The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and Dhampus peak climbing takes you around Mount Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest peak in the world. You'll explore remote valleys, rugged terrains, and charming villages. The trek showcases the breathtaking Kali Gandaki River, lush green valleys, and beautiful wildflowers. The highlight is crossing the challenging French Pass, which offers stunning panoramic views.
Dhaulagiri and Dhampus Peak Climbing is an exhilarating adventure in Nepal. The journey combines trekking around the stunning Dhaulagiri region and summiting Dhampus Peak at 6,012 meters. It offers breathtaking landscapes, challenging climbs, and rewarding views of the Himalayas. Experienced guides ensure safety and provide insights into local culture. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves you with a profound sense of achievement and connection with nature.
After the trek, the real excitement begins as you climb Dhampus Peak at 6,012 meters. It's a thrilling challenge that involves steep climbs and icy slopes. But reaching the summit rewards you with incredible views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Throughout the journey, experienced guides and Sherpa climbers accompany you for safety and guidance. They also introduce you to the local culture, traditions, and unique wildlife. You'll have the chance to interact with the friendly locals and experience their warm hospitality.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek with Dhampus Peak climbing is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that connects you with nature and leaves you with a sense of achievement. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending the grandeur of the Himalayas, untouched landscapes, and the thrill of mountaineering. Get ready to be captivated by the beauty of the Nepalese Himalayas on this extraordinary expedition!
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
We leave Kathmandu by bus to reach Pokhara located 200 kilometers further west, in about 7 hours by road. The road offers magnificent views over the valley of the Trisuli River, then we cross superb tropical landscapes, before going up towards Pokhara and having a first vision of the Annapurnas and the Machhapuchhare.
Final altitude: 800m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: hotel
We take a track to Darbang, passing by Naudanda, then Kare (1,630 m) from where we have a splendid view of the Dhaulagiri, and Kusma, a large town at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Kali Gandaki. The peaceful landscape of this valley, made of rice fields where farmers are busy, allows us to glimpse the Dhaulagiri, still very far away! Darbang is the last important village of our hike and we take the opportunity to make the last purchases. We start our trek here. We gain altitude, surrounded by a magnificent Himalayan pine forest, and the cultures change: millet gradually replaces rice and the inhabitants have a much more mountain look. Dharapani is a village of the Tamang ethnic group.
Final altitude: 1,500m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
The crops already have autumn colors and the green rivals the yellow of the stubble and the ocher of the millet fields. Very nice view of the Dhaulagiri massif and the Churen Himal. Camp near the beautiful village of Muri.
6 hrs walking
Final altitude: 1,850m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We always climb slowly. A sudden soft climb allows you to admire splendid waterfalls on the Myagdi Khola. Canyons and steep paths follow one another until Boghara, the last permanently inhabited village, where 250 people live in virtual self-sufficiency.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
From climbs to descents, from clearings to forests, we go up the valley. A few basic huts remind us that the forest is inhabited by a few herders who come down as soon as the first cold weather hits. With a bit of luck, we will be able to see monkeys and admire the last orchids. Camp at the exit of the forest. Very beautiful sunset over the approaching Dhaulagiri.
6 hrs walking
Final altitude: 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
We climb slowly, the altitude begins to be felt. Crossing the river on a suspension bridge, to continue our climb facing Dhaulagiri, in a beautiful pine forest. The mountains surround us: Dhaulagiri I, III, V, and VI, the Manapati (6,380 m) just above us, and the Tsaurabong (6,395 m) on the other side of the valley. Camp in the pines.
6 hrs walking
Final altitude: 3,200m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
A fairly steep climb at the foot of Manapati (6,380 m) allows us to cross a forest of rhododendrons to arrive against the Dhaulagiri which dominates us in a spectacular way. We have to walk slowly in order to acclimatize ourselves properly. Beautiful camp at the limit of the vegetation.
4 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 3,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
Acclimatization day at the Italian camp. We go to a small Belvedere at 4,300 meters with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri II and III. This is the perfect time to take a day off and enjoy the camp, for those who want to land.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
After crossing a glacier tongue, we progress slowly into a deep gorge at the foot of the Chonbardan glacier which we go up, a sort of corridor between the mountains. In front of us stands Sita Chuchura at 6,600 meters and the north face of Dhaulagiri.
5 hrs of walk
Final altitude: 4,300m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: tent
We continue the climb towards the base camp of Dhaulagiri, we see the Tukuche Peak at almost 7,000 meters above sea level. It is at the last moment that we discover the pass of the base camp of Dhaulagiri, in front of its formidable north face.
5 hrs walk
final altitude 4,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We acclimatize at Dhaulagiri base camp, facing its impressive north face. It is important to rest to acclimatize well.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
After a steep climb in a moraine, we find the wide open spaces: the “Col des Français” at 5,360 meters is very vast. The view is exceptional on the Dhaulagiri. We descend slowly towards the Hidden Valley dominated by several peaks between 6,000 and 7,000 meters (Sita Chuchura, 6,611 m, Hongde 6,556 m, Dhampus Peak 6,035 m and Tukuche Peak 6,920 m).
6 hrs
Final altitude: 5,050m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We are in the very wild Hidden Valley with beautiful views to the peaks of Dolpo. We attempt the ascent of Thapa Peak at 6,012 meters via the south-west face. It is a not very technical climb, the only difficulty may be the thickness of the snow with the trace to be made. We follow the trail to Thapa Pass. Then, you evolve on a fairly wide ridge and then you reach a "chimney" which you take by following the final slope. From the summit at 6,012 meters, the panorama is magnificent over the Annapurnas, the Manaslu, the Gangapurna, the Dhaulagiris, the Tilicho, the Nilgiri...
NB: for those who do not wish to attempt the ascent, it is possible to discover the Hidden Valley in a short day's walk.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
After crossing the Thapa pass (5,250 m), we leave this high mountain atmosphere to begin our descent towards the Kali Gandaki valley, dominated by the superb Annapurna massif. Some crossing passages can be tricky in bad weather.
6 hrs walking
final altitude: 3,680m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We descend while losing altitude and all day we admire the Annapurnas facing us. Marpha is a very beautiful village of the Takali ethnic group surrounded by orchards, where there are many shops. This village is known for Marpha Brandy and Mustang Coffee! At the top of the village, stands a very beautiful Buddhist monastery which regulates the religious life of the inhabitants.
5hrs walking
final altitude:t 2,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a Lodge
An uncomfortable track day along the Kali Gandaki. This saves us from taking the Jomosom-Pokhara flight which is regularly cancelled.
in a private vehicle 8 hrs drive
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Free day in Pokhara and/or Kathmandu
35 minutes flight
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Trip Included
- ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE : Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
- HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu With breakfast plan.
- WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Offices' Staff.
- CARGO CLEARANCE : Assistance for cargo clearance in Nepal’s Customs, clearance cost is subject to a charge.
- PERMITS : Expedition Royalty and permits fee of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to climb Dhampus peak and Annapurna conservation area project
- GARBAGE MANAGEMENT : Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
- INSURANCE : Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
- MAP : Trekking and climbing map.
- DUFFLE BAG : One Alpinist club Duffle Bag.
- MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : private jeep as per itinerary.
- EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION : All necessaries' expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Manang(by jeep cargo) and Base camp (by Porter/ mule) – While returning: Base camp to kathmandu (by porters / jeep) .
- MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 25 Kg per member as personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters.
- FOOD AND LODGING : 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tent during the trek and at the Basecamp and high camp.
- PORTER : Porters per member up to the Base camp and from the Basecamp (both ways).
- HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA : 1 government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back.
- ASSISTANCE : Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
- CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE : Climbing Sherpas' Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
- OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) : Oxygen bottles will be in stock at base camp in case of an emergency (with an appropriate charge).
- OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR : 1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks will be in base camp in case of an emergency.
- HIGH CAMP SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS) : High Altitude Tent, Lights, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews. Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
- HIGH ALTITUDE TENT : Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
- WEATHER FORECAST : Weather forecast report during the entire expedition.
- GUIDE : Local government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
- MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
- CERTIFICATE : Dhampus t Peak climbing certificate issued by NMA (after climbing e peak successfully).
Trip Excluded
- AIR FARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
- NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE : Nepalese Visa fee is $50 USD for 30 Days.
- LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
- EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- INSURANCE POLICY : Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
- PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
- PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
- TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
- FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
- INTERNET SERVICE : Not included during the trek and the expedition.
- SUMMIT BONUS : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 300 USD.
- TIPS : Calculate some tips for the high camp and other staff– Minimum 100 USD.
- EXTRA : Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Notes: Costs may be subject to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.
Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of unforeseeable, your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
climbing sherpa: responsible for fixed the rope and guide you to the summit
The Cook is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
The Kitchen-boy is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek )
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the peak climbing
For camping, Tent accommodation: For tent accommodation: during the trek, breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner are prepared by the kitchen team. They are taken to the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day's walk and/or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics. During the trek, additional energy food is provided. Purchased locally, they offer a more limited. You can, if you wish, bring some complementary cereal bars adapted to your taste
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydralazine, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Your Personal Trekking and climbing Gear
- woolen hat
- fleece hat
- T-shirt
- Thermal full t-shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- light insulating wear (mid-layer)
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Thermal Trouser (base layer)
- Trekking trouser (flexible )
- down pant
- Gore-Tex pants
- Gore-Tex gloves
- thin / warm gloves
- Rain punch
- woolen shock (thick
- sandal
- camp shoes (sports shoe)
- Trekking boot
- sun /glacier glass (uv protection )
- snow gaiter
- sleeping bags
- personal first aid
- pocket knife
- washing soap, towel, tooth pest/ brush
- sun lotion enough +30 /50 & lip guard
- Trekking poles
- headlights, water bottles, Thermos
- books, a camera, playing car
climbing gear
- Climbing helmet
- alpine boot
- crampons (good condition )and fit for alpine boot
- ATC Guide
- Ascender (jumar)
- screwgate carabiner
- open gate carabineer
- ice Axe normal
- ice screw 22m
- auxiliary cord 8m in length with 6mm diameter
- dynamic safety cord - 3m length with 8mm diameter
- harness
- tape sling- 180cm- 120 cm
Trip FAQ's
Dhaulagiri circuit with Dhampus peak climbing Client Review
SUCCESSFUL SUMMIT DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT
I want to give a special thanks to our guides, especially Subash Gurung. They were really committed, and I always felt safe during the Dhampus and Dhaulagiri trek. Their explanations and kindness made the trek really enjoyable. If I ever go on another trek, I would choose to go with the Alpinist Club Team again. I would want the same group of guides and Sherpas. The Sherpas were always ready to help in tricky and slippery spots, even if it meant making extra trips. I'm really grateful to this team and the Alpinist Club for such an amazing trip.
