Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

It is initially an easy walk as we follow the valley upstream but then we take a steeper route in the afternoon from the village of Phedi.The trail winds through conifer forests and then levels out as we head in to Dharapani.At this busy Magar village time can be taken to explore while camp is set in the schoolyard on the far side of the town. Dhaulagiri dominates to the northeast, while the Gurga Himal is to the northwest.

After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi the trail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge,descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810meters).Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Descend a little, cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465 meters).Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naura from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs,then descend through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara (2080 meters). MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge, then through a forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in this part. After the settlement a high winding path crosses a rocky area which then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is on single hut.The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang.

Firstly we descend to cross the Choriban Khola and trek through temperate forest.As we descend we enjoy glimpses of the west wall of Dhaulagiri, an inspiration for our efforts so far. We cross the Myagdi Khola and trek high above the river to Chartare. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Our route takes us through the rhododendron and conifer forest and above the tree line.This is a short and very pleasant day’s walk.The southwest face of Dhaulagiri I looms above us and the snow-covered flanks of Manapati (6380m) rise to the south.The huge rock parapets of Tsaurabong Peak (6395m) are to our west and the huge peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618m) fill the western sky.

Today we will have a rest day and acclimatization day in Italian Base camp and explore the areas in the afternoon or evening .Overnight in Italian Base Camp.

Our route leads off the glacier and ascends rocky scree to the pass. French pass is named after a French reconnaissance expedition in the 1950s which set out to climb an 8,000 metre peak. Dhaulagiri was chosen but found to be too difficult. Maurice Herzog and his team then attempted Annapurna I. Being the first to reach the summit of an 8,000m peak they achieved international acclaim. It was not without a high price though, as retold by Herzog in his book Annapurna I. As we approach the pass the terrain becomes steeper and it may be necessary to fix ropes for a small section, (approx 100m) depending on snow conditions. It will take at least half a day across undulating terrain to reach the pass from the Base Camp. As we reach our goal the mountains surround us; Sita Chuchura and Tukuche Peak West flank us, Dhaulagiri I is behind, and Mukut Himal and Tashi Kang are to the north. As we descend into Hidden Valley the landscape changes to stark, drylands with snowy peaks. There is a true sense of isolation here and it is quite possible we might sight the elusive blue sheep.

Another long day, depending on conditions, to our camp just below Thapa (or Dhumpus) Pass (5250m). It is a short climb to the pass (approx. an hour), followed by a long traverse and descent upon loose scree to our camp amongst vegetation once again.Now on the other side of the pass, we can enjoy frontal views of the Nilgiri range and the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki.

Descending towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, the trail through forest is well defined and makes a pleasant change from the high alpine terrain we have been in for the last few days. We descend steeply all day and enter the main trail for trekkers of the Annapurna Circuit. Marpha is a substantial town of the valley and a good stopping off point for trekkers/pilgrims and traders between Muktinath/Jomoson and Pokhara. The paved,winding footway and closely built terrace-like housing makes the town very picturesque. Many apples are grown in the area, there is a good chance we may have apple pie tonight!Continuing north we reach Jomsom and our lodge for the night. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We board the early morning flight to Pokhara savouring magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.On arrival at Pokhara airport we will have a couple of hours before the onward flight to Kathmandu.On arrival we transfer you to your hotel.

Today we drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara after having breakfast, we will reach the Kathmandu after approx 6-7 hour’s drive. Overnight in Kathmandu.