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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 20 Days

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 20 Days

French Pass, Hidden Valley and full Dhaulagiri loop

Duration
20 Days / 19 Nights
Max altitude
5,360 m (French Pass)
Difficulty
Strenuous
Best season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Group size
Up to 12

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

The Dhaulagiri Circuit circles the world's seventh-highest mountain through remote valleys and two 5,000 m passes.

Camping trek from Beni through Italian Base Camp, French Pass and the Hidden Valley, exiting to Marpha and Jomsom.

Why trek with Unique Nepal: Unique Nepal is a locally run trekking and expedition company that plans every trek around your pace, fitness and interests. Our licensed guides know these trails and the communities along them well, and we handle permits, logistics and safety so you can focus on the mountains. Spanish-speaking guides are available, and we keep groups small so the experience stays personal and low-impact.

Highlights

What you will see and experience along the way

  • French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass
  • Hidden Valley camping
  • Full traverse of Dhaulagiri massif
  • Kali Gandaki exit to Jomsom
Difficulty & fitness Strenuous

Remote, very high terrain. For fit and experienced trekkers.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Trek route Tap a pin for the day stop
Altitude profile Highest point: 5,360 m
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 Day 1: 1,400 m 1 Day 2: 1,000 m Day 3: 1,560 m 3 Day 4: 3,660 m Day 5: 3,660 m 5 Day 6: 4,200 m Day 7: 5,360 m 7 Day 8: 5,000 m Day 9: 5,200 m 9 Day 10: 2,670 m Day 11: 2,720 m 11 Day 13: 1,400 m Day 14: 1,400 m 14 Day 15: 1,400 m Day 16: 1,400 m 16 Day 17: 1,400 m Day 18: 1,400 m 18 Day 19: 1,400 m Day 20: 1,400 m 20 5,360 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

Airport pickup and trek briefing.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel

Enter the Myagdi valley.

  • 1,000 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

River gorge walking.

  • 1,560 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

Steep climb toward the Dhaulagiri massif.

  • 3,660 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

Rest and short ridge walks.

  • 3,660 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

Glacier and moraine travel.

  • 4,200 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

Early start over French Pass; long day.

  • 5,360 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

Descent into the Hidden Valley.

  • 5,000 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

Second high pass with Annapurna views.

  • 5,200 m
  • Camp
  • B, L, D

Long descent to Kali Gandaki.

  • 2,670 m
  • Camp / teahouse
  • B, L, D

Easy walk along the river.

  • 2,720 m
  • Teahouse
  • B, L, D

Morning flight; free afternoon in Pokhara.

  • 822 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Bus or flight to Kathmandu.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Continues the outlined route; exact camp or lodge confirmed with your guide before departure.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Continues the outlined route; exact camp or lodge confirmed with your guide before departure.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Continues the outlined route; exact camp or lodge confirmed with your guide before departure.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Continues the outlined route; exact camp or lodge confirmed with your guide before departure.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Continues the outlined route; exact camp or lodge confirmed with your guide before departure.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Continues the outlined route; exact camp or lodge confirmed with your guide before departure.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel
  • B

Airport transfer for your onward flight.

  • 1,400 m
  • —
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Hotel in Kathmandu (and Pokhara where listed), twin sharing
  • Licensed English/Spanish-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
  • Conservation area / national park permits and TIMS (as required)
  • Private jeep or bus transfers as per itinerary
  • First-aid kit and oximeter
  • Two-person trekking tent and foam mattress
  • Dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent
  • Camping cook and kitchen crew
  • Full camping equipment for remote sections

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging on the trek
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Personal sleeping bag (rentable in Kathmandu)

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

On The Map

Full route map

Day stops and the trail overview for this package. Exact paths on high trails can vary with conditions.

Open in Google Maps →

Questions

Before you go

Not technical skills, but you need strong fitness and prior high-altitude trekking.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
Read all reviews →

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