Dhaulagiri Circuit

Overview 

Mount Dhaulagiri (White Mountain) is the 7th highest mountain in the world (8167m/26,869ft) and is separated from the Annapurna region of Nepal by the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world. In its awesome splendour it is considered the most interesting peak among the eight thousanders and gets its name from the Sanskrit word "Dhavala" which means 'white' and 'giri' which means mountain. It was first climbed in 1960 by the Swiss following the Northeast ridge and even up until the early 1980's only the Northeast ridge had been successfully climbed. A circuit of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) massif is a long difficult trek and is recommended for well-equipped, self-sufficient experienced high altitude trekkers who are in very good physical condition. The trail journeys through one of the wildest, remote areas of Nepal with the most outstanding dramatic scenery offering views of fifteen peaks above 7,000 meters with some of the best views of the Dhaulagiri range. Because of the snow and ice conditions in winter and spring this trek is only possibly in autumn.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit starts at Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi the Magars are the dwellers of this area. This group of hill dwellers are similar in many ways to their Gurung neighbours but are thought to have settled in Nepal some time earlier. Like their Gurung cousins, the Magar have a tradition of serving in the Gurkha regiments. The Dhaulagiri trail follows the Myagdi Khola. Passing through the settlements of Darbang and Muri, the country is still quite heavily populated with scattered villages and farming land. Beyond Muri, the Myagdi Khola swings north and the landscape becomes much more rugged and sparsely populated. After crossing the highest point of this trek the French pass (5360m) you will come upon a hidden snow valley, the ‘Hidden Valley’, which is a good place to rest before continuing to the Dhampus Pass (5250m) which lies between Tukuche peak and Thapa peak. This is yet another experience of this thrilling region which is now showing its long kept secrets, since the reopening of places like the Gandaki Gorge.

When in Pokhara visit the International Mountain Museum and also the Gurkha Museum.

Trek Classification

Please contact us for full Trekking itinerary for Dhaulagiri Circuit

Outline Itinerary

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

You must have adequate insurance for this type of trek. Click here