Dhaulagiri Round Trek

Trip Summary

Geography

Mountain/ Forest/ Village

Location

Dhaulagiri Region

Level Of Difficulty

Moderate/Difficult

Duration

25 Days

Max Aaltitude

5360 m

Religion

Hinduism/Buddhism

Dhaulagiri Round Trek highlights

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath.

Two challenging mountain passes including French Pass (5360m) and Thapa Pass (5155m).

Enchanting view of Dhaulagiri range and other 30 mountains from Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m).

Walking through ethnic villages and lush forests of pine and oak.

Relaxing dip in the natural hot spring in Tatopani.

Dhaulagiri Round Trek is an adventurous trek that offers the best close view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), the seventh highest mountain in the world. The amusement of lush vegetation, wildlife, and natural flora and fauna while passing through ancient Magar and Gurung villages is bound to give you goose-bumps. Moreover, the trail goes through the large ice-fields, snow-covered terraces, and lateral moraines. Two challenging mountain passes, French Pass (5360m) and Thapa Pass (5155m), are the major attraction of this trek along with a stunning view of Dhaulagiri Range and other snow-capped mountains.

After pre-trip meetings and sightseeing around the valley, you’ll drive to Pokhara and then to Beni alongside the bank of Modi River. From Beni, the trek begins. As you ascend to Babiyachaur via Tatopani alongside the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you’ll cross some farm villages and sloppy landscapes. The trail then passes through Darbang and proceeds to reach Sibang. Similarly, crossing numerous settlements including Muri, Bagar, and Dobhan, you’ll reach Italian Base Camp (3660m) via Sallaghari. After an acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp, you’ll ascend to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m) crossing large ice-fields and lateral moraines. From here, you’ll get a stunning close-up view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m), and Dhaulagiri IV (7661m).

Moving forward, you’ll cross French Pass (5360m) and Thapa Pass (5155m) to reach Yak Kharka. Finally, walking past the ethnic villages of Marpha, Kalopani, Tatopani, and Ghorepani, you’ll reach Birethanti from where you’ll take a drive back to Pokhara. The trail is packed with the pleasure of experiencing lush vegetation and the ancient culture and tradition of Magar and Gurung people along with a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains. September to mid-December and February to April is the best time for this trekking.

Dhaulagiri Round Trek is certainly a unique experience. We, Nepal Alibaba Treks and Tours can make it even better with great transportation and accommodation services along with a great team of professional guides and staff. We put our main concern on the safety, security, and comfort of our valued clients, and with us, you are guaranteed an unforgettable trekking experience.

Day Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1345meters). Overnight at the hotel.

Today you’ll be landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After your arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our staff member and immediately transferred to your respective hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day Day 02: Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, a small pre-trip meeting will be organized to discuss the dos and don’ts of the trip ahead. Soon after its completion, a local guide will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. A brief history regarding each heritage site will be given to you as you travel around the city of temples. In the evening, proper rest and preparation for the next day would be an ideal choice. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day Day 03: Drive to Beni (830m), O/N at camp

Leaving the historical Kathmandu valley behind, you’ll drive towards the beautiful city of Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. Crossing the small town of Mugling and Dumre, you’ll move forward along Marsayangdi River. Once at Pokhara, you’ll drive through the twisted road to reach Nayapul. Finally, driving alongside the bank of Modi River and enjoying a stunning view of Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre (6997m), you’ll reach Beni. Overnight in Beni.

Day Day 04: Trek to Tatopani (985m) / Babiyachaur (970m), O/N at camp

Alongside the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you’ll start your trek to Babiyachaur via Tatopani. Walking past the forest of pine and rhododendron, some farm villages and sloppy landscapes, you’ll reach Simalchaur crossing few suspension bridges and beautiful waterfalls. From here, the trail goes straight north to Babiyachaur accompanied by a sublime view of famous snow-capped mountains and green hills. Overnight in Babiyachaur.

Day Day 05: Trek to Darbang (1110m), O/N at camp

Today you’ll be trekking to the village of Darbang. As you move forward, you’ll cross forests of oaks and pines. Along the way, you'll hear the continuous whispering of birds and relaxing sound of water falling from the hills. Finally, crossing few suspension bridges over Myagdi Khola, you’ll reach Darbang. Darbang is a small village where you’ll mostly find the settlement of Magar and Limbu people. Overnight in Darbang.

Day Day 06: Trek to Sibang (1780m), O/N at camp

Early in the morning, you’ll start your trek to reach the settlement of Sibang. Crossing a suspension bridge over Dang Khola followed by some sloppy landscapes and terraced farmlands, you'll reach the village of Dharapani where you'll mostly find the settlement of Magar people. From here, a steep ascent to the top of the ridge takes you to your destination. Once in Sibang, you can enjoy a sublime view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Gurja Himal (7193m). Overnight in Sibang.

Day Day 07: Trek to Muri (Mudi) (1720m) O/N at camp

The path to Muri is quite adventurous as you’ll walk past several hamlets, wide forest of pine and rhododendron, green hills, and long terraces. Along with the amusement of wildlife and natural flora and fauna, you’ll finally reach Muri. From here, you’ll get a close-up view of Dhaulagiri Range, Manapathi Himal (6380m), and many other snowed-capped mountains. You’ll also visit a nearby Buddhist monastery if you have enough time. Overnight in Muri.

Day Day 08: Trek to Bagar (2080m), O/N at camp

After breakfast, you’ll start your trek to the settlement of Bagar. In the early first hour, you’ll slowly descend along the plain valley crossing the forest of oaks and pine. Then, a steep ascent through the bank of Myagdi Khola takes you to the village of Naura. From here, walking past some narrow and zigzag paths and enjoying a stunning view of green hills and lush vegetation en route, you’ll reach Bagar. Overnight in Bagar

Day Day 09: Trek to Dobhan (2520m), O/N at camp

From Bagar, you’ll continue your trek in order to reach Dobhan. After a quick ascent to the top of the ridge, you’ll reach Jyardan. Now, the trail passes through the settlement of Lipshe and proceeds to Lapche Kharka. Finally, crossing several rivers, forested areas, meadows, and sloppy landscapes, you'll reach your destination. Overnight in Dobhan.

Day Day 10: Trek to Sallaghari (2870m), O/N at camp

The trek to Sallaghari is quite adventurous. The trail takes you through the forest of bamboo, pine, and rhododendron until you reach a plain valley surrounded by large trees and small herbs. From here, you'll ascend uphill crossing small settlements, terraced farmlands, and large bushes which finally lead the way to the village of Sallaghari. Overnight in a tented camp on the bank of Myagdi River.

Day Day 11: Trek to Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp), O/N at camp

Early in the morning, you’ll continue your trek to Upper Vungini (Italian Base Camp). The path to Italian Base Camp is fully surrounded by bamboo forests. Crossing suspension bridges and beautiful waterfalls, you'll reach open farmland at Italian Base Camp. Once at the base camp, you’ll get a glorious view of Dhaulagiri Range, Manapathi Himal (6380m) and other snow-covered mountains. Overnight in Italian Base Camp.

Day Day 12: Rest at Italian Base Camp for acclimatization, O/N at camp

Today is a rest day. After breakfast, you can explore around the basecamp and visit some of the notable sites like American Base Camp, Swiss Base Camp, and French Base Camp and so on. At evening, enjoying a gorgeous view of Tsaurabong (6395m) and Dhaulagiri II (7751m), you can have a peaceful reflective time with a cup of tea or coffee. Overnight in Italian Base Camp.

Day Day 13: Trek to Glacier Camp (4250m), O/N at camp

Soon after breakfast, you’ll ascend to the first glacier using climbing gears such as ice axe and ropes. Moving further upward, the trail is more difficult as you’ll cross several ice fields and snow-covered terraces. You must follow every instruction of your fellow guide and inform immediately about any difficulties you are facing. Along with an enchanting view of snow-covered mountains, you’ll reach Glacier Camp where you’ll camp for the night.

Day Day 14: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m), O/N at camp

Form Glacier Camp, you’ll be trekking to reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Climbing straight ahead to the flat ice fields can prove pretty difficult, so you’ll be making full use of climbing gears. After some hours of steep ascent through the large glaciers, you’ll reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m) from where you’ll get a close-up view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m), and Dhaulagiri IV (7661m). Overnight in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day Day 15: Trek to Hidden Valley (5000m) via French col pass, O/N at camp

From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, you’ll walk past lateral moraines and snow-covered terraces with the help of ropes and ice axe. A steep climb to the top of the ridge takes you to the French col pass (5360m) from where you can enjoy a stunning view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. Finally crossing French col pass, you’ll reach Hidden Valley and stay the night on the foot of snowcapped Himalayas.

Day Day 16: Trek to Yak Kharka via Thapa pass, O/N at camp

Leaving Hidden Valley, you’ll climb straight to Thapa Pass (5155m), which is situated between Tukuche Peak (6920m) and Thapa Peak (6012m). Once at the top of Thapa pass, you’ll get a glorious view of Annapurna Range and slowly descend to reach Yak Kharka, crossing small rivers and sloppy landscapes. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

Day Day 17: Trek to Marpha (2670m), O/N at camp

From Yak Kharka, you’ll first descend to Kali Gandaki Valley. From here, the trail goes through the thin forest of pine and rhododendron crossing Alu Bari. On the way forward, you can see yak and sheep herds grazing in wide meadows. The trail ahead is pretty straight forward as you’ll walk past stony and rocky paths to reach the settlement of Marpha. Marpha is a small village in the Annapurna Region which is known worldwide for its apple byproducts. Overnight in Marpha.

Day Day 18: Rest at Marpha, O/N at camp

Today is another rest day. During day time, you can visit nearby Buddhist monastery and temples in the area. You certainly don’t want to miss the apple cider and peach wine of Marpha. At evening, you can roam around the local market, try local foods, interact with people, and get familiar with ancient culture and tradition of Buddhist and Hindu people. Overnight in Marpha.

Day Day 19: Trek to Kalopani (2530m), O/N at camp

Early in the morning, you’ll continue your trek with a gradual descend to the settlement of Larjung. Moving further, you'll cross the thick forest of pine and rhododendron and walk through the sloppy landscapes to reach the settlement of Kalopani. Once you reach your destination, you’ll get a glorious view of Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), and Tukuche Peak (6920m). Kalopani is a beautiful Thakali village offering mouth-watering Thakali delicacies. Overnight in Kalopani.

Day Day 20: Trek to Tatopani (1190m), O/N at camp

Leaving Kalopani behind, you’ll continue your trek to Tatopani. In the early hours, you’ll descend through the forest of juniper and oak before arriving at Rupse Waterfall. From here, you’ll cross few suspension bridges and several human settlements which finally lead the way to Tatopani. Once in Tatopani, you can take a short hike to the hot spring area. It is believed that taking a dip in these natural hot springs can rid you of skin diseases. Overnight in Tatopani.

Day Day 21: Trek to Ghorepani (2880m), O/N at camp

Crossing Ghar Khola, you’ll continue your trek through the forested area from Tatopani. As we move to the plain valley, a mind-blowing view of Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Lamjung Himal (6931m), and Varaha Shikhar (7847m) keeps you company. Along the way, you might encounter some wildlife such as deer, leopard, and red panda if you are lucky. Finally, walking past small hamlets and terraced farmlands, you'll reach Ghorepani. Overnight in Ghorepani.

Day Day 22: Trek to Birethanti (1025m), O/N at camp

After breakfast, you’ll trek to Birethanti. Crossing suspension bridges and beautiful waterfalls, you’ll first descend to Tikhedhunga where you’ll stop for a quick lunch. From Tikhedhunga, the trail ahead is relatively easy as you’ll walk through plain farmlands and forested area of pine and rhododendron. Finally, you’ll reach Birethanti where you’ll stay for the night.

Day Day 23: Drive back to Pokhara (820m), O/N at hotel

From Birethanti, you’ll take a short scenic drive to Pokhara. The drive will take you through the settlements of indigenous Gurung people, green hills, and terraced farmlands. Enjoying a stunning view of snow-capped mountains, you'll reach the lake city. Once in Pokhara, you can visit Phewa Lake and even observe its nightlife if you have enough time. Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Pokhara.

Day Day 24: Drive back to Kathmandu, O/N at hotel

Today you’ll be driving back to the capital city. It is a scenic drive of five to six hours. Crossing small town of Dumre and Mugling, you’ll head to Naubise where you’ll stop for a quick lunch. From here, you’ll ascend to Thankot enjoying a stunning view of green hills surrounding the valley. Once in Kathmandu, you can roam around the Thamel area, buy souvenirs, and observe its nightlife. Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Kathmandu.

Day Day 25: Transfer to Airport for your onward destination.

Today is your last day in Nepal. We’ll drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport two hours prior to your scheduled flight.

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