Dhaulagiri Circuit/French Pass Trek | Everest Six Summit Adventures

Highlights

French Pass (5,360m).

A great view opens up from the French Pass and

Mukut Himal (6,328m), Tashi Kang (6,386m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611m), all of which surround the Hidden Valley.

To the south is Tukche Peak (6,920m), community of ethnic group.

Every year tens of thousands of trekkers gaze in breathless wonder from the vantage point of Poon Hill above Ghorepani as Dhaulagiri emerges from night to receive the blessings of sunrise. It's one of the ironic visions of trekkers Nepal, an essential part of Annapurna experience. Yet Dhaulagiri is unconnected to the Annapurna range for its lies west of the Kali Gandaki, while Annapurna, its neighbor, dominates the east bank. Annapurna is a magnet that attracts vast number of trekkers. Dhaulagiri stands aloof, defiant, challenging. For a trekker to accept that challenge and tackle the classic circuit around it, the serious nature of the mountain's hinterland needs to be fully appreciated. It is essential to understand that the route encounters sections of difficult, remote and sometimes dangerous terrain where bad weather or poor visibility could have serious consequences for those unprepared. Yes, the Dhaulagiri Circuit/French trek is one of the most demanding, yet at the same time one of the most satisfying, treks in Nepal, and it should never be underrated.

Day 01: Arrive at the Tribuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345m). Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02: Drive to Beni (850m) by private Jeep/ bus - 8 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 03: Trek to Babiachor (950m) - 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 04: Trek to Dharapani village (1,400m) 5-6 hours . Overnight at tented camps.

Day 05: Trek to Muri (1,850m) - 5-6 hours, Overnight at tented camps.

Day 06: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) - 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 07: Trek to Dobang (2,520m) - 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 08: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) - 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 09: Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 10: Acclimatization day. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 11: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,210m) - 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12: Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 13: Acclimatization day. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 14: Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m) 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 15: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) 6 hours. Overnight at a tented camps .

Day 16: Trek to Jomsom (2,710m) 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 17: Morning flight to Pokhara - 25 minutes. Sightseeing around Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 18: Free day and sightseeing around Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m). Overnight at a hotel.

Day 20: Transfer to the international airport for your final departure

Service Includes

Airport transfer by private tourist vehicle.
Hotel accommodation twin sharing in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (2 nights)
Hotel accommodation twin sharing in a three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. (2 nights)
All the trekking and ACAP permits fees.
Tented accommodation during the trek such two man tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, tables, chairs, toilete tents, shower tents
English speaking locense holder trekking guide
The required number of local staff - assistant guide, assistant cook, cleaners, porters to carry you luggage and trekking plus personal equipment
Personal and medical insurance for Nepalese working staff with your team.
All meals prepared by our expert camping cook and kitchen team during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
Flight cost from Jomsom to Pokhara including airport departure taxes in Jomsom airport
Private transfer from and to Kathmandu ( from Ktm to Beni and Tourist Bus transfer form Pokhara to Ktm).
All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
Official expenses.

Service Excludes

Main meal (Lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara stay.
Travel insurance package - Personal, medical, search and rescue evacuation.
Serch and rescue evacuation insurance for working staff.
Personal expenses such as telephone call, bar bill, satellite phone, laundry etc
Alcoholic and cold drinks during the trip.
Personal trekking Equipment (See the trekking equipment page).
Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section.

Trekking Boots

Woolen Socks

Gaiters

Rucksack

Camp / Lodge footwear

Thermal Underwear

Walking trousers

Track suit

Weatherproof trousers

T-shirts

Polar fleece pullover(s) and/or jacket

Woolen Shirt

Woolen cap

Sun glass

Woolen Gloves

Neck scarf

Sunglasses

Down booties

Kit Bag

Sleeping Bag + inner sheet

Map / books

Down jacket - depending on season and area visited

Gortex Jacket / Polo Jackets

Sleeping Bag

Weatherproof jacket

Small Towel

Trekking Stick

Small day pack

Torch with battery

First aid equipments and medicine

Water carrying bottles

Camera, film with batteries

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).

Arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel. We will come to the airport to welcome you in the airport with your name plate (if not seen before). If you are coming Nepal in the morning time, you can make siteseeing program trip after your day meal. If you are agreed to book your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and other places by us, we do this or you can direct booking from your destination too. This day we will make breiffing for trek preparation.

Day 02: Drive to Beni (850m) by bus - 8 hours

After breakfast, you will drive to Beni by private Jeep or car. You'll feel very enjoyable along the countryside. Beni is the district headquarter and police check post where your trekking permits will be checked. The town is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki.

Day 03: Trek to Babiachor (950m) 5-6 hours

Th trek passes today west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani. Crossing the bridge beyond the village to the south bank of the river, the trail makes a little half loop before crossing another bridge, near the village of Simalchour, back to the north bank from where it continues to the village of Babichor.

Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1,400m) 5-6 hours

From the Babichor, The valley looks expands and terraced hills develop on both sides of the river. The course passes the village of Shahashradhara, cross the Duk Khola and walk through fields arriving at Ratorunga. From here the valley narrows again and terraces disappear on either side of the river.

Day 05: Trek to Muri (1,850m) 5-6 hours

Therail starts climbing in earnest and there will be many switch-backs until you arrive at the ridge and the angle of ascent eases. Again the trail climbs steeply to the villages of Muri. Continue your trek to Sibang and Mattim. From here you continue up an incline to the snout of the ridge, descend to the Gatti Khola and reach Phalai Gaon (1,810m). Cross the Dhara Khola to once again emerge on the west bank of the Myagdi Khola and then climb a ridge to the large Magar village of Muri. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 06: Trek to Boghara (2,080m) 5-6 hours

After crossing a cross a stream and continue through terraced fields before climbing a ridge to reach the pass from where you can see Mt. Ghustung South (6,465m). Descend to the Myagdi Khola and trek along its West Bank to the village of Naura from where you will climb a little before traversing a grassy hill and climbing a steep slope with switch-backs, then descend through a forest and terraced fields to Boghara (2,080m).

Day 07: Trek to Dobang (2,520m) 5-6 hours

The trail first descends through terraced fields to a small ridge, then through a forest to Jyardan which is the most remote permanent settlement in this area. After the settlement a high winding path crosses a rocky area which then descends before climbing again to Lipshe where there is one single hut. The trail continues through a forest to Lapche Kharka and then climbs to the level area at Dobang.

Day 08: Trek to Choriban Khola (3,110m) - 5 hrs

Today we cross wooden bridge out of Dobang the trail heads a forest area. Soon the west face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) becomes visible through breaks in the trees. Descend to the Myagdi Khola and cross via a wooden bridge to the east bank continue to Chartare. Passing through forests again, you cut across a rocky area and cross a stream to Choriban Khola.

Day 09: Trek to the Italian Base Camp (3,660m) 6-7 hours

Follow a trail to the terminal moraine of the Chhonbarban Glacier and enter the glacier from the right. Tukche Peak (6,837m) becomes visible straight ahead; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Italian Base Camp (3,660m), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m).

Day 10: Acclimatization day

Today we spend a day acclimatizing to the thinning of the air. It is recommended that your body acclimatizes to the high altitude and be adjusted for higher altitudes in the days to follow.

Day 11: Trek to the Glacier Camp (4,210m) 5-6 hrs

Set up early in the morning when the weather is expected to be clear. This Trail is prone to stone fall, which passes through a narrow gorge. Today we stay overnight near at glacier with tent.

Day 12: Trek to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) 6-7 hrs

This is one of our adventurous days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From the Dhaulagiri you will see impressive north face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) dominating the skyline to your right. To the west are peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7,751m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715m) and Dhaulagiri V (7,618m). In front of you is the impressive icefall that descends from the north-east col.

Day 13: Acclimatization day

This day spends for rest and acclimatization and fantastic Views from this place are superb and there is plenty to explore.

Day 14: Cross the French Pass (5,360m), then trek to the Hidden Valley (5,200m) 6-7 hours

After the glacier you climb two terraced hills, the first of which runs along the glacier, then cuts across the mountain flank and the moraine you enter a gentle incline on the left from an ablation valley. Climb this gentle slope to the French Pass (5,360m). A great view opens up from the French Pass and you will be able to see Mukut Himal (6,328m), Tashi Kang (6,386m) and Sita Chuchura (6,611m), all of which surround the Hidden Valley. To the south is Tukche Peak (6,920m) and beyond is the massive peak of Dhaulagiri I. From the French Pass you continue along the right edge of the Hidden valley losing a little altitude to the Thapa Pass (5,250m) between Tukche Peak and Thapa Peak (6,012m). Descending from the Thapa Pass you will make it to the camp at 5,200m.

Day 15: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,200m), and trek to Yak Kharka (3,680m) 6-7 hours

Descend from the Hidden Valley to the Dhampus Pass and continue to Yak Kharka. There is a perfect camp site to enjoy the surroundings.

Day 16: Trek to Jomsom (2,710m) 5-6 hours

Continue on to the village of Marpha, on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Marpha is home to many apple orchards as well as all various food products made from the fruit. Don't forget to taste the local Apple Brandy a specialty from the region that you may be lucky enough to taste en route. Continue north, up the river valley to the town of Jomsom.

Day 17: Morning flight Jomsom to Pokhara - 30 mins. Sightseeing around Pokhara

A 30-minute morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrive at Pokhara airport, we then drive to the hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave, etc.

Day 18: Leisure day and sightseeing around Pokhara

It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Jomsom.

Day 19: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

Early in the morning our guide will wake you up and then drive you to the tourist bus station. The bus leaves in the morning to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, our guide will take you to your selected hotel.

Day 20: Final departure. We will come to the hotel to say bye bye and go to the airport together.