Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. After the scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Darbang begins the real trekking journey as you pass through densely forested trails and terraced hilly area. The trekkers also walk past various Magar villages which gives them the opportunity to understand their culture and lifestyle. The trek reaches three base camps; Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp. From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, trekkers can see the stunning icefall descending from the north-east col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. Walking through the glacial moraines on white icy track, trekkers gently climb up to the French Pass (5360m) which is the highest point of our trek. The trail then follows to reach the Hidden Valley behind the Dhaulagiri massif. The trekkers also cross Dhampus Pass and Thapa Pass which leads to the town of Jomsom passing the Marpha village, also known as apple city, on the way. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is perfect for those trekkers who love challenges as this trek includes walking over creaking glaciers and crossing a high mountain pass.

Highlights of the Trek: 

• Traverses the head of hidden valley, crossing French Pass and Dhampus Pass,
• Extreme and tiny trekking trail through dense forests into the high country to base camp, snow and glacier walking for a week,
• Experiencing with Thakali culture in Kaligandaki valley. scenic flight out of Jomsom.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
our high valley treks staff will pick up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to the hotel, Briefing about Dhaulagiri Circuit  trek  overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu,

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Darbang 1110m/6-7 hours
We fly to Pokhara catching our early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu. After a 45-minute flight to Pokhara, we drive to Darbang via Beni on jeep relishing the view of lush hills and snow-capped mountains. Following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we pass the town of Beni and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 3: Trek from Darbang to Sibang 1780m/6-7 hours 
Today, we head towards Sibang ascending to the ridge-top village of Dharapani from where we can get a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal (7193m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m). We continue our trek walking along the ridge on the path above the river to reach Sibang. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 4: Trek from Sibang to Naura 1570m/4-5 hours OR Bagar 2080m/7-8 hours 
Leaving behind Sibang, we descend to Gatti Khola then climb up to the village of Muri where Myagdi and Dhara rivers meet. We continue to trek crossing the bridge over Dhola Khola and descend through the terraced farm fields and sparse settlements before arriving in Naura village. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 5: Trek from Naura OR Bagar to Dobhan 2520m/5-7 hours 
Moving alongside the bank of Myagdi Khola through a grassy hill and a steep slope, we arrive in Bagar. We then follow the up and down trail to Dobhan. We continue to descend through a forest to Jyardan before climbing uphill to Lipshe. The route then enters the forested area before ascending up to Dobhan. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 6: Trek from Dobhan to Italian Base Camp 3660m/7-8 hours 
Leaving the last village of Dobhan, we trek towards Italian Base Camp. Today we pass through the forested trail filled with oaks, bamboo, and pines trees. As we move further and gain altitude, mountains start to surround us from all around. We can get the best view of Tukuche Peak (6920m), Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from Italian Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day 
We take this day for acclimatization. We can explore the base camp area or spend the day relishing the spectacular view of surrounding mountains. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 8: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp 3890m/4-5 hours 
Leaving behind Italian Base Camp, we trek through the rocky area on a steep slope before crossing the glacial moraines. We then reach a wide grassy area in a shallow ablation valley known as “Japanese Base Camp”. We have rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395m) on the other. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 9: Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4748m/4-5 hours 
Today is the most challenging day out of our journey. Walking on the glacier, sometimes on the lateral moraine and undulating surface of the glacier itself, we carefully and responsibly make our way up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Upon reaching, we can see the stunning view of all the peaks of Dhaulagiri range along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgeline. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day
Keeping our health in mind, we take another day off from trekking to acclimatize. We can spend the day exploring the areas nearby the base camp. There’s also an option of hiking up a little for the better view of the mountains. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 11: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley 5140m/ 6-7 hours walking via French Pass 5360m
We continue to trek on the north side of Chhondarban Glacier, and gradually climb the steep hillside above the glacier. Following the zig-zag trail across moraines, we make our way up to French Pass which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through snow slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12: Reserve Day for bad weather or rest day
We keep the extra day in case the weather condition becomes bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 13: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka 4200m/5-6 hours walking via Dhampus Pass 5244m,
We head towards Yak Kharka crossing over Dhampus Pass (5244m). Relishing the beautiful view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the background, we descend steeply to Yak Kharka through avalanche prone slopes. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom 2720m/4-5 hours walking via Marpha 
We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Passing through the whitewashed houses, paved streets, and following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight at lodge in Jomsom.

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel.
We fly back to Pokhara, early in the morning, enjoying an aerial view of the mountains. Later in the afternoon, we explore the beautiful Pokhara city boating in the Phewa Lake and visiting the famous places of Pokhara. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Pokhara.

Day 16: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 
We catch our early morning scenic flight back to the capital. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself. You can either rest or shop for friends and family. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Our  High valley team will be pick up from Hotel and drops you at Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure hoping to see you again.

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailor-made”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at – info@highvalleytreks.com

NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by High valley treks & Expedition Team. The charges must be paid by clients themselves

Cost included

Transport from airport /hotel/airport
Accommodation in Kathmandu 3star hotel b/b plan twin searing
Accommodation lodge and camping twin searing
Breakfast, lunch, dinner tea coffee during the trek
All ground transport as per itinerary
Phaplu /Kathmandu flight ticket and airport tax
Guide, cook, poter, tent dining tent, kitchen tent
Trekking permit tmrs card fee
Kathmandu valley sightseeing with tour guide

Cost excluded

International flight ticket
Nepal entrey visa fee
Personal treval insurance and medical kit
Meal in Kathmandu cite
Bar bill such beer, coke, mineral water
Personal expanse
Rescue operation by helicopter in case we needed
Tips and donation