Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 16 Days

The journey to Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 16 Days starts quite early, with a very long and beautiful sightseeing drive from Kathmandu to Beni, which is an 850-meter elevation place. The 9-hour drive will take you along the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers, along with terraced farmlands, deep forests, and quaint hillside settlements. The scenes are transformed along with the drive from noisy urban landscapes to quiet, pristine greenery, making it the best backdrop for starting your trek.

Beni is the gateway to the Dhaulagiri Circuit, which lies at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers. This place is a perfect site to stock groceries or absorb the great atmosphere. This first part of the travel exposes the rich culture and natural tapestry of Nepal. Even though the catch is long, it creates the excitement of trekking to something as high and lofty as those peaks coming into view.

Your journey will begin when you leave Beni and head to Babiachaur, which has an elevation of 950 meters. This hike will take about 5 hours, and comprises following a long trail alongside Myagdi Khola River while the route winds through green and terraced fields. You can catch sight of suspension bridges and mesmerizing villages here, like Singa and Tatopani dotted along the trail, which offers a preview into rural Nepalese life.

The trail is great, and very easy to make the first experience a good one for trekking in this area. Along the way, you would come across and probably meet some of the locals busy doing their crops and taking care of their livestock, showing that life goes on even in these quite unreachable areas. You could spot some waterfalls that cascade on their cliffs and the sound of birds chirping with added colors to your trek.

Babiachaur alone is a village of calm in many hills and forests. At the end of the day’s hike, the quiet charm of this offers a nice place to relax, paving the way for things to expect in the coming days.

On the third day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will hike from Babiachaur to Dharapani. There is a trail that is gradually going up to reach Dharapani, which is at 1400 m, and it stretches for a total of six hours between beautiful scenery and the beauty of the local cultures. Of course, the villages Shahashradhara and Ratorunga are part of your scenery, along with the crowded traditional homes and terraced farmlands. As you hike, the landscapes open up to the rolling hills and the mountain forelands, creating the sounds of the Myagdi Khola, which is calmed by the high altitudes.

Dense forests and a bright, colorful, flora-lined trail definitely make this trek an interesting experience. Dharapani is a place to relax and enjoy the view all around the valley and far-off peaks, and it is a special place to stop and rest during your travels.

The hike from Dharapani straight up to Muri is a steep climb to about 1,800 meters, which takes an average of about 5 hours. The path passes through the forest and small streams and requires moderate physical effort. There are many flavors of Magar culture, one of them being the village of Takam, where people talk about the lifestyle around theirs.

This segment of trekking is rich in the nature view along with Gurja Himal to Dhaulagiri. The mighty snow-silenced mountains here are a fine reminder of the Himalayas’ glorious nature and their energies to move ahead better. 

Known as one of the largest Magar villages, Muri is quite proud of its culture and hospitality as well. The locals here are not short of endearing tales that can add a special touch to the adventure itself. Resting in this picturesque village can serve as a haven in the heart of genuine warmth for preparing for the next leg of the journey.

Today’s trek takes you from Muri to Boghara at an altitude of 2080 meters over 6 hours with a mix of downhill and uphill terrain. The trail drops steeply through terraced fields and forests with a small stream and wooded bridges as you leave Muri before going gently uphill to give the most picturesque vistas of the hills and surrounding peaks.

The trek continues toward fewer and fewer villages, then houses, before reaching the really isolated areas. Dense forests filled with many flora and fauna, chirping birds, and rustling leaves provide a serene soundtrack for the towering mountains that nourish all creatures.

Boghara is a small settlement in the lap of greenery, which, of course, is a hot spot for trekkers who provide basic lodging facilities and interaction with the local people. The simplicity of life here is humbling and enriching at the same time for trekkers to think about their journey so far.

Today’s challenging trek of five hours will lead you to Dobang at 2,520 meters above sea level. It signifies a great departure into the wilderness, where trails will start becoming rugged and less marked with steep climbs and narrow paths. Deep inside dense forests, the remoteness of this area welcomes you; it becomes a place with fewer villages and more nature. 

The air becomes cooler along with the ascent, where the mighty mass of the Dhaulagiri becomes more visible. The Myagdi Khola flows with you as it tears apart the valley with its fury waters.

Dobang is a village surrounded by hills covered with forests and views of distant peaks. It is also a perfect place where trekkers can rest and prepare themselves. The peace of Dobang, combined with the presence of the towering Himalayas, makes it a memorable stop.

The trail on the seventh day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek ascends gradually for about 3110m, an estimate of about 5 hours. During the journey, you will pass through lush green forests and then be characterized by dramatic changes in landscape. Following the Myagdi Khola, you will cross suspension bridges and rocky paths.

As you gain altitude, the glimpses of surrounding peaks only become more spectacular. The above section of the trek brings forth isolation except for the sounds of the river and occasional wildlife. Fine sightings of mountain goats and Himalayan birds are often spotted during trekking along such routes.

Choriban Khola is a remote campsite situated under awesome towering cliffs. The incredible views of the Dhaulagiri range make it an ideal campsite. It is also a great place to do preps for climbing Italian Base Camp.

From Choriban Khola, the track heads inland, leading to the Italian Base Camp, at a height of 3,660 meters, through the rugged, high-altitude wilderness over seven hours of trekking. Gradually, the trail becomes steeper, rocky, and rough, with sporadic glacier crossings. As you approach the mighty Dhaulagiri massif, the mountain peaks dominate the valley.

This particular section of the walk is quite demanding. The air becomes thinner as the stretch goes on, making it about for survival. The landscape itself transforms into a barren land, where tall peaks function under the glare of creeping glaciers. The hikers are generally amazed by the sheer scale and beauty of their environment.

The Italian base camp marks the end of a long trek that ensures a wonderful panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri massif as well as its adjoining summits. The site is equipped for acclimatization, so it is a cozy place to spend the night while gazing at the breathtaking snow-clad mountains.

It’s essential to acclimatize at this time in the trek before ascending to higher altitudes. You can explore the area around the Italian Base Camp today through short hikes to a few vantage points. These hikes are for both acclimatization and great views of Dhaulagiri and the peaks surrounding it.

It is one of those perfect places to enjoy relaxed soaking up in the magnificent surroundings of the Himalayas, with glaciers and rugged cliffs surrounding it. This is the kind of day various trekkers would be happy to spend taking myriads of pictures, meditating, or just spending time relishing the stillness of the mountains.

This is also the day when you will meet other trekkers and share tales of what has happened so far on the trail. It is a day for relaxation and mental preparation for the tough days before you.

You are now at 4100 meters high, and here continues the next hike to Glacier Camp; it’s a six-hour journey to ice and rock. Moving out of Italian Base Camp, the trail presents difficult traverses of moraine and glacier. This section requires quite a few basic skills of technical climbing, so make sure you are well prepared.

Due to its closeness to the Dhaulagiri massif mountain range, glorious palaces and icefalls hang upon mystical lofty peaks, raising wonderful sounds from distant avalanches echoing above the sound of crunching ice. With each step taken towards this camp, the feeling of remoteness increases gradually, as if cut loose from the rest of reality.

Glacier Camp is set within barren and stark terrain, both snow and ice. It boasts all-important Himalayan views that would make anyone laboring on the long trail thrilled to find such a place at the end of the trek. Tonight, you will set up a tent and stay overnight.

Day 11 of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 16 Days is one of the most thrilling days of the trek that leads up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, which is situated at an altitude of 4,740m, today. For 7 hours, the trail will go deep into the heart of Dhaulagiri massif as the terrain turns icy and dangerously steep. The trek itself crosses many glacial sections in need of caution and teamwork. It is indeed a climber’s paradise, surrounded by some of the tallest peaks on earth. 

From here, you can see Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) in its glory, along with Tukuche Peak and other towering summits. The view of these peaks will stand unrivaled in giving a sensation of achievement and awe. Besides, this happens to be an essential point in terms of acclimatization. It has basic facilities and serves as a point of regrouping and prepping for the other stages of the walk. Overnight stay in a tented camp.

An acclimatization day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp is crucial for your body to get used to the altitude. You can take short strolls in the area and hike a bit this day to improve your fitness before the tough passes await you ahead.

The base camp is a great spot to soak the beautiful view of the glaciers and peaks, and it promises to be a good place for someone’s photography hobby. It’s a day where a great number of trekkers spend enjoying the beauty of Dhaulagiri and the calmness that comes from a high Himalayan setting.

Also, this day serves to rest and recharge in preparation for the strenuous hike into Hidden Valley via the French Pass. It’s a time to consider what has so far been taken down memory lane and prepare both mentally and physically for what is yet to come.

Today’s hike is challenging as you will cross the French Pass (5,360m) and reach Hidden Valley from Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The ascent at French Pass is indeed steep and demanding, and after all the effort, there is much to be gained from the top, where one will see an unrivaled panorama of the Dhaulagiri range, Mukut Himal, and Tukuche Peak. 

The valley will be a desolate stretch, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, which is the stark beauty and isolation that makes it so special and probably a place where tranquility is rarely found. Hidden valley is a perfect campsite to stay overnight, which opens up the views of the surrounding mountains.

The hike from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka is possible after a hike of about 7 hours and crossing from Dhampus Pass (5,250 meters) to the other end. Although it represents a trail that requires steep ascent and descent as well as the charm of the great Himalayas, it is tough. 

From Dhampus Pass, the campsites open to breathtaking vistas as both ranges (Annapurna and Nilgiri) come to their full view. The descent from the Dhampus Pass is tricky both in footing and because the trail is slippery and steep. 

Yak Kharka, the green meadow between the mountains, is like a pleasure to the eyes after seeing the days of freezing conditions. It gives more relief regarding altitude, and the camping site is an excellent point for relaxing while admiring the surroundings. Overnight stay at a tea house in Yak Kharka.

The path goes downward towards Marpha, which lies at an altitude of 2,670 meters. This trail, taking about a 5-hour hike for completion, leads you up the alpine land into green valleys and rain forests. On the path lies small settlements and terraced fields that throw some light on the agricultural livelihood of the region.

It boasts a village that has now made a niche for itself for its apple orchards and Thakali culture. The stoned streets and whitewashed houses are filled with the warmth and inviting nature of the locals. You can also have a taste of the famous Marpha apple cider, a local delicacy.

It now leads to the last remote part of the trek; it has come up with modern facilities and the opportunity to celebrate the completion of this challenging circuit. Overnight stay at Marpha in a local tea house.

The last day of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 16 Days will see you driving 7 hours from Marpha to Pokhara. The destination stands at 830 meters below Marpha, which takes you through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, with breathtaking views of mountains and valleys.

The drive brings an end to the rugged terrain of the trek before entering Pokhara as close to comfort as possible. Along this route, colorful villages and busy towns will come before you, exposing the area to its diversity.

The arrival in Pokhara offers the calm waters of Phewa Lake and the vibrant city pulse. It is thus the most suitable setting to soothe and rejuvenate after an impressive journey around the great massif of Dhaulagiri. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.