Dhaulagiri Circuit 18 Days Trek
Overview
The Dhaulagiri Circuit 18 Days Trek is one of our most popular and rewarding adventures. This incredible journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
Experience the thrill of exploring remote terrains while being supported by our expert team. Whether you are seeking panoramic mountain views, dense forest trails, or fascinating local encounters, this trip promises unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Detailed breakdown of your trekking journey
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, relax or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a detailed trek briefing and final preparation for your Dhaulagiri Circuit adventure.
Leave Kathmandu behind on a scenic drive through winding mountain roads, terraced hills, rivers, and traditional villages. After passing Pokhara, continue to the riverside town of Beni, the gateway to the Dhaulagiri region.
Your trekking adventure begins along the Myagdi Khola, crossing suspension bridges and passing charming villages, cultivated fields, and lush hillsides before reaching the peaceful village of Babiachaur.
Today's trail follows terraced farmland and forested hillsides, crossing rivers and traditional settlements as you gradually gain elevation before arriving at Dharapani.
Climb through picturesque Magar villages, crossing rivers and terraced hills while enjoying spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal before reaching the beautiful village of Muri.
The trail descends and climbs through dense forests, remote settlements, and scenic ridges, offering magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, and surrounding peaks before reaching Boghara.
Continue trekking alongside the Myagdi Khola through dense forests and isolated trails. The peaceful surroundings and towering cliffs make today's journey one of the most tranquil sections of the trek.
The trail climbs steadily through forests, crossing wooden bridges and landslide sections before reaching Choriban Khola, where the alpine landscape begins to emerge.
Ascend through alpine meadows and glacial landscapes with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and neighboring peaks before arriving at the scenic Italian Base Camp.
Spend the day acclimatizing with short hikes around the base camp. Explore nearby viewpoints and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Dhaulagiri's western face and surrounding glaciers.
Today's route traverses rocky moraines and glacier terrain as you make your way toward Glacier Camp, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery and towering snow-covered peaks.
Follow the glacier to the spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp, where you'll stand beneath the world's seventh-highest mountain and enjoy incredible views of the surrounding Himalayan giants.
A second acclimatization day helps prepare your body for the upcoming high passes. Enjoy short hikes, stunning sunrise views, and unforgettable scenery around the base camp.
One of the highlights of the trek, today you cross the spectacular French Pass (5,360 m), enjoying breathtaking panoramic Himalayan views before descending into the remote and beautiful Hidden Valley.
Cross the magnificent Dhampus Pass before descending through alpine meadows to Yak Kharka, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley through forests and traditional villages before reaching Marpha, Nepal's famous apple-growing village known for its charming whitewashed houses and monasteries.
Drive through the scenic Kali Gandaki Valley back to Pokhara. Celebrate the completion of your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek while relaxing beside the beautiful lakeside city.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Depending on your travel arrangements, take a domestic flight to Kathmandu before connecting with your international departure, taking home unforgettable memories of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and final departure transfers by private vehicle
- One night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Beni
- Private jeep transportation from Marpha to Pokhara
- Professional English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Experienced porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
- Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card
- All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Tea/coffee with breakfast during the trek
- Accommodation in teahouses and tented camps during the trek
- Camping equipment including tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs
- Kitchen staff and camping support crew
- All necessary cooking equipment and fuel during the camping section
- Duffel bag for the trek (returned after the trip)
- First aid medical kit carried by the guide
- Pulse oximeter for regular altitude monitoring
- Government taxes and official service charges
- Certificate of trek completion
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Extra accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging facilities, and laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and personal snacks
- Tips for trekking staff (guide, porter, and driver)
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Emergency evacuation and rescue costs
- Expenses arising from flight delays, natural disasters, strikes, political unrest, or unforeseen circumstances
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the "Cost Includes" section
Payment Terms
Advance Deposit Payment (40%): 40% advance payment is needed to ensure your booking.
Balance (60%): Balance payment has to be made prior to the tour departure date as agreed upon at the time of booking.
Such procedure guarantees your booking while providing an opportunity for additional payment arrangements.
Equipment Lists
- Hiking boots (well broken-in and waterproof)
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Warm sleeping bag (-20°C rated)
- Four-season down jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Waterproof rain pants
- Insulated trekking pants
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece jacket or softshell
- Lightweight trekking shirts
- Quick-dry trekking pants
- Warm hat or beanie
- Sun hat or cap
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Waterproof gloves
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Wool or synthetic trekking socks (4–5 pairs)
- Lightweight liner socks
- Trekking poles
- 40–50L trekking backpack
- 70–90L duffel bag
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Reusable water bottles (2 liters total capacity)
- Hydration bladder (optional)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal medications
- High SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Quick-dry towel
- Toiletries and wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Power bank
- Charging cables
- Passport and passport-size photos
- Travel insurance documents
- Energy bars and trail snacks
Note:
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a remote, fully supported camping trek that reaches elevations above 5,300 meters. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with temperatures dropping below -15°C at higher camps. Pack warm, layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, and a quality sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C. Trekking poles, sturdy waterproof boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a headlamp are highly recommended. Keep your daypack light by carrying only daily essentials, while porters transport your main duffel bag. Most trekking and camping equipment can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu before the trek.
Additional Information
Best Season
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. During these months, the weather is generally stable with clear mountain views, comfortable daytime temperatures, and excellent trekking conditions. Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides crisp skies and outstanding Himalayan panoramas.
Required Fitness Level
This is a strenuous and challenging high-altitude camping trek suitable for experienced trekkers with excellent physical fitness. You should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours daily on steep, rocky, and glaciated terrain while carrying a daypack. Previous trekking experience above 4,000 meters is highly recommended, along with good endurance and mental resilience.
Visa Information
Travel Insurance
Important Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Summary
Need Help?
Have questions about this trip? Our team is here to help!
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