If you want to do an offbeat trek in Nepal and are looking for trails that are not frequently trekked by foreigners, the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek could be one of the finest choices.
On this 19-day journey, you will travel across varying altitudes, exploring different climatic zones, remote villages, windswept pastures, alpine basins, glaciers, and hidden valleys.
Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek and the Manaslu Circuit trek, the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is far more challenging and isolated. You will traverse complex moraines and glaciers on this trek.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek 19 days begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You will meet us here and shop for the trek. From Kathmandu, it will take you two days to reach the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.
First, you will drive around 9 hours to Beni (8,50 m/2,788 ft). From Beni, you will drive around 5 hours to Babiachaur (950 m/3,116 ft), the starting point of this trek. The trail follows the Myagdi River and ascends through terraced fields and sub-tropical forests.
Your first acclimatization will be at the Italian Base Camp (3,660 m/12,008 ft). It will take six days of hiking from Babiachaur to reach the Italian Base Camp.
On the way, you will spend nights in Dharapani (1,400 m/4,593 ft), Muri (1,800 m/5,905 ft), Boghara (2,080 m/6,824 ft), Dobang (2,520 m/8,267 ft), and Choriban Khola (3,110 m/10,203 ft).
After a rest and recovery in Italian Base Camp, you will ascend to Glacier Camp (4,210 m/13,812 ft). The true alpine walking begins after the Italian Base Camp.
The trail to Glacier Camp goes through glacier moraine and follows a flat path to Swiss Base Camp. Enjoying the views of Chhongardan Glacier and looming mountains, cross a narrow canyon-like trail and a loose moraine to reach Glacier Camp.
You will then ascend to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740 m/15,551 ft). If you are trekking in the climbing season, you will see a few climbing parties at the Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
You will spend the second acclimatization day at the base camp. A rest day here will reset you for traversing French Pass (5,360 m / 17,585 ft) and Dhampus Pass (5,240 m/17,191 ft) back to back.
After Dhaulagiri Base Camp, you will cross the French Pass and hike to the Hidden Valley (5,200 m/17,060 ft). The next day, you will cross the Dhampus Pass and descend to Yak Kharka (3,680 m/12,073 ft).
To get out of the Hidden Valley, crossing Dhampus Pass is necessary. Yak Kharka to Marpha (2,670 m/8,760 ft) will be the last day of the trek. From Marpha, you will drive to Pokhara (822 m/2,697 ft), spend a night in Pokhara, and drive back to Kathmandu the next day.
Check out our Dhaulagiri Circuit trek map below to see how the trail is laid.
What are the mountains you will see during the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek 19 days?
- The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek 19 days offers some of the most iconic mountain views in the western Himalayan range in Nepal.
- You will see the Dhaulagiri range, Tukuche Peak, Annpaurna, Fishtail, Mt. Ghustung South, Gurja Himal, Manapathi Peak, Dhampus Peak, etc.
- Among all the mountains, Mt. Dhaualgiri remains the main highlight of this trek.
- Along with incredible mountain vistas, you will also see diverse landscapes ranging from lush hills and terraces to moraines and glaciers.
Is it necessary to do the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in a camping style? What is it like doing a camping trek in Nepal?
The Dhaulagiri area is one of the least explored areas in Nepal. Its untamed wilderness, isolation, almost no infrastructure for trekkers, and steep terrain keep the crowd of travelers away.
Apart from a few villages, there are no teahouses on the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek route. So, it is necessary to do this trek in a camping style. Our support crew will carry tents, food, and all the essentials for the journey.
By doing the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in a camping style, you will get to sleep at unreal locations, including Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Hidden Valley.
Our team will set up the tents in all locations and prepare fresh meals for you. We provide comfortable sleeping arrangements, but trekkers have to be mentally prepared to adjust and enjoy the wilderness and its limitations.
Imagine spending nights under the sky full of stars. Warm food will keep you fueled, and a deep sense of solitude and resilience will fill your heart!
Culture and wildlife around the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek route
On the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, you will encounter ethnic groups like Thakali, Gurung, Magar, and Loba.
The upper part of the Dhulagiri region is mainly home to the Loba community. They are an indigenous group and expert yak herders. Buddhism is the main religion followed in this region.
As the Dhaulagiri Circuit trail is spread over different altitudes, you will see many types of plants and flowers while hiking. We recommend that trekkers not harm the vegetation.
Likewise, you may get to see blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and signs of snow leopards, but it is not guaranteed. Snow pigeons, Himalayan vultures, and lammergeiers dominate the skies.
Trekkers may also get to spot Danphe, the national bird of Nepal, on the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.
Safety during the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek
- One of the things that ensures your safety during the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is your fitness. Your fitness directly impacts how you feel during ascending and descending on offbeat terrain. The fitter you are, the better you will navigate the terrain, and there will be less risk of injuries.
- Carry a personal medical kit. If you need to have any medicines on a daily basis, make sure to pack them along with some bandages, ointment, and general medicine for cough, cold, and indigestion.
- Use trekking poles. They are great for maintaining balance on rugged terrain and also lower the overall pressure on the body while ascending.
- Wear used trekking boots. New shoes may give you blisters. If you need to buy new trekking boots, get them early and get used to them before the trek starts.
- The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek route is not bustling like other famous treks in Nepal that most trekkers do. You will not see any trekkers or even locals in most parts of the trail. So, it is important that you stay with your group.
- Do not leave alone or without your guide's knowledge.
- Keep yourself hydrated and maintain a slow pace while trekking. You have to be in good condition to walk long hours daily. So, have carbohydrate-rich meals and get ample rest daily.
- Listen to your body. If you feel unwell, do not ignore it and inform your guide.
- Water bladder, daypack with a nice waist support band, extra pairs of pants, undies, socks, and beanies, solar power bank, snacks, electrolytes, and board games are recommended.
Is the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek suitable for you? How to prepare for the trek?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is for trekkers with strong fitness and previous trekking experience. So, if you meet these two requirements, you can certainly do this 19 day trek in one of the most isolated sections of the Himalayan range.
Additionally, the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is also a camping trip. So we carry tents, fuel, food, and other essentials with us. We only recommend this trek to you if you have good fitness and understand the demands of a wilderness camping trek.
There are no facilities on the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek route for trekkers. They have to be self-sufficient. Overall, we only recommend the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek 19 days to you if you are ready to be challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Do the following things to prepare for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek:
- Build trekking experience: Beginner trekkers are recommended to start with short, moderate treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill and Langtang Valley. They move on to treks like EBC and ABC and do at least one circuit trek.
- Strength and stamina: Your strength and stamina will improve with every trek you complete. But trekking is not enough for bigger treks like the Annapurna Circuit. So, strength training and cardio exercises are recommended.
- Mental preparation: You have to understand that you are leaving the comfort of the teahouses trekking behind on the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, and embarking on a camping trek. Although there will be no warm teahouse to welcome you at the end of the day, you will get a cozy tent and a delicious dinner under the sky. Likewise, you have to push yourself a lot on this trek.
- Emotional resilience: Emotional strength comes down to your awareness and acknowledgment of a wilderness camping trek. You will be excited, nervous, a little bit scared, and mostly challenged throughout the trek. You've got to be ready to face and conquer your sentiments.
Additional expenses that you should budget for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek
Our Dhaulagiri Circuit trek package includes full camping service, which includes tents, food, fuel, and other essentials.
Along with that, we provide a professional guide who specializes in the Dhaulagiri trek and porters as per the group size in the package cost.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek permit, transportation, and accommodation in Kathmandu are also included in our Dhaulagiri Circuit trek cost.
However, trekkers have to manage travel insurance, flights to/from Kathmandu, Nepal travel visa fee, personal trekking clothes and gear, tips for on-field crew, and expenses that are not mentioned in our cost included section.
Unlike other treks, you will not get many chances to purchase extra food or drinks while hiking. Similarly, you do not have to spend additional money for charging, WiFi, or hot showers.
We recommend that you carry some money for personal expenses during trekking, just in case, and tips for your guide and porters.
Why do the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek with Adventure Magic Trek's team?
Not many Nepali trekking companies have firsthand experience on the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek route. However, we, Adventure Magic Treks, have organized the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek many times before, and we have a team of local guides and porters who specialize in this trek.
Our Dhaulagiri Circuit trek itinerary is 19 days long, but you can customize it as well. We are one of the very reputable trekking companies in Nepal with a strong team.
Our support and knowledge make isolated trails like the Dhaulagiri Circuit approachable for adventure lovers. With us, you will get the best Dhaulagiri Circuit trek price and service.
We will provide an ample support crew as per your group size to assist you during the trek. Our team takes care of permits, transportation, tents, and cooking. You only have to focus on trekking and enjoying the trip.
Choose us for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek 19 days and experience the best trek service. Our bookings are open for Dhaulagiri Circuit trek 2026/2027 departures.
