Extreme Himalayan Expedition Around Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
Glacier Crossing, High Passes & Remote Camping Adventure
Trip Overview
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and spectacular high-altitude expeditions, circling the mighty Dhaulagiri (8,167m) — the world’s seventh highest peak.
Organized by Nepal Tour & Treks Pvt. Ltd., this 18-day journey is a full camping-based wilderness expedition designed for experienced trekkers seeking extreme adventure, glacier travel, and complete isolation in the Himalayas.
The route crosses deep valleys, remote villages, dense forests, massive glaciers, and two major high passes — French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,200m) — making it one of Nepal’s toughest trekking routes.
This is a true expedition, not a normal trekking trail.
🌟 Trek Highlights
- Full circuit around Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
- Cross French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,200m)
- Glacier walking and ice moraine terrain
- Hidden Valley exploration
- Remote camping in untouched wilderness
- Views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri & Annapurna ranges
- Very low tourist traffic route
- Technical high-altitude expedition experience
- One of Nepal’s most challenging treks
⭐ Why Choose Nepal Tour & Treks Pvt. Ltd.?
We specialize in extreme high-altitude expeditions and remote Himalayan logistics.
We provide:
- Experienced high-altitude certified guides
- Full camping setup and logistics team
- Glacier safety equipment and support
- Permit arrangements for restricted regions
- Emergency evacuation coordination
- Customized expedition planning
🗺️ Trek Route Overview
The journey begins from Kathmandu, followed by a drive to Beni, the gateway to the Dhaulagiri region. The trail ascends through remote villages, forested hills, and deep river valleys toward Italian Base Camp.
From there, the route enters glacier territory toward Dhaulagiri Base Camp, then crosses into Hidden Valley via French Pass. The trek continues across Dhampus Pass before descending into the Kali Gandaki valley and finishing at Jomsom.
Return to Pokhara and Kathmandu completes the expedition.
📅 Detailed Itinerary (18 Days)
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival and expedition briefing.
Stay: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu to Beni (Drive)
Scenic drive through rivers and hills.
Stay: Lodge
Day 3: Beni to Babiyachaur (Trek Begins)
Begin trekking through villages and farmland.
Stay: Camp
Day 4: Babiyachaur to Dharapani
Forest trails and river crossings.
Stay: Camp
Day 5: Dharapani to Muri
Ascend into remote mountain villages.
Stay: Camp
Day 6: Muri to Boghara
Steep trails and isolated landscapes.
Stay: Camp
Day 7: Boghara to Dobang
Dense forest and rugged terrain.
Stay: Camp
Day 8: Dobang to Italian Base Camp
Reach base of Dhaulagiri region.
Stay: Camp
Day 9: Acclimatization Day
Rest and preparation for glacier section.
Stay: Camp
Day 10: Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp
Enter moraine and ice terrain.
Stay: Camp
Day 11: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Reach dramatic base camp below peak.
Stay: Camp
Day 12: Acclimatization / Preparation Day
Prepare for high pass crossing.
Stay: Camp
Day 13: Cross French Pass (5,360m) → Hidden Valley
Challenging glacier and snow pass crossing.
Stay: Camp
Day 14: Hidden Valley Exploration Day
Rest and explore alpine basin.
Stay: Camp
Day 15: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m) → Yak Kharka
Technical descent over high pass.
Stay: Camp
Day 16: Yak Kharka to Marpha
Descend into Mustang region.
Stay: Tea House
Day 17: Marpha to Pokhara (Drive/Flight)
Return to city via Jomsom route.
Stay: Hotel in Pokhara
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Final drive or flight back to Kathmandu. Trip ends.
🏕️ Accommodation During Trek
This is a fully camping expedition, including:
- High-altitude tents
- Kitchen and dining tents
- Sleeping arrangements
- Experienced support crew
Tea houses are used only in lower regions like Marpha.
🍛 Meals During Trek
- Dal Bhat (main energy food)
- Rice, lentils, vegetables
- Pasta & noodles
- Potatoes & soups
- Tibetan bread
- Hot tea & coffee
🌤️ Best Time for Dhaulagiri Trek
Spring (April–May): Best weather and stable snow
Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and safest conditions
Winter (December–February): Extremely difficult
Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended
⚠️ Difficulty Level
Extreme / Expedition Level 🧗♂️🔥
- Glacier walking required
- High passes above 5,000m
- Remote camping only
- Physically very demanding
- Requires prior high-altitude experience
💰 Cost Includes
- Airport pickup and drop
- Kathmandu–Beni transport
- Trekking permits and paperwork
- Experienced expedition guide
- Full camping equipment
- Kitchen crew and meals
- Safety and first aid support
❌ Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Personal trekking gear
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for staff
- Emergency evacuation
📞 Book Your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The 18 Days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most powerful and demanding Himalayan expeditions, offering glacier crossings, remote wilderness, and breathtaking views around one of the world’s highest mountains.
Join Nepal Tour & Treks Pvt. Ltd. for a safe, professional, and fully supported high-altitude expedition.
Contact us today and experience the true raw Himalayas of Nepal
