Dhaulagiri Circuit

Overview

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is one of the longest and adventurous treks which takes us through all the high alpine pastures, uninhabited valleys, forests, cultivated terraced hills, and high windswept passes. This trek includes crossing two high passes the French pass (5360m) and the Dhampus pass (5200m), and the Dhaulagiri base camp at the height of 4740m. Mount Dhaulagiri is the world’s 7th highest mountain peak standing at an elevation of 8167m. The first group to ascend Mount Dhaulagiri was the Swiss expedition group in 1960 May 13. Dhaulagiri circuit trek is not only famous for its mountain views but also for its diverse culture, rich vegetation like pine, oak, ferns, etc. The stunning views of Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, III, and Dhaulagiri V are the major highlights of this trek. It is a long and more of a camping trek. Strong physical and mental fitness is a very important part of this trek. 

Temperature and weather– The average temperature of Dhaulagiri Circuit during the spring season (March-May) is around 2-7⁰C. During the autumn season (September-November) the average temperature is around 7 to -2⁰C. December-March are the coldest months with an average temperature of -2 to -6⁰C. 

Considering all the temperature, weather, and warmth the best or peak season to trek the Dhaulagiri circuit is in spring and autumn. The bearable temperature, the clear skies, and atmosphere, stunning views of Rhododendrons and mountains, the best condition of the trails, all features make these seasons best for trekking. Monsoon season is the rainy season which is why this is not an ideal season for trekking Dhaulagiri Circuit. The trails are slippery and muddy increasing the risk of landslides and floods. Winter Season is definitely the coldest one. The trails are sometimes blocked due to heavy snowfall. It is extremely cold which is below freezing point and is off-season for this trek. 

Food and accommodation– If you choose to trek the Dhaulagiri circuit, you must understand it is a sort of remote area place and no lodges, or hotels are available. This has to be a camping trek. There are very few teahouses where you have to share a room with other trekkers. The teahouses have very minimum facilities. Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, cooking gas, cooking utensils, etc are mandatory for this trek. Or, if you choose to travel with agencies they will manage everything for you including the tents, guides, porters, and a cook. You can also make some easy food like fried rice, porridge, noodles, eggs, etc. 

Transportation– The gateway for this trek is Beni. There are several buses available from Kathmandu to Beni which takes around 9 hours and cost you 1200-1400 NRS. From Beni, you need to walk Babiachaur, Dharapani, and further. 

You can also take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara which only takes 35-40 minutes and cost you around 3500-4000 NRS (30-40$). From Pokhara, there is not any flight and you need to take a drive or start your trekking. 

Guides and porters 

Dhaulagiri circuit trek is a long and tiring trek. It is important to have a professional guide. They have more than enough knowledge about the directions, villages, places, accommodations, etc. Guides usually charge 35-40 $ per day. If you are physically able to carry your belonging then there is no need for a porter. If you want to walk freely without any burden you can hire a guide. They usually charge 25-30$ per day. 

Electronics and communication– Dhaulagiri circuit is a camping trek. All the facilities like electricity, internet, and telephone are very limited or not available at all. There are satellite phones for emergencies. Extra batteries and power banks are very important in this trek.  

Permits and fees- 

Annapurna Conservation Area

NON-SAARC countries- 3000 NRS (30$), excluding VAT 

SAARC countries- 1500 NRS (15%), excluding VAT. 

TIMS- 1000 NRS (10$)

 All the permits are available in Nepal Tourism Board

Safety and difficulties of EBC 

Dhaulagiri circuit trek can be quite challenging and difficult. This is a moderately difficult trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on your physical and mental fitness. But you can build your muscle strength, make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging. The trek to the Dhaulagiri circuit is all about walking 5-6 hours per day for at least 15 days. This reason solely is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, may be snowy in off-seasons. There are two high passes in this trek French pass (5360m), Dhampus pass (5200m) including the base of Mount Dhaulagiri (4740m) itself. There is a high risk of mountain sickness. The primary cause of altitude sickness is a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. It’s important to carry handheld oximetry. Oxygen saturation below 75% may be a risk.

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea) 

Other requirements

Travel insurance– Trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you have provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

 Visas/passports– If you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.