Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Your Swotah representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport arrivals and transfers you by private vehicle to your Kathmandu hotel. The afternoon is free to rest, exchange currency, visit a pharmacy and prepare your personal kit for the 19 trekking days ahead.

Your guide visits in the evening for a full pre-trek briefing: the 21-day route, camping setup, what porters carry versus what you carry, permit documentation, altitude management, the glacier and pass sections, and emergency protocols. Dinner is at your own expense in Thamel — the main tourist district is a five-minute walk from most Kathmandu hotels and has dozens of restaurants catering to every preference.

Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft. Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

Depart Kathmandu after breakfast for Tribhuvan Airport for the 25-minute domestic flight to Pokhara. The route passes south of the Langtang range and approaches Pokhara from the east with clear views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft) and the Annapurna massif on calm mornings.

Pokhara is the gateway city for the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. The afternoon is free to organise any remaining kit, visit the trekking gear shops along Lakeside for last-minute items, and walk along Phewa Lake. Confirm with your guide that all permits (ACAP, TIMS, RAP) are in order.

An early night is recommended: the jeep to Dharapani departs at 07:00 tomorrow.

Elevation: 827 m / 2,713 ft. Flight: Kathmandu-Pokhara (25 min). Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

Breakfast at 06:30 and depart at 07:00 for the jeep drive from Pokhara to Dharapani — the trailhead for the Dhaulagiri Circuit. The drive is 190 km and takes approximately five hours on mountain roads through the Myagdi district, via Beni (the district headquarters at 830 m / 2,723 ft) and up the Myagdi Khola valley. The road passes terraced rice and millet fields, suspension bridges over turquoise rivers and the first views of the high snowcapped ridgelines ahead.

Lunch is at a roadside stop in Beni or on the way. Arrive in Dharapani (1,400 m) in the early afternoon; the camping crew has already set up the first camp. This is the first night in tents: the dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent and shower tent are all erected. Dinner is prepared fresh by the camp chef.

Use the evening to test your sleeping bag and sleeping pad in the tent, identify any missing items and discuss tomorrow's route with your guide. The trek begins in earnest tomorrow.

Drive: ~190 km, 5 hrs (Pokhara to Dharapani via Beni). Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft. Accommodation: Camping. Meals: Breakfast and dinner included; lunch on the road.

The first trekking day follows the Myagdi Khola upstream through a wide, cultivated valley. The trail passes through Magar village communities — Tibeto-Burman farming households whose terraced fields grow rice, millet and maize at this altitude. Stone-paved paths link the villages; painted mani walls and small Buddhist shrines mark the trail at intervals.

Trek distance: approximately 15 km. Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. The trail is mostly flat to gently climbing with some steeper sections through gorge narrows. The vegetation is subtropical with banana groves, bamboo and dense broadleaf forest fringing the river. Rhododendrons begin to appear on the hillsides from 1,600 m upward.

The camp at Muri (1,850 m / 6,070 ft) is at a flat section above the river. The first significant ridge of the Dhaulagiri range is visible above the southern valley wall. Camp set-up as before; hot tea on arrival.

Trek: ~15 km, 5-6 hrs, +450 m gain. Elevation: 1,850 m / 6,070 ft. Accommodation: Camping. Meals: All included (B+L+D).

A shorter day that gives the legs a modest recovery before the steeper sections to come. The trail descends slightly from Muri to cross the Myagdi Khola on a suspension bridge and then climbs through mixed forest to the small settlement of Bagar (2,080 m / 6,824 ft). Distance: approximately 10 km. Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours.

The valley narrows here and the character of the landscape changes: the subtropical farmland of the lower Myagdi gives way to a more enclosed gorge with rockier terrain and thicker forest. The trail becomes less frequently maintained and narrower in sections. Your porter team moves steadily ahead throughout the day to ensure camp is set up on arrival.

Bagar is a small settlement at a confluence point with good views up the main valley. Evening clouds often roll in from the south; the ridge lines above the camp catch the last light well after the valley floor is in shade. Begin the routine of drinking significant volumes of water each evening — dehydration at altitude starts here.

Trek: ~10 km, 4-5 hrs, +230 m gain. Elevation: 2,080 m / 6,824 ft. Accommodation: Camping. Meals: All included (B+L+D).

A longer and harder day as the trail climbs consistently through the inner gorge of the Myagdi Khola toward the high mountain zone. The path crosses several side streams on log bridges and wooden plank spans; some require careful footing, particularly after rain. The forest becomes denser and darker through this section: oak, rhododendron, maple and fir, with hanging moss and the sound of the river below.

Trek distance: approximately 8.5 km. Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. Despite the relatively short distance, the terrain is steep and the footing variable. Trekking poles are recommended from today onward. A packed lunch is carried from the Bagar camp; there are no shops or teahouses on this section.

Dovan (2,520 m / 8,268 ft) is a small clearing at a river bend with space for the camp. The first high glacier peaks of the Dhaulagiri range are briefly visible from the upper trail section on clear days. The temperature drops noticeably at this altitude; your fleece and down jacket will be needed this evening.

Trek: ~8.5 km, 6-7 hrs, +440 m gain. Elevation: 2,520 m / 8,268 ft. Accommodation: Camping. Meals: All included (B+L+D); packed lunch.

The trail continues to climb out of the Myagdi Khola gorge into the high alpine zone. The character of the forest shifts from broadleaf to rhododendron and conifer; at higher points on this section, the trees thin and open grassland begins to appear on the ridge flanks. The first clear views of the upper Dhaulagiri massif — Dhaulagiri I and its satellites — are visible from open sections of the trail as it rounds the upper gorge.

Trek distance: approximately 10 km. Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. The trail gains 380 m from Dovan in a sustained climb. Sallaghari (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) is the highest teahouse settlement on this approach route; below this point, some food and basic shelter is available on the trail. Above Sallaghari, the route is completely remote with no settlements or services — the camping crew carries everything from this point.

This is the last night with a significant population nearby. Use the evening to confirm that all your personal kit for the glacier and high-altitude sections is in your day pack: technical layers, gloves, goggles and any personal medication.

Trek: ~10 km, 5-6 hrs, +380 m gain. Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft. Accommodation: Camping. Meals: All included (B+L+D).

The second and final high pass of the circuit. Depart early from the Hidden Valley camp for the climb to Dhampus Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft) and the long descent to Yak Kharka (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). Trekking time: 6 to 8 hours. The altitude drop of 1,520 m in a single day is the largest of the entire trek.

The approach to Dhampus Pass from the Hidden Valley crosses avalanche terrain; the guide times the departure to minimise exposure during the most active hours (mid-morning onwards in spring). The climb to the pass is shorter than French Pass but the terrain is steep and the upper section traverses exposed snowfields. Crampons are used again on the icy sections; the guide fixes rope if conditions require it.

The pass itself offers a completely different view from French Pass: Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft) is visible to the east across the Kali Gandaki Gorge; the descent toward the Mustang valley stretches north. The contrast between the barren, icy world behind and the brown-and-ochre Mustang landscape ahead is striking.

The descent to Yak Kharka (3,680 m / 12,073 ft) is steep and long through a mixture of snow, scree and alpine pasture. The knees feel this section. Trekking poles are essential; slow your pace on the steepest parts and step deliberately. Yak Kharka is a high-pasture seasonal grazing area named for the yaks that graze here from spring through autumn.

The dramatic altitude loss from the overnight camp at 5,200 m to Yak Kharka at 3,680 m means most trekkers feel a significant improvement in symptoms on arrival: headache fades, appetite returns, breathing feels easier. Hot tea and dinner are waiting.

Trek: ~12 km, 6-8 hrs. Pass: Dhampus Pass 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. Overnight elevation: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft. Technical equipment: Crampons as required. Accommodation: Camping. Meals: All included (B+L+D).

The descent from the high alpine zone into the Mustang valley is one of the great relief moments of the Dhaulagiri Circuit — after 12 nights in tents, the prospect of a teahouse bed, a hot shower, Wi-Fi and Marpha apple brandy is significant motivation. Trek distance: approximately 12 km. Trekking time: 5 hours. The route descends steadily through alpine pasture and scrub to the Kali Gandaki valley floor, then follows the river northward to Marpha.

The Kali Gandaki Gorge is the world's deepest river gorge by some measurements: the river flows between Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) to the west and Annapurna I (8,091 m) to the east, with both summits within 35 km of the river. The constant strong north-to-south afternoon wind through the gorge — a thermal phenomenon driven by the height difference between the Tibetan Plateau and the Terai — is one of the defining features of this valley.

Marpha (2,670 m / 8,759 ft) is the most attractive village in the Mustang district: white-washed flat-roofed stone houses on narrow flagstone lanes, a covered main street that provides shelter from the valley wind, terraced apple and peach orchards on the surrounding hillsides, a small gompa (monastery) and several good teahouses. The village is famous across Nepal for its apple cultivation and distilling — apple pie, apple jam, dried apple rings and Marpha apple brandy are all genuine local products and worth trying.

Check into the teahouse, take a long hot shower, charge your devices, find Wi-Fi and eat a large dinner. The combination of altitude relief, teahouse warmth and Marpha apple brandy makes this evening memorable for almost everyone on this trek.

Trek: ~12 km, 5 hrs, -1,010 m descent. Elevation: 2,670 m / 8,759 ft. Accommodation: Teahouse, Marpha. Meals: All included (B+L+D).

A gentle final trekking day through the Mustang valley from Marpha to Jomsom — either a 14-km walk (4 to 5 hours) along the Kali Gandaki or a short jeep ride. Most trekkers choose to walk: the valley scenery is distinctive (ochre cliffs, Tibetan-style villages and the constant wind), the altitude is benign after 12 days at altitude, and the legs are in the best condition of the trek despite the fatigue.

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki north past Tukuche village — a former trading post on the historic salt-trade route between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent — to the old bazaar at Kobang and then into Jomsom. Muktinath, the important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site at 3,760 m, is visible on the plateau above the eastern valley wall.

Jomsom (2,710 m / 8,891 ft) is the district headquarters of Mustang and the main transport hub. There are several teahouses and guesthouses ranging from basic to comfortable, a hospital (the first medical facility with equipment since leaving Pokhara), an ATM and reliable Wi-Fi. The early morning Jomsom-Pokhara flight tomorrow is weather-dependent: Jomsom receives extremely strong valley winds from mid-morning onward; flights must depart before approximately 08:00 or are cancelled for the day. Confirm the flight with your guide and set an alarm.

Trek/drive: ~14 km, 4-5 hrs OR short jeep. Elevation: 2,710 m / 8,891 ft. Accommodation: Teahouse, Jomsom. Meals: All included (B+L+D).

Departure early: the Jomsom-Pokhara flight must leave before the valley wind builds, typically between 06:30 and 08:00. Be at the Jomsom airport by 06:00. The 25-minute flight passes directly past Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft) — the sacred 'Fishtail Mountain' that may never be climbed — and over the Annapurna foothills to Pokhara. On a clear morning this is one of the most scenic short flights in the world.

Arrive in Pokhara before 09:00. Transfer to the Lakeside hotel by private vehicle. The rest of the day is entirely free: sleep, massage (Pokhara has excellent Ayurvedic massage centres along Lakeside), swimming at Begnas Lake, paragliding, boating on Phewa Lake, or simply eating and drinking in the Lakeside restaurants. After 12 nights in tents, the hotel room will feel extraordinary.

Celebrate the completion of the Dhaulagiri Circuit with your guide and porter crew this evening — dinner together is the customary end-of-trek acknowledgement. Tip recommendations: guide 10 to 15% of the full trek cost shared across the group; porters NRS 1,500 to 2,000 per day; camp chef NRS 2,000 per day.

Flight: Jomsom-Pokhara (25 min, early morning). Elevation: 827 m / 2,713 ft. Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

A full free day in Pokhara to rest, recover and explore at your own pace. Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city and the most relaxed of the major tourist destinations: it sits on Phewa Lake with the Annapurna massif as a backdrop, has a large and well-developed Lakeside tourist area and offers excellent food and accommodation options.

Recommended activities: the Peace Pagoda (World Peace Stupa) on the southern hillside above the lake gives outstanding panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre — a 45-minute boat ride and 30-minute walk from Lakeside. The International Mountain Museum at Prithvi Chowk is the best museum in Nepal dedicated to Himalayan mountaineering history, with exhibits on all the 8,000-metre peaks including Dhaulagiri. Devi's Falls (underground waterfall), Gupteswor Mahadev Cave and the Tibetan Refugee Settlement at Tashi Pailkhel are all within a 20-minute taxi ride.

For the most relaxed recovery: a Pokhara lakeside breakfast, a long massage, an afternoon in a hammock at a lakeside café with views of Machhapuchhre and a dinner of your choice. The journey home tomorrow — tourist bus to Kathmandu — departs early; pack your bags this evening and set an alarm.

Elevation: 827 m / 2,713 ft. Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus along the Prithvi Highway — a scenic 8-hour journey through the Marsyangdi and Trishuli river valleys, with views of the Annapurna range visible for much of the first two hours on clear mornings. Tourist buses depart Lakeside at approximately 07:00 to 07:30 and arrive at the Kathmandu tourist bus park in the late afternoon.

If you prefer the faster option (and have the budget), the 25-minute Pokhara-Kathmandu flight is available at your own additional cost — ask your guide to arrange it. The tourist bus is comfortable for most travellers and allows the landscape of the middle hills to be appreciated in a way a short flight does not.

Arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon. Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel by private vehicle. The remainder of the day is free for shopping in Thamel (pashmina, thangka paintings, Tibetan crafts, trekking gear), a last Kathmandu dinner or simply rest. The major temples — Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath — can be visited tomorrow.

Transport: Tourist bus Pokhara-Kathmandu (~8 hrs). Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft. Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

A full free day in Kathmandu. The city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites are among the most concentrated in any Asian capital — seven monument zones within the Kathmandu Valley. Three are most visited by trekkers:

Boudhanath Stupa — the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in Asia, at the centre of a Tibetan Buddhist community established by refugees after 1959. The circular kora (circumambulation path) around the base is walked continuously by monks, nuns and laypeople; dozens of thangka painting shops and meditation centres ring the perimeter. A remarkable place to spend a morning.

Pashupatinath Temple — the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal, on the banks of the Bagmati River (a tributary of the Ganges). Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple but can observe the ghats and burning ceremonies from across the river. The cremation site at Aryaghat is sobering and fascinating in equal measure.

Patan Durbar Square in the city of Lalitpur (15 minutes from Kathmandu by taxi) — the finest medieval Newari architecture in the valley, better preserved than Kathmandu Durbar Square after the 2015 earthquake. The Patan Museum is the best museum of Himalayan art in Nepal.

Use the afternoon for any final shopping, sorting trekking gear into what to donate or sell (second-hand gear shops on Freak Street and in Thamel accept used equipment) and packing for the international flight home.

Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft. Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport by private Swotah vehicle. Allow at least 3 hours before your scheduled international departure — Kathmandu airport can be slow at immigration and security during peak hours. Your guide accompanies you to the airport drop-off.

If your flight is in the afternoon or evening and check-out is in the morning, the hotel concierge will store luggage and you can spend the final hours exploring the neighbourhood around the hotel or returning to a favourite Thamel restaurant for a last meal in Nepal.

Nepal visa-on-arrival is valid for the number of days you purchased (15 or 30 days); ensure you have not overstayed before departure to avoid a fine at the airport. Safe travels — and thank you for trekking with Swotah.

Accommodation: None (departure day). Meals: Breakfast included; all other meals at own expense.

An early-morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (around 20 minutes) crosses the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri corridor at low altitude with clear mountain views if the weather holds. At Pokhara airport a Swotah vehicle transfers you to Pokhara Lakeside for a brief stop, then the drive continues to Kathmandu (roughly 6 hours) via the Prithvi Highway. Overnight in Kathmandu.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek ends today. A Swotah representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Check-in is normally 3 hours before international departure. If you want to extend your stay in Kathmandu or add another trip to Nepal, the Swotah team is glad to help arrange it.