Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

What is the difficulty level of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is one of the toughest trekking routes in Nepal. It is inappropriate for those who haven’t trekked yet or have limited trekking experience.

The trek involves high-altitude passes, rough terrain, travelling through isolated regions, snow-covered areas, and steep ascents and descents. Furthermore, the weather is exigent even in the warmer seasons.

Trekkers have to spend above 5,000 meters in tented camps. Therefore, one should physically and mentally prepare for the trek.

Like the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp trek, commercial facilities are unavailable during your journey. You have to depend upon the amenities that are in a basic level.

The trek is doable for those who are experienced in trekking and have basic mountaineering skills. Complete physical fitness and a good understanding of altitude sickness are extremely significant while trekking in this region.

Expectation from the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is one of the most rewarding and strenuous treks in Nepal. The 18-day journey provides you with unique and authentic Himalayan experiences. You’ll get an incredible sense of isolation hiking and adventure.

Throughout the trek, you’ll explore majestic views of Dhaulagiri massif, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, and Dhaulagiri IV. You’ll also pass through the deep valleys, glaciers and depth of mountains. Aside from this, you’ll have challenging but rewarding passes French (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240 m).

During your trekking journey, you’ll able to know the customs, traditions and culture of Gurung, Magar and Thakali people. Furthermore, you’ll also get a chance to explore the hidden & elegant settlements & places of local people.

To accomplish this trek; one must have an excellent level of fitness, mountaineering skills and depth knowledge of high-altitude trekking.

 Preparations of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

“Remember the more you prepared the more you enjoy the trek” .  The 18-day Dhaulagiri Circuit trek will be one of the most rewarding experiences for any trekkers. It will take you to the depths of the Himalayas, and remote valleys for more than a couple of weeks.

Every year several trekkers’ are land in Nepal for this impeccable journey. But the most primitive part is the planning, preparations and proper executions.

During your journey, you’ll be underway along the off-beaten path, steep ascents and descents, rugged terrain, remote region walking and unpredictable weather.

To minimize all those hindrances, one should be physically and mentally prepared for it.  The trekkers should be engaged in activities like jogging, running and cardio muscular activity at least 1-2 months before the trip commences. One may also engage and be involved in 2-3 high-altitude preparation training.

Aside from this, one should have good quality pieces of equipment, gear like trekking boots, warm clothes, a reliable bag pack, and poles. Furthermore, we the Adventure Walk Way is always eager to assist and help you before and during the trek.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek & Altitude Sickness

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is one of the toughest, most strenuous and high-altitude trekking in Nepal. It will take you to the elevations of French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5, 240 m).

During your journey, you’ll have to walk long day hours by following steep ascents and descents and rugged terrains. To accomplish this trek, one shouldn’t possess good stamina. However, he/she must have a high level of stamina, energy and endurance.

One should plan at least 1-2 months before the trip. The higher level of altitude declines oxygen from your body and leads you to serious Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). One may suffer from health issues like headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty in breathing and several other preliminary symptoms.

During the trek, proper acclimatization is extremely essential. It adjusts your body to the environment and minimizes the risk of altitude health problems.

It is recommended that every single trekker carry a small first aid kit and acetazolamide also known as Diamox. Here are some significant points that will be helpful during your trek.

• Allow your body to adjust with the changing environments during the trek.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or cigarettes during your journey.
• Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water, fluids & juices.
• Avoid the journey if you have any respiratory problems.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: possible for the beginner’s

The Dhaulagiri is regarded as one of the most strenuous treks in Nepal for several reasons, mainly due to its isolated regions, rugged terrain & high altitudes.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek ranges from 16 to 18 days. It includes long days of walking, very remote area passes and no tea houses in some regions. Aside from this, you also have to stay in a tent during the French Pass and Dhampus Pass. The most difficult about these passes; they both are above 5,200 meters. It may lead to altitude problems like Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Cerebral Edema and other health issues as well.

Throughout the trek, the weather can be unpredictable and harsh. The beginners may find it difficult to adjust to the changing weather.

To accomplish this trek, one should be physically fit, strong mindset have basic mountaineering skills and know the technical climbing.  Therefore, I recommend, any beginner should not try this trek.

Useful Information about the Trip

Food & Meals Availability

We are providing healthy and nutritious meals that provide sufficient energy to trekkers to continue Dhaulagiri strenuous treks. You’ll get a variety of meal options during the trek. We will provide 3 time foods that include breakfast, lunch & dinner.

(Note: You’ll have a limited choice during the high altitudes)

Breakfast (Morning Meal) – We are providing a typical & healthy breakfast that satisfies your soul in the morning. Usually, we provide a morning meal around 7-8 am. Here is the food you’ll get in the early morning.

• Tea (Milk, Black, Lemon)
• Chowmeen
• Omelet’s
• Boiled eggs
• Pan Cakes
• Chapati, Bread Jam, Tibetan Bread.

Lunch – A day’s food or Lunch plays a key role in the trekker’s life. It restores your energy after the early morning treks and helps you to hike in a flow till the sun goes down.

Usually, we provide the best food of Nepal Rice, Lentils & Seasonal Vegetables aka Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari. Aside from this, you may have other options like Pasta, Mo: Mo Dumplings, Chapati Vegetables and others.

Dinner – You will get lavishing and mouthwatering throughout the trek. When you are in Kathmandu, you have different options. However, when we are in high altitudes, we have limited options. Here are the food & meals you’ll get after the day trek.

• Rice, Lentils, Vegetables
• Thakali foods (lower region/Kathmandu)
• Vegetables soups
• Chicken/Egg Curry
• Food cooked by the locals.

Drinking Water Facilities

Hydrations play a key role during your hiking; doesn’t matter you are in high altitude or low altitudes trek. Throughout the trek, you’ll get the water sources from tap, well and pumps when you are in the higher altitudes.

The mineral and bottled water are abundantly available when you are in Kathmandu or lower altitudes. Throughout our trek, the cost of water may vary depends how upwards we ascend. The higher the elevation more you have to pay for the drinking water. There are some teas houses are also providing boiled water to the visitors. It will be best; if you refill the bottle when you are in the lower region. Aside from this, you may also use water purification tablets.

Peak Season for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

In context of Nepal, there are four seasons named – spring, autumn, monsoon & winter. Here are the details

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in Spring:  The spring season, which runs from March to May, is the peak season for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. This period of time is also called the pre-monsoon.

This season is slightly warmer than autumn. It will provide you with favorable trekking conditions. The weather is moderately stable and enjoyable. There are fewer chances of rain and clear skies, making the trekker’s ideal time for the trek. With blossoming rhododendrons and other flowers, photography is appreciated during your journey.

 Explore Dhaulagiri in Autumn –  Autumn is the favourite season for any trekker. It spans from the Sep to November. The monsoon has just ended.  The weather is relatively stable with clear skies. The crisp air, serene environment and stunning views make your journey noteworthy.

The Nepalese also celebrate their major festivals like Dashain (worshipping goddess Durga) and Dipawali (festival of lights) in October-November. You’ll also get to know the customs, traditions and culture of Nepal.

 Trekking in Monsoon:  The season monsoon falls from June to August.  This time is not considered the ideal time for trekking. Due to heavy rainfall, there are mud flows and slippery. Furthermore, there are also chances of landslides. The visibility is also poor. Therefore, this is the avoidable season for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.

Winter Season: Going for the Dhaulagiri circuit journey in winter is not a good option. There is extreme cold everywhere. Furthermore, there is shorter daylight. Aside from this, there are heavy snowfalls that make the trail slippery. On the other hand, tea houses are closed even at the lower altitudes.

In contrast, spring and autumn are the favorable seasons for the Dhaulagiri trek compared to monsoon and winter.

Necessity and Importance of Travel Insurance

The motto of travel insurance is “It covers against the risk of travel”.  It is one of the ideal investments for the trekkers and travellers. It covers several risks during your trekking or hiking.

It doesn’t matter whether you are going for a short trip or a high-altitude trek; in both contexts, it is equally important.

It’s a complete protection of your health and finances during your journey. Now, you are going for the Dhaulagiri Circuit journey– one of the high-altitude treks of the world.  In that case, you must have travel insurance before starting your trek.  Here are some illustrative points of the Travel insurance.

• A good protection against all medical expense
• Helicopter evacuation; in any emergency
• Secure your money; if the trip is cancelled
• Covers all your money; if flight is delayed or cancelled.
• Protecting overall Travel security.
• A complete protection against stolen items during the trek/trip.

Permits for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The remote and rugged terrain; Dhaulagiri is one of the most decorated treks of Nepal. It takes you in the lap of the seventh-highest mountain in the world. The most important is the permits and permission you need for this impeccable journey.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit is required for all the hikers who are going to visit the Annapurna region. It is the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. You can easily get a permit from the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu and Pokhara. The cost of the permits is around 3000-3500 for foreign nationals and 100-200 for Nepalese.

 Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit (DRAP):  This is another significant permit you need for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. You can easily have this from the Nepal Tourism Board Kathmandu/Pokhara OR from the Admin office in Baglung. It costs around USD 20 per person (per week).

Highlighted Places of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Darbang/Darwang  – Darwang is an elegant village situated in the Myagdi district. On the third 3^rd day of your Dhaulagiri trek, you’ll get a chance to explore this place.

This place has a population of 1115. It is renowned for its majestic valleys, dense forest and peaceful environment. It is one of the isolated regions of Nepal.

Muri: Muri is one of the scenic routes and attractions of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. On the 4^th day of the trip, you’ll explore this place. It is a large settlement of the Magar community known for its majestic valleys, mountains, and elegant landscape.

Boghara: Boghara is a small and beautiful village situated on the western side of Dhaulagiri. It is a popular place for night stays and camp for the Dhaulagiri trekkers.

Dobang: Dobang is a small village situated in the western side of Nepal. During your Dhaulagiri circuit trek, you’ll get a chance to visit the place. It is a stoppage point for the visitors during the trekking in this region.

French Pass (5,360 meters) – French Pass is another stoppage point during your Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. It is the high-altitude pass of your entire trek. The pass is challenging but equally rewarding. From this point, you’ll have an impeccable views Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges.

Dhampus Pass (5,228 m) – Dhampus Pass is another high-altitude pass during your Dhaulagiri Circuit trek. You should be expert, experience and have basic mountaineering skills to conclude Dhampus Pass.

Yak Kharka: Yak Kharka is a small but beautiful settlement located in the Manang district. It is a popular stoppage point for Annapurna and Dhaulagiri trekkers.

It is situated at an elevation of 4,020 meters. The village is situated in the lap of mountains. This place provides basic accommodation facilities to the trekker’s.

Jomsom: Jomsom is one of the adorable places of Nepal, situated in the Mustang district. It has an elevation of 2,700 meters act as the gateway of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri trek.

It is the centre of the attraction and provides awe-inspiring views of several mountains and vistas. It is also the gateway of Muktinath Temple (the place of salvation and divine) and other trekking routes.