DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT TREK

ARRIVE AT KATHMANDU (1300M) AND TRANSFER TO HOTEL

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do’s and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day’s sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel

GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning’s departure. Overnight in Hotel

DRIVE TO POKHARA (850M) 06 HRS

After an early breakfast, we will travel by tourist bus towards the scenic Pokhara highway. This is an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalayas, made more comfortable in recent years by road repair. The drive continues with several stops on route before Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will transfer to the hotel with enough time in the afternoon for a stroll around beautiful Phewa Lake. Overnight in Hotel

DRIVE TO DARBANG (1110M) VIA BENI (830M) 05 HRS

After breakfast is over, we take a drive up to Beni. It is quite an interesting drive from Pokhara passing through numerous towns and villages with superb panorama of snow capped peaks of Annapurna and Manaslu range as the journey continues leaving the suburb of Pokhara, after a 04 hours drive coming to the busy town of Beni with brief stop on route.

Beni a large village, headquarter of the Myagdi district. There is quite a lot of traffic of many porters’ mules and donkey trains carrying load of merchandise on the Kali Gandaki route. Our overnight camp just a little away from the main village.

The road after Beni enters westwards, following the course of Myagdi River upstream, through lush verdant landscape, with rice paddies and dense sub tropical forest on the steeper higher slopes. The drive passes number of small farm villages, with Tatopani, which as name suggests with several small hot springs just by the path. Hot water from the spring even comes out of the standpipe in this village. Our journey continues on passing several farm settlements such a Babiya chaur, a small village with couple of local teahouse with a small ground just by the trail. Once in a year people from around this area host an auspicious fair as per the Hindu calendar. From there we drive further to Ratodhunga and then to Darbang. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO KHIBANG (1340M) 06 HRS

The trail along the Myagdi River is prone to landslides during the monsoon season and there is much up and on to bi-pass sections of path that have been disrupted. After crossing several small settlements, we reach to Khibang for our overnight at stay. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO MURI (1850M) 04 HRS

From Khibang, the path follows along the farm fields and to the snout of the ridge where Dhaulagiri Himal is visible. After about 05 hours of trek, the route leads us to large village of Muri for the overnight campsite, at the confluence of the Myagdi and Dhara rivers. The Dhara River flows from the west, in which direction lies the important regional bazaar town of Dhorpatan enroute Dolpo region. The Myagdi flows down from north and this is the river valley which we will be following all the way to its source near Dhaulagiri Base Camp. On arriving at Muri, it’s a time for exploring this large Magar tribe village. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO JUGAPANI (1920M) 05 HRS

We ascent from Muri through the forests to reach Jugapani. As we reach we’ll have a camp set for the overnight stay. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO BAGAR/BAGHARA (2080M) 03 HRS

Our route skirts around and descends to the warm areas of paddy fields on a partially penetrated by the tributary Dhora Khola. After crossing Dhora Khola, the main path ascends the hill side, passing the rural farm houses , and goes through a hamlet to an up and down mountain path then skirt around the ridge. The path continues winding steep uphill for two hours and coming at the top of the ridge, the path descends gradually to a small farm village at Bagar after six hours of good walk. Bagar is the last village enroute before Marpha village is reached at the Kali-Gandaki valley. Camp is made at the premises of the primary school ground. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO DOBHAN (2520M) 06 HRS

From today onwards for a week we will be in total isolation in the perfect tranquility of the harsh and beautiful wilderness amidst the lofty Dhaulagiri range of snow peaks, on leaving the Bagar village behind and its farm fields following the path through the forest which climbs on the west side of the river Myagdi, our trek follows the narrow undulating trail above the river Myagdi, reaching the ridge top, then the path descends steeply in some section coming to a clearings where we find number of stone built Shepherd’s huts. Gradually ascending, we encounter more grassy clearings and after a total of 5 to 6 hours of peaceful walk we arrive at a level ground of grassy field ‘Kharka’ or grazing pasture area named as Dovan for the overnight camp on this fine open position on the south side of the tributary valley with excellent views of the peaks of the Dhaulagiri range ahead. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO SALLAGHARI (2820M) 06 HRS

From the camp at Dovan our route follows the path to the river after less than 30 minutes of walk, then coming to bank to cross Konaban Khola, depending upon the level of the river, sometime the bridge will be high on the top of the huge boulder or when the level of the water is low can be easier crossing just on the plank or logs. If the bridge its high above the river crossing would be quite daring on the rickety temporarily built bridge, after the bridge the walk follows through the forest for a while then we cross another log over the tributary stream then once again we enter the forested area until the ascent becomes a descent, and we can see the west wall of Dhaulagiri I, between the breaks of the trees. We head down to Myagdi Khola side and take the left bank path, and climb up towards another khola called the Pakite Khola, without ever getting too far from the Konaban River. We will cross this little stream – Pakite khola to the table land of Chartare, or the Bhaisi Kharka and walking further we will reach at Sallaghari for our overnight camp stay. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO ITALIAN BASE CAMP (3660M) 06 HRS

Leaving our campsite, we continue following the trail ahead leading to the forest area known as Italian Base Camp. The trial heads into a rocky area then climbs the mountain side with a steep hill at the end. After crossing the steep hill, the path narrows until we cross a glacier and descend to the other glacier that originated from the West wall of the Dhaulagiri, then we climb the opposite bank to a wide grassy area in a narrow gorge valley of Pakhaban, also known as Japanese Camp. Pakhaban is a beautiful campsite with impressive West wall of Dhaulagiri I, and to the rear the huge stone walls from Tsaurabong Peak. Looking down below from the campsite towards Myagdi River, this vanishes into the underground icy glacier. Truly feeling here that, we are deep in the heart of Himalaya. Overnight at tented camp

ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT ITALIAN BASE CAMP

Today you have the full day at leisure to acclimatize yourself in the high altitude. Overnight stay at tented camp

TREK TO ICE COL (4350M) 05 HRS

Today we make the early move for the Base Camp situated at 4750 meters. We keep following a lateral moraine from Pakhaban to a rocky ridge which descends down to the right side of the valley buried in snows and fallen rocks. Entering the glaciated area from the rocky right side banks, we walk along the undulating glacier surface as the valley bends to the right bank route with short up and down passage to Dhaulagiri Base Camp situated at 4,750 meter high. We look up at the impressive North face of Dhaulagiri I, while to the west the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), III (7,715 m.) and IV (7,618 m.) stand soaring to the sky, and before us is the desolate Ice Fall descending from between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. Our overnight camp will be made on the clearing of rocky moraine with awesome close view of Dhaulagiri I and its massif glacier and icefall. Overnight stay at tented camp

TREK TO DHAULAGIRI BASE CAMP (4740M) 04 HRS

Today after our breakfast in our camp we walk on snowy trail towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO HIDDEN VALLEY (4900M) VIA FRENCH PASS (5360M) 07 HRS

From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, our journey continues leading us to the moraine and glacier, the path follows close to Tukuche Peak. After the glacier, we climb a rocky terraced hill on the right bank side, climbing the hill which runs along the glacier for a short while, then again we make a climb to another higher hill across the mountain flank, entering a gentle slope on right side of the valley and further as we continue our climb up to French Col at an elevation of 5,360 meters. On reaching the highest point of this journey at French Pass where there the Buddhist prayer flag or lung-ta are hoisted by fellow trekkers and climbers respecting the mountain spirit. From this vantage point we get the stunning view of the mountain ranges including – Sita Chuchura, the mountains of Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang (5,386 m.), all of which surrounds the Hidden Valley. To the right is Tukche Peak west and to the rear stands the huge Dhaulagiri I. A gentle descent along the snow covered landscape finally leads us to our overnight halt at the wide Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley remained behind Dhaulagiri massif undiscovered, until last few decades. It offers a very scenic charm with several small Peaks to climb. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO TREK TO KALAPANI 4560M 05 HRS

After a good day at Hidden Valley our adventure continues to cross Dhampus Pass at 5,250m. Trek follows on the gradual path for an hour with short climb in between, the path gets narrow on the screed section for an hour, then we make the high traverse across to the slightly lower Dhampus Pass at 5,258m than previous days crossing of French Pass, which overlooks the deep cleft of the Kali Gandaki Valley and the Annapurna peaks beyond. Reaching the top of the ridge at Dhampus Pass, view of Mukut Himal is visible from the pass as the Hidden Valley is being over looked behind the Col. It’s a steep downhill along the rock covered mountain side until we reach our campsite at Kalapani. Yak Kharka, a summer pasture of the villages down below Kaligandaki Valley areas, Dhaulagiri I is hidden by the bulk of Tuckche Peak, but Nilgiri and the western end of the Annapurna massif are visible. Overnight at tented camp

TREK TO MARPHA (2670M) 05 HRS

Early morning wake up with a divine sound of temple bell, after breakfast easy trek down to Ekley-bhatti the trail descends very quickly to the valley floor. The descent is through a dramatic, arid landscape all the way to Marpha. After few hours walking from Ekley-bhatti one reaches Jomsom, the path continues following downstream of Kali Gandaki with different views of mountain and sandy path. Another two hours of easy walk from Jomsom towards south east brings you at Marpha for the overnight stop, which is a little gem, with whitewashed houses, paved streets and numerous well kept lodges. Here you will have time to celebrate with the local apple products like cider, brandy and juice this area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for its delicious apple and its product. Visit Marpha village with Monastery, Apple Brandy factory and around. Overnight at Lodge/Teahouse

TREK TO GHASA (2010M) 06 HRS

Dramatic changes of vegetation from dry arid desert to pine & conifer forests can he found while passing between Dhaulagiri & Annapurna region. Passing through Kalopani, magnificent views of Annapurna range can be seen. After a wonderful time at Marpha, today’s a long good to Ghasa, our route follows the wide gravel river banks to Tukuche and Larjung village. One of the most charming places on this route, after an hour walk from Larjung and crossing the river, the trail climbs over a forested ridge, then heads down again and makes a long but easy traverse along gravel bars beside the riverbed. It then crosses the river back to the west side via a series of temporary bridges just before Kalopani (a small Thakali village) at 2,590 m. This is a best view point for Mt. Annapurna ‘I’ and only one place to catch in your eye along whole circuit. This is long and tidy Thakali village with a Dhaulagiri technical school. Kalopani, another lovely village of more than 20 houses with excellent tea houses and lodge with grandeur view of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiri’s and Dhaulagiri above the beautiful forest surrounding.

Walk from Kalopani onwards leads to a dramatic change in the vegetation, from dry, arid desert to pine and conifer forests, as we pass between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna. After two hours of trek brings you at Ghasa village. Overnight at Lodge/Teahouse

TREK TO TATOPANI (1190M) 05 HRS

A good day walking towards warmer region, after Ghasa one can witness a dramatic change in the vegetation, from dry arid desert to pine and conifer forests while passing through and between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trek passes through the village of Rupsi with its beautiful waterfall; from here an hour’s brings you at Dana, situated near the deepest gorge of the world between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From here another hour reaches you at our overnight stop at Tatopani. From Tatopani the view of Mt. Nilgiri is magnificent. Natural hot spring bathing is a main attraction at Tatopani. Tato is ‘hot’ and pani is ‘water’ in Nepali. Overnight at Lodge/Teahouse

TATOPANI REST AT HOT SPRING

A rest day after long walking days and free from the hassle of packing. Enjoy this day in the Hot spring by the Kali Gandaki river bank, here you can have a massage service near by the poolside and explore around Tatopani bazaar. Overnight at Lodge/Teahouse

TREK TO GHOREPANI (2750M) 07 HRS

After a wonderful time at Tatopani and in its warm pool, our trek continues towards east on the gradual trail for an hour crossing a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki river, the path leads by the river for a while just arriving at the junction of the two trails, the other wide path follows the river all the way to Beni. Our route diverts from here taking the uphill climb, the first uphill to a ridge is quite steep, where there is a small tea house, from here ahead of us lies a steep terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages, from this spot a gradual climb leads us most of the day to the Magar / Gurung village of Sikha with a view of terrace field and landscapes. From here it’s a gradual climb for most of the way, leaving behind the terraced fields walking in the dense rhododendron forests and reaching to the village of Ghorepani. We stop for the night at Ghorepani Deurali for the best views of the sunset with excellent of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. This is most popular spot among the trekkers, the best view of the mid and western Himalayas. Overnight at Lodge/Teahouse

TREK TO TADAPNI (2630M) WITH VISIT TO POONHILL (3210M) 05 HRS

The guide will wake you up early for the 45 minutes’ walk up to Poonhill, where you can view the sunrise over the long Himalayan chain of mountains from the far western Dolpo peaks, Dhaulagiri massive, Annapurna, Manaslu and as far to Ganesh Himal range including the beautiful majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail). After the busy photo session return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. From Ghorepani the trail follows to the upper ridge to Deurali almost to the same height as Poonhill with constant view of the snow capped peaks and through rhododendron forest, then descend from Deurali where the path narrows down through the temperate rain forest, stepper section at some places as you come to Bhanthati a place in the middle of the forest, after a short break here or lunch, the trek continues on the gradual trail for an hour, after coming down to a small stream in the middle of the rhododendron forest with an hour uphill walk to Tadapani. Tadapani is in the middle of the forest of Rhododendron, Magnolia and Oaks. From this place a grand view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (fishtail) can be seen at a close distance. Tadapani with 8-10 lodges a settlement made by the local Gurung people from Ghandrung and Kimrong to serve and cater the needs of the trekkers. Overnight at Lodge/Teahouse

TREK TO GHANDRUK (1940M) 04 HRS

Today’s walk leads through serene forest for an hour on the gradual path to Bhasi Kharka, from this spot the trail descends with occasional view of the Mt. Annapurna ranges & Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The trial descends through forest, creeks and small streams and into the maze of trails till Ghandruk village is reached. This is a semi-modern village and gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary. On reaching Ghandruk at lunch time and as well for the night stop with enough time to explore the village and Gurung culture. The trail descends through the deep forest and huge boulders into the maze of tracks around Ghandruk at 1940 m. This is a modern village of Nepal and nice village settlement in terrace field. Overnight at Lodge/Teahouse

TREK TO NAYAPUL (1070M) 04 HRS AND DRIVE TO POKHARA 1.5 HRS

A pleasant walking on this last day, the trek leads to a long descend towards Syauli Bazaar for two hours from here the path follows the Modi River all the way to Nayapool and passing through another nice village at Birethanti. From this place a short walk of 30 minutes reaches you at Nayaul for 1.5 hours scenic drive to Pokhara for the overnight stop near by the Lake Phewa. Overnight in Hotel

DRIVE BACK TO KATHMANDU

After a wonderful time in the mountains, Pokhara is certainly great spot to relax after the trek and swap stories with fellow trekkers. After breakfast, we will board the bus for the 5- 6 hour scenic journey back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel

TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR FINAL DEPARTURE

Keep the departure time of international flight in mind, and make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy!
Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from beautiful Nepal.