Most Dhaulagiri Circuit itineraries run 16 to 18 days from Pokhara, including acclimatisation days at Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Heights below are approximate and camp sites vary.
A three-week plan
The standard trek takes about twenty days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with eleven to thirteen days of walking and some rest and acclimatisation days. Heights below are approximate and some groups adjust them.
Days 1 to 3: reaching Beni
After arrival in Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara and on to Beni, at about 850 m. The drive from Pokhara takes several hours on a rough road.
Days 4 to 8: lower valley
From Beni the route goes to Babiyachaur, Dharapani (about 1,400 m), Muri (about 1,800 m), Boghara (about 2,080 m) and Dobang (about 2,520 m). The day to Muri is often called the hardest of the lower valley because of steep terraces. Villages become scarcer.
Days 9 and 10: Choriban Khola and Italian Base Camp
You reach Choriban Khola at about 3,110 m and then the Italian Base Camp at about 3,660 m. A rest or acclimatisation day here is wise.
Days 11 to 14: the glaciers
The next section climbs to the Glacier Camp (about 4,210 m) and Dhaulagiri Base Camp (about 4,740 m). The route crosses moraine and snow, and weather is changeable.
Days 15 to 17: passes
The French Pass is crossed on a long day, followed by Hidden Valley at about 5,000 m. From there the Dhampus Pass leads down toward Yak Kharka (about 3,680 m) and the villages. This is the highest and most exposed part of the trek.
Rest days and acclimatisation
Two rest days are built into the plan, at the Italian Base Camp and at the Glacier Camp or Base Camp. Use them to wash, repair gear and walk a short distance upward before returning to sleep. These days are the main reason the trek is run in about twenty days instead of fifteen.
What a camp day looks like
A tea call comes at around five thirty, breakfast at six, walking by seven. Lunch is a hot meal cooked by the crew at midday. You reach the next camp by mid afternoon, followed by tea, dinner and an early night. Expect cold evenings above 3,500 m.
Days 18 to 20: Jomsom and return
Walk to Jomsom at about 2,710 m, take the short flight to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu. Allow spare time because Jomsom flights can be delayed by wind.
