The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a demanding and rewarding journey that circles the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). Also known as the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek, this route […]
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a demanding and rewarding journey that circles the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). Also known as the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek, this route takes adventurers as high as the Dhaulagiri North Base Camp (4,750 m), offering breathtaking views and a true wilderness experience.
The trail was first explored in 1950 by Maurice Herzog’s expedition team, who originally planned to summit Mt. Dhaulagiri. However, their journey led them to Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), making it the first 8,000-meter peak to be successfully climbed.
It wasn’t until May 13, 1960, that Mt. Dhaulagiri saw its first ascent. Austrian mountaineer Kurt Diemberger, part of a joint Swiss, Austrian, and Nepali expedition led by Max Eiselin, became the first person to reach its summit.
The Dhaulagiri Massif stretches 124 kilometers between the Kali Gandaki and Bheri rivers, standing about 34 km west of Mt. Annapurna. Between these towering giants lies the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
The trek passes through remote ethnic villages, primarily inhabited by the Magar people, providing a glimpse into the unique culture of the region. The trail to Dhaulagiri North Base Camp (4,750 m) is already a challenge due to its altitude, but the real test comes with the crossing of two high passes: French Pass (5,360 m) and Dhampus Pass, also known as Thapa Pass (5,244 m), before descending into the Annapurna region.
This trek is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure with stunning landscapes and a true Himalayan challenge.
This is a highly challenging trek, requiring previous trekking experience and excellent physical fitness. The trek involves steep ascents, glacier crossings, and high-altitude passes over 5,000 meters.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear.
Preparation should include cardio workouts, strength training, and multi-day high-altitude trekking experience. It’s best to start training at least 2-3 months in advance.
The weather varies depending on the season. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best conditions, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. In winter (December-February), temperatures drop significantly, making the trek extremely challenging.
