Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
A remote, high-altitude camping trek around the world's seventh highest peak
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek overview
One of the most demanding and rewarding camping treks in Nepal, the Dhaulagiri Circuit skirts the base of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), the world's seventh highest peak, via two formidable passes: French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244 m). Unlike the teahouse-supported Everest or Annapurna circuits, this route runs through genuinely remote, largely uninhabited terrain and requires a full camping crew, tents, and supplies carried in. From the trailhead at Darbang, the trail follows the Myagdi Khola upstream through forested gorges to the Italian and Japanese Base Camps, then climbs onto the vast glacial expanse of the Chonbarban Glacier before crossing French Pass into the other-worldly Hidden Valley — a high desert plateau ringed by 7,000 m peaks. A second crossing at Dhampus Pass descends into the Kali Gandaki valley near Marpha, rejoining the classic Annapurna Circuit trail. This is a serious mountaineering-adjacent trek for experienced, well-conditioned trekkers.
Country
Nepal
Duration
18 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,360 m (French Pass)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel. Equipment check and expedition briefing.
Price includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Pokhara and Pokhara–Darbang ground transport, plus Jomsom–Pokhara flight
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide and assistant guide
- Full camping crew: cook, kitchen staff, and porters, with all tents and camping equipment
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by the trek kitchen
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Emergency high-altitude rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel and rescue insurance with high-altitude camping coverage (mandatory)
- Personal camping and mountaineering gear (down sleeping bag rated to -20C, crampons/microspikes)
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Wi-Fi and communication costs (unavailable for most of the route)
- Tips for guide, cook, and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from