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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu – Panoramic Himalayan Welcome
Your Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek adventure begins with a spectacular arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital city. On a clear day, your flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, creating an unforgettable first impression of your journey.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. Enjoy a smooth check-in process and take some time to relax after your flight.
Later, you will receive a detailed pre-trek briefing, where your itinerary, daily activities, safety guidelines, and essential trekking information will be clearly explained to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
Meals: Not Included
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 2
Kathmandu & Patan Cultural Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast, begin your guided exploration of the Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage destination renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and spiritual heritage.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, often called the “City of Temples.” This former royal palace complex showcases centuries of Nepalese art and architecture. Key highlights include the ancient royal palace of the former Nepali kings and the legendary Kasthamandap, traditionally believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Continue to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, a sacred Buddhist site perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. This 2,000-year-old stupa is famous for its golden spire, prayer flags, and the symbolic all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, offering both spiritual significance and panoramic city views.
Patan Durbar Square
Next, explore the artistic city of Patan, known as a center of fine arts and traditional craftsmanship. The square features over 1,200 temples and monuments, showcasing exquisite wood carvings, metalwork, and Newari architecture. Visit the Patan Museum, one of the finest museums in South Asia, housed within the ancient royal palace complex.
After completing the sightseeing tour, return to your hotel for rest and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 3
Scenic Drive to Pokhara – Gateway to the Annapurna Region
After breakfast, begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (approximately 210 km / 6–7 hours) through winding highways, rivers, terraced hills, and charming countryside landscapes.
As you descend to a lower elevation, the scenery gradually transforms into a lush, subtropical environment. Known as the “City of Lakes,” Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most beautiful destinations, offering a peaceful atmosphere, serene lakes, and spectacular views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax by the lakeside or explore the vibrant Lakeside area, famous for its cafés, restaurants, and mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Overnight stay at hotel in Pokhara.
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Day 4
Drive to Darbang via Beni – Gateway to the Remote Himalayas
After breakfast, begin your journey from Pokhara toward Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi, following scenic roads alongside rivers, terraced hills, and rural settlements.
From Beni, continue on a more rugged 2–3 hour drive along a scenic dirt road to reach Darbang, a traditional village that has evolved into an important starting point for trekking expeditions in the Dhaulagiri region. The route offers stunning views of deep valleys and surrounding hills, giving a glimpse of the remote landscapes ahead.
Upon arrival in Darbang, you will meet your trekking crew, including porters and mule support teams. Here, all trekking gear will be organized and final preparations will be completed before beginning the adventure into the wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Darbang.
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Day 5
Trek to Dharapani (1,560m) – First Steps into the Dhaulagiri Region
Today marks your first trekking day with a gentle 3–4 hour introductory hike into the remote Dhaulagiri region. After breakfast, begin the walk by crossing the Myagdi River via a suspension bridge, followed by a steady ascent toward Phedi.
The trail continues uphill through small settlements and terraced slopes, gradually reaching a scenic ridge-top village. Along the way, you will experience the peaceful rural lifestyle of western Nepal and the untouched natural beauty of the region.
Upon arrival at Dharapani village (1,560m), enjoy rewarding views of the surrounding western Himalayan peaks, including Putali and Ghurja Himal. The tranquil environment and mountain backdrop make this a perfect introduction to trekking in the Dhaulagiri wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Dharapani.
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Day 6
Trek to Mure (1,700m) – First Views of the Dhaulagiri Massif
After breakfast, begin your trek through peaceful farmland trails and rural landscapes, gradually making your way toward the snout of a ridge where the majestic Dhaulagiri massif first comes into view, marking a dramatic introduction to the high Himalayas.
The trail then descends to the Gatti Khola, followed by a steady two-hour uphill climb through forested paths and scattered settlements. The route offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural encounters in the remote hills of western Nepal.
Continue trekking until you reach the large and scenic village of Mure (1,700m), beautifully situated at the confluence of the Myagdi and Dhara Rivers. Surrounded by hills and river valleys, Mure provides a peaceful setting for rest after a rewarding day on the trail.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Mure.
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Day 7
Trek to Bagar (2,375m) – Final Village Before the High Himalayas
After breakfast, begin your trek by descending through scenic paddy fields and terraced farmlands, enjoying the peaceful rural atmosphere of the region. The trail then crosses the Dhora Khola, marking a transition from cultivated landscapes to more rugged terrain.
From here, the route ascends steadily on a steep uphill climb of approximately two hours, passing through forested sections and remote hillside paths. The climb is rewarding, offering increasingly expansive views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Arrive at Bagar (2,375m), the last permanent settlement on the route toward the Kali Gandaki Valley. This isolated village provides a fascinating glimpse into traditional mountain life in one of Nepal’s most remote regions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Bagar.
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Day 8
Trek to Dovan (2,600m) – Into the Forested Wilderness
After breakfast, leave the farmlands and village settlements behind as the trail gradually enters a more remote and forested landscape. The route climbs along the western side of the Myagdi River, offering a peaceful and increasingly wild trekking experience.
The path is narrow and gently undulating, passing through dense forest sections and quiet natural surroundings. As you continue, the sound of the river and the rustling forest create a calm and immersive Himalayan atmosphere.
After a steady walk, arrive at Dovan (2,600m), a serene “Kharka” (grassy clearing) traditionally used by local shepherds. Surrounded by forest and open meadows, Dovan offers a peaceful resting point in the heart of the wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Dovan.
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Day 9
Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka (3,000m) – Entering the Alpine Zone
After breakfast, continue your journey by crossing the Konaban Khola, entering a deep and tranquil forested region. The trail leads through dense woodland, where the path alternates between gradual ascents and descents, adding variety to the trekking experience.
As you move higher, the landscape begins to open up, and glimpses of the magnificent west wall of Dhaulagiri I appear through the trees, revealing the true scale of the surrounding Himalayan giants.
After a rewarding day’s trek, arrive at the high-altitude plateau of Chartare, also known as Bhainsi Kharka (3,000m). This open tableland offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forested slopes and distant mountain views, making it an ideal campsite in the wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Bhainsi Kharka.
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Day 10
Trek to Pakhaban – Japanese Camp (3,750m) – Into the High Alpine Gorge
After breakfast, continue your ascent toward the higher reaches of the Dhaulagiri region, heading in the direction of the Italian Base Camp zone. The trail becomes increasingly rugged as you enter a dramatic rocky mountainside landscape, marking a clear transition into high alpine terrain.
As you progress, the route narrows and leads across a challenging section where you cross a glacier flowing from the West Wall of Dhaulagiri I. The surrounding scenery becomes more intense, with towering ice-covered peaks and steep cliff faces dominating the landscape.
Arrive at the remote camping area of Pakhaban – Japanese Camp (3,750m), situated within a narrow gorge and surrounded by the impressive stone walls of Tsaurabong Peak. This dramatic setting offers a true wilderness experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Japanese Camp.
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Day 11
Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m) – Heart of the Great Himalayas
After breakfast, continue your trek across the dramatic high mountain terrain, following the lateral moraine and uneven glacial surfaces as the valley gradually bends deeper into the Dhaulagiri region. This challenging section offers an immersive experience in true high-altitude wilderness.
As you arrive at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m), you are rewarded with an awe-inspiring close-up view of the towering North Face of Mount Dhaulagiri I (8,167m). The surrounding landscape is dominated by massive glaciers, ice formations, and sheer rock walls, creating one of the most spectacular mountain amphitheaters in the Himalayas.
To the west, the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri II, III, and IV rise sharply into the sky, while a powerful icefall cascading from the Tukuche Peak col adds to the raw beauty and dramatic setting of the base camp.
This remote location offers a truly unforgettable wilderness experience, surrounded by silence, glaciers, and towering Himalayan giants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
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Day 12
French Pass (5,360m) & Hidden Valley (4,900m) – Crossing the High Himalayas
After breakfast, begin one of the most remarkable and challenging sections of the expedition as you ascend a rocky, terraced ridge toward the legendary French Pass (5,360m)—the highest point of the entire journey.
Marked with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, the pass rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan giants, including Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang. The vastness of the landscape and the silence of the high mountains create an unforgettable alpine experience.
From the pass, enjoy a gentle descent into the mystical Hidden Valley (4,900m)—a remote and isolated high-altitude sanctuary that remained largely unexplored for centuries. Surrounded by towering peaks and untouched wilderness, this hidden basin offers a rare sense of peace and isolation in the heart of the Himalayas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Hidden Valley.
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Day 13
Exploration & Acclimatization Day in Hidden Valley
Today is an important acclimatization and exploration day in the remote Hidden Valley (4,900m). This rest day is essential to help your body adapt to the high altitude before crossing the next challenging pass.
Depending on weather conditions and the overall group’s health, you may explore the surrounding pristine alpine landscape, characterized by vast open spaces, glacial scenery, and dramatic mountain backdrops. The Hidden Valley offers a rare opportunity to experience untouched Himalayan wilderness in complete serenity.
Alternatively, you may choose to simply relax at camp, conserving energy and preparing for the upcoming high-altitude crossing. Your guide will closely monitor conditions and ensure the safest approach for the next stage of the expedition.
This peaceful day in the mountains provides both physical recovery and mental preparation for the journey ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Hidden Valley.
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Day 14
Cross Dhampus Pass (5,250m) to Yak Kharka – Descent into the Kali Gandaki Valley
After breakfast, begin the challenging descent from the Hidden Valley as you cross the high Dhampus Pass (5,250m). This dramatic ridge offers breathtaking panoramic views, with the vast Kali Gandaki Valley stretching far below and the towering Annapurna massif rising prominently in the distance.
From the pass, the trail descends steeply along a rugged, rock-covered mountainside. The path demands careful footing as you make your way down through high alpine terrain, surrounded by raw Himalayan wilderness and striking geological formations.
After a rewarding and scenic descent, arrive at Yak Kharka, a traditional high-altitude summer pasture used by yak herders. Set in an open landscape with sweeping mountain views, this peaceful campsite offers a well-earned rest after crossing one of the expedition’s major high passes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at tented camp in Yak Kharka.
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Day 15
Trek to Marpha (2,630m) & Drive to Jomsom – Into the Kali Gandaki Valley
After breakfast, begin a steep descent toward the ridge where the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak come back into view, marking your entry into the lower Himalayan valleys. The trail continues along scenic mountain terrain with changing landscapes and dramatic river valley views.
Follow the left bank of the Kali Gandaki River, passing through traditional settlements and open valley sections until you reach the picturesque village of Marpha. Known for its charming whitewashed houses, narrow stone-paved lanes, and famous apple orchards, Marpha is also well known for its locally produced apple brandy.
After exploring the village, take a short drive to Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang region. Situated in the windswept Kali Gandaki Valley, Jomsom offers striking views of surrounding peaks and a unique trans-Himalayan landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at a hotel in Jomsom.
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Day 16
Fly to Pokhara – Return to Comfort in the Lakeside City
After breakfast, take a scenic 20-minute mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. During the flight, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the contrasting landscapes—from the arid, high-altitude terrain of Mustang to the lush, green valleys of Pokhara.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the comfort of the lakeside city. The rest of the day is free for relaxation. You may unwind at your hotel or simply enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) while reflecting on your incredible Himalayan journey.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Overnight stay at hotel in Pokhara.
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Day 17
Drive to Kathmandu & Cultural Farewell Dinner – Celebration of Your Himalayan Journey
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6–7 hour drive back to Kathmandu, passing through beautiful countryside landscapes, river valleys, terraced hills, and traditional villages. This comfortable journey marks your return from the remote Himalayas to the vibrant capital city.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time to rest and refresh. In the evening, join a special Farewell Dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, celebrating the successful completion of your expedition.
Enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine accompanied by a captivating cultural dance performance showcasing the traditions of Nepal’s diverse ethnic communities. This memorable evening offers a perfect cultural finale to your incredible Himalayan adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 18
Final Departure from Kathmandu – Farewell to the Himalayas
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the unforgettable journey through the Dhaulagiri region, remote valleys, high passes, and spectacular Himalayan landscapes.
At the scheduled time, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. We ensure a smooth and comfortable departure as you conclude your remarkable Himalayan expedition.
As you leave Nepal, you carry with you lifelong memories of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, along with the pride of having completed one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding trekking adventures.
Meals: Breakfast Included
