Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek — 18 Days

Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and meet your guide for a full expedition briefing and equipment check. The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a camping trek, so we confirm gear, permits and crew arrangements this evening.

Long scenic drive west through Pokhara and Beni, then a rough mountain road up the Myagdi Khola valley to the roadhead at Darbang. First night under canvas as the camping crew sets up the kitchen and dining tents.

Cross the suspension bridge over the Myagdi Khola and climb through terraced fields and Magar villages to the friendly settlement of Muri, with first glimpses of Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal.

A demanding day of steep ups and downs along the river gorge, traversing landslide-prone slopes and forest before reaching the small village of Boghara perched above the valley.

Descend to the river and climb through dense rhododendron and bamboo forest, leaving the last permanent villages behind. Camp at Dobang as the valley narrows toward the mountains.

Follow the Myagdi Khola deep into the gorge through pristine forest, crossing several streams. Sallaghari is a forest clearing camp surrounded by towering pines beneath the Dhaulagiri icefall.

Climb out of the treeline onto open moraine with the immense west face of Dhaulagiri towering ahead. Camp at Italian Base Camp, the gateway to the high glacier section.

An essential rest and acclimatisation day. Take a short hike to higher ground for views of the Dhaulagiri massif before returning to camp. Hydrate, rest and let your body adjust.

Negotiate the lateral moraine and step onto the Chhonbardan Glacier — careful glacier travel with the crew along an icy, rocky route. Camp at Glacier Camp beneath seracs and avalanche-prone faces.

Continue up the glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, set directly beneath the sheer north face of the eighth-highest mountain — an unforgettable, exposed high camp amid towering glaciers.

A second crucial acclimatisation day before the French Pass. Explore the base camp area, watch climbing teams on the north face and prepare for the high crossing ahead.

The biggest day of the trek. A long, cold pre-dawn climb to the French Pass at 5,360 m — the highest point of the route — with sweeping views of Sita Chuchura, Tukuche and the Mukut Himal. Descend into the remote, wind-scoured Hidden Valley to camp.

A reserve day held for weather on the passes, or to explore the stark beauty of Hidden Valley — one of the last truly remote camping basins in Nepal. If schedule allows, an optional acclimatised hike toward viewpoints.

Climb to the Dhampus Pass at 5,240 m with a final panorama of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, then a long, knee-testing descent down scree and grassy slopes to the grazing pastures of Yak Kharka.

Descend through alpine meadows into the Kali Gandaki valley to the charming apple-orchard village of Marpha, with its whitewashed Thakali houses, monastery and famous local apple brandy. First tea-house night.

A short, easy valley walk along the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom, the windy district headquarters of Mustang. Celebrate the completion of the circuit and rest before the flight out.

Early scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara through the Kali Gandaki gorge, then connect by flight or drive to Kathmandu. Evening at leisure and a celebratory dinner with the team.

Free time for last-minute shopping before your transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight. A reserve day in Kathmandu is recommended in case of Jomsom flight delays.