Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our correspondent who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Once checked in, we will arrange a pre-trip meeting where we will brief in short about the trek, answer any queries you have and meet your trekking guide as well. After the short brief, you can relax and spend rest of the day at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Today your journey begins in the early morning after breakfast in the hotel. Your guide will meet you in the hotel and then drive to domestic terminal for taking flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, offering spectacular aerial views of the Himalayan ranges and the sprawling Kathmandu Valley. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll transfer by private vehicle to Muri, a remote Magar village nestled in the Myagdi district.

The drive to Muri takes approximately 7–8 hours and travels along rugged, unpaved roads that reflect the authentic rural landscape of Nepal. This journey is an adventure in itself, winding through deep river valleys, terraced farmlands, and small traditional villages. Muri serves as the gateway to the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, where the trekking route officially begins. Overnight at lodge. 

After having breakfast in the lodge, prepare to begin Dhaulagiri Circuit trek towards Bagar which takes about 7-8 hours of walking. 

Today you leave the quiet village of Muri, following the left bank of the deep and rugged Myagdi Khola valley. This section features a mix of gradual ascents and descents through lush tropical forests, terraced fields, and dramatic cliff sides. The trail weaves through dense vegetation, including rhododendron and bamboo groves, offering glimpses of local flora and fauna.

As you progress, the landscape opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan foothills. You’ll pass small hamlets and witness the traditional lifestyle of the Magar communities, known for their warm hospitality and rich culture. Overnight at lodge.

Today after having breakfast in the lodge, prepare to trek towards Doban which takes about 6-7 hours of walking. 

Leaving the remote village of Bagar, the trail continues ascending gently alongside the Myagdi Khola through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo. This stretch offers a quieter, more secluded trekking experience as you move deeper into the wilderness, with fewer signs of permanent settlement. The path winds through steep valleys and occasional rocky terrain, showcasing dramatic views of the surrounding cliffs and mountain ridges.

Doban is a small seasonal settlement that is largely deserted during the harsh winter months, giving a sense of solitude and pristine nature. Overnight at lodge.

Today after having breakfast in the lodge, prepare to trek towards Sallaghari which takes about 5-6 hours of walking. 

The trail ascends steadily through beautiful forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and pine, offering a vibrant display of Himalayan flora. As you gain altitude, the dense jungle begins to thin out, revealing panoramic views of towering peaks and deep valleys. The terrain here is varied, with a combination of well-trodden paths and occasional rocky sections.

Along the way, you’ll encounter spectacular waterfalls where streams cascade hundreds of meters into the river below, creating stunning natural spectacles. We end the stage in Sallaghari, literally "pine forest". Stay overnight at lodge.

Today after having breakfast in the lodge, prepare to trek towards Italian Base Camp whcih takes about 4 hours of walking. 

The trek from Sallaghari to the Italian Base Camp is a shorter but significant ascent that marks your transition from forested landscapes to the high alpine zone. As you climb steadily for about 4 hours, the lush greenery gradually gives way to open alpine meadows and sparse vegetation. The trail becomes rockier and the air noticeably cooler as you gain elevation.

Upon arrival at the Italian Base Camp, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Dhaulagiri massif, including peaks like Manapathi and Dhaulagiri II. This camp serves as an important acclimatization and staging area for the upcoming glacier and high pass crossings. Overnight at lodge.

We take advantage of the day to take a walk that makes us gain altitude, favoring the acclimatization of our body to the altitude. Accommodation in lodge.

Today after having breakfast in the lodge, prepare to trek towards Japanese Base Camp trek which takes about 5-6 hours of walking, depending on weather and conditions.

The trek is one of the most spectacular and challenging, taking you onto the vast Chhonbardan Glacier. Shortly after leaving the Italian Base Camp, you will cross the glacier itself, which acts as a natural bridge to the left bank of the valley. From here, the trail continues directly over the glacier, requiring careful footing on icy and rocky terrain.

Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic icefalls, towering seracs, and rugged peaks, making for unforgettable alpine scenery. The glacier’s surface is often covered in moraine debris, so while crampons are generally not mandatory, good trekking boots and poles are essential for stability. Stay overnight at tented camp. 

After having breakfast in the morning, prepare to trek towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp which takes about 5-6 hours of walking. 

Leaving Japanese Base Camp, the trek continues across the expansive Chhonbardan Glacier, gradually ascending through rugged terrain marked by rocky moraine and scattered ice patches. This section offers breathtaking views of the massive Dhaulagiri massif, with the imposing eight-thousander towering above.

Although the path remains on glacier and moraine, crampons are generally not required due to the sediment-covered surface. You will pass impressive icefalls and towering seracs, which serve as a stark reminder of the mountain’s raw power and glacial dynamics. Overnight at tented camp. 

We are in one of the key days of the Dhaulagiri trekking, the one that will take us through the French Pass, at 5,360 meters of altitude towards the Escondido Valley. The climb to the pass will take us about 5-6 hours, in which we will have to overcome just over 600 meters of positive elevation gain and in which we will continue to enjoy absolutely great views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. The French Pass is the highest point of the entire trek and is the gateway to what will seem like another world. From here on, the landscape changes radically. On the other side of the pass we find a much more arid and dry scenario in which the large glaciers disappear and only the highest peaks maintain a small cap of perpetual ice on their summit. From the French Pass we will only have to descend gently about 200 meters of elevation to reach the Escondido Valley. Overnight at tented camp. 

This day after having breakfast in the morning, prepare to trek towards Yak Kharka via Thapa Pass. This is a pivotal and scenic day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.

From the stunning Hidden Valley, you begin with a climb to the Thapa Pass, one of the trek’s highest points at 5,244 meters. The ascent usually takes about 3 hours and offers panoramic views of the Annapurna massif, including peaks like Tilicho and Nilgiri. The pass marks a transition from the alpine valley’s arid, rocky terrain to a gentler descent.

After crossing the Thapa Pass, the trail descends steeply and then traverses the slopes of Dhampus Peak. For a while, you’ll follow a sideways path with occasional short climbs, keeping you at high altitude and demanding good stamina and focus. Eventually, the path drops more decisively down to Yak Kharka, a small settlement at 3,880 meters.

Yak Kharka is the last high camp before the trek’s lower elevations and offers basic tented accommodation. Overnight at tented camp. 

This day after having breakfast in the morning, prepare to trek towards Tukuche which takes about 5-6 hours of walking.

From Yak Kharka, the trail begins a significant descent toward the valley floor of the Kali Gandaki River, leading you to the charming town of Marpha. This section offers a scenic transition from alpine landscapes to more hospitable settlements. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of towering peaks like Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and Annapurna.

In Marpha, you can explore local culture and visit a beautiful Buddhist monastery, giving you a glimpse of the region’s spiritual heritage. After a break, the trek continues alongside the Kali Gandaki River to Tukuche, a small village famous for its traditional Thakali culture and stone houses. Overnight at lodge. 

Today after having breakfast preapre to drive towards Pokhara, leaving beautiful village of Mustang region.

The drive from Marpha to Pokhara takes approximately 8 - 10 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. The journey begins in the Mustang region, descending through Jomsom, Kalopani, Ghasa, and Tatopani, before joining the Beni–Baglung–Pokhara highway. The route follows the Kali Gandaki River gorge, offering dramatic mountain views, terraced hillsides, and rural villages along the way. The road is a mix of gravel and blacktop, and while scenic, it can be bumpy in sections. A private 4WD vehicle is recommended for safety and comfort. Stay overnight at hotel.

This day after having breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare to return back to Kathmandu. 

Again, we will have three options (flight / private vehicle / tourist bus) to return back to Kathmandu. We can choose the favourable option and return back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu. 

This day will be free day in Kathmandu for UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE sightseeing / mountain flight to see beautiful views of Everest range and so on..

1. Patan Durbar Square: Home of several ancient places, temples, statues, religious objects, former royal palace (museum).
2. Boudhanath: One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Pashupatinath: A sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Enjoy your last day in Kathmandu before departure. At your scheduled departure time, our correspondent will pick you up from the hotel, transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell with warm hearts.