Dear all trekkers,
Namaste! Welcome, for an adventure tented camping trek at Dhaulagiri circuit.
About Dhaulagiri circuit: The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is widely recognized as one of the most adventurous, challenging, and remote trekking journeys in Nepal. It circles Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world, taking you through high-alpine terrain, icy glaciers, and isolated valleys, known as Hidden valley in Nepal, which is situated between Kali Gandaki valley at east and Magdi rivers valley at west Nepal.
This trek requires walking over glaciers, navigating loose moraine, and camping at high altitudes with freezing temperatures.The lower sections until Italian base camp, feature basic teahouses, but high-altitude sections (from Italian Base Camp through Hidden Valley) require fully supported camping with a strong crew.
Himalayan Panorama from French Pass (5,360 m): From French Pass, you will enjoy a dramatic, close-up view of Dhaulagiri's north and west faces. The pass offers a breath-taking 360-degree panorama of Gurja Himal, the Dhaulagiri range, Mukut Himal, and Sita Chuchura.
Himalayan Panorama from Dhampus Pass (5,258 m): Dhampus Pass offers arguably even more breath-taking views than French Pass. From here, you will enjoy up-close views of Tukuche Peak and Dhampus Peak, along with a dramatic vantage point looking down over the Kali Gandaki Valley and across the Dhaulagiri range. Looking east, you are treated to a stunning 360-degree panorama of Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Annapurna, and Manaslu, while the northern horizon opens up to the peaks along the Mustang and Tibet border.
Trek start & route progression: During this 18-day trip, you will spend two nights in Kathmandu. On the third morning, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, meet with your trekkin g crew at Pokhara airport. Followed by a drive on the same day to Darbang Bazaar (or as far as the road permits).
Your trekking adventure begins where the road ends. You will pass through several small settlements before reaching Baghara, the last village on the route. Beyond Baghara on the way to Marpha (in the Kali Gandaki Valley), there are no permanent villages, though basic teahouses are available up to Italian Base Camp.
After Italian Base Camp, the trail traverses glacier terrain and crosses the Myagdi River several times-some sections without bridges. You will pass various intermediate base camps before reaching main Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,780 m). From here, you begin a demanding, time-intensive ascent over French Pass.
Crossing the pass brings an easier trek down into Hidden Valley-a serene and pristine campsite situated right below Tukuche Peak, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for those fortunate enough to trek here. The following morning, you will ascend Dhampus Pass to take in panoramic Himalayan views before descending to Marpha village in the Kali Gandaki Valley.
From Marpha, your support crew will drive back to Kathmandu via Pokhara. Meanwhile, you will take a short drive to Jomsom for an overnight hotel stay. The next morning, you will board a scenic 20 minutes flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, where you can relax with a two-night stay by the Pokhara lake side hotel.
Finally, you will take a tourist bus along the 200 km highway from Pokhara to Kathmandu for your Day 18 departure flight.
Note: See below for an overview of the 18-day Dhaulagiri circuit journey. For complete details on Kathmandu hotels, trekking routes, elevation, walking times, meals, and accommodations, refer to the "Day-by-Day Itinerary" at the bottom of this page.
Safety Note - Animal caravans: Some places, you will frequently encounter caravans of Mules transporting goods. If you hear bells ringing in the distance, start looking for a wide spot in the trail to step aside immediately.
It’s much easier to find a safe spot early than to scramble when the caravan is right on top of you. Always move to the mountainside (the inner wall) of the trail and wait for the animals to pass. Never stand on the cliff-side edge.
High Altitude sickness occurs when your body cannot get enough oxygen due to the lower air pressure at high elevations, especially if you ascend too quickly. It is a common condition that can affect anyone at any time, regardless of fitness level. While there is no need to be nervous, it is vital to stay attentive to your body.
How to recognizing the major symptoms? If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop your ascent immediately:
1. Persistent headache or dizziness. 2. Nausea or vomiting. 3. Loss of appetite. 4. Difficulty sleeping.
What to do if symptoms appear: Do not climb higher. The best remedy is descending to a lower altitude as quickly as possible. While preparing to descend or resting, follow these steps:
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of hot fluids.
• Eat: Try garlic soup, a popular local remedy for circulation.
• Rest: Allow your body time to acclimatize and recover.
• Climb slowly: Avoid going from low altitude to over 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) in a single day if possible.
• Limit sleeping elevation: Above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), increase your sleeping altitude.
• Climb high, sleep low: Hike to higher elevations during the day for acclimatization, but return to a lower altitude to sleep.
• Take rest days: Schedule a dedicated rest day every 3 to 4 days, or every 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) of total gain.
Our Safety guarantee: Most trekkers recover with a rest day or by descending slightly. If your condition doesn't improve, your guide will take immediate action. In serious cases, your guide will contact our Kathmandu office directly to dispatch a rescue helicopter.
Emergency rescue: Your safety is our top priority. In the event of serious illness or injury, ground transport is too slow due to the remote terrain. The fastest and most reliable option is emergency helicopter evacuation.
We can arrange an emergency helicopter evacuation from any point on the trail back to Kathmandu within a few hours (weather permitting). To ensure a smooth and life-saving rescue.
Travel insurance: Unfortunate illness or injury can happen to anyone, anywhere. In the remote mountain regions where we trek, your safety is paramount. Because ground transport to the nearest clinic can be slow, we rely on rapid aerial response.
• Helicopter rescue: From Kathmandu, offers the fastest rescue service but is extremely expensive.
• Action required: We strongly advise you to issue a comprehensive travel insurance policy from your home country or in Kathmandu. Your policy must specifically cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses at high altitudes up to 5,000 meters.
Our team will handle all the logistics with your insurance provider and the helicopter operators so that you can focus entirely on recovery.
Pro Tip: Please Always carry a digital and printed copy of your insurance certificate and the 24-hour emergency contact number for your provider.
Communication & Safety: In the event of a serious illness or injury, a rescue helicopter must be dispatched from Kathmandu. Because there is no mobile network coverage in Dhaulagiri Hidden valley region, we equip each group with a satellite phone featuring sufficient prepaid credit, spare batteries, and a solar charger for emergency communications.
Due to the effects of global warming, mountain weather has become increasingly unpredictable. However, the Himalayan seasons generally follow these patterns:
Spring (March - May): Spring is one of the premier seasons for trekking in the Dhaulagiri hidden valley region, famous for its crystal-clear views and stable weather. Excellent visibility offers trekkers an unobstructed look at the peaks.
This season also sees the landscape come alive; rare wildflowers and vibrant rhododendron forests burst into full bloom, painting the trails in their brightest colours at the Lumba Sumba region.
Autumn (September - November): Following the monsoon, Autumn unveils some of the most spectacular and uninterrupted mountain vistas in the Dhaulagiri region. The air is exceptionally crisp, offering unparalleled views of the high Himalayas. With mild, stable temperatures and clear blue skies, the trekking conditions are nearly perfect, making every day on the trail truly enjoyable.
Winter (December – February): Winter seasons present significant challenges for the Dhaulagiri Circuit. In winter, heavy snowfall frequently blocks all the high passes, making the crossing dangerous or impossible.
TIMS card and other: For Dhaulagiri region, not required a trekking permit, each trekkers need to pay Annapurna conservation, entry permit and a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System). We will handle the arrangement of these for you.
Local government Chum Nubri Rural Municipality entry fees will be managed and arranged by your trekking guide on the spot. To process your TIMS card and required trekking permits in advance, please send us:
Tented camping equipment: For this trek, we provide two-person shared tents (or single-supplement high-altitude tents) equipped with double mattresses (foam and waterproof), a dining tent, a kitchen tent with all cooking utensils, a toilet tent, and dedicated tents for our staff and porters.
We also supply specialized high-altitude gear for the crew, along with a hot water bag in your tent each night to keep you warm.
Daily meals during the trek: A separate kitchen tent fully equipped with all necessary utensils and hygienic food preparation tools. Our kitchen staffs will perfear fresh meals (breakfast - lunch and dinner) evry day for you.
Trekking Crew: For this trek, we send a complete trekking team, including an experienced guide who has completed this route before, a cook, kitchen helpers, Sherpa assistants, and porters.
Our entire Nepali team is highly experienced and works seamlessly together - even at altitudes above 4,000 meters, to ensure you have a safe, worry-free journey.
Domestic flights: To maximize your time in the mountains and avoid a drive of several hours, this itinerary includes a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara before the trek and, 20-minute panoramic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara after the trek.
Ground transportation: We provide reliable private transportation, including cars, jeeps, and vans as your group size for airport pickup / drop transfers to hotel and travel to and from trekking starting points.
While public transport is available, it involves frequent stops, takes significantly longer, and can be crowded and noisy, choosing private transport saves time and avoids the hassle of traveling on packed local routes.We provide privet vehicle as your groups size from Pokhara to Darbang Bazaar.
Life on the trail follows a peaceful, structured rhythm designed to keep you energized and immersed in the landscape.
• Morning a refreshing Start: Your day begins early as our staff brings a hot drink (coffee or tea) directly to your tent, followed by a bowl of warm washing water to freshen up. While you pack your duffle bag for the day’s journey, our kitchen team prepares a fresh, hot breakfast. You will enjoy your meal at the table, surrounded by a stunning mountain panorama.
• During the day: During the trek, you can stroll at a peaceful pace, capturing scenic photos and visiting local villages, monasteries, or schools with your guide. A freshly prepared lunch with hot drinks will be served between 11:00 and 13:00. After an hour of rest to recharge, we continue the journey.
• Afternoon at camp: Upon arriving at the campsite, you will find your tent already set up with your mattress and luggage placed inside. After freshening up with warm water, you can relax in the dining tent with hot drinks, biscuits, and cheese.
• Evening dinner: Each evening, our cook prepares a fresh buffet dinner, starting with warm soup followed by at least five different local and international dishes. During dinner, your guide will discuss the day's highlights and brief you on the itinerary for the next morning.
For this high elevation trek, we suggest you take along with you: Trekking boots, light shoes / trainers, woollen socks (x 3) woollen caps, warm hand gloves, warm or fibre pile jacket, down jacket, windproof jacket & trouser, fleece or sweater, shirts (x 2), long and short trekking trousers (and /or long skirt for women), waterproof poncho or umbrella, sun hat, sun glass, snow goggles, underwear etc.
Other essential items: Kitbag and padlock, small rucksack, down sleeping bag (4 seasons +) with liner, water bottle (1 litre capacity), head torch, personal first aid, sun cream (factor 15+) towel & wash kit, whistle, passport, passport-size photographs, plastic bags, money belt.
Optional: Camera (with high-capacity memory cards and extra batteries), trekking poles / walking sticks, binoculars, notebook, pen etc.
Sleeping bag: We strongly suggest bringing your own down sleeping bag (4 seasons +) with an inner liner. Because hotels / lodges blankets are not always warm and clean enough to meet your personal standards.
If you, doesn’t have sleeping bag you can buy or hire at Kathmandu as your size.
We are a team of experienced Sherpas who have been leading Himalayan treks and expeditions for many years. Trekkers from all over the globe trust us and return year after year for another trek or expedition.
In Kathmandu, there are many trekking agencies: some charge high prices without delivering quality service, while others offer low rates but lack experience and support. Regardless of the cost, the mountain views remain the same. But the quality of service that makes all the difference.
We offer reasonable prices and ‘top-tier’ service across every aspect of your journey without compromise. That is why our clients keep coming back to trek with us again and again.
When you trek with our team, your investment does more than just book a trip-it ensures a seamless, high-quality experience defined by a warm, family-like atmosphere and total peace of mind.
While some trekkers explore the Himalayas independently to save money, they often overlook a critical question: "If something goes wrong, what is the plan?"
Trekking in Nepal is vastly different from hiking in Western countries. The landscapes are rugged, conditions are extreme, and weather can change in an instant.
In wilderness, unexpected challenges - from different sickness to sudden weather change can arise at any moment. Without professional support, these situations can quickly become dangerous. We provide the essential safety net and emergency logistics required to keep you safe.
• Expert Guidance: Professional guides who are fluent in local culture, hidden trails, and shifting weather patterns.
• Reliable Support: Dedicated porters to handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to walk freely and focus on the scenery.
• Stress-Free Logistics: We manage every detail, from your arrival to your departure, so you never have to worry about the "what ifs."
Your journey with us isn’t just a holiday; it’s a commitment to quality, safety, and an unforgettable experience on the trail.
Tips for trekking staff: Tipping is a customary way to appreciate your team's hard work and dedication in helping you reach your goal. You may tip as much as you wish. However, if you are not satisfied with their service, tipping is not necessary.
✅ Who can join Dhaulagiri circuit trek?
The Dhaulagiri circuit trek designed for anyone who is physically fit, healthy, and passionate about exploring the high Himalayas. We welcome men and women between the ages of 18 and 70 to join us with confidence.
Lumba Sumba trek is suitable with friends, groups or single with a guide. Being surrounded by such a beautiful organic, natural Himalayan environment is proven you feeling excited, happy, stress-free, and full of sweet, unforgettable memories once in your life.
Preparation and support: You are never alone in your preparation. We provide comprehensive information and a full briefing in Kathmandu before you set off. Once on the trail, your guide will provide a clear, day-by-day explanation of the plan to ensure you are always informed and comfortable.
Get in touch: The trekking regions mentioned here are just the beginning. For more information regarding trekking seasons, exact durations, and a competitive, reasonable cost for your group (large or small), please contact us directly.
We pride ourselves on providing a service that is faster, more personal, and more reliable than the rest. We will reply to your email within 24 hours.
Contact us via:
Email: hellokirken@gmail.com
WhatsApp / Messenger: Kirken Sherpa +43 664 55155 46
Direct Call: +43 664 55155 46 / +977 970 5843 789
'Thanks for chosen 'Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek' and being with our team'
3 nights in Kathmandu at 3-Star hotel with bed & breakfast on twin sharing basis.
2 nights in Pokhara at 3-star hotel with bed and breakfast on twin sharing basis.
12 nights camping trek all the meals (breakfast- lunch - dinner) with hot drinks.
❌ Main meals (lunch + dinner) and drinks in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
❌ Personal expenses alcoholic beverages, drinks, laundry services and hot shower.
❌ Medical and travel insurance for the trekkers.
❌ Emergency helicopter rescue charges for the trekkers if necessary.
❌ International airfare (flight ticket) and taxes.
❌ Any kinds of visa for Nepal.
❌ Tips for trekking staffs.
Warm Welcome: Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport, Our representative will meet you at the airport terminal with a personalized sign, handling your luggage, welcome you with colourful flowers, drive to star hotel as your booking. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will be served a refreshing welcome drink at reception while our team assists with your check-in.
First Evening & Briefing: In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant. During this time, our Tour Manager will conduct a comprehensive briefing, covering your trekking itinerary, safety protocols, and any other essential information for your upcoming adventure.
3-star hotel as your booking at Kathmandu.
Himalayan Experience Trek welcomes you to Nepal, the land of Himalaya, where we can offer a variety of experiences to make your holidays a truly memorable one in Nepal, India and Tibet, especially adventure trip, remote mountains region of Nepal.
Breakfast + lunch + dinner with hot drinks. 
Approx. 5 to 6 hours.
