Dhaulagiri Round Trek is a challenging and adventurous trek around the Dhaulagiri massif (8167m) which is also the seventh highest mountain in the world. The trekking in this region is comparatively strenuous and you have to be physically fit and have some trekking experience. The trail goes through icy glaciers, snow-covered slopes, and lateral moraines, so only a true adventurer can complete this trek.
The trail of Dhaulagiri Round Trek goes through terraced fields connected to some of the mountain villages where you will see tea houses, shops, and also get to witness daily lifestyle and culture of the people of Magar, Gurung, and Thakali communities. You will also walk through rocky paths, dense forests, and suspension bridges. You will witness stunning views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m), Dhaulagiri IV (7661m), and Dhaulagiri V (7618m) during this trek. Many parts of the trail are capped with snow and glaciers as it crosses French Col (5300m), traverses the top of Hidden Valley, and crosses Thapa Pass (5200m). The amazing French Pass (5300m) is the highest point of this trek and also the connecting dot between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna regions.
The trek features some of the prominent places of the Annapurna region such as Marpha, Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill, a famous vantage point to witness the glory of the high Himalayas along with a stunning sunrise. All in all, Dhaulagiri Round Trek is a beautiful blend of nature and adventure in an off-the-beaten trail that awaits keen explorers.
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be kindly welcomed by our team and later you will be taken to your hotel. Feel free to enjoy your day here in Kathmandu. You will stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Today after breakfast, you will have a short meeting with the team about the trip. Then you will go on a guided tour of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu. You will visit the places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square which are of great historical as well as cultural importance. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Moving out of the Kathmandu valley, we ascend to the connection of Trishuli River with the Marsayangdi River. We follow the Marsayangdi River upwards through terraced meadows and minor hill towns to the Seti River that leads us to Pokhara. The drive from Pokhara inclines through a twisting road up to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6997m). To reach Beni, we drive along the bank of Modi River and then Kali Gandaki River. Overnight in Beni.
After our breakfast, we begin our trek from Beni on the bank of Myagdi River through numerous small settlements. Then we will cross two bridges near the village of Simalchaur and head north along the trails to the village of Babiyachaur. Passing through lush forests, meadows, amazing villages, and suspension bridges, we reach Babiyachaur via Tatopani. Overnight in Tatopani.
Gradually ascend passing through forests with diversities of oaks, rhododendron, and so on. We can hear the chirping of the local birds as we walk on the trails passing through the river. The path goes through the damp road alongside small villages. We cross many bridges over Myagdi Khola to reach the village of Darbang. Overnight in Darbang.
We move north crossing the river and ascending on steep trails which lead us to Sibang. We cross a bridge over Dang Khola and ascend through the lush hill to reach the Magar village of Dharapani. We then keep ascending on the ridge until reaching Sibang. Enjoy the first view of Dhaulagiri (8167m) from Sibang. Overnight in Sibang.
Descend and walk through settlements, cross a suspension bridge over the river and turn uphill. The moderate ascending trail continues through villages, thick forests, and picturesque terraces to reach another ridge. Trek gently over a traditional trail until you reach Muri, a small village of Magar community. If the weather is clear, we can get a sight of Manapathi Himal (6380m) and the whole of Dhaulagiri range. Stay overnight in Muri.
From Muri, we have to walk down and cross a river and then walk past terraced fields. Descend to Myagdi Khola and trek alongside its west bank until we reach the village of Naura. Ascend, cross a lush hill, and climb a steep slope where the trails are zigzag and then descend through the forest and meadows to reach Bagar. Overnight in Bagar.
Descend through adjoining meadows passing a small ridge. Arrive at a forest region to reach Jyardan. After that, a tall, winding trail leads to a stony area and reaches Lipshe, where there is no single hut. The track goes through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then ascends to Dobhan through tough trails. Overnight in Dobhan.
The first part of the trek requires a moderate ascending through the forest of bamboo, pine, and rhododendron. After, the road goes uphill and downhill until we reach Sallaghari. Our camping spot lies in between the forest, surrounded by pine trees on the bank of Myagdi River. Stay overnight in Sallaghari.
The trail is surrounded by bamboo forest all the way to Italian Base Camp (3660m). In some places, we cross small bridges and jungles which make the track quite active, risky, and difficult. There is an open ground at Italian Base Camp. There are two small tea houses available that deliver a nominal quantity of basic items. At this base camp, you experience wonderful views of the Dhaulagiri range, Manapathi Peak (6380m), Dhaulagiri II (7751m), and other snow-covered mountains. Stay overnight in Italian Base Camp.
Today is our acclimatization day to explore around and adjust with the elevation. We visit the surrounding camps like Puchhar Base Camp, American Base Camp, Swiss Base Camp, French Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp, all of which serve amazing views of Dhaulagiri range along with Tsaurabong (6395m). Overnight in Italian Base Camp.
After breakfast, we start our trek and cross the first glacier using ropes. We climb onto the main glacier, where the surroundings are outstanding amid the rough and unsteady trail. This is a tough day where the trail gets more difficult as we go further, for the trail is covered in icy moraines of Dhaulagiri Glacier. Overnight in Glacier Camp.
We begin our trek today through the bumpy trails on the flat ice of the snow-white glacier. We will climb gradually to the course and chilling yet remarkable Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The views from here are fabulous, could literally stop your breath for a few seconds. Get your cameras ready! You will experience best view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), II (7751m), III (7715m) and IV (7661m). Stay overnight at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Moving off the glacier above the base camp often involves the proper use of the rope. After climbing the vertical moraine walls, we reach a relatively easier trail. As we reach the top of French Col (5300m), there are astonishing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After a breathless climb to the top of French Col (5300m), the views of Hidden Valley open out. The valley is evocative of Tibet and Ladakh and so are the temperatures. Overnight in Hidden Valley.
On this day, we will climb across Thapa Pass (5200m), pass through swamped slopes, and then descend sharply to reach Yak Kharka. The Thapa Pass (5200m), also known as Dhampus Pass, is situated between Tukuche peak (6920m) and Thapa Peak (6012m) and hosts alluring views of the Annapurna range. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Descend to the magnificent Kali Gandaki Valley, which is the deepest valley in the world. Pass Alu Bari to the gorge floor and head towards Marpha. Marpha is renowned for its apple orchards and their byproducts of apple cider and dried apple, apricot, and peach alcohol. Enjoy a delicious Thakali meal in Marpha. Overnight in Marpha.
After an hour early morning walk to Jomsom, we then take flight from Jomsom-Pokhara. You can spend your time in Pokhara by going for a boat ride in Phewa Lake and visiting Tal Barahi Mandir that is situated on an island in the middle of the lake or you can hire a mountain bike and explore the city as you please. In the evening, you can enjoy the vibrant restaurants and pubs lined in the Lakeside Street. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Drive back to Kathmandu by passing Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, and Kurintar. Enjoy the green sceneries, small settlements, and glimpses of local people. From Naubise, we ascend to Thankot, entryway of Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel for the overnight stay.
After your breakfast, our team member will drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight back home.
