The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, also called the Dhaulagiri Round Trip, is one of the most challenging and rewarding off-the-beaten-path trekking paths in Nepal around the seventh-highest mountain on earth, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). In 20 days, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking routes take you through the green valleys, typical Magar villages, and dense forests at first, and later on, dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
This 20-day Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Itinerary includes crossing high-altitude passes like French Col and Dhampus, both over 5,000 m in altitude. Physically as well as mentally demanding, these are also the peak viewpoints of the expedition-style trek in Nepal. On a clear weather day, you enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views, glaciers, and snowfields, away from crowds in serenity.
As you stay in teahouses in the lower region and camps set by a professional team from Mountain Ascents in high-altitude remote sections, hiking for the competing Dhaulagiri Circuit provides you with a balanced journey. Bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027. We are offering group and early bird booking discounts on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek cost. Contact us now and reserve your seat with experienced locals trained for it.
Near Mount Annapurna (8,091 m), the 10th highest mountain peak in the world, and its several popular trekking routes, like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Khopra Danda Trek, offering various perspectives of the Annapurna ranges and surrounding peaks, Dhaulagiri Circuit Hiking is an ideal destination for true adventure seekers. A memorable journey awaits!
Trip Highlights
- Scenic flight to Pokhara, drive to Darbang, and later on to Pokhara from Jomsom.
- Be among the first ones to explore one of the least explored trekking routes in Nepal.
- Awe-inspiring views of several snow-capped mountain ranges like Annapurna, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, while Dhaulagiri is the most prominent.
- The authentic culture of the Gurung and Magar, and their warm and genuine hospitality.
- Cross two of the high mountain passes in Nepal, French Col and Dhampus Pass.
- Reach the adventurous Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
- Pristine nature with a diverse landscape away from crowds.
- One of the best camping-style trekking destinations in Nepal.
- Make it to Dhaulagiri Base Camp, etc.
What makes around the Dhaulagiri Trek special?
The Himalayan journey to take a round trip of Mount Dhaulagiri is to the western part of Nepal. It boasts a less-traveled trekking route full of unspoiled natural beauty and authentic cultures. From low farmlands, terraced fields, and dense forests to rugged and glacial trails, high alpine meadows, and mountain passes, the landscape changes, and so does the scenery. You will not be disappointed.
For those seeking a moderate level of mountaineering experience with camping, while most of the Himalayan trekking routes are now teahouse style, including Everest Three High Passes, Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass, and Everest Circuit Trek, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trip is just the right journey to set out on. To reach the foothills of Mount Dhaulagiri, expect the unfolding of unique landscapes in each step.
Where is Mount Dhaulagiri located from Kathmandu?
Dhaulagiri is the seventh-tallest mountain in the world, which translates to "dazzling," "white," or "beautiful mountain" from Dhawala and Giri. In Nepal, it is in the north-central part, and from Kathmandu, the capital city, it is 300 km/186.41 miles northwest. West of the Annapurna range, separated by the Kali Gandaki Gorge, also known as the world’s deepest gorge, it is situated at an elevation of 8,167 m/26,795 ft above sea level in Gandaki province.
Following the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking route that typically takes 20 days from start to end, trekkers begin walking on foot from Darbang (1,180 m). I.e., Darbang is the trek starting point; to reach here, you drive from Pokhara, the city of lakes, after a short and scenic flight from Kathmandu. A budget-friendly option is to drive, but since the roads are also bumpy in some sections, it can be grueling, and you may not want to feel tired from the very beginning.
Which mountains are seen during the Dhaulagiri round trip?
As you enter Nepal, even before landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, you can see several mountain ranges. Though it is distant, it sure is intriguing. If you are curious about the mountain views on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Wilderness trekking routes in Nepal, there are Annapurna I (8,091 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Gurja Himal (7,139 m), and, of course, Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), which dominates the sky horizon.
In Pokhara trekkers are also treated to stunning views of iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and continuing from there, you will soon enter the world of the Dhaulagiri ranges, including Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m), Dhaulagiri IV (7,618 m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m), especially stunning from high-altitude viewpoints like French Col, Dhampus Pass, and also the Hidden Valley. In contrast to rugged terrain, the journey is also visually pleasing.
How are the trekking trails in and around Dhaulagiri?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a remote trek in Nepal. Far from commercial trails and less traversed than popular Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang Trek routes, it offers you untouched wilderness. From the Italian Base Camp onwards, trekkers stay at camps, sleeping under the stars, unpolluted sky, and amidst the towering mountain ranges. A refreshing embrace of nature and mountains in this expedition-style adventure.
The farther you go from the city areas and deeper into the Dhaulagiri Trekking region, the more thrilling the wild Himalayan settings become. While Magar and Gurung villages, such as Muri, Boghara, Dobang, and Sallaghari, and almost at the end of the journey, Jomsom, ensure you an authentic cultural experience, as you see icy moraines, pristine glaciers, and high-altitude snowfields, the sense of adventure also intensifies.
How many passes do you cross during the circuit trek to Dhaulagiri?
The high-altitude mountain passes connect you to the hidden valleys in the Himalayas. Isolated and surrounded by high mountain passes, they are usually rugged and consist of steep ascents and descents. At high altitude, the weather here is also fickle, i.e., it can change anytime, and in winter, the hiking routes can be snowy, slippery, and have exposed crevices, so be extra conscious while journeying.
On the circuit trip to Dhaulagiri, French Pass (5,360 m/17,585 ft) and Dhampus Pass (5,200 m/17,060 ft) are two of the major high mountain passes in the remote Himalayas. The trails are physically demanding and hence provide a great sense of achievement upon completing the crossing. French Pass is also the highest point of the trek, while Dhampus Pass connects Hidden Valley to Kali Gandaki Valley.
Is the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek suitable for wildlife sightseeing?
While primarily preferred for a challenging Himalayan journey and cultural trip, yes, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking can be convenient for those looking forward to wildlife observation. Within the largest national park of Nepal, the Annapurna Conservation Area, named after the 10th-highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna (8,091 m), any sort of journey means you have the opportunity to encounter a wide range of flora and fauna.
In the lower region that features dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine, perfect natural habitats for shy wildlife, you also have greater chances of getting to spot langurs (Himalayan monkeys), Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and various species of pheasants on a lucky day. Although at higher altitudes the landscape is more barren and wildlife sightings are rarer, on an extremely favored day, you may catch a glimpse of a snow leopard.
Why are 20 days for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary and cost best for 2026 and 2027?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Itinerary of 20 days begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Trip preparation is on the second day, adding essential gear and equipment and leaving behind those not needed, while the trip officially begins on the third day with a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. A night in Pokhara, and then you drive to Darbang and begin foot walking and reach Dharapani, which is often bustling with Annapurna trekkers.
From Dharapani, now you trace the off-the-beaten trekking route of the Dhaulagiri that goes by Muri, Boghara, Dobang, Sallaghari, and Italian Base Camp. Italian Base Camp onwards trekkers stay at tents in places like Glacier Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Hidden Valley, and Alu Bari, where you can get teahouses with nicer amenities at Jomsom. This itinerary is well sorted and has at least three buffer days.
One day at Italian Base Camp, then at Glacier Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp; this is to ensure you do not have a sense of rush while trekking, get enough time for acclimatization, and also enjoy all the major highlights, and hence it is called the best trekking route for trekking in Dhaulagiri, including in the years 2026 and 2027. Handpicked by professionals from Mountain Ascents, your safety and satisfaction are our priority.
While our Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking Cost includes all lodging, meals, permits, guides, and setting up of camping equipment for a smoother experience of adventure treks in the Himalayas without any hidden cost, make the most out of the journey. If you have any special requirements or preferences, contact us now and enjoy our personalized services. Group, solo, private, or family, we can manage it all for you. Bookings are now open.