Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek –
20 Days.  Max. Altitude 5,350m. 
Combination Fully Supported Tented and Tea-House Trekking with guides and porters. 
Pre-trek Briefing:  HE Base Camp (Pokhara) 5pm on day prior to Day 1. 

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is not to be under-
estimated—this is an exceptional ‘trek’ through surreal terrain. It is difficult and highly demanding and only suitable for those with prior experience of trekking at high altitudes, with a firm head for heights, and who can handle the challenges posed by often technically difficult terrain.

The trail follows the Myagdi Khola, passing through the settlements of Darbang and Muri. Here the country is relatively populated, with scattered villages and farming land. After Muri, the Myagdi Khola swings north and the land around becomes more rugged and sparsely populated. The trail presents a range of tough conditions, ranging from jungle-like flora where the way is poorly defined, difficult and exposed cliff-faces, lose ground underfoot, poorly constructed bridges, boulders and rocky moraine, and finally a glacier on the French Pass (5,360m). Fresh snowfalls can add an extra level of difficulty. Expect to be trekking above the snowline from Italian Base Camp to Yak Kharka. Ropes, an ice-axe and crampons must be at the ready, and the support of a highly experienced Himalayan Mountain guide and a climbing Sherpa is mandatory. These indispensable individuals will closely monitor the effects of altitude amongst group members, particularly on the section between the French (5,300m) and Dhampus (5,250m) passes.

There are many snow-capped mountains in this world yet Dhaulagiri (‘white mountain’ in Nepali) is without a doubt the king of them all.

DAY TO DAY PLAN –

Day 1:  Pokhara-Drive to Beni  
(O/night Altitude 850m/6 hrs. approx.)   Morning rendezvous at Himalayan Encounters’ Pokhara Base Camp.  After breakfast, drive to Beni (5 hours), located at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki and the start point of our trek.  (B,L,D)
  
Day 2:  To Babiyachaur
(O/night Altitude 910m/7 hrs approx.)  At this altitude it will probably be hot and humid as the trek follows the western bank of the Mayagdi Khola past the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani.  On crossing the river, encounter many small villages clustered around the riverbank.   The trail loops back, crossing the river again, then it’s a gentle walk to our overnight campsite.  (B,L,D)

Day 3:  To Dharapani 
(O/night Altitude 1,565m/6 hrs approx.)  The trail is wide and gravelled as far as the village of Darbang.  Using a suspension bridge to cross the Mayagidi Khola, the path heads upwards through rhododendron, pine and oak forest for the next hour or so before exiting onto a ridge back.  A level path leads to the large village of Dharapani, where a warm welcome awaits.  (B,L,D)

Day 4: To Muri
(O/night Altitude 1,850m/5 hrs approx.)  An initial ascent leads to a ridge where the land flattens out.  Towards lunchtime, there is another suspension bridge crossing.  The trail turns uphill again and our climbing begins anew;  we’re surrounded by cliffs on both sides.  The day’s destination is the village of Muri, which is inhabited by Gurung Magar people.  From here there are views to Manapathi peak and the whole Dhaulagiri range, weather permitting.  (B,L,D)