Dhaulagiri, (meaning ‘’White Mountain’’) is the world’s seventh highest mountain at 8,167 m. One of the most popular Peaks for summiting in the Himalayas, Dhaulagiri lies northwest of Pokhara. It stands near the Kali Gandaki gorge along with another eight-thousander, Annapurna I.
When Dhaulagiri was first discovered in 1808, it was considered the highest mountain in the world and remained so for another 30 years. And, from the late 1830s to the early 1850s Kanchenjunga was considered the world’s highest mountain until Everest was declared the highest in 1856. A mountain with such a history, Dhaulagiri makes for a circuit that is extremely challenging to trek. Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a strenuous but highly rewarding trek in the Western Nepalese Himalayan region. The high alpine pastures, high passes, and uninhabited but breathtakingly serene valleys make for one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
The route consists of more than fifteen peaks over 7,000m and some of the most serene landscapes in Nepal. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking starts with an 8-hour-long scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni. We head north-west from Beni crossing villages of Babichour, Dorbang, Darapani, and Muri from where we take north following the banks of the Myagdi River.
Muri is predominantly a settlement of the Magar tribe and the last major village in this trail. Magar people are of Mongoloid stock and descendants of the Nepalese middle hills’ early settlers. Walking north from muri takes us to the villages of Baghara, Dobang, Choriban Khola, and to the Italian Base Camp. You will notice that there are no permanent settlements anymore. And, that is because we are already above 3,500 m in height. We are still heading north and before reaching the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, we skirt the Chhanbardan Glacier. At Dhaulagiri Base Camp Journey, a wide-ranging spread of mountain vistas welcome you, and you can literally touch Mt. Dhaulagiri! From the Base Camp, we walk northeast towards French Pass. It is a steep climb and along the way, you are awarded views of Mukut Himal, Sita Chuchura, and Tashi Kang. We then walk past Thapa Pass in between Tukuche Peak and Thapa Peak towards the Hidden Valley.
Through Dumuche Pass we head to Yak Kharka and then to Jomsom via Marpha. As Marpha is known for its apple, we stop to enjoy the apples and some of the products made from local apples including the Apple Brandy. From Jomsom, we board a scenic flight that provides magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we visit main attractions including Phewa Lake, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Fall, and Tibetan Refugee Camp among others.
The 21-day-long Dhaulagiri Circuit Trip is unique as it provides almost a peak climbing expedition expenditure. This is the best example of remote trekking in Nepal’s Himalayan region. For those who seek more restricted region trekking thrill in Nepal, Upper Dolpo-25 Days and Upper Mustang-17 days are ideas. Adventure Club Trek also provides itineraries to the Manaslu region and Dhaulagiri Circuit.
