3-Week Dhaulagiri Circuit Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Dhaulagiri Circuit itineraries
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MelissaDhaulagiri Circuit travel expert at TourRadar
20 Days in Nepal, incl. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and Kathmandu
This 20-day mountain adventure spans 14 trekking days with crucial acclimatization stops. The route ascends from forests through glaciers to high passes, including time in the Hidden Valley.
- Days 1-2
Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrive early on Day 1 to rest and adjust to the altitude. Spend Day 2 exploring key sites like Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath at an easy pace. Visit Thamel to check your gear and make any last-minute purchases.
- Days 3-4
Drive to Babiachor and Trek to Dharapani
Take a 10-11 hour drive to Babiachor via Beni. Bring your permits for checkpoints. Your first trek day leads to Dharapani (1,400m) through terraced farmlands.
- Days 5-8
Ascending Through Villages
Follow the trail through Muri (1,850m), Boghara (2,080m), and Dobang (2,520m) to Choriban Khola (3,110m). The path gets steeper each day. Pack for cold mornings and warm afternoons on exposed trails.
- Days 9-10
Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Take a full rest day here to adjust to the altitude. The views of Dhaulagiri's north face are incredible. Short walks are good but avoid gaining too much elevation.
- Days 11-13
Push to Base Camp
Continue through Glacier Camp (4,210m) to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m). The terrain turns rough with loose rocks and glacier crossings. Plan another rest day here before tackling the passes.
- Days 14-15
The High Passes
This section is the most challenging. Cross French Pass (5,360m) to Hidden Valley, then navigate Dhampus Pass (5,200m). Start early before afternoon winds arrive. The steep descent to Yak Kharka (3,680m) requires trekking poles.
- Days 16-20
Return Journey
Trek to Jomsom, fly to Pokhara, then return to Kathmandu. Morning winds often delay Jomsom flights so include extra days in your schedule.
- Days 1-2
Kathmandu (1,360m)
Start with two days in Nepal's capital to adjust to the altitude. Visit the impressive Bodhnath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple on your second day. Pack plenty of warm layers you'll need them when temperatures drop below freezing at higher camps.
- Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara (884m)
Drive early to Pokhara, where you'll get great views of Lake Phewa and the Annapurna range. Use this time to check your gear and buy any last supplies you might need.
- Days 4-6
Trek Start
• Day 4: Beni to Babi Chaur (853m), 5-6 hours • Day 5: Trek to Dharapani (1,400m), crossing Myagdi River • Day 6: Continue to Muri (1,850m), the last major village before remote areas
- Days 7-9
Entering High Country
• Day 7: Walk to Bagar (2,080m), the final inhabited village • Day 8: Push to Italian Base Camp (3,660m) • Day 9: Take a full acclimatization day. This isn't optional your body needs time to adapt to the altitude.
- Days 10-12
The High Camps
• Day 10: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m) where breathing gets noticeably harder • Day 11: Climb to French Col Camp (5,360m) • Day 12: Another crucial acclimatization day at 5,050m
- Days 13-15
The Circuit
• Day 13: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,230m) to Yak Kharka (3,680m) • Day 14: Head down to Tukuche (2,550m) • Day 15: Continue to Ghasa (2,120m)
- Days 16-20
Return Journey
• Day 16: Walk to Tatopani (1,200m) and relax in the natural hot springs • Day 17: Final trek to Beni, then drive to Pokhara • Days 18-20: Return to Kathmandu and departure
16 Days in Nepal, incl. Kathmandu and Annapurna
The 16-day itinerary features 2 nights in Kathmandu, 12 days trekking through the Dhaulagiri region, and a final night in the capital. Trek days are balanced between challenging sections and rest periods.
- Days 1-2
Kathmandu
Your Nepal journey begins with two days in the capital. Use day one to get your bearings. On day two explore the main sites, starting with Boudhanath Stupa at 7 AM before the crowds arrive and morning prayers begin. A recent visitor shared: "The morning ritual at Pashupatinath Temple was incredibly moving - just remember to dress conservatively and avoid photographing the cremation sites out of respect."
- Day 3
Pokhara to Dhampus
Take the 40-minute morning flight to Pokhara. Book a right-side seat for the best Annapurna views. A 1-hour drive takes you to Phedi where your trek begins with a 3-hour uphill walk through rhododendron forests to Dhampus (1,990m). The trail starts cool but warms up quickly, so wear layers.
- Days 4-5
Landruk and Ghandruk
Walk 5 hours through traditional Gurung villages to reach Landruk (1,640m). The next day climb stone steps to Ghandruk (2,050m). Watch your step on the steel bridge over Modi Khola when wet. The eco-lodges offer beautiful views of Annapurna South.
- Days 6-7
Into the Wilderness
Trek to Tadapani (2,650m) through thick forest. Look for langur monkeys in the trees. Next comes a challenging 6-7 hour trek to Bhaisi Kharka (3,420m). According to one trekker: "The views of Dhaulagiri after cresting the ridge took my breath away - worth every step of the steep climb."
- Days 8-9
Kopra Ridge
Push on to Kopra Ridge (3,660m). Strong hikers can take on the optional day hike to Khayer Lake (4,600m). Start at 6 AM and pack extra water for this 9-10 hour round trip. The altitude makes everything harder, so pace yourself.
- Days 10-12
Ridge Walking
Head down through forests to Swantha before crossing to Upper Phulbari via Poon Hill. Visit Poon Hill in late afternoon to avoid the sunrise crowds. Pack gaiters for the often muddy trail between Jaljala Dil and Les Par.
- Days 13-14
Return to Civilization
Trek through small villages to Ghibrang. Then descend 1,000m to Nayapul on steep stone steps. Take it slow with tired legs. Reward yourself in Pokhara with good food and shopping by the lake.
- Days 15-16
Back to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu for final mountain views. Spend your last day shopping in Thamel during morning hours before typical afternoon power cuts.
