Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Dhampus/Thapa Peak Climbing - 19 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 19 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 6,012m/19,725ft. Walking Per Day: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: N/A grade Grade: Fair Strenuous
Best Season: Autumn and Spring Group Size: 1-15
Mode: Tea-House/Tent-Camp Culture: Magar Culture, Gurung Culture, Sherpa Culture, Thakali Culture, Mixed Culture

For an iconic Himalayan trekking adventure – that takes you off-the-beaten trail in the safest possible way – this combination has everything you could possibly dream of.

A Dhaulagiri Circuit and Dhampus Peak trekking expedition is a joy from start to finish, as it takes you to a base camp that is easily one of the most beautiful camping sites on the planet. It also puts you in warm and welcoming parts of urban Nepal, to launch and then celebrate a true adventure that generally lasts around 14 days.

This is one of the least known trekking options in Nepal. It is not mentioned as prolifically as expeditions on and around Everest. Yet some visitors walking and peak climbing around the Dhaulagiri Circuit find it just as beguiling and exciting, and potentially more rewarding.

 

What is the Dhaulagiri Circuit?

As the name implies, this circular trek takes you around a group of mountains dominated by Dhaulagiri, which translates from Sanskrit to “White Beautiful Mountain”. It is ranked seventh highest in the world. 

This is remote and wild terrain, with glacier features and views that will leave you lost for words. One of its many advantages is that though Dhaulagiri has been climbed successfully many times since 1960, it's still a rare chance to see natural wonders that few people experience in their lifetime.

Two summits and true wilderness

Another reason this trek stands out from similar adventure activities is that you get to experience the exhilaration of reaching two summits. On the circuit, you will climb Dhaulagiri French Col at 5400 meters, then go onwards to Dhampus Peak which is just over 6000 meters.

This trekking expedition is classed as a medium to a high difficulty level. It is a tough challenge as it goes through true wilderness. Acclimatization is included but this is a camp-based trek, well away from “civilization”. So, don’t expect scatterings of Nepalese villages and heritage sights!

Instead, you will see raw nature and the true magnificence of mountain landscapes. This includes lush alpine vegetation on the lower slopes, rugged rock outcrops, and pristine slopes of snow and ice higher up.

The circuit takes in the narrow Chonbarden gorge, breathtaking views from Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and a fascinating trek through French Pass. It also takes you to the “Hidden Valley", an extremely remote hanging gorge.

What you need to know about this expedition?

The team at Nepal Mountain Trekkers is highly adept at making sure each expedition has the appropriate climbing permits and climbing gears of course. Safety is always the first priority on all expeditions.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek (with Dhampus Peak Climbing) will test you to your limits. It is vital to have a good level of fitness and basic experience of high altitude walking with crampons and picks. In other words, mountaineering experience is not necessary as we can make this incredible trekking experience possible and pleasurable.

For a more detailed literary - and insights into our credentials to lead this expedition in a safe but hugely rewarding way – contact the team at Nepal Mountain Trekkers.


Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Dhampus/Thapa Peak Climbing Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel
       

     

  • Day 2 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
    • Duration :Half Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath

      » Pashupatinath

    • Highlights :

      » Sightseeing at Kathmandu

      » UNESCO World Heritage Sites

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Equipment checking and briefing about the trek

     

  • Day 3 Kathmandu – Beni(900m/2,952ft)
    • Duration :10hrs Drive(297Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Dhading

      » Damauli

      » Pokhara

      » Kushma

      » Baglung

      » Beni

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Prithvi Highway

      » Kali Gandaki River Bank

      » Mountain Scenery 

     

  • Day 4 Beni – Dharapani(1,560m/5,118ft) via Darbang(1,180m/3,871ft)
    • Duration :3hrs Drive(44Km) and 4hrs Walk(9Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :380m/1,246ft
    • Location :

      » Beni

      » Tatopani

      » Babiyachaur

      » Darbang

      » Phedi

      » Dharapani

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Myagdi River Upstream

      » Farm Villages and Cultivated Lands with Terraces of Rice, Wheat, Barley and Mustard

      » Darbang Village – Gateway to Dhaulagiri and Dhorpatan

      » Moderate Hiking

      » Fabulous views of Putali and Ghurja Himal, adjoining Dhaulagiri massif chain of mountains

     

  • Day 5 Dharapani – Mudi/Muri(1,720m/5,645ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs Walk(12-13Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :440m/1,445ft
    • Descend :280m/920ft
    • Location :

      » Dharapani

      » Sibang

      » Phaliyagaon

      » Mudi/Muri  

    • Highlights :

      » Myagdi River

      » Traditional Villages

      » Pun-Magar Settlement, Dense Forests

      » Terraced Fields

      » Blissful Nature

      » Fresh Air

      » Suspension Bridges

      » Bamboo Trees

     

  • Day 6 Mudi/Muri – Dobang Kharka(2,520m/8,268ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs Walk(13-14Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Descend :150m/492ft
    • Ascend :945m/3,100ft
    • Location :

      » Musi/Muri

      » Naura

      » Bagar(Boghara)

      » Lipsaba(Lipsa)

      » Plangkos Kharka

      » Dobang Kharka  

    • Highlights :

      » Bushes

      » Wildlife

      » Herbs and Vegetations

      » Off-the-beaten trail

      » Rhododendron Forests

      » Blissful Nature

      » Wooden Bridges

      » Myagdi Khola – Clear Water

      » Fresh Air

      » Small Settlements

      » Cattles

      » Mountain Scenery

     

  • Day 7 Dobang Kharka – Soligari(3,100m/10,170ft)
    • Duration :4-5hrs Walk(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :580m/1,902ft
    • Location :

      » Dobang Kharka

      » Myagdi Khola

      » Soligari

    • Highlights :

      » Forests like Natural Botanical Garden

      » Wildlife including Deer, Langurs, Yaks

      » Herbs and Vegetations

      » Wooden Bridges

      » Konabain Khola

      » Myagdi Khola

      » Bamboo Forest  

     

  • Day 8 Soligari – Italian Base Camp(3,660m/12,007ft)
    • Duration :4-5hrs Walk(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :560m/1,1837ft
    • Location :

      » Soligari

      » Puchhar Base Camp

      » American Base Camp

      » Italian Base Camp 

    • Highlights :

      » Follow a trail to the Terminal Moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier

      » Enter the Glacier

      » Bamboo Forests

      » Wildlife including Langoor, Himalayan Thar, Deers etc

      » Marvelous of Dhaulagiri Ranges  

     

  • Day 9 Acclimatization Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Location :

      » Italian Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      »  Day Hike

      » “Climb Higher, Sleep Lower”   

     

  • Day 10 Italian Base Camp – Japanese Base Camp(3,890m/12,762ft)
    • Duration :4-5hrs Walk(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :230m/754ft
    • Location :

      » Italian Base Camp

      » Swiss Base Camp

      » French Base Camp

      » Japanese Base Camp   

    • Highlights :

      » Dhaulagiri West Icefall Glacier Walk

      » Cross a Huge Breach in the Moraine

      » Blissful Nature

      » Crevasses

      » Moraine Glacier

      » Frozen Debris of a Massive Avalanche Fan

      » Sherpas – the Expertise of the Mountains

      » Large Bivouac Cave

      » Marvellous View of Dhaulagiri I, Manapathi and Tsaurabong    

     

  • Day 11 Japanese Base Camp – Dhaulagiri Base Camp(4,748m/15,577ft)
    • Duration :5hrs Walk(9Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :858m/2,815ft
    • Location :

      » Japanese Base Camp

      » Chhonbardan Glacier

      » Dhaulagiri Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      » Glacier Walk

      » View of Tukuche Peak

      » Stony Ground

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » Prayer Flags

      » Icicles  View

      » Sounds of Avalanches

      » Moving Glacier

      » Low Temperature

      » Astonishing View of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III and Dhaulagiri IV,

      » Ice Glacier of Dhaulagiri North-East Col

      » Overnight at Ice Glacier Camp 

     

  • Day 12 Acclimatization Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Location :

      » Dhaulagiri-I Base Camp 

    • Highlights :

      » Day Hike

      » Explore Glaciers and Ice Falling Area

      » Photo Sessions

      » Rest and Relax

      » “Climb Higher, Sleep Lower”   

     

  • Day 13 Dhaulagiri Base Camp – Hidden Valley Camp(5,140m/16,863ft) via French Col Pass(5,360m/17,585ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs Walk(11-12Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :612m/2,007ft
    • Descend :220m/722ft
    • Location :

      » Dhaulagiri Base Camp

      » Tukuche Icefall

      » French Col Pass

      » Hidden Valley Camp

    • Highlights :

      » Crest of Massive Moraine Ridge

      » Open Slopes that leads to Crest of French Col

      » Cairns

      » Prayer Flags

      » Amazing View of Tukuche West, Dhaulagiri-I, Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang and Sita Chuchura

      » Lower Temperature Zone

      » Windy Valley

      » Technical Trail requiring Well-Equipped Preparation

      » Unique Nature

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » French Pass- Highest Elevation of this Trekking   

     

  • Day 14 Climbing Preparation Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Location :

      » Hidden Valley Camp

    • Highlights :

      » Equipment and Climbing Gears Usage Training

      » Safety Training

      » Fitness Analysis

      » Rest and Relax

     

  • Day 15 Hidden Valley Camp – Yak Kharka(4,050m/13,287ft) via Dhampus Peak(Thapa Peak) Summit(6,012m/19,725ft)
    • Duration :9-10hrs Walk(12-13Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Tent-Camp
    • Ascend :872m/2,860ft
    • Descend :1,962m/6,437ft
    • Location :

      » Hidden Valley Camp

      » Dhampus Pass

      » Dhapus/Thapa Peak Summit

      » Elevation Camp

      » Yak Kharka

    • Highlights :

      » Charismatic View of Western Nepal

      » Desert-like Landscape

      » Close View of Dhaulagiri I including other Dhaulagiri Ranges

      » Tukuche Peak, Mustang Valley, Kaligandaki Valley and Nilgiri

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » Achievement of a Lifetime

      » Blissful Nature

      » Prayer Flags

      » Yaks

      » Yak Shelter

      » Touch the Tree-Line

      » Technical Trekking Trail

      » Cautious Trail     

     

  • Day 16 Yak Kharka – Jomsom(2,800m/9,186ft)
    • Duration :4hrs Walk(8-9Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Descend :1,250m/4,102ft
    • Location :

      » Yak Kharka

      » Alubari

      » Marpha

      » Jomsom

    • Highlights :

      » Small Settlements

      » Downtown Area

      » Apple Orchids

      » Apple Garden

      » Agro-Farms

      » Kali Gandaki River Bank

      » Lowland Walk

      » Prayer Flags and Prayer Wheels

      » Mani Walls and Mani Stone

      » Windy Trail

      » Windy Valley

      » Monasteries

      » Jomsom-Capital Of Mustang

      » Jomsom Airport

      » Celebration of Success   

     

  • Day 17 Jomsom – Pokhara
    • Duration :25 MIns Flight
    • Meals :Lunch, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Domestic Airport(Jomsom-Pokhara)

      » Pokhara Lakeside

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Flight

      » Amazing View from the Plane

      » Annapurna Range and Annapurna Valley

      » View of Annapurna Conservation Area

      » Pokhara Sightseeing and City VIsit

     

  • Day 18 Pokhara – Kathamandu
    • Duration :35 Mins Flight
    • Meals :Breakfast, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Domestic Airport(Pokhara-Kathmandu)

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Flight

      » Amazing View from the Plane

      » Annapurna Range and Annapurna Valley

      » Kathmandu City Visit

      » Farewell Dinner in the Evening

     

  • Day 19 Shopping in the Morning and Final Departure
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Dhampus/Thapa Peak Climbing Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick up and drop
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • All accommodation and meals during the trek (Full Board)
  • Domestic Flight
  • All require camping equipment
  • An experienced and professional English-speaking trekking guide, porters to carry luggage ( required porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  •  Well experienced ice climbing guide (Climbing service charge, insurance, food, personal equipment)
  • Group Climbing gear fixed rope, main rope, ice axe, zoomer, harness, the figure of eight, carabineer
  • Four seasonal sleeping bags, down jacket, Nepal Mountain Trekkers duffer bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (Note: down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Peak Permit Royalty, Annapurna Conservation Area fee
  •  A comprehensive medical kit
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charges
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pick up and drop
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • All accommodation and breakfast during the trek
  • Domestic Flight
  • All require camping equipment
  • An experienced and professional English-speaking trekking guide, porters to carry luggage ( required porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Well experienced ice climbing guide (Climbing service charge, insurance, food, personal equipment)
  • Group Climbing gear fixed rope, main rope, ice axe, zoomer, harness, the figure of eight, carabineer
  • Four seasonal sleeping bags, down jacket, Nepal Mountain Trekkers duffer bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (Note: down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Peak Permit Royalty, Annapurna Conservation Area fee
  •  A comprehensive medical kit
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charges

Cost Excludes

  • Nepalese VISA fee (VISA Information)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation(s)
  • Travel Insurance and Rescue Cost
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Personal trekking and climbing gears
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Nepalese VISA fee (VISA Information)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
  • Lunch and evening meals during the trek
  • Extra night accommodation(s)
  • Travel Insurance and Rescue Cost
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Personal trekking and climbing gears
  • Tips for guides and porters

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 19 days Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Dhampus/Thapa Peak Climbing

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to (-20F/-30C recommended)
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you bring your regular medicines; we will provide a first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer
Day Pack (35-45 L)
Crocs (evenings & washing)
Gloves (lighter & heavier for passes)
Camp Towel
Trekking Poles (optional, recommended)
Down Booties (optional, recommended)
Bladder (optional, recommended)
Extra Batteries
Battery Chargers
Yak Trax (for treks with icy passes)
Camp Washing Bowl (optional, collapsible for clothes)
Laundry Detergent (Kathmandu) or Bio-degradable Clothes Soap
Small Solar Panel (optional, recommended for iPods, iPhones, camera batteries, Kindles)
Zip-Lock | Plastic Bags
Rehydration | Electrolytes
Snacks!
Personal Medical Supplies
Micro Spikes
Medical Supplies
We strongly suggest bringing Western meds with you as there are a lot of Indian fakes on the market!


Suggested: Diamox, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Tinidazole, or Flagyl & Augmentin. Bring COMPEED for covering blisters & good tasting electrolytes &/or rehydration salts (Emergen-C is a good American brand). The local versions aren’t very appealing.

We also recommend bringing strong knee & ankle supports & braces, ACE bandages for sprains & strains, Tegaderm &/or other would coverings. Duct tape is always useful. We’re happy to take excess medical supplies off your hands when you leave if you won’t need them and pass them on to others. We use lots of the large amount we have with us to treat locals we meet when trekking.

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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Dhampus/Thapa Peak Climbing - 19 days

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