Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Difficulty
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a tough trek, suitable for trekkers with previous experience of trekking at altitudes above 5,000 m. The optional ascent of Dhampus Peak (6,060 m) requires basic mountaineering skills, such as knowledge of the use of ice axes and crampons. Three days in a row are spent trekking over snow above 5,000 m, without an easy way down. Adding to the challenge is the cold—as this is a camping trek, there are no cozy lodges to retreat to at night. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is not one for beginner trekkers or first-time visitors to Nepal, but those with more experience will find the rewards are high.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Preparation
It is good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful. Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand. Start exercising at least a month before the trek like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too.
Dhaulagiri Trek Permit
In order to trek around Dhaulagiri you need two different permits-the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit(ACAP) and TIMS-Trekkers Information Management Systems which costs around $ USD 60.The permits are valid only for one entry. This trek is not within a restricted zone, so it’s possible to trek independently, without a guide. However, this is strongly discouraged due to the difficulty of the trek, the weather conditions, the fact that tents and food will need to be carried, and that some days are spent walking and sleeping on snow. We, the Mission Eco Trek will take care/organize your Dhaulagiri Trek Permit. You will need to provide your scanned passport copy and a passport photo.
Meals and Accommodation on Dhaulagiri Trek
Apart from the first and last nights in Beni and Pokhara, where you will stay in hotels, this is an entirely camping trek. There are no lodges and not even any permanent settlements past Pakoban. This fact increases the effects of the cold. Food will be prepared in a camp kitchen, while guides and porters ensure that necessary provisions are carried to prepare high-energy, nutritious and tasty food.
Dhaulagiri Trek cost
Dhaulagiri Trek package cost ranges from $2800 USD to $3500 USD and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and permits.
Best Season, Weather and Temperature on Dhaulagiri Trek
Autumn like September to November and Spring like March to May is the best time trek to Dhaulagiri Trek. Spring is a popular time of the year with warmer weather than in Autumn. Also there is the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. Dhaulagiri Circuit trek has a wide range of temperatures. This depends on the season, altitude and time of day. In the mountains between 1,000 m and 3,500m the nights will be cool around 5 Celsius. During the day temperatures sometimes rise to 25 Celsius. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15 Celsius to -15 Celsius.
Solo Trekkers
Solo Trekking is possible, trek around Dhaulagiri Circuit as you don’t need a restricted area permit(RAP).It is nice to trek in a group. A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight. Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.
Insurance for Dhaulagiri Trek
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Dhaulagiri Trek because the high altitude can lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on trails for falls, avalanches and other mishaps. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Packing List for Dhaulagiri Base Camp Hike
This is a mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Dhaulagiri trek. The guide will check your gear in Kathmandu before departing the trek. Each porter will carry for 2 people’s belongings which they carry with a head strap on their head, so be mindful and considerate as you pack. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotel and guesthouse in Kathmandu. The weight limit for your duffel bag/big rucksack/backpack is 15 kg. The weight limit of your day rucksack or backpack is 5 kg.
Footwear
Walking Boots.
Trail shoes.
Sandals.
Walking socks.
Clothing
Waterproof and Windproof jacket (with hood) and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar)
Trekking trousers.
Soft Shell Trousers.
Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
Micro fleece.
Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ primaloft top.
Sleeveless/ gilet or body warmer type fleece / synthetic top.
Thermals or base layer for top and bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
Fleece or synthetic leggings.
Medium weight down jacket.
Heads and Gloves
Fleece gloves.
Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Wool or fleece hat.
Sun hat.
Bandana or scarf.
Head torch with extra batteries.
Sunglasses.
For Crossing the passes
Trekking poles
A pair of Gaiters.
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag with lows down to -15 Celsius.
Fleece or silk liner for your sleeping bag.
Sleeping mat
Day pack.
Two water bottles
Pee bottle.
Sunscreen and Lipbalm with a high SPF.
Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
Favorite snack food.
Books and cards etc.
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Earplugs (optional).
Baby wipes (optional).
Duffle bag/Big rucksack/backpack
Travel clothes.
Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc.
Personal first aid kit
Blister treatment (Competed patches are the best)
Re-hydration powder (eg Dioralyte).
Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
Throat lozenges.
Diamox (helps with acclimatization).
Water filter
Power bank
Poncho/rain coat
Documents:
Flight info(required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
Insurance certificate(required) (With photocopies)
Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Required visas(required) (With photocopies)
Essentials:
Binoculars (optional)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cover
Health and Safety
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber glove
Whistle
Drinking Water
Drink a plenty of water is a must. Please drink at least three litre of water while trekking each day. Bottled water and hot water is available to buy throughout the trek. You have to purchase your water throughout the trek. It is typically around 100 to 200 rupees. That’s why packing water purification tablet is a fantastic idea — you can fill up at the taps, and you won’t have to buy any water or waste unnecessary plastic.
Dhaulagiri Guided Trek
Dhaulagiri guided trek is the best option if you want a stress-free hiking tour. The guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Dhaulagiri Base Camp trek and having the guide manages all of the logistics. Dhaulagiri Trek is not possible independently as well.
Money Matter
You’ll need cash to pay for extra food and beverages, water, and showers along the way. You’ll also need to budget for tips for your guide and porters as well. Since there are no ATM along the way, we’d suggest to be prepared so you don’t run out of money. We suggest to bring 25,000 rupees (around $250 USD) with you for the trek. The amount of money you need to take Makalu trek will depend on whether you’re on an inclusive tour or not. If you are on an inclusive tour then you’ll only need money for any snacks or drinks over and above what’s included in your package. If you are paying as you go, then you’ll need to have enough cash to cover all costs: accommodation, food, drink, etc.
Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-TIA airport and on all land border crossing that are opened to foreign travelers. While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of cost. There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days visa costs – 30 USD, 30 Days visa costs – 50 USD and 90 Days visa costs – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things: 1. One passport size photo. 2. A passport valid for at least six months. 3. At least one blank page in your passport. 4. The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)
Tipping
We recommend tipping for guide: $10-$20 USD per day per person and porter: $10-$15 USD per day per person. If you want to give more you can, it depends on their services to you. There is no limit tipping guide and porter.
Passports
As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.
Altitude Sickness
Travelers to altitude higher than 2,500m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter but not worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.
Medical Facilities and Treatment
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and trekking don’t mix together. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.
