Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 20 Days - Featured Image
Featured View
3 Photos

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 20 Days

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging Himalayan adventure through remote valleys, high passes, glaciers, and stunning mountain landscapes. This 20-day trek offers an unforgettable journey around the majestic Dhaulagiri massif.

Trip Key Facts

Duration

20 Days

Max Altitude

5360 m / 17585 ft

Difficulty Level

Strenuous / Challenging

Group Size

2-14+(Costmizable)

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Accommodation

Hotel, Lodge, and Tent Camp

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Start / End Point

Kathmandu, Nepal / Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Overview

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most adventurous trekking journeys. It takes you around Mount Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-highest mountain, and leads through remote valleys, mountain villages, glaciers, high passes, and the beautiful Hidden Valley. Mount Dhaulagiri stands at 8,167 meters northwest of Pokhara.

This 20-day trek starts from Kathmandu and continues by road to Beni, the main gateway to the Dhaulagiri region. From Beni, the trail follows the Myagdi Khola through small villages, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and narrow mountain valleys.

As you move higher, the landscape slowly changes. Green hills and forests give way to rocky mountain terrain and alpine landscapes. You pass through places such as Babiachor, Dharapani, Muri, Boghara, Dobang, and Choriban Khola before reaching Italian Base Camp at around 3,660 meters.

Italian Base Camp is a key point on the trek. From here, the trail becomes more remote and demanding. You continue toward Glacier Camp and then Dhaulagiri Base Camp at around 4,740 meters. The area around the base camp offers close views of the huge Dhaulagiri massif and surrounding peaks.

After spending time at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, you cross the French Pass at around 5,360 meters and descend into the remote Hidden Valley. You then cross another high pass, the Dhampus Pass, before making a long descent toward Yak Kharka and Jomsom.

Unlike many popular trekking routes in Nepal, much of the upper Dhaulagiri Circuit is a camping route. Tea houses are not available in the remote high-altitude sections, so you'll need a trekking crew, tents, kitchen staff, food, and camping equipment.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek suits trekkers with good physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience. The route includes long walking days, remote camping, high passes, cold weather, and difficult mountain terrain.

With Universe Himalayan Treks, we organize the journey with experienced guides, porters, camping support, meals, transportation, permits, and other necessary arrangements. Our team stays with you throughout the trek and helps you enjoy this remote part of Nepal safely and comfortably.

Key Trip Highlights

Explore Nepal's remote Dhaulagiri region.

See Mount Dhaulagiri, standing at 8,167 meters.

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni through the beautiful hills of western Nepal.

Walk along the Myagdi Khola valley.

Explore traditional mountain villages.

Trek through forests, rivers, waterfalls, and rocky trails.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

Total 20 Days Itinerary · Click any day to view details & day highlights

Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Universe Himalayan Treks will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

After checking in, you can rest and relax after your journey. If you arrive early, you can explore the nearby streets or enjoy some free time around the city.

In the evening, your trekking guide will meet you and brief you on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. You will learn about the route, walking hours, camping arrangements, meals, altitude, safety, and trek preparation.

DurationAs per flight schedule
MealsBreakfast
StayHotel in Kathmandu
Altitude1400 m
Important Note: The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging high-altitude trekking route. It is different from popular tea-house treks because several sections are remote and require camping. The highest point is French Pass at around 5,360 meters. The route also crosses Dhampus Pass at around 5,200 meters and spends time in the Hidden Valley above 5,000 meters. Trekkers should be physically fit and comfortable with long walking days. Some days may require 5–7 hours or more of walking depending on the trail, weather, and group pace.Weather can change quickly in the high mountains. Snow, strong wind, rain, cold temperatures, and poor visibility can affect the trail and camping conditions. The route above Italian Base Camp is remote. Facilities are limited, and camping is required in several sections. You may also need to collect water from streams, snow, or glacier melt in the higher camps, so proper water treatment is important. Altitude sickness is another important concern. Walk slowly, drink enough water, eat properly, take enough rest, and always inform your guide if you feel unwell. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

Cost Includes & Excludes

Clear, transparent pricing breakdown with no hidden surprises.

What's Included in the Price

  • ✓Airport pickup and drop-off
  • ✓Kathmandu hotel accommodation as mentioned in the package
  • ✓Pokhara hotel accommodation as mentioned in the package
  • ✓Kathmandu–Beni transportation
  • ✓Jomsom–Pokhara flight
  • ✓Pokhara–Kathmandu transportation
  • ✓Transportation to and from the trekking trailhead
  • ✓Experienced trekking guide
  • ✓Required trekking permits
  • ✓Annapurna Conservation Area Permit if applicable
  • ✓Experienced trekking crew
  • ✓Porter service
  • ✓Tent accommodation during camping days
  • ✓Camping tents
  • ✓Sleeping arrangements during camping
  • ✓Dining tent
  • ✓Kitchen tent
  • ✓Necessary camping equipment
  • ✓Cook and kitchen staff.
  • ✓Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days
  • ✓Guide salary
  • ✓Porter salary
  • ✓Cook and kitchen staff salary.
  • ✓Guide and porter accommodation
  • ✓Guide and porter meals
  • ✓Basic staff insurance
  • ✓Camping logistics
  • ✓Government taxes
  • ✓Company service charges

What's Excluded in the Price

  • ✕International airfare
  • ✕Nepal visa fee
  • ✕Personal travel insurance
  • ✕Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • ✕Personal medical expenses
  • ✕Personal drinks and beverages
  • ✕Bottled water
  • ✕Hot showers where available
  • ✕Wi-Fi charges
  • ✕Charging fees
  • ✕Personal shopping
  • ✕Trekking equipment
  • ✕Personal clothing and gear
  • ✕Sleeping bag if not included in the package
  • ✕Tips for guide, porter, and trekking crew
  • ✕Extra hotel nights
  • ✕Extra meals outside the package
  • ✕Extra transportation caused by itinerary changes
  • ✕Additional accommodation due to flight delays
  • ✕Personal expenses
  • ✕Travel expenses outside the scheduled itinerary
  • ✕Any service not mentioned in the included section.

Packing List for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 20 Days

Here is a curated list of gear and clothing you might want to pack for your trek. Please take this as a comprehensive starting point. You will need layers of warmer clothing during cold evenings and high-altitude passes.

Important Documents

Passport
Passport-size photographs
Travel insurance documents
Trekking permits
Flight tickets
Emergency contact information
Copies of important documents
Nepalese cash
Keep important documents safe and dry. Digital copies can also be saved on your phone or email.

Optional Items

Binoculars
Book or cards
Thermos flask
Whistle
Small comb
Camera accessories
Small notebook and pen
Extra battery
Personal hygiene products
If you forget something, you can buy many basic trekking supplies in Kathmandu, especially around the Thamel area. Your guide can also help you find the items you need before the trek.

Electronics

Mobile phone
Camera
Power bank
Extra batteries
Charging cables
Universal travel adapter
Headlamp
Electricity and charging facilities may not always be available at higher elevations, so a power bank can be useful.

General Gear and Equipment

Four-season sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Warm down jacket
35–45 liter daypack with rain cover
Duffel bag
Waterproof or dry bags
Headlamp with extra batteries
Trekking poles
Reusable water bottle
Hydration bladder
Sleeping bags and down jackets may be available for rent in Kathmandu at an additional cost. Check the current rental price before your trek.

Head and Upper Body

Sun hat or cap
Warm knitted hat or beanie
Scarf, neck gaiter, or Buff
Headlamp
Good-quality sunglasses
Warm hood or jacket

Clothing

Thermal or technical base layers
Short-sleeve T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts
Fleece jacket
Warm down jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Trekking pants
Thermal base-layer pants
Waterproof trousers
Trekking shorts
Lightweight rain pants
Bring clothes that dry quickly. Avoid packing too many heavy cotton clothes because they can take a long time to dry.

Gloves

Lightweight liner gloves
Warm wool or fleece gloves
Insulated waterproof outer gloves
Warm gloves are especially useful above 4,000 meters.

Footwear

Comfortable waterproof trekking boots
Warm trekking socks
Hiking socks
Lightweight liner socks
Comfortable casual shoes or sandals
Gaiters
Microspikes if needed during icy conditions

First Aid and Personal Medicines

Personal prescription medicines
Basic first-aid items
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Basic skin ointment
Pain relief medicine
Bandages and blister treatment
Hand sanitizer
Personal hygiene items
If you take regular medication, bring enough for the entire trip and keep it in your daypack.

Toiletries and Other Essentials

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Small towel
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Soap or hand sanitizer
Moisturizer
Reusable water bottle
Water purification tablets or purifier
High-energy snacks
Protein bars or nuts
Earplugs
Trekking poles

Optional Items

Binoculars
Book or cards
Thermos flask
Whistle
Small comb
Camera accessories
Small notebook and pen
Extra battery
Personal hygiene products
If you forget something, you can buy many basic trekking supplies in Kathmandu, especially around the Thamel area. Your guide can also help you find the items you need before the trek.

Rental Gear in Kathmandu

We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for your porter during the trek. You can also rent high-grade down jackets and four-season sleeping bags at affordable rental fees in Kathmandu before departure.

Similar Trips You May Like

Discover other high-rated adventures in the same region and difficulty category.