Upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be treated to the mesmerizing views of high-standing mountains surrounding hills and the Kathmandu valley. After completing your customs and formalities at the airport, head to the terminal, where our representatives will greet you at Friendship World Trek. They will transfer you to your hotel or homestay based in Kapan/ Thamel, situated 5 km away from the airport.
After taking some rest at your homestay/ hotel, you can visit our office which is nearby. In the evening, enjoy the lively streets of Kapan/ Thamel and enter the different shops, cafes, and pubs. Devour the authentic Nepali dishes offered to you in the welcome dinner.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After having breakfast, as suggested by your guide, you will head out to complete all the necessary documentation for the tour. We will collect our Dhampus Peak climbing permit from the respective authorized office. Also, as it is a climbing trip, you would require warm clothes and adequate trekking gear to carry along. Hence, you can visit a nearby trekking store to hire or purchase the necessary equipment on this day.
Later in the day, we will drive to the nearest landmarks listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square located in Basantapur/ Freakstreet. Explore its courtyards, temples, Hanuman Dhoka Museum, and status of high historical and cultural significance. From thereon, visit the Swayambhunath Stupa located in the city’s western outskirts, from where a panoramic view of the city can be seen. Alternatively, you can visit Boudhanath stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal located on the northeastern end of the city. Pashupatinath Temple is another site worth high significance for being one of the most renowned Hindu temples worldwide.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we will carry our belongings and head to the bus stop to take a ride to Pokhara City, located west of Kathmandu. The ride takes you alongside the Trishuli river on the Prithvi Highway. The long tour is certainly worth it as you get to relish the views of mountains, hills, and rivers flowing swiftly. From the snaky bends at Naubise to the views of adventure sports enthusiasts enjoying their rafting experiences, it is very exciting.
Upon reaching Pokhara city, you will be transferred to your hotel near Lakeside. After relaxing for a while, you can freshen up and head out to the lively streets of Pokhara. The major highlight of the city is most certainly Phewa Tal (Lake). The semi-natural freshwater lake is surrounded by shops, cafes, bars, and pubs on all sides. You can witness the beautiful setting sun in the evening. Depending on when you arrive, you can also hire a bicycle and ride around the lake.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Today, you will take a drive to Tatopani in the west of Pokhara. The three to four hours scenic drive will take us through the Baglung- Pokhara highway. You will pass by the Set Gandaki River in the initial phase; you will progress to Kushma, then follow the Kali Gandaki River on the latter part of the drive before eventually reaching Beni. Beni Bazaar sits in the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River and Myagdi River and is a largely touristy area as many treks in the Annapurna region start from there.
The drive will continue from Beni alongside the Kali Gandaki River to Tatopani, following some lush green forest on the way. Tatopani village’s name has been derived from the Nepali word for ‘hot spring.’ After the tiring drive, take a rest and interact with the locals in the evening.
Overnight stay in Tatopani
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Dhampus Peak Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek starts in Darbang, where you will arrive after a four-hour drive in a private vehicle. On the way to Darbang, you will pass through Beni, the headquarters of the Dhaulagiri zone, which is a significant town in the region.
Once in Darbang, the actual trek commences, and you will be heading towards Dharapani village. The route follows the bank of the picturesque Myagdi Khola, allowing you to relish the scenic beauty of the river and the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, you will encounter small settlements belonging to the Magari community, giving you an opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality.
The trek provides trekkers with stunning vistas of the majestic mountains and dotted landscapes, making the journey even more rewarding and awe-inspiring. In conclusion, the para phase is the initial part of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, which includes traveling from Pokhara to Darbang, passing through Beni, and then trekking towards Dharapani village along the Myagdi Khola.
After having breakfast, pack your belongings and begin your trek along the swiftly flowing Myagdi River to Ghasa. You will be passing by some charming villages on the way. You will be leaving behind the more facilitated shops and stores of Tatopani, so stock up on some supplies if possible. After crossing green pastures and forests in between, you will be passing by the Rupse Waterfall on the way. You can also make a brief stop at the Satyawat and Shiva temples.
You will reach Kopchepani where you can take some rest and have some food. There will be an ascend of over 1,000m/3,280ft on this day, so brace for the stone steps. There are untouched lush forests and giant rocks stacked on top of each other in some areas, resulting from rock slides from the steep slopes. Following the river, you will reach Ghasa.
Ghasa is a beautiful village that is significant for being the home to all six Himalayan pheasants, including The Himalayan Monal, the national bird of Nepal. The transitional village is green and full of nature.
Overnight stay in Ghasa
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Embark on your journey to Muri Village, and from the start, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful surroundings. The uphill walk begins beside terraced fields and the quaint Magar settlement of Takam. As you progress, the path leads you towards Sibang village, treating you to breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Dhaulagiri range and the impressive Gurja Himal, which stands tall at 7,193 meters (23,600 feet).
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to feast your eyes on the stunning Myagdi Khola, a river that adds to the scenic charm of the region. As you descend to Gatti Khola, you’ll spot a traditional water mill, a testament to the timeless ways of the locals who use it for grinding grain.
Continuing your journey for a few more hours, you’ll reach Phaliyagaon, situated at an elevation of 1,850 meters (6,070 feet). The trail here will lead you through steep paths, flanked by majestic mountain views and lush, tree-lined forests.
The final leg of your adventure includes a steep climb that takes you to the large Magar settlement of Muri. Once you arrive, you can take leisurely strolls around the village, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. Don’t miss the chance to interact with the friendly locals, gaining insights into their customs and traditions. This journey to Muri Village promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering an array of scenic vistas and a chance to connect with the heartwarming community of this beautiful region.
Ahead of us, we have a six hours trek to the village of Larjung. Starting from Ghasa, the green path takes us to Kalopani to the northwest, following the Kali Gandaki river. Kalopani is translated to ‘black water,’ which is derived from the fact that it is from here that the Kali Gandaki river changes its color to a darker shade as it gushes down to the south. From here, the wonderful views of Annapurna I peak can be seen distinctly.
As we head further up north, we reach Larjung village. It is a large village that gives a taste of the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Upon reaching the village, you can rest and then do some sightseeing if you are up for it. The best places to visit are the Guru Sangpo cave, which is considered historical and religious. If time permits, then opt for a short hike to Bhuturcho lake and Sekung Lake. There are also important shrines of Gauchan and Tulachan in the village. One of the most notable festivals in Larjung is Lha Phewa, translated to ‘Coming of the Gods,” which is celebrated every 12 years by the ethnic Thakali tribe. Overall, Larjung is an interesting, culturally woven village in the Annapurna region.
Overnight stay in Larjung.
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Embark on your trek, starting with a downhill walk on a steep trail. As you continue, you’ll come across several small streams that you’ll need to cross. The trail then leads you to a ridge, and upon reaching a pass at an elevation of 1,607 meters (5,272 feet), you’ll be greeted with a spectacular view of Mt. Ghustung South, which is sure to leave you in awe.
Continuing your journey, the pathway winds through thick jungles and lush greenery, providing a serene and natural atmosphere. Passing through the charming villages of Mahatala and Naura, you’ll finally arrive at Boghara (also known as Bagar). Here, you’ll be treated to a grand view of the magnificent Manapathi peak.
Adding to the village’s charm, you’ll find a cluster of houses with stone slate rooftops and unique handcrafted windows and doors, showcasing the local craftsmanship and architectural heritage of the region. This leg of the trek promises to be an enchanting experience, filled with natural beauty and glimpses of the local culture.
After having breakfast, begin your trek to Marpha village, which is on the north of Larjung. The quaint and beautiful path along some green and some dry terrain will follow the Kali Gandaki River on the side. You will cross the swiftly flowing river via a suspension bridge and head to Saura, where you can stop for tea. The path will open up to views of the amazing Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world. There are small villages with patches of apple trees here and there with some pine trees in the forested areas along the route.
Marpha is an interesting village in the Mustang district heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. You will spot many prayer flags and small chortans in this village that seem to be stuck in time with their authentic stone houses and straw roofs. Some homes are also built on high cliffs. Apples are a popular product here, and having a fresh one right out of the tree will get you amazed. You can also try out the famous sea Buckthorn juice, which is also grown here. The village is also home to Tibetan refugee camps and Tibetan settlers. If you reach early, you can visit Chhairo, a monastery near the riverside with art craft dating more than 300 years.
Overnight stay in Marpha.
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After starting your day with a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your trek by following the forested trail along the scenic Myagdi River. Along the way, you’ll come across some seasonal tea shops, offering a perfect spot for a brief stopover. Here, you can savor local tea while taking in the grand vistas surrounding you. The trail will continue with various picturesque curves and exciting changes in terrain as you steadily ascend to higher elevations.
Over the next few days, the trek will take you through an isolated path, and you won’t encounter any human settlements. This seclusion allows you to relish the tranquility and immerse yourself in the pure nature that surrounds you. Keep walking until you cross rocky terrain and ascend to Lipsaba (also known as Lipse). Passing through more jungle areas, your journey will lead you to the charming village of Dobhan. This part of the trek promises to be a rewarding experience, providing a blend of breathtaking landscapes and moments of serenity in nature.
A five-hour trek awaits us today with a visit to the most famous locations in the Mustang district. There are no complaints about climbing to a higher altitude as you’ll be passing lush forests with amazing views.
Yak Kharka translates to “alpine pastures,” which are suitable for Yaks to graze. Locals bring their yaks to feed during the plush pasture season, but during the dry season, the place is silent. You will experience stronger winds as you head higher. There are a couple of facilities in Yak Kharka, from safe drinking water to a Bakery! Imagine having a piece of cake at this high altitude. The tents are set up at Yak Kharka by the team, so you can enjoy food and hot drinks after settling down.
Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.
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Continuing your trek from Dobang, your path will lead you to Sallaghari, taking you through the dense jungle alongside the picturesque riverside of Myagdi Khola. As you make your way, you’ll come across a wooden bridge that allows you to cross over streams, adding a touch of adventure to your journey. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open in the forests, as you might catch a glimpse or hear the roaring of wild animals that inhabit the area.
As you progress along the trail, you’ll traverse pastures where sheep, goats, and cows graze peacefully, providing a charming rural scene. However, the path won’t be without its challenges. You’ll encounter a steep climb and navigate through several tricky landslide areas, which will require caution and skill.
Amidst these exciting experiences, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a spectacular waterfall that graces your path just before you arrive at Sallaghari. This part of the trek will undoubtedly leave you in awe of nature’s wonders and grant you unforgettable memories of your adventure through this captivating region.
Today is one of the challenging days of the trek as you will be crossing the Dhampus/ Thapa Pass, also a major highlight of the trek. There are more than 1,000m/3,280ft of change in altitude, so you need to walk slower, which means that you will have to wake up early in the morning to get ready for the long trek.
Along the way, you will witness some tall waterfalls forming icy blocks due to the cold climate. Walking on the snow-laden path with different views of Mt. Hongde, Dhaulagiri range of mountains, Gurja Himal surrounding you is phenomenal. The winds were strong in the past, and crossing it isn’t easy, but the views are worth the effort.
Overnight stay in Dhampus Pass.
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Continuing your trek, you’ll make your way towards Italian Base Camp (IBC) by climbing uphill and navigating through the dense jungle. The path then takes you through lush vegetation on an undulating route. As you progress, you’ll come across the terminal of a glacier. As you approach Italian Base Camp, you’ll start feeling the changes in climate, with dropping temperatures making it noticeably colder.
At the same time, you’ll witness transformations in the landscape. The treelines diminish, and you’ll find yourself walking on terrain covered with heather and juniper bushes. Crossing the river a few more times, you’ll finally reach Italian Base Camp. Here, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of enchanting massif snow-clad mountains, with the impressive Dhaulagiri I (8,172 meters / 26,810 feet) dominating the scene. This part of the trek will leave you mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the surrounding mountainous terrain, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The most anticipated day of the entire trip is here – summiting Dhampus Peak! We will get up early in the morning before dawn to avoid getting caught up in the strong winds of the day. Our goal is to reach the summit during lunchtime and head back to Kalopani from there. Our team will have laid out the ropes, so you need to be prepared by putting on and carrying the required climbing gears. With small steps, you will head in the steep snowy path upwards.
You can see the clouds smoking up in the mountains, and you will be walking through the mist. As you gain elevation, the sights just keep getting better. The vast white landscape of gigantic peaks comes into the display. Take brief stops to catch your breath as the climb is steep. Following the footsteps of your climbing leader, you will eventually reach the vertical wall of the Dhampus Peak and head right on top. The summit is beautified with Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the strong winds. There is ample space at the top, and some areas of the peak are uncovered by snow. So, take a moment to enjoy the triumphant climb to the top by leaning on a rock there. From the Dhampus Peak summit, you will witness views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Sita Chuchura, Tukuche peak, Thorong Peak, Mukut Himal, Annapurna South, and many more.
After enjoying the climb, you will make a decent to Kalopani village, lying just before Tatopani on the same trail. The decline is certainly easier and quicker than the ascend. Crossing the rocky terrain on the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you reach Kalopani.
Overnight stay in Kalopani.
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The following day will be free for acclimatization and exploring Italian Base Camp (IBC). You have the option to take a short hike along the extended lateral moraine grassy area, leading to a small ice cave. This hike offers a close-up view of the magnificent west face of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Along the way, you might spot a large herd of blue sheep running through the rocky cliff. After thoroughly exploring the camp area, you can return to the campsite to rest and rejuvenate. It’s a perfect opportunity to acclimate to the high altitude and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains.
The trek today is easy and quick as we will be retracing our steps back to Tatopani. Following the subtropical vegetation following the swiftly flowing Kali Gandaki, you descend to cross a bridge to reach a waterfall. Relish the final views of mesmerizing natural waterfalls as you head back to Tatopani.
Upon reaching Tatopani, you can relax in the hot pools there to relieve your exhausted muscles before you take a good night’s sleep.
Overnight stay in Tatopani.
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In the early morning, you’ll be greeted by magnificent mountain views. Leaving Italian Base Camp (IBC), you’ll follow a path that leads up a grassy slope behind the camp, eventually reaching the lip of the glacial moraine. The trail becomes a bit tricky, slippery, and steep, but you’ll persevere and reach Swiss Base Camp. From here, the path is relatively easier to follow, and after passing a steeper section of the lateral moraine, you’ll find yourself on a flat land covered in large rocks.
As you continue towards Glacier Camp, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Chhongardan Glacier, accompanied by astonishing vistas of Dhaulagiri, Dhampus Peak, Manapathi Peak, and Tsaurabong Peak. This part of the trek offers a mix of challenging terrain and rewarding scenery, making it an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.
Finally, the trekking days are over, and you will be bidding farewell to the lovely Annapurna region as you take a drive from Tatopani back to Beni. After breakfast, a scenic drive will take you to Beni, then back to Pokhara. The ride is long so that you will doze off easily after a soothing bath at your hotel.
In the evening, enjoy yourself with your trekking team and newfound friends near a pub or restaurant near Lakeside.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
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Today is undoubtedly the major highlight of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, as you embark on a hike to the base camp of the mighty Dhaulagiri massif. Leaving Glacier Camp, you’ll head steeply up the central moraine of the glacier. Following the natural direction of the glacier’s curves, after a few hours of walking, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Tukuche Peak, adding to the beauty of the journey.
As you continue, the valley opens up, revealing a wide T-junction nestled between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. After a short distance hike from this point, you’ll finally arrive at Dhaulagiri Base Camp, traversing rocky terrain.
Upon reaching the base camp, take in the awe-inspiring surroundings adorned with colorful prayer flags swaying gently in the light breeze. Here, you’ll be treated to an impressive view of the icefall descending from the northeast col, as well as the majestic Dhaulagiri massif that encircles the base camp. This moment will be one of sheer grandeur, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and wonder as you stand in the presence of the towering Himalayan giant.
After having breakfast, pack up your belongings and take a drive back to Kathmandu. Following the Prithvi Highway, the road passes through vast pastures, terraced fields, green hills, and swiftly flowing Trishuli. As you reach Kathmandu city, you will be transferred to your homestay/ hotel in Kapan/ Thamel.
After relaxing for a while, explore the streets to buy souvenirs like Dhaka caps, arts and crafts, thangka paintings or any other things from local shops. You can enjoy a much-desired multi-cuisine meal or an authentic Nepali dinner from a variety of restaurants.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu
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Today is highly anticipated and marks one of the longest and most challenging stretches of the Dhaulagiri Round Trek, as you embark on crossing the renowned French Pass. The journey to the top of the pass is an arduous one, but the reward is beyond compare – a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of snow-clad mountain vistas. You’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks, including the majestic Mt. Dhaulagiri range, Tukuche Peak, Thapa Peak, Dhampus Peak, Mukut Himal, Tashi Kang Peak, Sita Chuchure, and many more.
Take a moment to rejoice at French Pass, soaking in the magnificence of the scenery before you. The view from this high vantage point is truly awe-inspiring and a testament to the sheer grandeur of the Himalayas.
However, the trek doesn’t end here. After a brief stop, you’ll continue on your journey and enter Hidden Valley. The descent from the pass is steep and challenging, with the trail being slippery underfoot due to gravel, stone, snow, and loose dirt. As you make your way into Hidden Valley, you’ll be surrounded by a surreal and secluded landscape, adding to the sense of adventure and accomplishment on this remarkable day of the trek.
The time to bid farewell is here, as this is your last day in Nepal. Our representatives will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport after a hearty farewell depending upon your flight schedule. There are certainly stories of the Dhampus peak climbing experience and the views of the amazing Annapurna range of mountains that you will share with your friends and family. If these memories prompt you to travel along with us again shortly for a similar adventurous journey, please contact us again
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After early morning breakfast, we will be heading for Dhampus Peak Base Camp which will be our camping destination for the night. It is likely to take us about five to six hours of walking through the beautiful green vegetation along with the company of glorious mountain peaks to reach Dhampus Peak Base Camp. There, we will look for a suitable camping site where we will be staying overnight.
On the fifteenth day of our trek, we will be staying at Dhampus Peak Base camp in order to prepare ourselves for the upcoming challenges and acclimatize our bodies.
Today, we will be moving towards high camp after early morning breakfast at Dhampus Base Camp. It will approximately take us about three to four hours to reach the elevation of 5600 meters where High Camp is situated at. As soon as we arrive, the team members will be setting up the necessary equipment like harnesses, ropes, and ice axes. for climbing after settling our camp. We will be staying overnight at the camp before we summit the peak.
Finally, on the seventeenth day of our trek, we start climbing the peak very early in the morning using all the preparation we made the previous day. We will be processing the climb in a technical manner, following all the guidance provided by our experienced climbing members. After summiting the peak situated at an elevation of 6012 meters, we will be heading back to the Base Camp. It is likely to take us a total time of six to nine hours to complete the day’s activities. However, from the top of the peak, you will be stunned by the magnificent views of amazing Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and some other glorious peaks. We will be staying overnight at the Base Camp before we further move toward the end of this amazing trip.
On the twenty-first day, we will be heading for Jomsom situated at an elevation of 2,670 meters. We will be moving downhill from Yak Kharka as the elevation gradually decreases from there. We will be encountered the beautiful village of Marpha known by the name of Apple Garden. We will then be following an easy trail to Jomsom and stay there overnight.