Around Dhaulagiri & French Pass Trekking

18 Days

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek hails from the central part of Nepal. Dhaulagiri is home to the world’s highest peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m and Annapurna 8091m. As you trek in this spectacularly rich off beaten path of Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass, you will witness the magnificent Dhaulagiri massif. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass by Great Adventure Treks offers finely blended Himalayan experience to the trekkers. You will hike along the sentinel mountains over the Kali Gandaki river. It is a spectacular experience because Kali Gandaki river forms the deepest river valley on earth. Dhaulagiri circuit trek is the finest trek in the Dhaulagiri region. Dhaulagiri Circuit trek provides the perfect contrast of nature, culture, and landscape for travelers. You will hike deep into the woods to a windswept valley in the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is challenging as the path goes through the high snow-crested ridge and remorseless ice field. Dhaulagiri trek via French pass is the best-extended trek in Nepal. The trek kicks off from Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi. You will experience the culture of Magars living in the area. It is an amazing experience to receive warm hospitality from the ethnic groups of the traditional villages.

The remarkable achievement of this trek is the trophy of crossing two high mountain passes which are French Pass at an elevation of 5360m and Dhampus Pass which is at the elevation of 5234m. This trek is not just about those passes and snow capped peaks but the richness of flora and fauna is fortunate jewel that it beholds in its jungle, unblemished agricultural land. And the adorable lifestyle of the citizens living in this remote area is example of its own kind and has been a treasure since long and is adored by every traveler passing by. You will have a once in a lifetime experience camping in the moraines of the Dhaulagiri Base Camp during this trek by Great Adventure Treks. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French pass is the perfect climb of almost all of the trekking environments. This is by the extremely exciting excursion through one of the best off the beaten tracks to applaud the sumptuousness of Dhaulagiri massif! Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is an adventurous and challenging trek that takes you all the way through stunning glaciers and high snow dressed passes to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp which possibly may be a dream of any travel lover. Nevertheless, having been said to its difficult terrain, isolated and off beaten trail, it also lacks in proper accommodation facility, this trek is suitable only for those fit travelers with high patience capacity.

Trip Highlights:

• Hike through the wilderness of the remote terrains of Dhaulagiri region.
• Experience Scenic Mountain from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
• Adventurous trek through the high passes and glacial traverse.
• Splendid views of sky stretching Dhaulagiri 8167m and Mukut Himal 6038m.
• Trek the entire Dhaulagiri massif along valleys traveled by locals since ages ago.
• Experience the local culture and hospitality of Magars during Dhaulagiri trek.

Dhaulagiri – French Pass Trekking Map:

Day 01: Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel (1,300 m/4,264 ft) Hotel Accommodation.

Day 02:  Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Hotel Accommodation.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (828 m/ 2690 ft) 6–7 hrs, Hotel  Accommodation.

Day 04: Drive to Darbang via Beni (940 m/ 3083 ft) 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,560 m/5117 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 06: Trek to Mure (1,700 m/ 5576 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 07: Trek to Bagar (2,375 m/ 7790 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 08: Trek to Dovan (2,600 m/ 8528 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 09: Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka (3,000 m/ 9840 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 10: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp) (3,750 m/ 12,300 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750 m/ 15,580 ft) 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 12: Trek to Hidden Valley (4,900 m/ 16,072 ft) via French Pass (5,360 m/ 17,581) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 13: Rest at Hidden Valley for a hike around and explore the beauty and communicate with the local people and learn their culture and ethnicity in detail. Tea House Accommodation.

Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,915 m/ 16,121 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 15: Trek to Marpha (2,630 m/ 8626 ft) drive to Jomsom 4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 16: Fly to Pokhara afternoon free at leisure for a hike around and explore the beauty and communicate with the local people and learn their culture and ethnicity in detail. Hotel Accommodation.

Day 17: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 18: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

On availability of your time and interest after your trek,  please feel free to choose our DAY TOURSNEPAL TOURS , Jungle Safaris or other options from our website. Here are some trip extensions that might interest you.

Extended Trips

Day 01: Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel (1,300 m/4,264 ft) Hotel Accommodation.

Today, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu. A representative from the agency GA will be waiting for you. He/she will greet you by your respective names and by the time of the day. The representative will escort you the vehicle. And they will also transfer your luggage to the Hotel. After you arrive at the Hotel, the Hotel staff will greet you in the lobby. They will help you with your check-in process. The Hotel staff will escort you to your room with the luggage. You will freshen up after the long trip from your homeland. The representative from GA will inform you about the Welcome dinner at a Nepali restaurant. You will enjoy the pleasant evening dinner with your fellow trekking expedition team. The dinner will feature Traditional Nepali cultural show. The trek leader will also inform you about the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek expedition.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Hotel Accommodation.

You will enjoy breakfast early in the morning. The trek leader will inform you about the Kathmandu city tour. A private vehicle will arrive to drop you and your team to the destination. You will have a scenic ride through the urban city. You will be led by the trek leader or a tour guide for the city excursion. You will visit one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world, Boudhanath Stupa. Here you can observe the Prayer chanted by the Buddhist monk. Today you will visit plenty of religious world heritage sites. After Boudhanath excursion, you will visit Pashupatinath, the holiest of Hindu temple in the world. You will witness Sadhus meditating in the tranquility of the Pashupatinath premise. Swayambhunath is also one of the destinations for today. You will experience the true ambiance of peace at swayambhunath. Swayambhunath is also known as monkey temple.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (828 m/ 2690 ft) 6–7 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

You will head out to Pokhara after early morning breakfast. A private vehicle awaits you outside the Hotel. You will embark on a journey to the second largest town of Nepal, Pokhara (820m). You will follow the road through small village settlements and towns to Pokhara city. You will witness the scenic view of snow-capped mountains on your trip to Pokhara. The drive to Pokhara is through pitch road. So, it is a pleasant and comforting 6 hours long ride to Pokhara. After your arrival, the Annapurna range will escort you with a crisp aesthetic ambiance. You will stay for the night at a lakeside hotel in Pokhara.

Day 04: Drive to Darbang via Beni (940 m/ 3083 ft) 5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You will enjoy your breakfast at your Hotel. Here on after, you will drive to Beni 830m. Beni is the headquarter of the Myagdi district. You will head towards Darbang from Beni. It is a 3 hours long scenic drive to Darbang. Darbang is a pleasant farm village. You will start your trek from the village of Darbang 1179m. Darbang was a quiet village a few years ago. But after the dirt road connection, it has turned into a town. You will unpack your luggage at the teahouse you are staying for the night. The trek leader will organize a short briefing program for the expedition ahead. He will inform you about the trials ahead and the equipment you may need for the expedition ahead. Later the night, you will organize your trekking equipment for tomorrow. You will stay at the tea house for the night.

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,560 m/5117 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

After an early morning breakfast, you will start your trek to Dharapani. The hike today is easy at the beginning. But the trails start to get steeper as you follow the valley upstream. The hike today is 4 hours long. The morning hike will lead you to Myagdi river. You will cross the suspension bridge and continue your hike the steep route for an hour. You will hike through the conifer forest after leaving the river behind. The trail winds up through cooler ridges as you follow the trail to Dharapani. Dharapani is a busy Magar village and the campsite for today. After one hour of a steep climb, you will arrive at the village Dharapani. The view of Ghurja and the western Dhaulagiri Massif from the campsite is breathtaking. You will camp at Dharapani 1560m for the night.

Day 06: Trek to Mure (1,700 m/ 5576 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You will make gradually hike towards a broad hillside early in the morning. You will have an excellent view of the Myagdi Khola. From here on, you will descend towards Dhara Khola. You will cross a suspension bridge over Dhara Khola. You will make a steady climb with a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and the Gurja Himal (7193m). You will walk 6 hours on today’s hike. You will arrive at Mure after two hours steep hike from Dhara Khola. You will spend the night in a camp. You will sleep overnight at Mure 1700m.

Day 07: Trek to Bagar (2,375 m/ 7790 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You start your morning with a pleasant breakfast at Mure. The trek ahead is 6 hours of a solid hike the entire day. You will Start to follow the trail down to Dhola Khola. The trail begins to ascend to the hills side after you cross Dhora Khola. You will pass farmhouses with paddy fields as you make your way uphill. Furthermore, on your trek, the path will ascend steep terrains for two hours. You will walk your way down following the path to a small farm village afterward. Bagar is the last village settlement to Marpha. After six hours of hike, you will spend the night at Bagar 2375m.

Day 08: Trek to Dovan (2,600 m/ 8528 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You will start your morning with early morning breakfast. After a short time, you will begin your trek through the gorge accompanied by many ups and downs. You will bid farewell to Bagar village and make your way to the dense rhododendron forest and across high pastures. At this point of the trek, you will climb the west side of the Myagdi river. Shortly after, your path follows a narrow trail above the river Myagdi. You will make a quick descent through the steep terrains. At this point, you will come across a number of stone-built Shepherd’s huts. As you move on further, you will gradually ascend to the grassy clearings to Dovan. After 6 hours of walk from Bagar, you will finally arrive at Dovan 2600m. You set up camp here for the night

Day 09: Trek to Chartare / Bhainsi Kharka (3,000 m/ 9840 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Today, you will have to follow the trail to the steep path up towards the moraine and barren terrain of the glaciers. From here on, you will descend towards the Choriban Khola and trek through the temperate forest. You will catch few glimpses of the west wall of Dhaulagiri as you cross the suspension bridge over Myagdi Khola. You will hike through the forest for some time. Eventually, you will follow the trails along the Pakite Khola. You will cross streams on your way to Chartare. Today, you will hike for 5 hours on your hike to the table-land of Chartare. You can camp for the night at Chartare or the Bhainsi Kharka 3000m for the night.

Day 10: Trek to Pakhaban (Japanese Camp) (3,750 m/ 12,300 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You will leave the campsite at Chartare or Bainsi Kharkha and follow the trail through the forest to Pakhaban (Japanese camp). You will follow the trail into a rocky area and shortly after, the path leads to the steep the mountainside. You will have to cross and descend the other glacier that originated from the West wall of the Dhaulagiri. The trek continues to a wide grassy area in a narrow gorge valley of Pakhaban 3750m. Pakhaban is also known as Japanese Camp. You will spend the night at a beautiful campsite with an impressive view of Dhaulagiri 8167m. You will rest for the night after 5 hours of a trek from chartare or bhainsi kharka.

Day 11: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750 m/ 15,580 ft) 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

After an early morning breakfast, you will commence your hike with a gentle hike across lateral moraine to the head of the Myagdi Khola and then on to the Chonbarban Glacier. As you hike around the valley, Tukuche Peak West is revealed for the first time. Your trek takes yours furthermore into the glaciated area. You will walk along the surface of the glacier passage to Dhaulagiri Base Camp situated at 4,750 m high. You will also have a mesmerizing view of Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m.), III (7,715 m.) and IV (7,618 m). You will set up camp on the rocky moraines at Dhaulagiri base camp after 6 hours of hike. You will have a close view of Dhaulagiri massif from the base camp.

Day 12: Trek to Hidden Valley (4,900 m/ 16,072 ft) via French Pass (5,360 m/ 17,581) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You will follow the route and ascend rocky path after you have your breakfast. You will hike for 6 hours to the Hidden valley 4900m via French pass 5360m. French pass is named after a French reconnaissance expedition in the 1950s. The Expedition was set out to climb an 8,000-metre peak. You will pass steep terrains on your hike today and you may have to fix ropes for a small section depending on snow conditions. You will experience isolation hiking through this terrain. You will climb French Col at an elevation of 5,360 meters afterward. You will reach the highest point of the expedition at French Pass where the Buddhist prayer flag or lungta will welcome you. You will have a stunning view of Sita Chuchura (6,614m), Tashi Kang (5,386 m) and Mukut Himal (6,038m). You will finally arrive at Hidden Valley after 6 hours of the trek as the path leads to a gentle descent along the snow-covered landscape to Hidden Valley. You will camp at Hidden Valley for the night.

Day 13: Rest at Hidden Valley for a hike around and explore the beauty and communicate with the local people and learn their culture and ethnicity in detail. Tea House Accommodation.

Today you will enjoy the rest at Hidden Valley. Your body needs to acclimatize to the exposure to the high altitude of the Himalayan regions. Your body will adapt to its surroundings and will not show any sign of symptoms if the acclimatization process is complete. You can rest for the day or you also have an option to explore the Hidden Valley with your Expedition team. The excursion around the hidden valley depends upon the weather. However, if the weather is sunny with clear crisp skies, you can always enjoy a great trip in the HIdden valley.

Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,915 m/ 16,121 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

You will enjoy a pleasant breakfast at the wonderful Hidden valley. Your adventure continues to Dhampus pass. You will enjoy the views of the Nilgiri range and valley of Kali Gandaki as you gradually follow the path for an hour to Dhampus pass at 5,258m. You hike overlooks the Magnificence of the Annapurna peaks and kali gandaki valley. You will hike along the steep path down along the rock covered mountainside. At last, you will arrive at Yak Kharka after 5 hours of hike. You will enjoy the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri I, Tuckche Peak 6920m, and Nilgiri 2637m from the campsite. You will enjoy a warm meal at the campsite and spend your night at Yak Kharka 4915m.

Day 15: Trek to Marpha (2,630 m/ 8626 ft) drive to Jomsom 4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Today, you will descend towards the Kali Gandaki valley. The Morning hike leads through a pleasant forest full of alpine terrains towards the narrow mountain path. You will descend the entire day and enter the main trail for trekkers of the Annapurna Circuit. Your hike leads you along the Kali Gandaki river to Marpha 2630m village. Marpha village is a resting point for trekkers/pilgrims and traders between Muktinath/Jomsom and Pokhara. Marpha village is a picturesque town full of terrace-like housing. Marpha is a charming village and it is famous for its apple-based products. From here on, you will commence 3 hours of short drive to Jomsom 2716m. Jomsom lies at lower Mustang region an extension of Tibetan plateau. You will spend the night at a tea house or a lodge at Jomsom.

Day 16: Fly to Pokhara afternoon free at leisure for a hike around and explore the beauty and communicate with the local people and learn their culture and ethnicity in detail. Hotel Accommodation.

Today, you will board a flight to Pokhara early in the morning. On your way to Pokhara, you will enjoy the savoring magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You will finally arrive at Pokhara 950m after 22 min of scenic mountain flight. Upon your arrival, the private vehicle from the agency will escort you back to the Hotel. Later the evening, you will enjoy a spectacular walk along the banks of Phewa lake. It is a perfect spot to relax after the exhausting trekking expedition. The trek leader will invite you for a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant at Pokhara. You will cherish the moments you shared with your trek members. You will spend the night at your hotel.

Day 17: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.

You will enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You will pack your belongings and check out from the Hotel afterward. A reserved vehicle will wait for you outside the Hotel. You will board a flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara. You will arrive at Kathmandu shortly after 30 mins of scenic flight from Pokhara. A morning drive from Pokhara is always pleasant. You will enjoy interesting sights of hills, rivers and sub-urban settlements on the winding highway to Kathmandu 1400m. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, you will head back to the Hotel.

Day 18: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

You will leave as per the scheduled international flight time. After your confirmation of your ticket, the representative of the GA agency will escort you to the Tribhuvan International airport. He/she will bid you farewell and wish you a safe journey back to your Homeland. You will depart from Kathmandu on the scheduled time.

  • Pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel.
  • Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
  • Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu in tourist bus.
  • Drive to Darbang from Pokhara by jeep.
  • A professional Sherpa Guide with Government License.
  • Sherpa porter who will carry your baggage(2 people 1 sherpa porter).
  • Food during Trekking(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
  • All Accommodation during Trekking(Tea House/ Camping).
  • Necessary Trekking permits.
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management system card).
  • Necessary Equipment( sleeping bag and Down Jacket).
  • Food, salary  Transport, clothing for Guide and Porter
  • Insurance for Guide and Porter
  • Emergency Rescue  Help (covered by your travel insurance)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara Flight ticket.
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • All program as per itinerary.
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Airport Departure.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Any kinds of Drinks( soft and Hard Drinks)
  • Visa, international flight ticket
  • Personal Nature expenses
  • Tips for Staffs
  • Rescue and Evacuation cost
  • All special accommodation.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Around Dhaulagiri & French Pass Trekking

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