Trek Around Dhaulagiri Circuit & Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is passing the farming villages to high alpine pastures, uninhabited valleys and close-up views of several peaks over 8,000 m. The Dhaulagiri Trek is breathtaking and exciting. Trekking Around Dhaulagiri is a real adventure for experienced trekkers. If you have trekking experience and are up for a challenge, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an unforgettable adventure that takes you into the heart of some the highest mountains in the world. With several days and nights spent above 5,000 meters, two 5000 meter-plus passes and snowy conditions, it is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, but worthwhile for experienced trekkers.

Dhaulagiri 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-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 $2590 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.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we receive you there and drive to hotel. Free day in the afternoon and tour briefing in the afternoon.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Darbang (1100m)
We fly to Pokhara, then drive down into the Kali Gandaki Valley and up the tributary Myagdi Khola valley as far as Darbang situted at an altitude of approximately 1100 metres. We set up the first camp of the trip at Darbang.
Day 03: Trek to Sibang (1770m, 6/7 hours) Trekking
We set off trekking, passing through several villages en route to the ridge-top settlement of Dharapani. We have lunch here, then continue our trek via Takam to Sibang (1770m).
Day 04: Trek to Naura Bhir (1450m,7/8 hours)
Today, we trek to the large village of Muri where we stop for lunch , before continuing our ascent of the Myagdi Khola valley to Naura Bhir (1450m).
Day 05: Trek to Lapche Kharka (2000m, 7/8 hours)
We trek northwards, still following the Myagdi Khola, to the village of Baghara. We descend to the river before climbing again to the herders camp at Lapche Kharka (2000m).
Day 06: Trek to Sallaghari (2500m, 6/7 hours)
The trail continues climbing through forest to the open grazing area of Dobang. After lunch, continue to Sallaghari (2500m) where we make camp.
Day 07: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3660m, 4/5 hours)
Today, we trek through a forested area and across moraine to reach the area known as the 'Italian Basecamp' (3660m) where we make our camp below the stupendous west face of Dhaulagiri.
Day 08: Trek to Japanese Camp (4200m, 3/4 hours, 4km)
Continuing our ascent of the Myangdi Khola, we make the short but steep climb to our next camp known as 'Japanese Camp' or Chhonbardan Glacier Camp (4200m). There are great views of the Dhaulagiri peaks.
Day 09: Rest day at Japanese Camp.
We are now above 4,000 metres and our next camp will be at 4700 metres so it is important that we include an acclimatisation day prior to going higher. A good day for resting and catching up with the laundry.
Day 10: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m, 7/8 hours, 8km)
Today, we trek across moraine of the Dhaulagiri West Icefall to reach Dhaulagiri Basecamp (4748m) which we should reach in time for lunch. We set up camp here in a fantastic location completely surrounded by Himalayan peaks.
Day 11: Rest at Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
After our significant recent height gain, we take a rest day here to help with our acclimatisation.
Day 12: Trek to Hidden Valley (5120m, 6/7 hours, 9km) via French Pass(5360m)
An early start, crossing moraine to eventually reach a ridge that takes us up to the easy-angled snow slopes leading to the French Pass (5360m). We cross the pass to reach the 'Hidden Valley' behind Dhaulagiri where we make camp at 5120 metres.
Day 13: At Hidden Valley.
The Hidden Valley is a great place for a spot of exploration. This day also serves as a spare or contingency day in the case of delays up to this point.
Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharaka (3837m, 8/9 hours,14km) via Dhampus Pass.
We climb back up to the level of the French Pass at the other end of the valley and then make the high traverse across to the slightly lower Dhampus Pass (5280m). Once over the pass, we descend steeply to our camp at Yak Kharka (3827m).
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom (2736m, 9km, 4/5 hours)
Today we descend 1000 metres to the floor of the Kali Gandaki Valley and the pretty village of Marpha (2667m) on the Annapurna Circuit. A short trek north then takes us to Jomsom (2736m), where we stay in a lodge.
Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara.
We take the exciting flight to Pokhara, where we check in at a hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this picturesque lakeside town, with its spectacular Annapurna views.
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu.
We have a morning flight to Kathmandu, where we check in at our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 18: Kathmandu Airport
Final complimentary airport transfers to airport to get your flight back to home.

Cost Included:

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara with breakfast.
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per in itinerary.
• Three time meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the trekking.
• An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader
• All necessary trekking permit (TIMS & permit)
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Trekking Guide salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• All necessary trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
• All government and local taxes

• International airfares
• Trekking Equipment
• Major meals, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
• Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
• Nepal entry visa fee – you may easily obtain the visa upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport.
• Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
• Tips for guide and porters.

Dhaulagiri Trek Packing List
This is the 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 departure for the trek. Each porter will be carrying for 2 people’s belongings which they carry from a 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 hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu. The weight limit for your duffel bag/big rucsack/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 (goretex 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. Bring extra batteries.
Sunglasses. 
For Crossing the passes
Trekking poles 
A pair of Gaiters. 
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag. Overnight 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).
Duffel bag/Big rucksack/backpack
Travel clothes. 
Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc. 
Personal first aid kit
Blister treatment (Compeed 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 or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
Essentials
Binoculars (optional)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cove
Health and Safety
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber glove
Whistle
Drinking Water
Drinking plenty of water is a must.Please drink at least three litres 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 a Steripen 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
Guided trek is the best option if you want a stress-free hiking holiday. The guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manages all of the logistics. You must trek to Dhaulagiri round with guide because trek is not possible independently.
Guide and Porter
Dhaulagiri trekking guides cost between $50 – $70 per day, depending on their experience. A porter costs around $40 – $50 per day and this cost can usually be shared between two people, based on 10 – 15 kg per person.
Money Matter
You’ll need cash to pay for extra food and beverages, water, and showers along the way. On the trail, everything is payable in cash in the local currency, Nepalese Rupees (NPR) We suggest to bring 25,000 rupees (around $250 USD) with you for the trek.Also beware that ATM have max withdrawal amounts, and your bank may have a max daily withdrawal limit, so you may not be able to withdraw the total amount that you need all in one day. Plan ahead.There are ATM in Jomsom, but it’s best to withdraw your cash in Kathmandu/Pokhara instead of relying on a local ATM.
Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers. 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 charge.There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD and 90 Days – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:
One passport size photo
A passport valid for at least six months
At least one blank page in your passport
The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)
Tipping
We recommend tipping for guide: $15-$25 USD per day per person and porter: $12-$20 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
Travellers to altitudes 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. 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.