Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 17 Days

Best Time for 17 Days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

While Dhaulagiri offers a protective shield from the rain for Mustang, it is not immune to the monsoon rains of Nepal. In fact, this majestic peak experiences heavier rainfall than many other regions in the country.  For this reason, spring and autumn are the most favorable seasons to undertake the 17 Days Dhaulagiri circuit trek.

The crisp, dry air of autumn (September to November) enhances the chances of encountering transparent days that reveal the panoramic vistas of both iconic Himalayan summits and hidden gems. The winter snow recedes, and the passage to the Passes and base camps remains clear of snow and water.

Spring in March, April, and May, is equally charming when vibrant forests and lively wildlife awaken from their winter rest.

However, the Dhaulagiri region in the months of June, July, and August is drenched with monsoon rain often doubling the average annual precipitation. On the other hand, December, January, and February cloak the region in thick snow with thermometer scaling to -30 degrees Celsius.

Elevation and Distance

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek in Nepal stretches for about 101.06 km in total. Dhaulagiri Base Camp which is our main target is around 200 km located on the western side of Kathmandu at 4700 m. however, the base camp is not our maximum height but the 5360 m high French pass is.

Our Dhaulagiri trek starts with a 200 km long road travel to Pokhara. Although Beni has been the traditional starting point for this trek, due to road construction, transport is now available up to Phedi, which is 95.6 km from Pokhara and 42 km from Beni located 303 km from Kathmandu.

Over the span of 17 days, we will engage in walking activities for a total of 11 days, during which we will traverse 16 km daily. The top sleeping elevation will take place at Hidden Valley, situated at 5,166 meters.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

Our 17 Days Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a multi-day adventure where for 11 days, you will walk for 5 to 7 hours daily through the hidden treasures of Dhaulagiri and Myagdi Valley.

The daily walking stage will not be easy but it will not be monotonous as well as each day, the lush jungles, narrow tracks, gorges, streams, hanging steel bridges, and alpine land will be crossed.

However, most days we have planned will be lighter, particularly on days 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14, where your walking duration will stretch up to 5 to 6 hours.

Among them, day 9 stands out as the easiest, taking you from Yak Kharka to Marpha, while day 12 will test your stamina as your walking duration exceeds 6 hours when you reach out the top of French Pass and reach the tranquil Hidden Valley.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 17 Days Difficulty and Acclimatization

For experienced trekkers and independent high alpinists, the Dhaulagiri circuit trek will be of an expedition character, therefore it will be a great experience and easy to do in good conditions. But for beginners, it will stand out as the most arduous trekking journey in Nepal.

On the north side of  Dhaulagiri, you will be very isolated. If there is heavy fresh snowfall, this area can become a trap because in extreme cases it is not possible to go forward or back and better conditions have to be waited for. You must accept the risks present in this trek.

The French Col and Dhampus Pass crossings are technically easy, while walking to the base camps requires safe walking on snow and firn and in boulder terrain, possibly with crampons, a little steeper in parts.

When climbing the Chhonbarban glacier, the risk of falling into a crevasse is relatively low, but it cannot be ruled out. Therefore, you must master rope walking on the glacier and crevasse rescue.

Another significant concern on the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is the possibility of altitude sickness. To counter this, we have planned a rest day at Italian Base Camp so your body will have time to get used to the high-altitude air before approaching the French Pass.

Can a beginner participate in the Dhaulagiri circuit trek?

The Dhaulagiri trek is not for the faint-hearted or those taking on their first trekking adventure in Nepal; it is a formidable challenge that even pushes experienced trekkers to their limits.

The track leading to French Pass and Dhampus Pass demands fundamental mountaineering skills, including proficiency with ice axes and crampons.

You will also traverse past the 5000 m mark where ascending and descending is not so easy. The biting cold on the other hand adds to the challenge, as this trek requires camping in the wilderness.

In addition, trekking alongside and above the Chhonbarban Glacier is also not walking in a park. To prepare for the challenges that Dhaulagiri throws your way, gaining experience through other trekking adventures in Nepal is essential.

Preparation and training for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 17 Days

If the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is on your list, then prepare to transform into an active routine for 3 to 4 months in advance. During this journey, your daily routine will involve a walk along the rugged terrains, and some secluded remote regions with camping under the cold tents.

Therefore, focus on improving your endurance and increasing your lung capacity to absorb more oxygen through deep breathing techniques. Integrate jogging, running, cycling, and stair climbing as part of your daily activities, and seek out hiking adventures by joining a local club.

Begin with a simple trek like Poon Hill, then elevate your experience with a moderate challenge such as the Annapurna Circuit trek. You may also want to try the accessible Mera Peak to practice essential skills like using an ice axe, crampons, and rope walking.

Overall, your willingness to let go of comfort, adapt to changing circumstances/community spirit even in the most adverse, expedition-like conditions, tolerance of foreign customs as well as the support of the trekking guide and the local team contribute significantly to the success of the trip.

Alternate routes of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 17 Days

If your heart wants to experience the serene rural settings of Nepal, then Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trail, which has only been known for seven years, is an excellent option. This stunning trek starts in Pokhara and makes its way to Beni.

Along the journey, you will then pass through delightful locales such as Galeshwor, Rahughat, Dagnam, Darmija, Ekrategaon, Chimkhola, Ghyasikharka, Dhar, Duwari, Patlekharkagaon, Khame, and Taple Kharkas, ultimately joining the road to Bagar. From there, the path continues to Dovan, following the same beautiful trail we have mentioned above.

On the other hand, you can also add the Dhampus Peak climbing to your itinerary. Before progressing to Yak Kharka, you can seize the chance to reach 6012 m of Dhampus Peak and then advance to Hidden Valley.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 17 Days Altitude Sickness

During the Dhaulagiri trek, you will spend several days at altitudes above 4000 meters; the highest sleeping altitudes will be at Hidden Valley above 5000 meters.

Our itinerary offers a good altitude adjustment on the approach to the Dhaulagiri base camp before tackling the 5360 m high French Col and the almost equally high Dhampus Pass.

Still, you cannot neglect the potentiality of altitude sickness regardless of your health, fitness level or how acclimatized you may be. Many of our members have experienced only mild symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, fatigue, drowsiness, and a loss of appetite which go on their own within 2 or 3 days.

We recommend walking slowly and steadily, especially in the first few days, so that the body can adapt to the changed environmental conditions (altitude, eating, and sleeping habits). Your organism must be healthy and resilient.

However, if you are looking to ease your symptoms quickly, Diamox can be effective, typically within a few hours. For a mild headache, Ibuprofen might do the trick. Make sure to inform our guide about your situation; they may decide to delay your trip for a day or two and lead you to a lower altitude where you can feel more at ease.

Transportation, Accommodation, Meals and Drink

Our 17 Days Dhaulagiri circuit trek is complete with the ease of private car service for your airport transfers. You will be driven from Kathmandu to Phedi, and then onward to Hille Pokhari in a comfortable vehicle.

On your way back, private transport will take you from Marpha to Pokhara, from where you will board your flight back to Kathmandu.  All transportation will be managed by our team, and the service costs are included in your participation fee.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will live in a comfortable 3-star hotel, complete with all the necessary amenities in cozy double rooms. During the trek, when we reach the villages for overnight stays, we will be lodging in quaint tourist shelters.

These lodges typically consist of small rooms accommodating 2-3 guests, often furnished only with a bed. You will find a shared shower (which may not always be hot), a toilet, and the option to order meals. For the other nights, we will be camping under the stars in tent camps.

You will of course have the support of our kitchen team who will manage tent set-ups, cooking, and making you comfortable.

Your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara includes a complimentary breakfast, with lunch and dinner left to your personal preference. Along the mountain trails, full board meals, which encompass breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with fresh fruits, will be provided at the tea house.

The key meal options will include Dal Vat Tarkari, noodle soup, spaghetti, and fried rice. When camping, our kitchen team will prepare fresh hygienic meals for each mealtime.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

Going on the Dhaulagiri circuit trek means stepping into a realm where the usual infrastructure of Western tourism is absent. This means you are going to miss the continuous mobile connection and internet.

However, local mobile networks such as NCELL and NTC do provide their coverage till Bagar Village. As you advance to Base Camps, and cross the Pass, mobile connectivity may be scarce. Our team does have a satellite phone for emergencies.

When it comes to WIFI, the mountain lodges in the region do provide internet access, but be prepared for potentially high prices. Additionally, the reliability of the connections can be hit or miss.

You can recharge your devices at the lodges with a standard adapter, though this may come with an extra charge. However, at the campsites, these services are often nonexistent, so it’s wise to bring along spare batteries and ensure your power banks are fully charged whenever you have the chance.

Permits for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

For our Dhaulagiri circuit trek, it’s essential to have the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System fees (TIMS). Our guide will manage the process of obtaining these permits for you, and the associated costs are included in our package.