Dhaulagiri Trekking

Dhaulagiri Trekking takes you to the heart of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world. This trekking starts from Beni, a small town near the tourist town of Pokhara, as we will make our way toward the famed Mustang region by following the tracks of the Kali Gandaki River. 

Trekking in Dhaulagiri is more like an expedition than a trekking, owing to its wild locations, snow trails glacier moraines, and cold climes. Also termed as the ‘number one’ trek in the world, the majority of trekkers regard it as a classic trek, having a full range of trekking experiences from low hills to high alpines.

The trekking involves tackling some adventurous stretches like glacier and snow walking and crossing one of the most challenging and highest Himalaya passes called French Col (5240m). The pass here provides the most adorable and impressive visual feast of Dhaulagiri that you can get unlike anywhere on Earth.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a full-on camping trek and one of the longest trekking trails in Nepal. However, there are few homestay and lodging facilities available. As it is a longer and physically demanding trek, every member is required to have sound fitness and good health. The team members also need to acquire good boots to wear and bring along crampons and ice axes.

The trek starts from Beni and passes along the Myagdi River leading through forests into the high country and onto snow and glacier trails. The highest point of the trek is French Col (5240m.), which sits across the northern slopes of Dhaulagiri peak, offering a stunning display of Dhaulagiri ranges. We will then drop to the Hidden Valley and continue our trek over Dhampus Pass (5155m). You can also grab the unique opportunity to climb Damphus (6,060 meters) peak when you are in the area. The trek ends with a steep descent to Jomsom and a quick flight return to Pokhara. The other option is to trek back to Pokhara via the Kali Gandaki valley or over the Ghorepani ridge.

The best seasons to trek the Dhaulagiri Circuit are during September-November and March-May.