Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Overview
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek takes you around the massive Dhaulagiri mountain range in western Nepal. Dhaulagiri I, standing at 8,167 meters, is the seventh highest mountain in the world. This trek is known for being one of Nepal’s most challenging, offering a real sense of adventure far away from the busy trekking routes.
What makes this trek special is its untouched nature and changing landscapes. You will start in green farmlands and thick rhododendron forests, and as you climb higher, the scenery slowly changes into alpine meadows, glaciers, rocky valleys, and snowy mountain passes.
The trek begins with a drive to Darbang. From there, you will walk through peaceful villages like Dharapani, Muri, Boghara, and Dobhan, where you can see the simple lifestyle of the local Magar and Gurung people. As you move higher, you will reach Italian Base Camp and Glacier Camp, before standing right below the giant Dhaulagiri at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m).
The most exciting part of the trek is crossing French Pass (5,360m), which leads into the remote Hidden Valley, surrounded by mountains like Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, and Mukut Himal. After that, you will cross Dhampus Pass (5,244m) and head down to Yak Kharka, finally ending your trek in Jomsom. A short flight from Jomsom will take you to Pokhara.
Throughout the trek, the mountains appear and disappear along the trail, creating stunning views. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a true adventure, offering beautiful nature, remote trails, and a real Himalayan experience for those who are ready for the challenge.
What is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a remote and challenging adventure that circles Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), the world’s seventh highest peak. Starting from Darbang in the Myagdi district, the trail passes through traditional villages like Muri, Boghara, and Dobang, offering a glimpse into the simple lifestyle of Magar and Gurung communities.
As you climb higher, the scenery changes from lush forests to alpine meadows, glaciers, and rocky terrain. One of the trek's highlights is reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m), followed by the French Pass (5,360m) and Hidden Valley, surrounded by peaks like Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, and Mukut Himal. The journey finishes after crossing Dhampus Pass (5,200m), eventually reaching Marpha in the Mustang region.
Due to the underdevelopment and remoteness of the trail, camping is required in many sections, adding to the true expedition feel. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking scenery and a real Himalayan adventure.
How difficult is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. It is not only long but also physically demanding because of its steep climbs, long walking days, high altitude, and remote location. Trekkers walk for many days without access to villages or tea houses, especially after Italian Base Camp, where camping becomes necessary.
One of the biggest challenges is the altitude. The trek reaches as high as 5,360 meters at French Pass and 5,244 meters at Dhampus Pass. This high altitude means there’s a higher risk of altitude sickness, and proper acclimatization is very important.
The trail itself includes narrow paths, glacier crossings, rocky trails, and steep sections that require good balance and strong legs. Weather can also change quickly, making the conditions harder, especially in the higher areas.
Because of these reasons, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is best for trekkers who have previous high-altitude trekking experience, are physically fit, and are mentally prepared for tough and remote conditions.
Which major highlights and landmarks of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek offers a true Himalayan adventure with stunning mountains, remote trails, and unique cultural encounters. Below are the key highlights yo will experience during this trek:
1) Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
The main highlight of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is walking around Mount Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh highest peak. Throughout the trek, you will get different views of this massive mountain, especially from Dhaulagiri Base Camp where you stand directly beneath its towering south face.
2) Magar and Gurung Villages
In the lower sections of the trek, you pass through traditional villages like Dharapani, Muri, Boghara, and Dobhan. These villages are home to the Magar and Gurung people, known for their simple lifestyle, warm hospitality, and rich cultural traditions. Walking through these villages gives you a chance to experience local life far from busy tourist areas.
3) Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Italian Base Camp is one of the first major stopping points on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Here, you get your first close-up views of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding peaks. It is also an important acclimatization stop before heading towards the higher camps.
4) Glacier Camp & Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,748m)
After Italian Base Camp, the trail moves across glaciers to Glacier Camp and finally to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. This section takes you deep into the high-altitude world of ice, snow, and rock, giving you breathtaking views of the entire Dhaulagiri range.
5) French Pass (5,360m)
French Pass is the highest point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Crossing this pass gives you incredible panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Mukut Himal, and the distant Annapurna range. The crossing requires careful walking due to altitude and snow conditions.
6) Hidden Valley (5,150m)
After crossing French Pass, you reach the beautiful Hidden Valley. It's quiet, remote, and surrounded by snowy peaks like Tukuche, Dhampus, and Mukut Himal, giving the trek a wild and untouched feeling.
7) Dhampus Pass (5,244m)
Crossing Dhampus Pass marks the start of the descent. From here, you get sweeping views of the Annapurna and Mustang regions. After the pass, the trail gradually descends to Yak Kharka and eventually to Jomsom.
8) Remote Wilderness Experience
Unlike other popular treks in Nepal, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek sees very few trekkers. Much of the trail goes through isolated areas with no permanent settlements in the higher sections, offering a true sense of wilderness and solitude.
9) Himalayan Panoramic View
Throughout the trek, you will enjoy incredible views not only of Dhaulagiri but also of nearby peaks like Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Mukut Himal, Nilgiri, and parts of the Annapurna range. The mountains appear and disappear as you move through valleys, forests, and high passes.
How physically demanding is the French Pass and Dhampus Pass on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
The French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,244m) are the two major high-altitude crossings on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Both passes are physically and mentally challenging, and they play a key role in making this trek one of Nepal’s most difficult trek.
French Pass (5,360m) – The Highest Point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
French Pass is the highest point on the entire Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. At 5,360 meters, the air is thin, and altitude sickness can be a serious concern if proper acclimatization has not been done. The climb to the pass involves a steady uphill walk on snow, ice, or loose rocks, depending on the season.
In the spring and autumn, snow levels may be lower, but the weather can still be unpredictable. During early spring or late autumn, fresh snow can make the climb more difficult and slippery. The final push to the top is tiring because of the altitude, but once you reach the pass, you will get to see the 360-degree views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Mukut Himal, and the Hidden Valley.
Hidden Valley (5,150m) – Rest Before the Next Pass
After French Pass, trekkers spend a night at Hidden Valley to rest and recover before crossing the next major pass. Though flat, the high altitude can still cause fatigue, and proper rest is important before the next climb.
Dhampus Pass (5,244m) – The Second High Crossing
Dhampus Pass comes shortly after Hidden Valley and is the final major pass of the trek. While it is slightly lower than French Pass, it can feel equally challenging due to tiredness, changing weather, and snow conditions. The approach to Dhampus Pass involves gentle climbs across open slopes, which can be windy and cold. The descent from Dhampus Pass towards Yak Kharka can also be steep and slippery, especially if there is snow or ice on the trail.
