy a hot shower, lakeside walk, and celebratory meal while reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve completed.

The trek concludes with a drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. The journey offers a final chance to enjoy Nepal’s changing landscapes, from river valleys to hill towns. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can rest, shop for souvenirs, or celebrate the successful completion of one of Nepal’s most challenging treks. This day marks the end of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.