Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek (GHT)

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 20–30 minutes, depending on the traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Our staff will accompany you and help you with the check-in at your accommodation. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. Experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Local Market Tour

Take a short drive to Ason. Then, start wandering Ason and Indrachowk marketplaces to get a glimpse of traditional Nepalese life. Witness the bustle of the market, see how locals purchase the products, and haggle for a bargain. Whilst walking around, enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere this local market has to offer. Observe first-hand the local produce people from Nepal actually purchase. You will also take in the sights and smells of the market. Your friendly tour guide will explain in full detail all the products and procedures you will see. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture with your camera.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Next, head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source from which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture, can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Thereafter, take a short drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupa in Nepal, built in the 5^th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. Observe a beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

Witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, visit Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. Witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also, see elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: 1,860m

Driving duration: 4 hrs. Approx. 

Hiking duration: 3 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you take a scenic drive to Darbang village via Beni. Then you set off to hike from Darbang- the starting point of the trek. You cross the suspension bridge and soon after start the uphill to Dharapani. You will get a first glimpse of the Dhaulagiri massif to the north if the weather is favourable.

Altitude above sea level: (1,050 m)

Hiking duration: 5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we leave Dharapani and trek toward Muri. On the way, we come across Takum and Sibang villages, where we check our permits. These villages are prosperous with terrace fields, mainly farming rice and wheat.

Through the trail, we pass by beautiful sceneries of Nepal along with traditional villages and a good view of Mt Gurja and Puta Hiunchuli to the west. After half an hour of a trek from Sibang you will meet the intersection on the left uphill that goes towards Jalja La Pass and also Dhorpatan, the national hunting reserve. This trail used to be the trekking trail of Upper Dolpa as well.

Further, we follow the right trail down toward the suspension bridge. Crossing a suspension bridge we continue to trek until we reach our next destination, Muri where we stay overnight in camp. The locals of Muri majority follow the Magar ethnicity, and most of the young men of these areas work overseas in the Middle East or in the British and Indian army as “Gurkhas”.

Altitude above sea level: (2,080 m)

Hiking duration: 7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having an early breakfast; we take a steep descend to the bridge from where we cross the Muri Khola. Then you enter a bamboo forest and numerous clearings with farms. The landscape keeps on changing as we keep on gaining altitude. As the trail continues, we reach the north of the valley where we will connect Myagdi Khola. Further North, the valley steepens and the trail is steep in places. Boghara is a small village of Magar ethnic group where we stay overnight camping.

Altitude above sea level: 2,500 m

Hiking duration: 6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we leave Boghara behind and follow the west bank of Myagdi Khola. We hike through an undulating trail in the forest. This morning we follow the gorge. If you see on the right side of the valley you can see the spectacular view of waterfalls and also bee hives. Look up the large bee nests up the cliff above the trails where villagers collect honey Along the trail, you will encounter a huge number of buffaloes with herders. We stop for a lunch break at Lipshe at 2,080 m. Thereafter, continue walking in the forest of oak, and bamboo trees before you get to Dobang. Dobang is located near the Dhaulagiri V which is a perfect grassy campsite.

Altitude above sea level: 2,280 m

Hiking duration: 5–6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we will leave Dobang behind and set off to Sallaghari. You hike through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron trees and along the riverside of Myagdi Khola. Further, you come across a wooden bridge and cross it over the streams. Along the trail, you’ll pass through the meadow. Thereafter, you take a steep ascent and pass through numerous tricky landslide areas. Before you reach Sallaghari, savor the views of a spectacular waterfall. Sallaghari is a place where there is a small campsite with huge pine trees.

Altitude above sea level: 3,660 m

Hiking duration: 4–5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you start today’s hike to Italian Base Camp by taking an ascending trail and hiking through the dense forest. Later on, the route continues through lush vegetation on an undulating route. During the trek, you will cross the terminal of the glacier. As you trek higher, you will notice
the tree line diminished, and you will walk on a terrain surrounded by heather and juniper bushes.

Eventually, after crossing a river a few more times, you reach an Italian Base Camp. Once you reach the camp, you can see breathtaking views of impressive massif snow-clad mountains, including Dhaulagiri I (8,172 m/26,810ft).

Altitude above sea level: 3,660 m

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The day will be free for acclimatization purposes. You can opt to go for a walk to explore around Italian Base Camp and spend the leisurely afternoon simply relaxing in camp.

Altitude above sea level: 4,200 m

Hiking duration: 5–6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up to a lovely view of the snow-clad mountains. After a refreshing breakfast, you set off for today’s hike to Glacier Camp.   The trail descends a steep lateral moraine to the glacier. Further, you cross the glacier and then hike along talus in the impressively narrow Chonbarden gorge to the snout of the Chonbarden glacier. Thereafter, you continue to walk on the glacier for another hour to Glacier camp.  There are a number of ledges levelled in the ice of the glacier for tents.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is another essential acclimatization day before walking to Base Camp tomorrow. This morning, you can hike around the glacier as you will get to see an impressive view of Tukuche and the icefall on Dhaulagiri. As you approach further, you will witness some small lakes covered by ice and snow. Spend your leisurely afternoon in a camp by having a rest, as this helps your body adjust to the high altitude.

Altitude above sea level: 4,700 m

Hiking duration: 4–5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This particular day is the important highlight of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, as you’ll hike to the base camp of the remarkable Dhaulagiri massif. Once you leave the glacier camp, you will hike towards the steep ascent up the central moraine. As you continue, you follow a rough trail along the moraine-covered glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. After a few hours of hiking, you will witness a magnificent panorama of Tukuche peak.

Subsequently, the valley opens to a wide T-junction situated between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. From here, after a short distance hike, you reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp over the rocky area.

Once you reach the base camp, you can witness an impressive view of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and Little Eiger. Further to the west, the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 meters), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 meters), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 meters) are seen.

Altitude above sea level: 4,700 m

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is also an essential day for acclimatization. Before passing the French pass over to our campsite in Hidden valley, it’s wise to spend a rest day around the base camp area.

Your leader will organise a training session for using an ice axe and crampons. These mountaineering skills are required for passing the high passes to Jomsom.

Altitude above sea level: Hidden valley (5,050 m), French col (5,360 m)

Hiking duration: 8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is one of the longest and most challenging days in your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek as you will traverse one of the high mountain passes, i.e., French Pass. After an early breakfast, start trekking along the moraine strip crossing Upper Chonbarden glacier. Then, we ascend steeply to a lateral moraine ridge toward French Pass. The ridge provides a rewarding view of Dhaulagiri 1 and Tukuche Peak. Further, you make a final ascent to French Pass, marked by Buddhist prayer flags and cairns.  From the summit, you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Mukut Himal,
Tashi Kang, Tukuche Peak, and Dhaulagiri I. Hereafter, the trail descend on moderate snow slopes as we enter the hidden valley

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is the last exploration day before we cross Dhampus pass or get out from Hidden valley. There are numerous options for hikes around the valley. One of the best options could be to a ridge on the western side with views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna. Another option can be a day hike to Dhampus (6,060 m/19,881ft). If you decide to trek to Dhampus peak (6,060 m), then you need to start trekking early. The route ascends on moderate snow slopes and scree along a ridge to the summit. From the top of the peak, it offers a commanding view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and into Mustang. This climb is optional, as some of the trekkers can stay back and rest in the camp.

Altitude above sea level: Alu Bari (3,480 m), Dhampus Pass (5,240 m)

Hiking duration: 9 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is one of our adventurous and long treks. We leave the dramatic Hidden valley behind and hike towards Alu Bari. The trail involves challenging uphill and downhill.  Thereafter, you hike up a steep trail to Dhampus pass. From the top of the pass, you can see a rewarding view of vibrant prayer flags.  In addition, you can enjoy the excellent view of Tukuche,  Dhampus peak, and Annapurna range as well. Thereafter, you will descend to Alu Bari. In a final couple of hours, you will hike through a woodland and reach Alu Bari.

Altitude above sea level: 2,670 m

Hiking duration: 5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we make our way to Jomsom. The trail goes through the forest of oak and pine trees. As soon as you come out of the forest halfway through the trek, you can see a small settlement.  Finally, you will reach Marpha located in the Kali Gandaki valley. It is a picturesque Thakali village that has a Buddhist monastery, whitewashed houses, and paved streets. Specifically, this village is well-known for apple orchards, so it’s worth stopping at one of the lodges to taste an apple and a glass of apple juice. After gaining some elevation, you arrive at the final stop for the day, Jomsom. Enjoy a hot shower after a long, exhausting trek.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meals: Breakfast

It’s also a spare day in case of bad weather in Jomsom if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.