Dhaulagiri Round: A Trekker’s Paradise

The Dhaulagiri Round is a breathtaking trekking route located in the western part of Nepal, known for its stunning landscapes, challenging terrains, and mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. Spanning across the Dhaulagiri mountain range, this trek offers a unique and rewarding experience for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Covering a distance of approximately 170 kilometers, the Dhaulagiri Round takes trekkers on a circular journey around the seventh highest mountain in the world, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters). The trek usually starts and ends in the vibrant city of Pokhara, passing through picturesque villages, remote valleys, high mountain passes, and awe-inspiring glaciers.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Beni, a small town in the Myagdi district. From there, trekkers follow the course of the Myagdi River, ascending through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities. Along the way, trekkers are greeted with warm hospitality and get a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.

As the trail ascends, the landscape transforms dramatically, with dense forests giving way to alpine meadows and eventually barren, rugged terrains. Trekkers need to be well-prepared as they tackle challenging terrains, steep ascents, and crossings over icy streams. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the traverse of the French Pass (5,360 meters) and the Dhampus Pass (5,182 meters), which offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Dhaulagiri itself.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Dhaulagiri Round is the opportunity to witness the stunning biodiversity of the region. The trek takes you through several conservation areas, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area and the Dhaulagiri Conservation Area, which are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Trekkers might encounter rare wildlife species like the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and various species of birds.

The Dhaulagiri Round also presents trekkers with the chance to witness the lifestyle and traditions of the people living in the region. The trek passes through remote villages like Marpha, Tukuche, and Jomsom, where trekkers can interact with the locals, observe their traditional practices, and savor the unique flavors of local cuisine. These villages also serve as convenient resting points, allowing trekkers to replenish their supplies and rest before continuing their journey.

Throughout the trek, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. The ever-changing vistas, from lush valleys to towering mountains, create an awe-inspiring backdrop for the trekking experience. The clear, crisp air, pristine glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls further add to the enchantment of the journey.

The Dhaulagiri Round is considered a challenging trek that requires physical fitness, endurance, and prior trekking experience. Trekkers should be well-prepared, both physically and mentally, and equipped with appropriate gear to tackle the harsh mountain conditions. Hiring an experienced guide and porter is highly recommended to ensure safety and to navigate the sometimes treacherous trails.

Trekking in Dhaulagiri region

Group size of the Trek
Minimum 2 person
Maximum 15 person

Trek features :

  1. spectacular mountain views of Annapuran ranges
  2. Rhododendron flowers forest, many types of orchids
  3. Gurung  culture & practices.

Grade : Hard to strenuous

Accommodation : Tented camp

Food: Continental

Equipment List

The requirement of equipment is diffrent for each trek. these are common requirment of personnel things for most of our treks. Please feel free to ask for advice we will provide you the best suggestion.

Clothing and Equipment Check List

  1. Pair of T-shirts and half pants
  2. Fleece jacket and warm Trousers
  3. Raincoats & water proof pants
  4. Down jacket
  5. Thermal underwear
  6. Windproof jacket
  7. Fleece/wool warm hat
  8. Baseball hat or sun hat
  9. Snow & sun  glasses
  10. Fleece gloves
  11. Socks – 3/4 pairs
  12. Socks- woolen
  13. Trekking shoes
  14. Ligh sport shoes
  15. Small rucksack for daypack
  16. Waterbottle (metal )
  17. Kit Bag medium size
  18. Trekking poles (optional)
  19. Sleeping bag down ( -5-10 degree)
  20. Flash light & batteries

Personal things

  1. Small kit bag (valuable things can put inside , pocket knife )
  2. Sun Cream & lip care cream
  3. Moist towels for personal hygiene

Dhaulagiri Round Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1350m.), Pick up then transfer to the Hotel.

Day 2: Full day Sight seeing in kathmandu valley.

Day 3: Drive / fligh to Pokhara (850m.), transfer to hotel

Trek started

Day 4: Drive to Beni and trek to Shastra Danda (777m.) 6-7hrs, gradual up.

Day 5: Trek to Babiyachaur (1020m.),5-6hrs., Gradual up

Day 6: Trek to Darbang (1113m.) , 5 hrs,Gradual ups

Day 7: Trek to Muri ( 2000m.), 5 hrs , gradual ups & Steep up

Day 8: Trek to Jugapani (2200m.), gradual up

Day 9: Trek to Boghara , 5-6hrs., gradual up

Day 10: Trek to Lapache Kharka (2310m.), 7hrs. ,steep ups & gradual ups.

Day 11: Trek to Chartare , 6 hrs., gradual ups & steep ups

Day 12: Trek to Italy Base Camp (3660m.), 5 hrs., steep up.

Day 13: Rest for Acclimatization

Day 14: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740m.), 5-6hrs., steep ups & Steep downs

Day 15: Trek to French Pass (5360m.) , 6-7hrs. , steep ups & downs

Day 16: Trek to Yak Kharka , 5-6hrs. , steep ups & downs

Day 17: Trek to Marpha (2610m.) , 5-6hrs. , gradual downs & steep downs

Day 18: Trek to Kalopani (2510m.), 5-6hrs. flat and gentle down

Day 19: Trek to Tatopani (1190m.), 5hrs. , gradual down

Day 20: Trek to Ghorepani (2875m.), 6-7hrs., steep and gradual ups

Day 21: Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara (850m.), 6- 7hrs.

Trek finished

Day 22: Sight seeing tour in Pokhara valley , farewell dinner at Nepali restaurant .

Day 23: Drive / flight to Kathmandu .

Day 24: Flight out to own destination or extra activities .

Dhaulagiri Round cost Includes/Excludes

Dhaulagiri Round cost Includes

  • Pick & Drop to Airport / Hotel in Kathmandu & required places
  • Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing with Tour guide.
  • Food (Breakfast , lunch & dinner with tea -coffee ) in Trekking guest houses .
  • Accommodation in trekking area guest houses twin sharing bases on the trek .
  • English speaking Government licenses holder trekking guide & Supporters
  • Staff food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine are included in trekking.
  • Primary First Aid Kits (For the first aid treatment purpose such as bandage , some medicine......)
  • Trekking permits & TIMS for Conservation area /Restricted area & all the necessary official documents for trek.
  • Transport ; trek start to ending point by private car/van/ Bus.

Dhaulagiri Round cost Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fee and necessary documets
  • Flight fare domestic and international .
  • Food in Kathmandu or other cities .
  • Airport Tax in Domestic & International Airpot & other taxes.
  • Personal insurance , equipment ,medical and travel insurance during the trek
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/Monument /donation and some personal expenses.
  • Helicopter rescue charge in case of Emergency .
  • Staff tips and other personal expenses
  • Expenses burden due to Natural disaster ; such as bad weather , land slide

Dhaulagiri Round map

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Dhaulagiri Round: A Trekker’s Paradise