Four Season Mountain Trek
Trekking in Himalayas Forever
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chumsenp@gmail.com
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Trekking mode: Tea house/Lodge / 4 or 5 Nights Camping.
Trekking Activities: Trekking/Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Difficulty: Strenuous
Max Elevation: 5,320m
Transportation: Flight/Car/Tourist Bus
Group Size: minimum 01- maximum 15
Best Months: April-May/Sep-Nov
Camping: 4 Days minimum
Duration: 17 days
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is challenging and ultimate experience for adventure junkies who are seeking for expedition-like experience in remote Himalaya. Also known as Dhaulagiri Round trekking with two passes French pass 5,360 m and Dhampus pass 5,240 m, the trail meanders through the farming villages in the Himalayan foothill to alpine pasture and unsettled valleys with awe-inspiring views of several eight thousanders. Throughout the trail, trekkers will delighted with the view of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV and V along with alpine scenery and remote landscapes. Clear crystal view of Tukuche peak, Annapapurna I, Tilicho, Nilgiri from Dhampus pass.
Dhaulagiri Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. The trail follows the glaciers and crosses challenging passes, suitable only for fit individuals wishing to go for remote and demanding trekking in Nepal. Hike through the pristine valley of Myagdi, terraced fields, quaint villages and rugged terrain of Dhaulagiri massif. The trekking is obviously tough with narrow Chonbarden gorge towards Dahulagiri Base Camp but technically straightforward French passes( 5,360 m )are simply awe-inspiring for everlasting memories. After crossing Dhampus Pass(5,244 m), we make a long descend to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara to end our fascinating trek.
The Dhaulagiri circuit trekking goes through glacier for 2 days. You will stay at Japanese base camp and Dhaulagiri base camp in glacier.
The best season to trek around Dhaulagiri mountain is September, October and November in Autumn. And May and April in Spring season. There will be lots of snow in March so its very difficult and dangerous to attempt in March. Do not attempt if the weather is not clear after french pass. The hidden valley starts from here, which is totally hidden if the weather is not clear. The trekking route up to Batase danda via Dhampus pass from french pass is high risk area if the weather is not good. There are not bridges in river after Italian base camp. The rivers grows in day time so you must start early in morning in May but in April the rivers are frozen.
We have very experienced guides, porters who have successfully completed the Dhaulagiri trek several times. The prices are very flexible and tentative as per your safety and service provided during trek. We provide full board service (Full camping), half camping service and guide porter service for trekking around Dhaulagiri Mountain.
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m), Tribhuvan International Airport, overnight at hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu – Pokhara flight – 25 minutes Drive to Darbang (1,110m), overnight at hotel
Day 03: Darvang ---Shibang (1,780m), overnight at (Tea house, home stay)
Day 04: Shibang -----Mahatala(1,575m) , overnight at tea house.
Day 05: Mahatala ----Bagar(Boghara)2,080m), overnight at tea house
Day 06: Bagar - Dovan (2,520m), over night at tea house
Day 07: Dovan - Sallaghari (3,150m), overnight at tea house
Day 08: Sallaghari - Italian Basecamp(3,660m), overnight at tea house.
Day 09: Rest and acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp
Day 10: Italian Base Camp – Japanese Base camp(4,110m), camping at night
Day 11: Japanese B.C. - Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,700m), camping at night
Day 12: Dhaulagiri Base Camp – Hidden Valley (5,050m) via French Co (5,360m), camping at night
Day 13: Hidden Valley – Yak Kharka (3,680m) via Dhampus Pass (5,240m), camping at night
Day 14: Yak Kharka – Jomsom (2,670m) via Marpha, overnight at lodge
Day 15: Jomsom - Pokhara – Kathmandu flight, overnight at hotel
Day 16: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley
Day 17: Transfer to airport for final departure
4season Trek offers the customized trekking packages for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek as per the client’s budget, interest and time-frame. In remote trekking area where lodges are not available, the only alternative is camping.
Here are some of the trekking options offered by 4seaon Trek:
We provide full camping trek for Dhaulagiri Round trek. In Full camping trek, we provide all the kitchen stuffs, tents and necessary equipment for camping trek. We also provide necessary kitchen staffs with expert cooks and helper.
We use the tea houses for the available part (up to Italian Base Camp) and camp for 4 days until Yak Kharka.
“Half Camping Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking itinerary” offered by 4season treks arranges all the necessary camping gears and the foods are prepared on your preference. We offer you an expert cook and helper who are ready to serve the desired food whenever required. Trekkers need to buy all the foods and beverage; cook is only liable to cook the food you bought. Half Camping Trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit is perfect for those who wish to enjoy the food as their preference and desire.
“Guide & Porters” package offered by 4Season Trek is best for those who wish to trek independently but wants to accompany an experienced guide & porters to lead their trip. We can help you find the best guide and porters with years of experience in the Dhaulagiri trekking route.
We can also manage all the accommodation, transportation and camping gears upon your request.
As it is challenging and high altitude trek in Nepal, there are plenty of things to know before heading for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Mt. Dhaulagiri at 8,167m, the seventh highest peak in the world, offers trekking routes filled with challenges and adventures.
The round Dhaulagiri trek follows the glaciers and crosses high passes; an ultimate challenge perfect for those seeking to move on remote and demanding treks in Nepal. Stroll through the magnificent valley of Myagdi, lush terraced hillsides, and village, rugged terrain of massif Dhaulagiri, tough but technically straightforward French and Thapa passes for the long-lasting memory.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is not a simple; as walking in the park; there’s a great deal to factor into your planning before you even take those first few steps. While its super tempting just to turn up, hire a sleeping bag and put on the boots and take off, there are few important things you need know to before starting the journey.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is either done in homestay or lodge mode up to the Italian Base Camp. Don’t except luxurious stay; however it is comfortable. You can take a sleeping bag with liner for comfort.
The trail from Italian Base Camp – Marpha or Tukuchee is done in full camping mode. It takes 4 – 5 day from Italian Base Camp – Marpha or Tukuchee depending on the pace of your hike.
Though the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trail is well-beaten; at some point you have walk on a snow-covered trail. Trekkers have to walk on off-beat trail from Swiss Base Camp – Dhaulagiri Base Camp and have to follow 2 hours of off-beat trail onwards to reach well-marked trail.
For 1.5 hours you need to walk on boulder strewn trail (on the way from Dhaulagiri Base Camp – French Camp). Then we take a flat trail to French Pass with the view of Tukuche Peak and Mukut Himal to the left.
10 minutes downhill hike takes us to hidden valley. In the month of July and August, you can witness the Yaks of Dolpo region grazing in the pasture of a valley.
The trial from Hidden valley – Dhampus pass takes one and half hour. On the way, we can enjoy the magnificent views of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Tilicho Peak.
There is no water source from Japanese Base Camp – Dhaulagiri Base Camp; so carry enough water.
Note: Pay extra caution on a trail from Dhampus pass – Batanse. There are many sub-trail connecting to the main trail. This might be misleading. We suggest you to follow the footstep of guide strictly. There are no check-post from Darbang – Jomsom and no mobile networks are available from the Juke Pani trail onward.
While you don’t need to be an athlete for Dhaulagiri trek, it’s definitely worth putting in some hard yards at the gym, in the mountains or around the block before you leave.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary allows plenty of rest, long lunch break and few rest day in between. You have to walk 5 – 8 hours a day and cover 10 – 15 km. But at some day on your trek, you have to walk for more than 8 hours starting at 4:00 AM and cover 20kms through the Nepalese flats or in the snow.
We suggest you to build your general cardio for at least two months prior starting as well as a few consecutive days of long distance walking. Get your feet used to being in boots day after day. You can even try altitude training before you leave.
No matter when or how you are intending to hike Dhaulagiri Circuit, you will need to obtain both Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) permit and Annapurna National Park Permit (ACAP). These permits will be checked on a various checkpoint along the trail. The permit costs USD 40 total (USD 20 for each).
If you are hiking on a pre-organized tour, your trekking guide is likely to manage these for you. If you are hiking independently, you need to purchase permits either in Nepal Tourism Office based in Kathmandu or the Pokhara tourist office before commencing the journey. Bring 4 PP sized photos for trekking permit.
The food offered along the trail is typical Nepali food. There are no high range of food selection option; better buy your favorite snacks in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Daal Bhaat is stable food followed by pasta, Momo and pancakes which are basically offered on the trial.
Great thing is that the food served here are produced on farmland right there.
Do note that you will burning excess calories: drink enough water and energy bars. Food like Daal, Bhaat and Tarkari is full of good calories which lasts long and keep you fueled up. Bring some Yak Cheep to supply sufficient protein and carry some candy bars for your treat.
Beer, Soda, Coffee, tea and lemon water are available on almost every teahouse. But just the food price rise up as the altitude rises.
Many people use flirted water to reduce extra expenses.
As the camping trek starts, all the foods are pre-arranged. You can ask for your favorite food to be cooked by expert cook. But do notify about the food you need to your trekking agency before the commencement of the trip.
Porters are super strong guys who glide up and down mountains carrying all your stuff and you can easily accomplish your goal without extra baggage.
While they are meant to carry; don’t forget they are human with really human muscles and backs that are equally prone to injury. Help them out packing light and as less as you can (10kgs or so).
Visit - http://www.4seasontrek.com/blog/dhaulagiri-circuit-trek-complete-guideline/ for more info
Trekking through the mild temperature in first days, you will probably be asking yourself why you bought all those warm clothes. You will begin to realize gradually why when you rise above 3,000m.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Covers all the climatic zone from tropical – alpine and snowy barren landscapes. Somedays you will be walking in a short and t-shirt drinking 4liter+ water. And other days you will be wearing water-air proof warm down and trouser as the brutally cold -15 wind freezes your water solid in its flask.
While the Dhaulagiri hike may break your leg muscles but it will not break your balance. If you are hike via trekking agency, except to pay anywhere between USD 2,500 – 3,500, which covers all your transportation, lodging, food, camps, guide & porter cost and permits.
Note: There are no ATM until you finish in Jomsom. So hold enough Nepalese currency before starting the hike. To keep you money safe, stash it in your daypack and always keep it on you.
Though tipping isn’t compulsory in Nepal (when it comes to restaurant waiters and drivers) but it kind of expected when it comes to guides and porters. These local guides and porters find very hard to survive from their salary; so tip (if you can) for their goodness.
For your trekking guide, set aside USD 3 – 4 per person per day. For porters, we recommend USD 4 per traveler pert day, which will be divided amongst all the porters on your trek. Basically you will be spending USD 200 – USD 300 more than your actual budgeting.
For more than 4,500m treks in Nepal, we suggest you to get fully insured that covers all the unforeseen incidents. Whether it be a sprained ankle, altitude sickness or a natural disaster that needs emergency rescue evacuation, it better to be prepared with insurance (don’t forget 2015 Nepal earthquake).
Altitude sickness doesn’t excuse anybody; regardless of fitness or stamina. Anyone can be affected anywhere (especially in altitude more than 2,800m). So make sure to take all the necessary precautions after 2,800m. Include Diamox in your Medical Kit, stay hydrated, fuel up, get adequate rest and walk on a gradual pace (don’t race).
We recommend studying the symptoms, its horrific effect and solution before starting the trek.
Visit Altitude Sickness Wiki for complete information.
Contact Four Season Mountain Trek for any sort of quarries about the high altitude treks in Nepal.
