The Dhaulagiri Circuit offers a superb alternative for those adventurous travellers seeking to explore truly off-the-beaten-track routes in a region rarely visited. Unlike the Everest and Annapurna regions, which each see nearly ten thousand trekkers annually, the Dhaulagiri Circuit welcomes only a few hundred each year. This isn't your typical teahouse hike; instead, it's a proper camping expedition, providing an authentic experience of Himalayan exploration in a terrain so few have traversed.

 Dhaulagiri Circuit trek crosses the French Col and Dhampus Pass, both rising above 5,000 metres in altitude.   The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek itinerary has a well-earned reputation as one of the most adventures and relatively challenging in Nepal. Understanding the practicalities and our logistical planning for this challenging adventure is key to an incredible experience.  

Trekking this route unveils a less explored area in central Nepal. The journey begins through traditional villages in Myagdi framed by stunning vistas of the Dhaulagiri range. Beyond Italian Base Camp, we navigate the dramatic Chonbarden gorge towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. We then cross the French Pass at an altitude of 5,360m, entering the secluded Hidden Valley where we camp for two nights, allowing for exploration of this unique area.   

Mount Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-highest peak at 8,167m, first saw a successful ascent in 1960. During our day walk from Hidden Valley, our experienced trekking guides will lead you to discover the valley's wonders, with a recommended ascent of a ridge on the North-West side offering superb panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, the Nilgiris, and the Annapurna.  

Following our time in Hidden Valley, we cross the Dhampus Pass at 5,240m. From Yak Kharka, a steep descent leads us to Marpha and subsequently to Jomsom, situated on the well-known Annapurna Circuit.

This is a fully supported camping expedition, where you will sleep comfortably in tents, and our skilled cooks will provide all your meals, ensuring a true and immersive Himalayan adventure. 

We'll set off from Pokhara early in the morning and drive to the village of Darbang. This journey usually takes around 5-6 hours, including a few stops to stretch our legs and take in the sights.

After Darbang, we'll begin our trek to Dharapani. A relatively short three-hour hike should get us to our camping spot. We'll have our supper at the local homestay that evening, and we might camp or stay indoors at the homestay, depending on the weather and what's available.

From Dharapani, our path takes us through the prosperous villages of Takum and Sibang, with their extensive terraced fields where rice and wheat are grown.

As we trek, we'll see traditional villages framed by stunning mountain scenery. To the west, there are fine views of Gurja Himal and Puta Hiunchuli. After crossing the Dhara Khola via a suspension bridge, we arrive at Muri village, home mainly to the Magar ethnic group. Our accommodation tonight will be in the homestay/ camping depending on the weather and availability. 

From Muri we descend to the bridge crossing over the Muri River.

We walk through bamboo stands and clearings with fields and farm sheds (goth). As we head further North the valley steepens and the trail steepens in places. After 6 hrs of walk we will get to our rest stop. 

 Beyond Boghara, our route keeps to the western bank of the Myagdi River. We'll begin trekking along a path that winds through tropical forest, rising and falling as we go. The valley is dramatically flanked by cliffs on both sides, offering some rather fine views. Do keep an eye out for the substantial bee nests high up; locals are known to harvest the famous 'mad-honey' from these.

As we proceed upstream, this region often catches the weather in the afternoons as clouds drift in from the south, bringing rain. So, do anticipate some damp conditions within the valley, though the mornings and evenings typically prove to be clearer.

The trail continues alongside the lush vegetation of ferns, bamboo and rhododendrons.

We cross the Myagdi River and head over to the east bank. This is where we will camp for the night at a clearing in the forest called Sallaghari (meaning the pine forest). Keep an eye out for wild deers and lots of birds. 

After Sallaghari Campsite, we will continue to walk upstream north through the forest. As we climb near 3000m altitude, you'll notice the change in vegetation. The lush subtropical landscape suddenly changes to be more sub alpine with heather, juniper and azaleas.

This trail ascends to a grassy patch known as the Italian Base Camp. If weather allows the view that'll welcome you will be of the impressive Western Wall of Mt. Dhaulagiri.

It's important for us to rest, recover, and acclimatise to the altitude. We'll take this opportunity to gain some elevation to aid acclimatisation, and then use the afternoon to rest in preparation for the more challenging days ahead.

From Italian Base Camp, we go down a steep, rocky hill to the glacier. Sometimes we use a rope here, but the path is better now.

We walk across the glacier and then along the rocky side of the narrow Chonbarden valley. We walk through loose rocks in the valley. Some years, at the end of the glacier, we have to cross a fast stream. We walk on the glacier for one more hour to Glacier Camp. Our tents will be set up on flat spots made in the glacial moraine.

After Glacier Camp, we follow a rough trail along the moraine towards the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Depending on season, we may need to share the base camp with some climbing parties.

From the spot you'll be able to see Dhaulagiri I, II, and IV, and Tukche peak.

 We'll spend two nights each at Dhaulagiri Base Camp and Italian Base Camp as part of our acclimatisation plan. Slowly going higher helps our bodies get used to the altitude. This is very important for everyone's safety, especially for camping in Hidden Valley above 5,000 metres.

Our group will take a short walk towards French Pass. This helps us acclimatise as well as see what the path will be like for the next day.

Early start from Base Camp, walking along the rocky edge to the left of the upper glacier. Follow the rocky hill to French Pass for great views of Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche peak.

Gentle climb to the prayer flag-marked summit of French Pass. The pass has a panaromic views of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang, Tukuche, and Dhaulagiri I.

Long snowy descent into the sparse, dry Hidden Valley to camp by the river near Dhampus Peak.

This long and probably the toughest day of the whole trek will take us up from our campsite in Hidden valley to Dhampus Pass with an ascent of about 200 meters. After this moderate climb, we traverse through a bit of a technical terrain.

Eventually we start descending towards Marpha. This long descend will take us to our campsite situated around 3480m.

The whole trip offers an excellent view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Nilgiri Massif. 

Today involves a lengthy descent, first reaching the old village of Marpha. After a brief refreshment, we'll continue downstream along the Kaligandaki River towards the village of Tukche.

This final day will be a fitting end to our two-week adventure. Oh, and did we mention that Tukche is home to a distillery producing what many consider the country's finest apple brandy!

Today involves a jeep journey of approximately six hours, which will take us to the city of Pokhara. We will drop you off at your hotel, and in the evening, we will all gather for a farewell dinner.