Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
A challenging trek, which will reward you with the opportunity to camp on a glacier, spectacular scenery and vast wilderness followed by all the comforts of apple cider in Marpha or the hot springs in Tatopani.
This region is relatively new territory for trekkers. Trekking off the main path is not only possible, but can be immensely rewarding, though you do need a sense of adventure and an increased ability to deal with the unexpected. Geographically, Dhaulagiri region is a land of dramatic contrast - from the near tropical Pokhara valley, steep slopes climb to snow-capped Himalayan giants. The seventh tallest peak in the world, Dhaulagiri on one side towers high above the well-trekked Muktinath pilgrim trail up the Kali Gandaki valley, on the other is a vast rock and ice massif screening the hidden land of Dolpo to the northwest.
Following the rivers upstream, ferns and forests of oak and other deciduous trees and juniper abound. Mountainsides of rhododendron blaze with colour in the spring, and other flowers are abundant on the trail. Even on High Mountain passes above the tree line, tiny alpine flowers can be found dotting the windswept ground.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-18355-P) |
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All internal flights and hotel/airport transfers. |
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Accommodation at our base in Kathmandu, the relaxing in Hotel. |
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All ground transport by private vehicles. |
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Accommodation in lodges/tea houses and all meals during the expeditions. |
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All staff wages costs. And insurance |
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All group and staff tents, kitchen crews' table chair during the expedition. |
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Dhaulagiri climbing permit and annapurnna conservation fees |
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Full board trekking lodge camping& Food for BC expedition period |
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Kathmandu to jomsom to Kathmandu flight tickets & Cargo of equipmenT |
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Visa Fees |
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Price Excludes |
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• Bar bills and laundry. Travel insurance. Meals in Kathmandu
• Tips for the staff and internation airport tax
• Personal accident insurance and emergency evacuation and helicopter rescue
• Climbing high altitude bonus + Summit bonus
• Extra expenses for personal
• High altitude food, tent and equipment for members
• Personal climbing equipment for members
• Garbage deposit and epic gas
• Mask regular
• Satellite phone
• Film permit
• Climbing Sherpa summit bonus |
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Suitability / Level |
Demanding |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Max Group Size |
14 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Day 1- Arrival Kathmandu transfer to Hotel
Meet with our representative at the airport. Drive to hotel.
Day 2 - Kathmandu
Sightseeing Day see Kathmandu Day Trips for ideas of what to do.
Day 3 - Kathmandu – Pokhara
Private or public transport to Pokhara.
Note that if you fly the afternoon is spent sightseeing. O/N at hotel.
Day 4 - Pokhara – Beni - Shinga
Drive after breakfast to Beni and start trek. We soon begin to feel the world disappear behind our backs as we follow dirt trails to the village of Shinga and camp on the school ground beside the Myagdi Khola. For those who feel like a quick hike, there is a hot-spring next to the river below.
Day 5 - Shinga - Durbang
At first we criss-cross the Myagdi Khola on suspension bridges which combine to form a trading lifeline for the small villages that we pass on the trail. After the villages of Shisman and Talkot we begin a slight climb to Babichor with its shops and teahouses surrounded by terraced paddy fields. Our day ends at Dur bang where we once again camp in the school grounds.
Day 6 - Dharbang – Shibang
We follow the river for a while this morning and let it carry away the memories of our day-to-day lives. Now we begin to enter the hills with a climb up the valley side to the large village of Dharapani where we can grab a brief rest. Then we climb up and over the hill behind Dharapani to the village of Shibang and our camp.
Day 7 - Shibang - Muri
We are now into our trekking routine, after breakfast we pass through forest, gradually climbing to a point where Dhaulagiri is just visible. Stone pathways lead us through terraced fields and over suspension bridges to once again bring us back to the bank of the Myagdi Khola. We continue to climb uphill, when suddenly, there stands Dhaulagiri 1 (8167m) and Gurja himal (7193m) in front of us. It's not far now to our camp site at the village of Muri.
Day 8 - Muri – Bagar
The gentle downward slope that we first negotiate today is a precursor to a long climb up to the Ghorban Dhara - our first formal pass of the trip. The mountain view seems to call us onward, and we go, up a steep section of zigzag pathways. Not long now and we find ourselves on a relaxing decent to our campsite where we can swap stories about memorable hills!
Day 9 - Bagar - Dovan
Already prepared for the alpine vastness that awaits us, we happily leave the last permanent habitation behind us. Some solid hill climbing fills our day with hard breathing, sublime views, and accomplishment-filled satisfaction. Now the trek becomes more challenging.
Day 10 - Dovan – Sallaghari or Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp)
An alpine paradise waits! Meadows, fine snow-covered peaks, running streams of crystal water, and the passing of the tree line. Today we gain altitude and leave the world behind.
Day 11 - Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp) - Glacier Camp
Crossing glaciers is potentially dangerous and we shall probably rope up at least once today. But the views and remoteness make it no inconvenience, just another excuse to take in the view! We follow the main Vungini glacier, taking our time to maintain safety before reaching our campsite on the moraine.
Day 12 - Glacier Camp - Dhaulagiri Base Camp
One of our main goals is in site, Dhaulagiri Base Camp. As we ascend the glacier the moraine reduces and blue and white ice begins to emerge like marble. It is cold and unforbidden at DBC, but our camaraderie and a good meal lift any flagging spirits.
Day 13 - Dhaulagiri Base Camp - French Col - Hidden Valley
After breakfast we rope up to get off the glacier and then begin a steep climb to French Col. As the glacier falls behind our eyes are filled with views of the famous Hidden Valley. Although this is not Shangri La, it is more like Tibet or Ladakh, an arid, cold, spectacular place where only a few dare to tread.
Day 14 - Hidden Valley camp
Not really a rest day as such, more an exploration day! After a large breakfast to warm us up, off we go to scale the minor peaks and passes that surround Hidden Valley, and of course take in the magnificent views.
Day 15 - Hidden Valley - Yak Kharka
Our arms and legs soon warm up as we climb Dhampus Pass after a very cold night. On the pass we peer down the steep slopes of the Kali Gandaki valley - the deepest river gorge in the world. A rapid and steep decent follows to Yak Kharka, and our camp.
Day 16 - Yak Kharka – Marpha
The noises of the mountains fill our ears again; it seems that wind has been the only music for some time. Our decent is full of excitement as it leads to Marpha - the cider and apple brandy capital of the Annapurna! And maybe a hot shower too!!
Day 17 - Marpha – Kalopani
Our trek along the Kali Gandaki river bed takes us through many villages which used to thrive on the trade of salt from Tibet. The trail undulates at first and then heads down to our scenic overnight stop at Kalopani.
Day 18 - Kalopani - Tatopani
It seems as if we are in a different world compared to two days ago as we walk beside the Kali Gandaki rumbling away. Our destination is the village of Tatopani, a sub-tropical oasis of orange gardens and a great hot springs where you can relax and unwind.
Day 19 - Tatopani – Ghorepani
At first we descend a little further along the Kali Gandaki to Bega Khola. Then we have a long, slow climb up through the villages of Ghara and Shika to our destination of Ghorepani.
Day 20 - Ghorepani - Ghandrung
Fabulous panoramic views will delight us today, stretching away to the distant plains of India and up to the massive bulk of the Annapurnas. We wake up in the early morning to climb Poon Hill from where we will see the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Mustang Ranges. Then we set off after breakfast towards Tadapani, as we trek our minds will be full of the memories of Hidden Valley and what lies on the far side of Dhaulagiri. The busy trail seems like another world compared to where we have just been.
Day 21 - Ghandrung - Birethanti – Pokhara
Today is an easy walk down flag-stone steps through numerous villages all the way to Syaulibazaar. Our trek ends at Birethanti where we then drive back to Pokhara.
Day 22 - Pokhara - Kathmandu
Final Day end of trek debrief and departure. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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4 days hotel, 18 days camping. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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