Dhaulagiri Circuit

Overview

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A tough trek via French Col and the Hidden Valley, with an optional ascent of Dhamphus Peak (6,060m)

Introduction

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a rugged trek to the west of the Annapurnas, starting from Pokhara and following the Myagdi Khola to its source at the Chhonbardan Glacier below the world's seventh highest mountain. From Dhaulagiri Base Camp at the foot of the north face, you trek up the side of the glacier and over the French Col to enter "Hidden Valley". This is an extremely remote hanging valley, the crossing of which gives this trek more of an expedition feel. From the Hidden Valley there is an option to climb the non-techical Dhampus Peak (6,060m). Under normal conditions the standard route follows moderate snow slopes to the summit and can be attempted by those with ice axe and crampon experience. You then make a steep descent to Jomsom, where you will meet trekkers who have descended from the Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit. Rather than trekking back to Pokhara via the Kaligandaki Valley, which has been subject to major road-building in recent years, you fly from here back to Kathmandu.

Join us on the Dhaulagiri Circuit

• Our teams are led by highly experienced expedition leaders who have a proven track record leading teams in Nepal at these altitudes.
• Download the article by Jagged Globe team member, John Hayes, published in Adventre Travel Magazine.
• A carefully designed itinerary with acclimatisation days spent at Italian Base Camp (3,600m) and Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,600m).

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Experience Required

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a tough trek, suitable for trekkers with previous experience of trekking at altitudes above 5,000m. The optional ascent of Dhamphus Peak (6,060m) requires basic ice axe and crampon skills.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	With Flight	or Meeting in	Availability
Fri 16 Oct – Wed 4 Nov 2026	UK	Kathmandu	full Enquire »
Expedition Leader Robert Anderson	£4,995	£3,595
Fri 15 Oct – Wed 3 Nov 2027	UK	Kathmandu	Trip Guaranteed Book now »
Expedition Leader Chris Pearson 1 place left	£4,895	£3,695

Our Trip Guarantee

This trek is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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Group size: 6 – 12 people.

Single room supplement: £350

For comparison, this trek starts from £180 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

With Flight pricing

Our 'With Flight' price includes an Economy class return airfare from the UK. The cost is based on a group fare that we have already reserved, or individual seats that we have budgeted for. Note that in some circumstances, the earlier you book, the less expensive the airfare and the 'With Flight' price.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 'Know Before You Go' campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Nepal on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only).
• UK airline taxes.
• One in-country, return flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara by scheduled, fixed-wing aircraft.
• Two return transfers between the airport and the hotel (one on arrival and departure of your international flight and one for departure and arrival of your in-country flight).
• 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4-star Hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis.
• 1 nights' full-board accommodation in a local hotel in Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis.
• 14 nights' full board accommodation in tents on a twin-sharing basis.
• Emergency equipment (oxygen for therapeutic use, Portable Hyperbaric Chamber (PAC), Satellite Communicator (either phone or InReach)) – see trip PDF for more details.
• All road transport by private vehicles.
• All costs for a Jagged Globe leader, Sherpas, Cook staff and porters.
• Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece.

What the price does not include

• Visa fees.
• Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Travel insurance.
• Ascent of Dhamphus Peak (additional fee payable - see 'Extensions').
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
• Optional trips and sightseeing tours.
• Tips.

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this trek on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - 2:	Fly to Kathmandu Team members joining on a "land-only", please plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2 no later than 1630, when your services will begin. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:	Fly to Pokhara You fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where you overnight in a lodge.
Day 4	Drive to Sibang (1,750m) Drive to Sibang stopping for lunch in Beni. Overnight camp.
Day 5:	Trek to Jugapani (2,000m) You have stunning views of the Dhaulagiri's in the morning on the trek to Muri. After lunch you descend to cross the Muri Khola, then climb over a steep, forested ridge to arrive on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola once again. Overnight camp.
Day 6:	Trek to Boghara (2,080m) The trail above Jugapani is visible climbing steeply across the hillside high above the river. You trek to Boghara (2,080m). Overnight camp.
Day 7:	Trek to Dobang (2,260m) You follow an undulating trail through Himalayan forest to Dobang (2,260m). Overnight camp.
Day 8:	Trek to Soligari (3,100m) You continue through the forest to Soligari at 3,100m. Overnight camp.
Day 9 - 10:	Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,600m) and acclimatisation From Soligari you quickly leave the trees behind, cross the Choriban Khola and ascend steadily up grassy slopes to reach Italian Base Camp. You have two nights here, walking up to 4,050m on the second day to help you acclimatise. Overnight camps.
Day 11:	Trek to Chhonbardan Glacier Camp (4,200m) From Italian Base Camp you descend steep moraine to the glacier on a much-improved path (as of 2012). You then climb up the other side to a tea house at French Camp and continue up stony paths on the glacier to reach camp by early afternoon. Overnight camp.
Day 12 - 13:	Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,600m) and acclimatisation Another fairly short day, taking 4 or 5 hours to walk up the moraine-covered glacier to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. As at Italian Base Camp, you spend two nights here to become well acclimatised before sleeping at over 5,000m. Overnight camps.
Day 14:	Cross the French Col (5,400m) into the Hidden Valley (5,050m) The path goes along the north side of the glacier and climbs onto the crest of a massive moraine ridge that leads to the French Col. You then descend and cross the easy slopes of "Hidden Valley" to camp at just over 5,000m. Overnight camp.
Day 15:	Optional ascent of Dhamphus Peak (6,060m) The ascent begins at first light in the bitter cold. You walk across snow to Dhampus Pass at 5,258m, then scree slopes are followed to the skyline ridge, which leads to the summit. Descend to camp at 5,100m.
Day 16:	Descend to Marpha (2,650m). A few hours of up and down before you cross a ridge and descend to Yak Kharka for lunch. It's another 1,000m to Marpha. Overnight camp.
Day 17:	Trek to Jomsom (2,800m) Continue to Jomsom and stay here for the rest of the day and overnight in anticipation of your flight to Pokhara tomorrow. In the event of bad weather and there being no flights out of Jomsom, the alternative is jeep and bus south to Beni. Overnight camp.
Day 18:	Fly via Pokhara to Kathmandu Overnight hotel.
Day 19:	At Leisure in Kathmandu A chance to explore the bustling capital, with its beautiful temples and bustling markets. Overnight hotel.
Day 20:	Fly home Airport transfer. For those joining "land-only", you should book your flight home today.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, availability of porters and the health of team members can all contribute to changes. The guides and their Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

Optional Dhamphus Peak (6,060m)

A supplement is payable by those who choose to attempt Dhamphus Peak.

Day 15 Optional ascent of Dhamphus Peak (6,060m). The ascent begins at first light in the bitter cold. You walk across snow to Dhampus Pass at 5,258m, then scree slopes are followed to the skyline ridge, which leads to the summit. Descend to camp at 5,100m.

Price £595 per person

Photos & Videos

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• Dhaulagiri Circuit
• Dhamphus Peak (6,060m) summit

Reports & Reviews

First Trek: Oct 2009
Total: 10 trips

Have you been on this trip? If you'd like to contribute a trip report then we'll post it up on the site.

Team Member Reviews

• “To walk through such a diverse and changing landscape was awesome, especially to see wild bees in their colonies high up on the rock face.” CJ, Dhaulagiri Circuit - Oct '16
• “Super journey, fabulous views, great support and great companions, leading to an unforgettable experience.” DW, Dhaulagiri Circuit - Oct '16
• “The trail was much quieter regards other trek groups than I expected but that is definitely a good thing. The scenery was even more fantastic than I imagined.” JM, Dhaulagiri Circuit - Oct '15
• “Challenging but pleasurable, well-organised and in good company and in good humour.” JC, Dhaulagiri Circuit - Oct '15
• “Very diverse trek in good company with professional leaders and dedicated support.” YS, Dhaulagiri Circuit - Oct '15
• 1 more review »

• “Very well organised trip; difficult in parts - especially higher up, but very, very rewarding experience.” SW, Dhaulagiri Circuit - Oct '13

Leader Reports

• Dhaulagiri Circuit, October 2024
  “The Jagged Globe Dhaulagiri Circuit Expedition, 12/10/2024 to 31/10/2024, returned home after successfully completing the Dhaulagiri Circuit crossing the French Pass at 5400m.  Expedition leader Tim Bird said the trip worked...”
  report added 07/Nov/24
• Dhaulagiri Circuit 2023 report
  “A number of pre-trip cancellations meant that it was a small, strong and satisfied team that returned from the Circuit of Dhaulagiri trek just to the south of the Mustang region of Nepal.  We had a wide range of experience...”
  report added 09/Nov/23
• Dhaulagiri Circuit, October 2022
  “Due to everyone having different flight schedules and a couple of delays the team didn’t manage to meet up until day 3. Owing to a late monsoon and lots of heavy snowfall there had been some doubt as to whether the itinerary...”
  report added 14/Nov/22
• Dhaulagiri Circuit - 12 Oct to 1 Nov '19
  “A dragonfly rests (or is doing whatever a dragonfly does when it doesn't appear to be doing anything) by the pond, the brightly coloured mini-fish don't seem to mind the dark green-brown colour of the water, nor do the lily...”
  report added 19/Nov/19
• Dhaulagiri Circuit and Dhamphus Peak - October 2018
  “Having travelled from a variety of destinations including the UK, Denmark, USA and Indonesia the team of nine all met up at the Summit Hotel on Mon 22nd Oct, those travelling from the UK arrived by lunchtime and were able to take...”
  report added 14/Nov/18
• 7 more reports »

• Dhaulagiri Circuit - 15 Oct to 4 Nov '17
  “Terminal 4 at Heathrow in mid-October can’t be accused of being among the most exciting spots on earth. It is however, frequently the first place Jagged Globe teams get to meet each other, identified by the bright red duffel...”
  report added 13/Nov/17
• Dhaulagiri Circuit - 18 Oct to 7 Nov '15
  “It was a strong, jolly and very satisfied team that returned last weekend from the Circuit of Dhaulagiri trek in the Mustang region of Nepal. We had an Everest summiteer, Ama Dablam-ers, Mera Peakers, Cotopaxi-ers...”
  report added 17/Nov/15
• Dhaulagiri Circuit - 18 Apr to 6 May '15
  “Arriving in the peaceful brightness of the Summit Hotel gardens in Kathmandu, and meeting most of the rest of the team, it felt good to be back amongst the people and in the country that has provided so many wonderful memories for...”
  report added 15/May/15
• Dhaulagiri Circuit & Dhampus Peak 12 Oct - 1 Nov '13
  “I bumped into Andy at Euston so we travelled together to Heathrow where there were already lots of Jagged Globe bags to help identify other team members. Although a very busy flight we had no problems with our journey to Delhi...”
  report added 12/Nov/13
• Dhaulagiri Circuit - 13 Oct to 3 Nov '12
  “It was a happy team that returned from the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek and Damphus Peak (6,060m) in Kathmandu on Thurs 1st November. We enjoyed near perfect weather for this exceptional trek, which provided spectacular views from...”
  report added 06/Nov/12
• Dhaulagiri Circuit - 25 Oct to 14 Nov '09
  “After fourteen days of continuous trekking the now united team renamed the “bus pass tours team” due to the majority of its members holding this qualification, arrived in Johmson on Schedule for their return flight to Kathmandu...”
  report added 19/Nov/09
• Dhaulagiri Circuit Reconnaissance
  “I managed to become violently ill in Kathmandu after the Mera Peak expedition (ironically after we had all survived 3 weeks with good health), so spent a few days at the Summit Hotel resting before setting out on this...”
  report added 17/Dec/08