The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is one of the most challenging and rewarding Himalayan excursions in Nepal that basically encircles the world’s seventh-highest peak, the Dhaulagiri massif (8,167 m). It is an adventurous alpine jaunt in the Dhaulagiri region of Nepal, offering adventurers a unique opportunity to experience the raw, remote, and unexplored cultural and natural beauty of the country.
Although a high-altitude hike that reaches not only one but three of the base camps: Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and last but not least, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, all elevated above 5,000 m above sea level, crossing the dramatic French Pass (5.360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5,234 m) and providing ethereal panoramic views of the surrounding area is usually not recommended for individuals journeying the higher Himalayas for the first time, with the right gear and adequate preparation, trekking to the Dhaulagiri Circuit can be the greatest adventure of all time for all ages and experience levels who are physically fit and ready for the experience.
This trek to the Dhaulagiri Circuit takes you through diverse landscapes, including thicket forests, traditional villages, high-altitude terrains, alpine meadows, highly elevated glaciers, and high mountain passes. It is a paradise for well-versed trekkers, climbers, mountaineers, and expeditors seeking an extreme level of off-beaten Himalayan experience in solitude and an authentic connection with nature and local culture.
Therefore, trekking to the Dhaulagiri Circuit demands meticulous preparation, including physical conditioning, thorough acclimatization, and appropriate gearing. Due to the high elevation and possible occurrence of acute mountain sickness (AMS), nonetheless crafts an unmatchable adventure blending the Himalayan grandeur with isolated valleys and local culture.
Highlights
- Discover the essence of a true Himalayan expedition by venturing an almost entirely desolate, off-the-beaten-trail route.
- Witness the wide array of landscapes, including that of the distinctive Mustang region.
- Pave the Himalayan way through two of the major high mountain passes French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus (5,234 m).
- An incredibly enriching insight into the local way of life and culture of Nepal, which is far away from modernization.
- Thrilling hike through the highest gorge in the globe, Kalo Gandaki, along with some of the deepest canyons.
- Wonderful vistas of the snow-capped peaks, including that of the seventh-tallest peak in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m).
- This is an opportunity to get a glimpse of a vast range of flora and fauna, including some of the rarest Himalayan wildlife.
- Enjoy the first-hand camping experience at several base camps above 5,200 m (17,060 ft), etc.
What to expect during the trekking journey to the Dhaulagiri Circuit?
Trekking on the Dhaulagiri Circuit means being well prepared for both its physical and mental demands, along with its extraordinary rewards that combine the majesty of the Himalayas, the serenity of remote valleys, and the swanky local culture.
With proper preparation and the right mindset, the odyssey to the Dhaulagiri Circuit is a unique and remarkable journey through one of the universe’s most stunning and remote mountain regions, a perfect dreamland for those looking for an unparalleled expedition in Nepal that is made special by several factors. Some of them are, as discussed:
Observe the most unspoiled culture, flora, fauna, and natural beauty of the Annapurna Conservation Area
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime journey in west-central Nepal, showcasing the stunning “White Mountain," the seventh highest mountain globally, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), that takes you through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, whose outskirts are inhabited largely by the dense population of the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetan sparse all over the area, providing you an opportunity to observe and even participate in the daily lives of locals.
Each group has its unique distinctive culture, traditions, dialects, and festivals while trekkers may encounter many ancient monasteries, mani walls, and chortens along the trekking route to the Dhaulagiri Circuit representing the region's rich cultural heritage. Further, the Odyssey passes through several climatic zones beginning from lowland hills to high alpine terrain and glacial rivers.
Usually, the lower trekking region of the Dhaulagiri Circuit is characterized by lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo grooves followed by alpine shrubs in high elevations with chances of encountering the elusive Himalayan species of tahr, snow leopard, blue sheep, and avians in the less commercialized Himalayan trail, making it trekkers, climbers, photographers, and expeditors alike with a more authentic experience, intimate cultural interactions, and untainted natural beauty in fewer crowds.
Exceptionally Scenic beauty of the Annapurna region dominated by magical vistas of Dhaulagiri
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking is a comparatively lesser-known hiking trail in the Annapurna region that provides trekkers and hikers alike with sweeping views of several snow-capped mountain ranges, such as Tukcuche Nilgiri, Macchapuchare, Annapurna I, and other notable Himalayan giants, while the world’s seventh-highest peak dominates the sky.
You will traverse through the varying landscapes, from lush tropical forests and terraced farms and fields to barren high-altitude rugged terrains, in stark contrast to the awe-inspiring panoramas. At every turn, you will get to experience the best dramatic landscapes of the region that still has not been exposed to the mass tourism that might have been a normal observance on several other trekking trails such as the Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and others within the Annapurna Trekking region of the Everest Base Camp Trek in the Everest.
Further, the combination of high passes and deep valleys makes the journey to the Dhaulagiri Circuit a visually stunning adventure in the Himalayas, along with the pristine natural environment coming together to form an eccentric and fulfilling Himalayan pilgrimage.
First-hand experience of both: the camp and tea house trekking in the Himalayas
If there is one particular trekking route in the Annapurna region that still consists of the true essence of a high Himalayan voyage, it is definitely the Dhaulagiri Circuit, where you are able to relish both the camp and tea house experience.
As a vastly isolated trek destination located in remote areas at higher altitudes, it might always not be possible to get teahouses at all the stopping places, especially at Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and the Glacier Base Camp areas.
Therefore, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is a golden opportunity to relish both tea house and camping-style hiking, boasting their unique charm and own set of challenges, whether you are looking for the solitude of camping or the cultural engagement and comfort of tea house trekking.
The adventurous passes and the acute mountain sickness (AMS)
The Himalayan odyssey to the Dhaulagiri Circuit includes the crossing of two important passes: French and Dhampus, at an altitude of 5,360 m and 5,234 m above sea level, respectively, making the journey a bit spicier due to the high altitude and terrain that involves steep climbs and descents generally in snowy conditions depending upon the time of the year you are traversing the region.
Making way through these passes during the trekking odyssey to the Dhaulagiri Circuit is going to be an adrenaline-rushing event that is equally stunning, offering an otherworldly look out at the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, where careful navigation of the route is a must, along with altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) concerns.
Usually, the symptoms of AMS include a mild to moderate headache, nausea and vomiting, a sensation of unusual tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, a persistent feeling of fatigue and weakness, sudden loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, insomnia, and swelling of hands, feet, and face while you are en route to the Dhaulagiri Circuit. If you have observed any of these symptoms, which in fact are a normal phenomenon, it is advisable not to further ascend or descend.
Rather, you stop hiking until you recover, seek aid from your local guides and porters, and get medical attention immediately to let it not get severe, which nonetheless should not be a concern if you acclimate thoroughly on the way to Dhaulagiri Cicru during the trek.
The three gateway to the heavenly realm: Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp
During the trek of a lifetime to the Dhaulagiri Circuit, trekkers would make their way through Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and lastly, the base camp of the seventh tallest peak on the planet, Dhaulagiri, at a high altitude of 3,660 m, 4,200 m, and 4,760 m.
The Italian and Glacier Camps serve as critical acclimatization points featuring fascinating natural remote beauty and glacial ice falls and crevasses, along with the jaw-dropping look out at Dhaulagiri massif and surrounding peaks nestled in picturesque valleys, snow-capped peaks, and lush greenery at some point as well, Dhaulagiri Base Camp is where you can get closest to the summit itself.
Each camp is the beginning of a more profound and magnificent realm of the Himalayas in the majestic presence of Dhaulagiri, which grants you the true essence of high-altitude trekking and the pristine beauty of one of the remotest regions in the Nepalese Himalayas within the infamous for trekking, hiking, climbing, and many other adventurous activities, the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The best 17-day itinerary and trekking route to the Dhaulagiri Circuit
The 17-day itinerary to trek the Dhaulagiri Circuit typically begins in the subtropical region of Beni, a small town at the bank of the Kalo Gandaki and Myagdi Khola rivers, gradually winding through the terraced farms and fields, verdant hills, and tiny yet picturesque villages of Babiachaur, Dharapani, Muri Boghara, Dobang, and Choriban Khola, offering impressive glimpses of the daily lives of the Gurun, Magar, and Thakali in the lowly elevated areas and that of Tamang and Tibetans in higher altitudes.
Choriban Khola marks the beginning of the adventurous section of the Dhaulagiri Circuit, which until then was mostly a mesmerizing glimpse into traditional mountain life, leading you to the rigorous Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and the Dhaulagiri Base Camp with the noticeable transformation in the landscapes followed by everlasting views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and the Annapurna ranges.
The ascent to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp rewards you with the ultimate sense of tranquility and achievement, while thereafter trekking is basically a returning trip to Kathmandu, passing by Hidden Valley, Yak Kharka, Marpha, and Pokhara on crossing French Pass and Dhampus Pass. In addition, his 17-day itinerary for an enhanced trekking experience on the Dhaulagiri Circuit has allocated at least two days of acclimatization, one day at the Italian Base Camp and another at the Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Therefore, the 17-day route is the best route to go for trekking to the Dhaulagiri Circuit, a testament to adventure, endurance, and the spirit of adventure. We at Ammonite Adventures and Treks can meticulously customize the itinerary precisely for you to meet your certain needs and preferences. Contact us now so that we can help you craft your dream journey.
Trekking Cost to the Dhaulagiri Circuit
The alpine rambling to the Dhaulagiri Circuit can be a significant financial investment due to the remote nature and the logistical challenges involved, approximately between USD 2,000 and USD 4,000. In the meantime, travel, trek, and tour operators like Ammonite Adventures and Treks offer to help hands design the best-budgeted journey for you that you can afford and make the best out of the best.
Buying these packages covers most of the expenses of trekking logistics, such as essential permits, guides, the cost of accommodation, and food en route to the trekking destinations, including the Dhaulagiri Circuit.
