Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is a spectacular journey to the remote North West Nepal away from mainstream trekking trails, leading into complete wilderness of ice-snow and moraines in between giant snow capped peaks. Discovered in 1808, the 7th highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri is one of the most popular peaks for climbing. This fabulous adventure to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp and Hidden Valley starts with a drive to the popular city, Pokhara and further down to Beni town, followed by trekking past farm areas to reach the high Dhaulagiri mountainous area. Walking on glaciers to base camp located beneath world’s 7th highest and then traversing over French Pass we will reach Hidden Valley enclosed within high mountains. We will cross another Thapa / Dhampus pass to reach the popular Annapurna circuit route at charming Marpha village.

From there, passing nice villages Tukuche, Ghasa, Tatopani and Ghorepani with a short hike to Poon Hill for stunning sunrise panorama, our journey will be concluded while arriving in Pokhara. Trekking in Dhaulagiri circuit is a very challenging trek since we have to cross two passes of 5000m plus altitude. However, the majestic mountain views, exceedingly beautiful Hidden valley, diverse cultures en route and the sunrise panoramas are sure to keep everyone self-motivated and give a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy nature.

Day 1 Drive to Pokhara

A long scenic drive to Pokhara will be an enjoyable ride for you. This ride is not your common kind of ride since you will be experiencing the drive through the Himalayan roads and terrains. Arrival in Pokhara to relax in boating and chill by the lakeside. 

Day 2 Drive to Darbang via Beni

After breakfast we take a private jeep to drive from Pokhara to Darbang. Following the Kali Gandaki River relishing the lush hills passing through the town of Beni. Then we follow the Myagdi River to reach Darbang.  

Day 3 Trek to Riverside

Today is the starting day of our trekking. The trail ascends through the valley and terraced fields. The way passes through the steep way to reach small village Dharapani and it continues along the ridge of the river to reach Riverside. From the top ridge it offers the stunning view of Dhaulagiri range, Gurja Himal and Putha Hiunchuli. 

Day 4 Trek to Bagar 

The initial walk starts with the descending down to Gatte River and then ascending to the Muri village. We climb up through the terrace farming from the west side of the Myagdi River to reach Bagar.  

Day 5 Trek to Dovan

The trail follows numbers of ups and downs to Dovan. The starting part of the trek starts with descending through the forest and climbing up to the Lipshe. The trail continues through the forest from Lapche Kharka and climbs to Dovan.  

Crossing the wooden bridge, the trail ascends through the forest and the west side of Dhaulagiri is visible. As we go further on the higher elevation, the view of the mountain gets visible. Also we can get the excellent view of Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri range and other peaks. 

Day 7 Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp

As we go further, we leave the forest area behind and start walking on the rocky landscape. It is also the hardest part of the trek whereas we need to go through the glacier. From the Dhaulagiri Base Camp you can observe the impressive view of the north face of Dhaulagiri and other Dhaulagiri ranges and the breathtaking skyline of the mountains. 

Day 8 Acclimatization Day

The day of rest and an important day for acclimatization. There are many places to explore in and around the Dhaulagiri base camp. Also you can hike up for the best views. Get your cameras ready to take the perfect shots of the Himalayan paradise.

Day 9 Trek to Hidden Valley via French Pass

We start our trekking from the north side of Chhondarban glacier. We climb the massive moraine ridge that leads us to French pass. The pass shares the dramatic 360 degree view of the mountains including Mukut Peak, Tashi Kang and Sita Chuchura, which surrounds the Hidden Valley. Lightly descending from the French Pass it leads to the Thapa pass and then to the Hidden Valley.  

Day 10 Trek to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass

We descend to the Yak Kharka passing through the Dhampus or Thapa pass. The high pass has one of the best views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. 

Day 11 Trek to Marpha

Today we descend to the floor of Kali Gandaki River and the amazing village of the Marpha village. This village is famous for its apples. The definition of Marpha is ’Mar’ that stands for hard working and ‘Pha’ means people which means it is the village of hard working people. 

Day 12 Trek to Lete

We again descend to Lete village. The trail is all the way through the road and an easy walk can lead us to Lete village. This is the scenic village surrounded by Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.  

Day 13 Trek to Tatopani

The trail is all the way descending to Tatopani. You can take a trekking trail for extra fun and experience the original trekking route. Tatopani is a small town with lots of facilities like hotels, shops and many more. Also there are the natural hot springs where you can relax.  

Day 14 Trek to Ghorepani

Trekking from Tatopani to Ghorepani is one of the long days of walking. The trail is all the way ascending to Ghorepani. You can encounter some beautiful villages of Gurung and Magar tribes on the way. Ghorepani is the famous tourist hub of Annapurna region. The splendid view and the village filled with Magar people, it is one of the most picturesque and wonderful villages of Nepal. 

Day 15 Trek to Tikhedhunga

In the early morning, you can hike to the Poonhill viewpoint. It has the most dramatic skyline view of mountains including Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare and many more other peaks. After the hike, we take breakfast and start to trek. The trail passes through the lush green forest of pine and rhododendron. The way passes through the small beautiful villages, Banthati and Ulleri. Then the steep way down leads to Tikhedhunga village.  

Day 16 Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

The trekking from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul is easy and short. Just a few hours of walk leads to Nayapul from where we will take a drive to Pokhara. 

Day 17 Drive Back to Kathmandu Valley

After the breakfast, head towards Kathmandu. Farewell dinner is served and in the house. Heartily congratulation to all in completing the tough journey and hope you had a wonderful experience back in the Himalayas and the nature with the Nature Lovers.