Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Location of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Mt Dhaulagiri is technically not in the Annapurna mountain range but is near the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge. At the start and end of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, join the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which is why this trek often falls within the Annapurnas.

Why is the Dhaulagiri Circuit a Camping Trek?

While many trekking areas of Nepal are very popular and, as a result, have a great network of trekking lodges, restaurants, cafes, and well-marked trekking routes, some areas still provide a more remote, expeditionary feel. Dhaulagiri circuit trek is one of those. With few settlements around this area, there are no facilities for foreign trekkers other than carrying their own camping equipment.

How is a Camping Trek Different from a Teahouse Trek?

Camping is an excellent way to get into the more remote corners of Nepal and explore the unusual and rare countryside, flora, and fauna.  It is also the only way to access some places where the altitude is so high there are no year-round settlements. 

It also allows you to experience what it is like to be on a mountaineering expedition without actually scaling mountains! 

Our crew is experienced in setting up camp and providing three meals daily, plus an afternoon snack, in these often desolate locations. 

We provide 4-season tents to keep out any bad weather, including wind, but there is plenty of space in them for two trekkers to sleep comfortably.  We will provide you with a sleeping mat but suggest you bring your own 4-season sleeping bag.  If you wish, you can hire these in Kathmandu.  A toilet tent and a dining tent are also part of the regular camp.

Having a hot bucket shower while camping is possible, although you may not want to do it daily when it is cold.

Food While Camping in Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

On the Dhaulagiri circuit trek, our crew will provide you with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light afternoon tea while you wait for dinner to be prepared. 

They will rise earlier than you to prepare breakfast and normally reach the lunch and dinner stops ahead of you to set up camp. 

Please be understanding if things are taking longer than usual. Cooking is done with kerosene, as there is no electricity at the makeshift campsites. This also means kerosene lights are used in the evenings. Bringing your own headtorch will be invaluable!

Bringing your own snacks is also highly recommended.  The food we will serve you on the trek is filling and plentiful, but sometimes you just need that bar of chocolate or extra energy from a handful of nuts.

The menu will be rotated so you never have the same lunch or dinner item twice in a row. The menu consists of items like the following:

Breakfast may be porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flatbread)

Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.   

Afternoon snacks may include potato wedges, popcorn, and light snacks.  

We do not buy meat on the trail but will bring some canned meat and tuna fish with us. However, most of our meals are vegetarian, with a vegetarian option always available. 

Tea, coffee, and hot water are unlimited. Powerful milk and sugar will be available for the tea and coffee. Unfortunately, plant-based milk is not available on the camping trek. 

We will not be carrying alcohol as we do not recommend its consumption at altitude, and it’s just too bulky to carry anyway.  Unfortunately no soft drinks either.

Drinking Water While Camping

You will be able to refill your water bottles in the kitchen tent as they will provide you with boiled water.  However, cooking fuel is limited – someone has to carry it up the mountains and water takes longer to boil at altitude – so please try to refresh your water supply at natural springs when available. Drink spring water only AFTER adding sterilizing drops/ tablets to the water and waiting the required length of time, usually 30 minutes.

There will be water supplies (traditional taps, springs, streams) when we pass through a settlement so you can refill your bottles at that point.  Your guide will keep you updated on water sources in the Dhaulagiri circuit.  A Lifestraw is handy in that it eliminates a lot of bacteria from the water as it filters it.  We always recommend clients bring metal water bottles rather than plastic ones.

What You Need to Bring for a Camping Trek

Aside from the normal trekking equipment on the list we have prepared for you, we strongly recommend bringing a headtorch with extra batteries and a solar charger. From Day 2 to Day 16, there will be no access to electricity. If you need to charge any electronics, please look at buying a portable solar panel.  

• Please ensure you bring any extra medicines you are required to take regularly.
• Please bring hard copies of family/ friends/ emergency phone numbers just in case.
• Please bring Nepali rupees to buy anything on the trail.  Noting there are not many places to buy anything.  
• Please bring some clothes-washing soap if you need to wash anything. You can buy soap bars in Kathmandu.
• Bring clothes that you can layer up. It will be extremely cold at higher altitudes, but it will be warm at lower elevations.
• Always pack smart—which means pack light! Someone (you or a porter) has to carry your pack over these passes.
• Don’t bring full-sized shampoo; travel-size containers are all you need.
• Snacks. Always some personal snacks!

Your First Days in Nepal

We can meet you at the airport on your arrival if you wish.  Just let us know on the booking form.  Note there is a small charge to pick you up. We will then take you to the hotel you have pre-booked.

Hotels in Kathmandu:

The cost of your trek includes two nights in hotels in Pokhara and accommodation while on the trek. Hotel nights in Kathmandu are not included.

We suggest you look at booking.com or hostelworld.com to select a hotel best suited to your budget and style.  Our office is located in Thamel, which is also the main tourist hub of Kathmandu, with many hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.  Thamel is a very walkable area, so we suggest you look for a hotel.

Before heading to Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

We highly recommend you spend some time exploring the ancient city of Kathmandu. It is ancient in part and modern(ish) in others. The highlights of the former include Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and ghats) and the Buddhist sites of Boudhanath and Swambhunath. There are actually three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley, Durbar meaning palace, home to ancient kings. The most convenient ones to explore are Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square.

If you would like us to provide you with a half or full day tour of the city, please do ask us about the cost and places to visit.

Visa for Nepal

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s online site.   Complete the form, print it out, and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days, or 3 months and costs: 

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Trekking Permits You Need for this Trek

For the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you need two trekking permits:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is USD25 per person.  Valid for the duration of your trek.
• Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit is USD 20 per person per week. This permit is valid for the duration of your trek. You will require 2 x the restricted area permit (US40).

 Both these permits can be obtained in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. We will make the arrangements for you.

Why You Need These Permits

The fees from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project go directly back into the integrated community-based conservation and development plan and approach of ACAP, which aims “To achieve a sustained balance between nature conservation and socio-economic improvement in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) thereby assist National Trust for Nature Conservation in achieving its goal.”

The Dhaulagiri Restricted Area Permit reflects the fact that you are entering a restricted area and is similar to the ACAP permit in that it helps the conservation efforts of the area, including cultural preservation.  It is also, as is the ACAP permit, a way to track trekkers in the area for their safety in case of potential problems. 

Culture and Wildlife Around the Dhaulagiri Circuit

Landscapes: As mentioned, the landscapes vary from forests, rivers, green pastures, and cultivated lands to high mountain passes, rugged trails, glaciers, snow and ice.  It is quite a diverse area!

Peoples:  The ethnic groups you will encounter on this trek include Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Loba.  Interestingly, Loba people are indigenous to the high-altitude region, are expert yak herders, and migrate seasonally between yak pastures.  The Gurung people are probably best known for their role in the Nepali, British, and Indian armies and the UN Peacekeeping Forces. Buddhism is the dominant religion here, and many groups migrated from Tibet hundreds of years ago.

Wildlife: Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr (wild goat), and smaller mammals are common in this area.  The Snow Leopard may be seen at higher altitudes – but only if you are extremely lucky!  The Himalayan Black Bear is also native to this area, but again, you will be extremely lucky to spot one.

Birds: The national bird of Nepal—the Danphe, as it’s called in Nepali—is definitely worth looking out for. It is from the pheasant family, and the males are particularly colorful!

Thinking About Hiring a Porter?

While there will be porters carrying the tent’s kitchen equipment and food, they cannot carry trekkers’ bags as they are already loaded.

It is advisable to hire a porter for the duration of this trek as there are two high passes to climb over, and the altitude will drain your strength.

The cost of a porter is not included in the cost of the trek.  If you would like to share this cost and keep your pack down to 10kg, you can share a porter with another trekker.  This way you share the cost too.

The advantage of hiring a porter is that it means you will feel less tired on the trail, giving him income for his family and community. 

You will be carrying your day pack with your daily essentials, so if you are unsure whether to hire a porter, consider that.

Tips on Hiring a Porter

• A porter can carry a maximum of 20kg, but he also crosses those high passes, so we suggest you keep your pack down to around 10kg.
• Sharing with another trekker is cost-effective.  But again, keep your pack under 10kg. 
• You will carry your own 3 or 4-kg day pack.
• By hiring a porter you are contributing to his family’s income and the trickle-down effect this has on his community.
• Do you really want to carry a heavy weight while on holiday, even if it is an active adventure type holiday?

How Difficult is Dhauligiri Circuit Trek

This is a tough trek that requires a lot of stamina and fitness.  It is preferred if you have previous mountaineering and/ or wilderness experience. You will be out of contact for a number of days as phone networks will not work in some locations. 

The two high passes are particularly challenging, particularly as there are often high winds in these places.   Although there are only three long days (over 6 hours of trekking) because of the high altitude, every step seems to tax your body, yet it gives you a sense of achievement when you finally reach the day’s destination.

This is a trek only for those with great fitness, stamina, and determination. Even if this describes you, we suggest a good fitness regime before you come to Nepal to improve your fitness, particularly your cardio level.

Safety on the Trek

Your new increased fitness level upon arrival in Nepal will definitely benefit you in the mountains. Increasing your cardio level will help decrease any altitude-related problems that may result from a lower oxygen content in the air at high altitudes.

However, science does not yet know why some people suffer more than others from altitude.  It has nothing to do with age.  There are those who have natural inbuilt abilities from their ancestors, such as those born in the Andes and the Sherpa people of Nepal who were born in the high Everest region.  For the rest of us, we just have to concentrate on reducing the risks by staying hydrated, going slowly and steadily, and taking lots of acclimatization breaks.

Tips for Safety on the Trek:

• Trekking poles, even if you do not usually use them, are a great asset in stabilizing yourself on risky trails.
• Do not leave alone at the rest/ overnight stops, without telling your guide.
• Drink at least 4 liters of water per day.
• Eat well, you need the energy.
• Do tell your guide if you feel unwell, even slightly unwell.  Don’t let a problem grow.
• Have the correct insurance.
• Wear the correct gear.
• Bring your own medical kit, although the guide will also have a general one for everybody.

Best Seasons to Trek

This trek is only available in the spring and autumn. The high passes may be closed during the winter due to snow and the threat of rain and flooding in the monsoon. Who wants to camp in the rain? Overall, the autumn months are better for trekking in Dhaulagiri as there is still the possibility of sudden snowfall in the spring. 

Overall, although the views are similar (and spectacular) in both spring and autumn, we recommend autumn as the best time for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek from a safety perspective. 

• Spring takes place from March to May.
• Autumn takes place from September to November.

Although, as mentioned, the lower altitudes will be warm and sunny at these times, at the higher altitudes it will be cold in the mornings and evenings.  In early spring and late autumn, it will be extremely cold – for example, the temperatures can drop to below freezing at the Hidden Valley.

Expenses You Should Calculate For

In addition to the cost of the trek itself, you should calculate other expenses, including money to spend on the trek. 

However, being that this is a camping trek and there are only a few small settlements, it’s unlikely you will spend any money on the trek until you reach the town of Marpha on the return leg.  Here, apple pies, apple brandy, and WiFi will undoubtedly attract your wallet’s attention!

What is Included and Not Included in the Cost of Your Trek

Transport: The trek price includes transport to/from Pokhara by tourist bus and public transport to/ from Naya Pool. If you would like to hire a private jeep for any of the road journeys, please discuss the cost with us.

Food: Three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks—are included when camping and in Beni and Marpha. In Pokhara, breakfast is only included, not dinner or other items. 

Tips: Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters.  

Other expenses on the trail: If you wish to buy anything on the trail, for example, if you pass somewhere selling tea, you will need rupees for that. In Beni and Marpha, you will need rupees to pay for Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging your equipment, etc. You might also want to have a couple of well-deserved beers in Marpha!

Before you come expenses: 

• You might want to consider activities to get fit before you come and how much that will cost you.
• Buying gear, including trekking boots, costs money. 
• Flight tickets, visa fees, and insurance also add up.

Tipping the Guide and Porter

Making your trip as stress-free and enjoyable can be hard work.  Please show your appreciation by tipping your guide and your porters. 

• The recommended rate is to tip the guide 10% of your trip cost. 
• A personal porter should be tipped 10% of the days he has carried your gear. If you are sharing a porter, you can split the tip.
• It is normal for the chef and camping gear porters to tip around USD 150 for each porter and USD 200 for the chef.  The tips for these crew members are collected from each trekker.  So the larger your group, the less you pay as an individual!  

Communication on the Trek

It is best to consider this an off-the-road experience (which it is!) and tell friends and family you will be out of touch for the duration.  There is no WiFi in the small settlements you will pass on the trail, and phone networks may not work in some locations.  

There will also be nowhere to charge your phone unless you carry your own method, i.e., solar panel, to do so.

You can buy a local SIM card at the international airport on arrival or in Kathmandu, remembering they may not work in some locations.

Can I do This Trek Alone?

For us to organize this camping trek, we need at least two people.

If you are the only person traveling, we will put you together with other trekkers who wish to undertake this trek.   

Getting There and Away – Transport Options

The cost includes the tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and public transport from Pokhara to Beni. On the return journey, public transport from Marpha to Pokhara, and the tourist bus to Kathmandu the next day.

There is also the option of flying to/from Pokhara. A one-way ticket for this short 25-minute flight is around USD106. Since flights can be delayed/canceled due to bad weather, we suggest you do not take a plane to Pokhara at the start of your journey. If you wish, you can arrange for the flight back from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the end of the trek. 

Please note, in case of delays due to weather, you should not book a domestic flight within one or two days of your onward international flight.

Extend your Trek – Visit Poon Hill

If you want to explore a bit more, you can visit Poon Hill, which is a famous spot for sunrise views over the mountains. 

To reach there, you can hike from Marpha (instead of taking the bus directly to Pokhara), which will take around 4 – 5 hours to reach Tadapani, where you can overnight and continue on the next day to Ghorepani.  Overnight in Ghorepani get up before dawn to climb up Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre. There is even the opportunity to drink tea from a small teashop at this 3,210 m / 10,530 ft viewpoint (they seem ubiquitous to the strangest places!) while watching this amazing sight. Then, it’s back to Ghorepani for breakfast, and we hike down to Naya Pool for transport back to Pokhara.  

Extra days: 2.  Accommodation: teahouses.

If you would like to do this or any other extension of this trek, i.e., trek (or drive) up from Marpha to Muktinath Temple (a Hindu holy site), please discuss this with us at the time of booking.

After the Trek: Staying on in Pokhara

Many people love to relax at the end of their trek, and Pokhara is a great place to do that.

The final night of this Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is in Pokhara but if you want to stay longer, please check out accommodation, book it yourself, and enjoy!

Suggestions for Pokhara:

• Peace Stupa (for views of the lake)
• Davi’s Falls (waterfall)
• Mahendra Cave
• International Mountain Museum (history of mountaineering)
• Bundy jumping (if you haven’t had enough excitement!)
• Zip lining
• Cable car ride
• Boating on Few Lake
• Paragliding
• Partying all night long
• and much more

Why Book with Magical Nepal

We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly enthusiastic folk who love to trek and love to show others our beautiful country. 

Established in 2015, we pride ourselves in offering an unforgettable experience with our knowledgeable and friendly guides.  The reviews from our past clients speak for themselves.

Our guides and porters mainly come from the areas they are assigned to take clients to, so we can provide 24/7 local support on your trek if necessary.

Finally, we also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.