Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Boudhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and after that to Pashupatinath, the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. You take a tour to Patan also called as Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. You walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.

From Kathmandu, you take a half an hour scenic flight to Pokhara or you drive for approx. 6 hours to Pokhara. As soon as you reach Pokhara, you drive to Durban via Beni, from where your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek commences. The drive should take around 5-6 hours and it offers good scenic views. Beni is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki Camp.

Today, from Durban you trek along the beautiful hilly trail enjoying the scenic panorama to Takum.

Today, after crossing a river, you head north to Phedi. As you leave, the trail starts climbing. You come across many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge. The trail again climbs steeply up to Muri at 1850m. Moving up along the trail, you trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here, continuing up an incline to the snout of a ridge, you descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1810m). Then cross the Dhara Khola to again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola. After climbing a ridge, you finally reach the large Magar village of Muri. From Muri, you get amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other surrounding mountains.

After a short descend, you cross a stream and continue through terraced fields. Climbing a ridge, you reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6465m). Descending to the Myagdi Khola and trekking along its West Bank to the village of Naura, you climb for a short while. Traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, then descend through a forest and terraced fields to reach Boghara (2080m).

Leaving Boghara, you continue along the trail. You descend through terraced fields to a small ridge and then through a forest to reach Jyardan. After the settlement, a high winding path crosses a rocky area and then descends before climbing up again to Lipshe. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to Dobang. Today the path is quite difficult and sometimes you might need to use ropes.

Crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang, the trail ascends a forested area. Passing through the beautiful forest, you rapidly gain altitude as mountains surround you. After crossing the Myagdi Khola, you later cross a stream to reach Choriban Khola.

You continue along the trail (which is not very well defined) to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6837m) becomes visible straight on at the far end, while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach the Italian Base Camp (3660m). To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 m).

Today is a rest day for acclimatization.

Today, you trek along the trail to the Glacier Camp. This trail is a little tough, so probably you might need to use a rope in a couple of tricky spots. The surroundings here are spectacular, with magnificent views of the beautiful snow-capped peaks.

Today, you have a rough and slippery glaciers path. Climbing for seven hours you reach at Dhaulagiri Base Camp where you will forget the tiredness. You will be stunned as you see Dhaulagiri-I infront of you. Beside, Dhaulagiri you will see various peaks like Dhaulagiri II, (7751m), III (7715m) and IV (7618m). Opposite of your camping site lies spectacular ice fall flowing between Tukuche and Dhaulagiri.

Today is a rest day for acclimatization.

After proper acclimatization, today you climb steadily to the rough but spectacular views of hidden valley. From here there you get the panoramic views back down the valley to Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak. After climbing for some time to French Col and continue in the Hidden Valley through the similar landscape of Tibet and Ladakh, you stop for the day’s rest. You can see Sita Chuchura, the peaks of the Tashi Kang, Mukut Himal, Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri I.

Today, early morning you walk up a moderate snow slope to gain Dhampus pass trail passes through avalanche-prone slopes and rocky slopes. After descending through adventurous trail, you reach an open space where yak grazes. This open grazing space is known as Yak Kharka.

Now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here you get fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. You continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi.

You continue descending the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tukuche, a Thakali village with a large gompa. Beyond Tukuche you walk along the west bank of the Kali Gandaki towards Larjung. Here, as in many of the villages in this area, narrow alleyways and tunnels connect houses with enclosed courtyards, providing protection against the wind blowing up the valley. You make your way through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang to reach Lete, which lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani.

The trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. You enter the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa. At the hamlet of Rupse a magnificent waterfall tumbles down beside the trail. Continuing on, you come to Dana, a Magar village from where the massive peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where you can have apple pie and bathe in the hot springs.

A short distance downstream from Tatopani, you cross the river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, you climb through the forest to Deorali, a 2834m pass from where you can get excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a welcome watering spot for the packs of mules, which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom.

Overlooking Ghorepani is Poon Hill (3193m). An hour-long pre-dawn ascent gives you an opportunity to see the fascinating views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning sun. After breakfast, you begin the long descent to Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Birethanti, the last destination of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, from where it is a short distance to the road. From Birethanti, your transport takes you to Pokhara.

You will fly or drive back to Kathmandu retracing the same route you came earlier.

Our Nepali support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc.- ask us.

TRIP GRADE- Strenuous Trek
This is a long Dhaulagiri trek that goes far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists, to remote areas of the country where the landscapes are wild and untamed and where the local inhabitants have seen little change in their way of life for centuries- untouched corners of an increasingly crowded planet. It is physically challenging, likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and strenuous activities, such as, climbing/ scrambling across high passes.

TREK TYPE
Trekking in Nepal is categorized in three different types based on their way of organization (Camping Trek, Tea House Trek and GAP Trek).
1. Tea House Trek: This trek includes services like guide, food, accommodation in local Tea Houses and porters.
2. GAP Trek: This trek includes services like Guide (G), Accommodation (A) in the Tea Houses, and Porters (P). Food bills are to be paid directly by the client.
3. Camping trek (if no lodge available): This trek includes Guide, Porters, Cook, All meals and tents.

ACCOMMODATION
Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are ‘Two men dome’ or ‘A’ shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own ‘Air pillow’. In popular routes, you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. You often have to share rooms but you can also stay in single rooms where possible. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric blanket, hot bags (luxury lodges) and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in a comfortable local lodge each day. The Guide coordinates with the local lodge owners to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot always be booked in advance). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection to this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise, or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website.

FOOD

Camping Trek:
We provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads.
After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal – soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain remarkably high standards of health over many years of trek organization – and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for.

Lodge Trek:
Meals are included in our price and are taken in lodges available along the trail. You can find a considerable variety of Nepali (rice, curry & lentil, momo, noodles, chapatis etc.) and Western food (pizza, pasta, sandwich, chips, porridge, toast, pancake, soup etc.) as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer). The Guide suggests you the best option as per the availability.
GAP Trek:
You will have to make your own eating arrangements in the lodges available along the trail. Expect to spend around $25-$30 a day for food. Guide, accommodation and porters are covered in the price.

WATER
You will be provided filtered water about 3-4 liters per person per day. The good thing about such water is it doesn’t smell chlorine. We normally use Sawyer Filters. However, you can also buy bottled water in tea houses. You can also bring water purification pills in case you want to drink water from local taps.

PERSONAL EXPENSES– MONEY TO TAKE ON TREK
Money requirement depends largely on type of trek style, duration and trekking region.
For a three-week Dhaulagiri trek, you can take about $400-500, more if you intend to get more table drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas), souvenirs, battery charge, internet, hot shower (available in some places) etc.

CHANGING MONEY
You can change money at a Bank or the money exchange counter in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Many Tourist class Hotels have money exchange facilities. These days, there are availability of ATMs everywhere in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

TIPS
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trekking in Nepal. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips. It is recommended that you talk to the members and hand it over individually as per the hierarchy on the last day of the Dhaulagiri trek.

GROUP SIZE ON FIXED DEPARTURE
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 pax and the maximum is 15 pax.
For a Private Booking, any number size from 1 pax to 20 pax is acceptable and can be comfortably organized. We go for special planning for handling group size bigger than 20 pax.

GROUP LEADER AND CREW
We provide different options concerning leadership in order to match your requirements:
1) Western leader
2) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
3) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. We provide1 porter for 2 members.

COMMUNICATION
While trekking in Dhaulagiri region, you may not have access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working. You can also use local service provider (both for internet and mobile network), but they don’t work properly in some places as you go higher. If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, we can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).

FLIGHT / LAND TRANSFERS
First you get transferred from Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight or private vehicle and then you drive from Pokhara to Durban, the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking. On your return, our car/bus shall pick you from Birethanti and drive to Pokhara. You can choose between flying or driving back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu).

LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During your Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kgs for flight safety and porter welfare as per IPPG standard. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel in Kathmandu while trekking in Dhaulagiri. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel’s safekeeping.

TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
Camping Trek:
Your typical day while trekking in Nepal, begins with a hot cup of tea brought to the tent at about 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing all your bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the morning’s walk. All you need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of your gear for you. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at camp by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free.
Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and talking with the crew, or perhaps even joining in some singing and dancing, before heading off to the tent for a well-earned sleep

Lodge/ Tea House Trek, GAP Trek:
A typical day while trekking in Nepal consists of about 7-8 hours of activity. Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter, and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT
You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. Comprehensive list of equipment will be provided once you book your Dhaulagiri circuit trek. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu.

GEARS AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU
There are numerous suppliers of trekking gears in Kathmandu supplying genuine branded items or imitations depending on your choice and price. You can get anything from down jackets and sleeping bags to socks or thermal wears that you need for your Dhaulagiri trekking. They might not be the best but good enough for the trek considering the price.

TREK SECURITY
Security of our clients is our foremost priority. All our guides are licensed by Nepal Government. Our guides and support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They will ensure your safety and security throughout your trip. However, you also have to take precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out.

MEETING AND GREETING AT AIRPORT
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass the customs desk and come out of the terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Explore Himalaya’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland.

TREK DURATION
We ensure liability as indicated in itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay for hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.

CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO
The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are Autumn (from mid-September till November end), and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek during the monsoon and winter is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited, upper parts and high passes could be covered with snow in winter.
March, April, October and November are the most favored months. Please choose the date that is convenient for you.

ITINERARY CHANGES
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek itinerary for this trek is a standard itinerary. Depending on the prevailing situation while on trek, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure and off the beaten trek into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.

HEALTH ISSUES AND VACCINATIONS
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your Dhaulagiri trek. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.
The main health consideration during the Dhualagiri Circuit Trek is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and handle the low oxygen rate.
If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.

FIRST AID KIT
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s manual. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.

VISA
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. You can also get “On Arrival Visa” at entry points. For doing trek, you can come with a 30 day visa which costs US $50. You should have a passport size photo to get it at airport upon arrival. Some countries’ nationals need to get visa prior their arrival. Please check http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visafor detailed information.

JOIN A GROUP OR PRIVATE TRIP
Our Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this Dhaulagiri trek, please check our ‘Fixed departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 pax & maximum 20 pax at a time). If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list, we are ready to tailor your trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to meet your needs.

RESCUE / EVACUATIONS
We take your safety and security very seriously, and make sure that nothing untoward happen to you. However, if anything serious like sickness or a casualty occurs, we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. As you are responsible for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it.

INSURANCE
Before joining Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, we recommend you take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Our staff will collect your insurance details before you leave for the trek.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We are among the few companies in Nepal to receive Travelife Certificate Award https://www.travelife.info for our long-term efforts in sustainable practices.

1. Care for porters and staffs
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions during Dhaulagiri Circuit Treks are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our porters carry less than 30 kg and underage porters are strictly prohibited in our operations. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG – www.ippg.net)

2. Environmental Responsibility
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Explore Himalaya, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have campfires and use LPG gas or kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. We don’t use plastic bottles. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far eco-friendlier alternative. Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strewn with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. Our staff carry garbage bag with them all the time and collect our garbage and other litters they find on trail, and dispose them on the designated area. We also volunteer to bring garbage down to Lukla while returning back. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.

3. Social Responsibility
Explore Himalaya works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with this motto, Explore Himalaya Community Service Project (EHCSP) has been conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal.
Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agro practices and culture preservation. A certain amount of your trip money goes to these projects. For more details on our CSR initiatives, please visit https://www.explorehimalaya.com/csr/

PEOPLE
This region is inhabited by several ethnic groups such as Magars, Thakalis and Gurungs who speak their own languages and adhere to local customs. This region is basically a territory dominated by Magars, who are amiable and unique group of people that still follow their old age customs and traditions. Both Hinduism and Buddhism are in practice in this region. The people in this region produce and sell cheese besides working as mountain-guides and porters. Many of the locals are also involved in the trade business, in Tibet and across the border.

FESTIVALS

Tamu Lhosar
The Gurung community celebrates Tamu Lhosar on the 9th month of Nepali calendar, and it falls in December or January. The festival is celebrated to mark the New Year and it is enjoyed by gathering in a courtyard or a program is organized where people dress up in their traditional dresses and accessories, eat a variety of food along with homemade rice beer and wine and have fun with friends and family.

Lha Phewa
Lha Phewa is the festival celebrated once in every 12 years by Thakali people. Lha phewa in Thakali means “coming to the god”. There are 4 Thakali clans Bhattachan, Gauchan, Sherchan and Tulachan with their own color and deity. The Gauchan’s color is red, and the deity is Elephant, Tulachan’s color is green, and the deity is Water Monster, Sherchan’s color is white, and the deity is Lion, and finally Bhattachan’s color is black, and the deity is Yak. During La Phewa, the clan deities are taken out of their respective temples and worshipped.

Maghe Sankranti
The festival observed on the 1st of Magh in Vikram Sambat or in the month of January marking the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season. It is a major festival of Magar people. The festival is celebrated by taking ritual bath and eating festive foods like laddoo, ghee and sweet potatoes. People usually go to mama ghar(maternal uncle’s home) and receive tika and blessing/dakshina on this day.