Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek traverse French Pass, 17 Days
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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek traverse French Pass, 17 Days

Days: 17 / Difficulty: 5 of 5 (Very Strenuous)
Min Group Size: 1 / Max Group Size: 8

Among the innumerous trekking routes in Nepal, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of the challenging adventures situated in the Annapurna Region which takes the trekkers to the base of world's seventh highest peak, Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m). Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek walks through snow-covered slopes, icy glaciers, and lateral moraine. Throughout the journey, the trekking route offers the splendid view of the majestic Dhaulagiri massif along with other mountain peaks that are above 7000m. 

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek traverse French Pass begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. After the scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Darbang begins the real trekking journey as you pass through densely forested trails and terraced hilly area. The trekkers also walk past various Magar villages which gives them the opportunity to understand their culture and lifestyle. The trek reaches three base camps; Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp. From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, trekkers can see the stunning icefall descending from the north-east col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. Walking through the glacial moraines on white icy track, trekkers gently climb up to the French Pass (5360m) which is the highest point of our trek. The trail then follows to reach the Hidden Valley behind the Dhaulagiri massif. The trekkers also cross Dhampus Pass/Thapa Pass which leads to the town of Jomsom passing the Marpha village, also known as apple city, on the way. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is perfect for those trekkers who love challenges as this trek includes walking over creaking glaciers and crossing a high mountain pass.

Dominating the tourism industry for 15 years, Swiss Family Treks and Expedition is a well reputed and renowned organization. We are best known for our quality service. We ensure to fulfill our clients' every expectation without disappointing them. Valuing our client’s time and money, we believe in making their trip to Nepal an unforgettable one. 

Highlights of the Trek: 

  • Traverses the head of hidden valley, crossing French Pass and Dhampus Pass, 
  • Extreme and tiny trekking trail through dense forests into the high country to base camp, snow and glacier walking for a week, 
  • Experiencing with Thakali culture in Kaligandaki valley. scenic flight out of Jomsom. 

Fact of the Trek

Trek Region
Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Region
Type of Trek
Private Trip
Duration
17 Days
Highest Elevation
5,360 m ( 17,585 ft)
Grade
Very Strenuous
Meals
Full board during the trek
Accomodations
4* Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara and tented camp during the trek
Best Season
Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)
Transportation by
Domestic Flight & Private Vehicle

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Explore Details

ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1338m

Pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Darbang 1110m/6-7 hours by private Jeep
We fly to Pokhara catching our early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu. After a 25-minute flight to Pokhara, we drive to Darbang via Beni on jeep relishing the view of lush hills and snow-capped mountains. Following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we pass the town of Beni and then follow Myagdi Khola to arrive in Darbang. Overnight at a tented camp in Darbang.

Day 3: Trek from Darbang to Sibang 1780m/6-7 hours 
Today, we head towards Sibang ascending to the ridge-top village of Dharapani from where we can get a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal (7193m), and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m). We continue our trek walking along the ridge on the path above the river to reach Sibang. Overnight at a tented camp in Sibang. 

Day 4: Trek from Sibang to Naura 1570m/4-5 hours OR Bagar 2080m/7-8 hours 
Leaving behind Sibang, we descend to Gatti Khola then climb up to the village of Muri where Myagdi and Dhara rivers meet. We continue to trek crossing the bridge over Dhola Khola and descend through the terraced farm fields and sparse settlements before arriving in Naura village. Overnight at a tented camp Naura. 

Day 5: Trek from Naura OR Bagar to Dobhan 2520m/5-7 hours 
Moving alongside the bank of Myagdi Khola through a grassy hill and a steep slope, we arrive in Bagar. We then follow the up and down trail to Dobhan. We continue to descend through a forest to Jyardan before climbing uphill to Lipshe. The route then enters the forested area before ascending up to Dobhan. Overnight at a tented camp in Dobhan. 

Day 6: Trek from Dobhan to Italian Base Camp 3660m/7-8 hours 
Leaving the last village of Dobhan, we trek towards Italian Base Camp. Today we pass through the forested trail filled with oaks, bamboo, and pines trees. As we move further and gain altitude, mountains start to surround us from all around. We can get the best view of Tukuche Peak (6920m), Dhaulagiri Range, and other mountains from Italian Base Camp. Overnight at a tented camp in Italian Base Camp. 

Day 7: Acclimatization Day 
We take this day for acclimatization. We can explore the base camp area or spend the day relishing the spectacular view of surrounding mountains. Overnight at a tented camp in Italian Base Camp. 

Day 8: Trek from Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp 3890m/4-5 hours 
Leaving behind Italian Base Camp, we trek through the rocky area on a steep slope before crossing the glacial moraines. We then reach a wide grassy area in a shallow ablation valley known as “Japanese Base Camp”. We have rewarded with the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) on one side and Tsaurabong Peak (6395m) on the other. Overnight at a tented camp in Japanese Base Camp. 

Day 9: Trek from Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4748m/4-5 hours 
Today is the most challenging day out of our journey. Walking on the glacier, sometimes on the lateral moraine and undulating surface of the glacier itself, we carefully and responsibly make our way up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Upon reaching, we can see the stunning view of all the peaks of Dhaulagiri range along with an amazing icefall descending from the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak ridgeline. Overnight at a tented camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day
Keeping our health in mind, we take another day off from trekking to acclimatize. We can spend the day exploring the areas nearby the base camp. There's also an option of hiking up a little for the better view of the mountains. Overnight at a tented camp in Dhaulagiri Base Camp. 

Day 11: Trek from Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley 5140m/ 6-7 hours via French Pass 5360m
We continue to trek on the north side of Chhondarban Glacier, and gradually climb the steep hillside above the glacier. Following the zig-zag trail across moraines, we make our way up to French Pass which gives a 360-degree view of surrounding mountain ranges. We then gently descend through snow slopes to finally reach the Hidden Valley. Overnight at a tented camp in Hidden Valley. 

Day 12: Reserve Day for bad weather or rest day
We keep the extra day in case the weather condition becomes bad. We can also use this day to explore the outskirts of Hidden Valley. Overnight at a tented camp in Hidden Valley.

Day 13: Trek from Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka 4200m/5-6 hours via Dhampus Pass 5244m
We head towards Yak Kharka crossing over Dhampus Pass (5244m). Relishing the beautiful view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the background, we descend steeply to Yak Kharka through avalanche prone slopes. Overnight at a tented camp in Yak Kharka. 

Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom 2720m/4-5 hours via Marpha
We continue to descend steeply from Yak Kharka towards Marpha which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal. Passing through the whitewashed houses, paved streets, and following the flow of Kali Gandaki River, we move towards the windy town of Jomsom. Overnight at a lodge/tented camp in Jomsom. 

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and half day sightseeing in Pokhara
We fly back to Pokhara, early in the morning, enjoying an aerial view of the mountains. Later in the afternoon, we explore the beautiful Pokhara city boating in the Phewa Lake and visiting the famous places of Pokhara. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Pokhara. 

Day 16: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 25 minutes
We catch our early morning scenic flight back to the capital. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself. You can either rest or shop for friends and family. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Our team representative drops you at Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure hoping to see you again.

Pricing for Group Size Basis: (full camping mode)
All inclusive Trek Price for single trekker; USD 4255
All inclusive Trek Price for 2 trekkers basis; USD 3225 per person
All inclusive Trek Price for 3-4 trekkers basis; USD 3015 per person

Join with us on a Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass in 2024/2025.
 
Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss  Family Treks  & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Price starts from/Adult Status *
USD 3,015
EUR 2.810
SFr 2.789
GBP 2.352
AUD 4.492
CAD 4.010
Trip is available
* Dates can be flexible, please contact us for individual dates.

Our Trek Package Cost includes:
* Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
* 2 nights deluxe accommodation in single/double/twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 4* Hotel Kathmandu Guest House in Kathmandu.
* 1 night deluxe accommodation in single/double/twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 4* Hotel Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara.
* Domestic flights ticket from Kathmandu-Pokhara and Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu and airport tax.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot water during the trek.
* Tented camp accommodation during the trek.
* 1 experienced, helpful and friendly guide, 1 cook and necessary porters, their food & accommodation, salary, equipment and insurance.
* Down Sleeping Bag (Minus 30-40 Degree Celsius), Duffel Bag, Spikes, LifeStraw Water Filter for drinking water, trekking map.
* All the ground transportation by private vehicle.
* All trekking equipment (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc.)
* Annapurna Conservation permit, and all necessary permits.
* First Aid Medical Kit box.
* Office/Agency Service charge.
* All Government Tax.



Our Trek Package Cost doesn't include:
* Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast. 
* Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, Internet, battery charging and hot shower.
* Personal trekking equipment.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...

                                            Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.


Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek traverse French Pass, 17 Days


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Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH, Switzerland
Swiss Himalayan Family Treks & Expedition P. Ltd

Address
Ganeshtan-6, Pharping Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone +977 4710390
Cell +977 9803200543 Stephan
Cell +977 9849193453 Ashta
Email snftnepal@yahoo.de

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