Dhaulagiri circuit
3 920,00 €
If you want to avoid the EBC and ABC treks that everyone is talking about, here’s one of those alternate treks you can opt for. The Around Dhaulagiri trek is also a challenging undertaking that requires trekkers to be in good physical condition and well-equipped. The remoteness of the area can be an attraction to many trekkers.
Located in a remote area, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is a difficult trek. Hence, physical fitness and good equipment are of paramount importance. From the French Pass, there is a magnificent view of the almost perfect pyramid of Dhaulagiri (the ‘White Mountain’ in Sanskrit). Going through varied landscapes from lush green farmland to icy glaciers and moraines, one rarely gets this close to the summit of an 8000m peak. Far away in the wilderness, the trek is less crowded. Thapa (Dhampus) Peak is an interesting destination in the heart of the Dhaulagiri region. The ascent to the summit of this peak begins on a gentle slope near Thapa Pass. Although the mountain exceeds 6000 m, no technical difficulty is encountered in climbing it. From the summit, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of several peaks over 8000m and many over 7000m. Overall, more than thirty peaks are visible, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), separated by the deepest gorge in the world. Some of the lesser peaks seen are Tukuche, Nilgiri and more.
- Nepal Country
- Trekking and expeditions Thématique
- Very difficult Difficulté
- 21 days Duration
- 15 days Hiking days
- 6 012 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- kathmandu → Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
- Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu Domestic flights
Itinerary
Airport pick-up, transfer to hotel.
Free time in the city.
Drive to Pokhara by private vehicle. Free time and overnight in Pokhara.
We drive by private vehicle from Pokhara to Beni and on to Darbang (1,180m), starting point of our trek. It’s easy terrain that goes along the Myagdi River. After crossing a suspension bridge, a short climb follows, leading us to the village of Dharapani (1,470m).
Duration of drive: 5 hr
We walk to the Magar village of Muri from where we enjoy a good view of the Dhaulagiri range.
In the morning, we start a 3-hour easy hike on flat terrain to a small village of 2/3 houses where we stop for lunch. The afternoon walk calls for a 3-hour steep climb, after which we come down to the village of Bagar. The path may be dizzying, but we get to enjoy a beautiful view of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding cornfields.
In the morning, we embark on a 30 min descent followed by a 2 ½ hr ascent and another descent. We stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we end the day’s hike with a 3-hour walk in the forest.
In the morning, we take a 3-hour hike in the forest, following the river. We stop for lunch by the riverside. The afternoon hike is a 2- hour gradual climb to Jumla Kharka.
This is a short day, walking along the river to reach the Italian Base Camp. We stop for lunch, rest in the afternoon and enjoy a superb view of the Dhaulagiri Mountains.
Day of rest at Italian Base Camp for acclimatization.
In the morning, we head directly towards two difficult passes. In the afternoon, we climb up for 2 hours to reach the Japanese Base Camp with views of the Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri.
We gradually climb to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, passing through cravasses.
In the morning, we embark on a 3 ½ hour ascent followed by a descent. After lunch, walk another ½ hour, then cross the French Pass followed by 3 hours of climbing and descending on snow to reach the Hidden Valley; great views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Thapa Peak and more. We set up camp by the riverside.
Take a short walk in the Hidden Valley for acclimatization.
From our camp, the hike begins with a short climb to the Thapa Pass (5,280m) where we enjoy a wonderful, panoramic view of the Annapurna mountains and the Nilgiri area. Overnight at the foot of the Thapa Pass.
This day is dedicated to climbing the Thapa Peak and return to camp. An extra day has been planned for safety, rest or acclimatization.
An extra day spent here for safety, rest and acclimatization.
Descend towards the Kali Gandaki Valley.
An easy descent leads us to Marpha by a narrow trail through the middle of a pine forest. A very beautiful village, Marpha showcases Tibetan culture and is also famous for its cider. We cross the Kaligandaki Valley, a little downstream of Marpha and come across a village full of Tibetan refugees. We reach Jomsom and enjoy superb views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, all the Nilgiri peaks as well as the Tilicho peak and more.
In the early hours of the morning, we take an exhilarating mountain flight and fly between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Jomsom to Pokhara. We then catch a connecting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Free time in Kathmandu.
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight. End of our services.
Practical Info
What is included
- All transfers by private vehicle as per itinerary
- 4 nights in Kathmandu at hotel Manaslu*** or similar category on B&B
- 1 night at Lake Side Retreat on B&B
- Full board in camp (light version without table and chair) or lodge as per itinerary
- English-speaking guide for the whole trek
- Porters for personal belongings during the whole trek (15kg max /person)
- Camping team: cook, kitchen boy, assistant, porters (numbers depending on the group size)
- Extra equipment for the staff during the French Pass and the Thapa Pass crossing
- ACAP and TIMS trekking license
- Collective camping and kitchen equipment, caisson hyperbarre
- Staff insurance
- Airport taxes
- Rent of a satellite phone Location d’un téléphone satellite (hors communications)
- Domestic flights
What is not included
- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara (except breakfast)
- Obtaining Nepali visa at the airport ($50 + Photo)
- International flight
- Compulsary repatriation insurance
- Personal climbing equipment for the mountain-climbers
- Ice axe, crampons and gaiters for each participant
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, sleeping bag
FAQ
This journey is one of the last great exploratory treks around Dhaulagiri in Nepal to be done entirely self-sufficiently. There are no lodges or modern comforts here: every night is spent under canvas, in the heart of nature, amid landscapes of raw power. A return to basics, supported by our logistics team, to experience the mountains up close.
Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world, can be approached from every angle. The itinerary climbs to its base camp and then crosses two passes above 5,000 m – French Pass and Thapa Pass – to reach the legendary Hidden Valley. A committing, demanding circuit, but one that lives up to the emotions it delivers.
For well-acclimatised, fit trekkers, the Thapa Peak ascent is an accessible option that requires no alpine experience. At over 6,000 m, this “trekking peak” offers a spectacular panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and the Mustang valley. A summit to crown an unforgettable adventure.
Tropical forests, Gurung villages, glaciers, moraines and hanging valleys: the diversity of landscapes makes this trek a concentrate of the wild Himalaya. Each stage takes you further into isolation, until you feel alone in the world, facing the immensity of the mountains.
