Dhaulagiri Round Trekking

We will begin our journey from the historic city of Kathmandu. It heads west towards the famous and popular touristic destination of Pokhara. Pokhara is beneath green hills and the majestic Annapurna Himalayan range. It is renowned for its pristine lakes, Phewa and Begnas. Trekking in the Himalayas begins here.

Our adventure continues after Pokhara towards the warmer River valleys of Baglung and Beni. We then begin our adventure heading up hills through spread-out farm villages of Magar people. It is the hill tribe of Nepal that has an exciting culture. As we venture through alpine forests towards cooler regions, we will leave the last village of Bagar.

Our route then heads towards north past woodlands. It gives way to the arctic landscapes of ice and glaciers beneath the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri. Finally, making our way to Base Camp and making an overnight star, we will lead towards the high French Pass. This pass will bring us to the beautiful, expansive Hidden Valley encircled by peaks.

From Hidden Valley, we will climb the last pass, Thapa / Dhampus Peak, to reach the Kaligandaki River valley and the charming village of Marpha. After an enjoyable time in Marpha, our trek concludes with an exciting drive back to the picturesque Pokhara. We will finally complete this incredible Around Dhaulagiri adventure back in Kathmandu.

A typical day in the Dhaulagiri Round Trekking adventure begins early, with a hearty breakfast to fuel the day’s journey. After packing up, you will start trekking around 7 or 8 am. The morning trek walk covers several hours of gradual ascent. We will pass through diverse landscapes like terraced fields and rugged terrain.

After 4 to 5 hours of walking, we will finally make a stop at the midway for lunch. The break is usually in a scenic spot or a local teahouse. After having lunch and taking a short break, our journey towards today’s destination starts. The section here is a little more challenging compared to the morning trail.

We will reach today’s final destination around 4 to 5 pm. Upon reaching there, we will rest in the teahouses. The evening starts with dinner. After a meal, you can either get a good night’s sleep or interact with other travelers and play games. Finally all the trekkers are in bed for a sound sleep at about 10 pm.

You will experience the rich culture and diverse wildlife of Dhaulagiri Round Trek. You will walk through villages where the Magar and Thakali people live. Hus, this gives you the best chance to experience unique traditions and warm hospitality.  Also, you can see the traditional houses, which reflect the history of the area.  By interacting with them, you can also understand their way of life while immersing yourself in local festivals.

Furthermore, taking this trail, you will have a chance to see different species of flora and fauna.  In the lower regions, you pass through subtropical forests filled with rhododendrons, oak, and pine trees.  As you ascend, these give way to alpine meadows and, eventually, the arctic zone of snow and ice. You can also see a variety of birds, such as pheasants, eagles, and vultures. Considered home to various mammals, you can also see snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and musk deer.

The best time for Dhaulagiri Round Trekking is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November.

During spring, you can enjoy stable weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Furthermore, spring is the season of colors. You can witness the blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers throughout the trail. It gives extra layers of scenic beauty to the trail. Also, the season does not bring rainfall or clouds, so you can see the stunning surrounding views.

In the autumn season, after the monsoon rains have cleared the atmosphere, the weather remains stable and dry. The skies are typically clear, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, although it can be more relaxed at higher altitudes, especially towards the end of November. However, considering the peak season, you can see the trail entire of many trekkers.

The Dhaulagiri Round Trekking is a challenging trek. It is suitable for experienced trekkers and adventurers seeking remote and rugged terrain. On a grading scale, it would typically fall into a “Difficult” trek, i.e., 4 out of 5. Thus, to trek this trail, you must have prior trekking experience, good physical fitness, and the ability to cope with remote and demanding conditions.

Difficulty Level:

Terrain: The trek involves varied terrain, including steep ascents, descents, rocky paths, and potentially snowy or icy sections, especially at higher altitudes.

Altitude: Trekking to Dhaulagiri Base Camp reaches altitudes above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), with passes exceeding 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).

Duration: The trek spans approximately 17 days. Thus, walking for several hours daily requires stamina and endurance over rugged terrain.

TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System)

The TIMS Card is a crucial document for all trekkers in Nepal. It serves as a safety and monitoring tool. It ensures your welfare and manages trekking activities in the country. There are two types of TIMS Cards: one for organized trekkers and another for independent trekkers.

Organized trekkers with a registered trekking agency pay 10 USD per person for the TIMS Card. Independent trekkers who trek without a trekking agency pay 20 USD each.​ It is obtainable through registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit is necessary because the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking route passes through parts of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). This permit aims to preserve the region’s natural environment and cultural heritage. For each trekker, the ACAP fee is 3000 Nepalese Rupees (approximately 30 USD).

You can obtain the ACAP permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as well as from the entry checkpoints along the trekking route. It’s important to obtain the ACAP permit before starting the trek.

During the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking, meals and accommodations are an integral part of the trekking experience. Accommodations typically range from teahouses or guesthouses in villages along the route to camping at higher altitudes. Teahouses provide basic but comfortable lodging with twin or dormitory-style rooms. It is often equipped with beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. In more remote areas, accommodations may be more basic with shared facilities, and you should prepare for colder temperatures at higher altitudes.

As for meals, teahouses along the trekking route offer a variety of meals ranging from traditional Nepali dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables) to international dishes like pasta, noodles, and pancakes. Meals are usually hearty and filling, providing the necessary energy for trekking. Tea and coffee are readily available, and you can purchase bottled water or purified water at most teahouses. You should also carry snacks and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for anyone embarking on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking or any trekking adventure in Nepal. It provides essential coverage for unforeseen events and emergencies during the trek. It includes:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: In case of illness or injury during the trek, travel Insurance ensures that you receive the necessary medical treatment.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Travel insurance reimburses non-refundable costs if your trip is canceled or interrupted.
• Baggage and Personal Belongings: Coverage includes compensation for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and personal belongings during the trek.
• Emergency Evacuation: In the event of serious injury or illness, travel insurance covers the expenses of helicopter rescue.

You can purchase travel insurance from various insurance companies in Nepal. However, if you are buying one, there are several things you should consider. Choosing a policy that specifically covers trekking activities at high altitudes is essential. This must include emergency medical evacuation in remote areas like the Himalayas. Many trekking agencies in Nepal can also assist in arranging suitable travel insurance policies tailored to trekking expeditions.