Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass is that one trek that offers magnanimous amount of Himalayan panorama finely blended with culturally rich settlements. Among many trekking routes in this region, Dhaulagiri trek via French pass is the finest. The trek is quite challenging that goes through the off beaten path and encircles Mt Dhaulagiri which is the seventh highest mountain in the world.

Overview of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French Pass is that one trek that offers magnanimous amount of Himalayan panorama finely blended with culturally rich settlements. Among many trekking routes in this region, Dhaulagiri trek via French pass is the finest. The trek is quite challenging that goes through the off beaten path and encircles Mt Dhaulagiri which is the seventh highest mountain in the world.

The trek begins from Beni which is the district headquarter of Myagdi and Magars and main ethnic group living in the area. Following Myagdi Khola the trail goes through many settlements and thickly forested jungles through endless Dhaulagiri moraine for several days till you reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp. As we reach there we will get ourselves ready for crossing “French Pass (5630m)” which is the main highlight of the trip which ultimately leads us to Hidden valley. This exhausting but a straightforward pass is situated beneath the northern slopes of Dhaulagiri (8167m) offering stupendous view of Himalayas in the vicinity. We will stay overnight in the Hidden valley and next day we will trek down to Marpha in the Kali Gandaki Valley and cross Dhampus pass. After crossing Dhampus pass we will trek to Jomsom where the trek comes to an end.

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek via French pass is that typical trek which is ideal for those travelers who have high altitude trekking experience. The trail is no nonsense and demands a great deal of physical and mental stamina. The most vulnerable and exhausting part of the trek is between French pass and Dhampus pass, so during that period you should take good care of your health. Apart from this it is an adventure travel at its best- a superb trek is the most isolated regions of Nepal.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass Itinerary

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Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Actual adventure signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transffered to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.

(No meals included)

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1345

In the morning, after breakfast, At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trek. We will also supply you with our trek Duffel Bag, T-shirt and a Cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

After the meeting and a hearty breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at around 9:45am. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. We visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist  shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks praying  in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhanath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We will also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel. Overnight at a hotel.

(Breakfast Included)

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1400

After breakfast, you head to Beni by Local Bus. You'll find most of the scenery is very enjoyable along the countryside. Beni is the district headquarters and has a police check post where your trekking permits will be examined. The town is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki. Overnight at tented camps.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
850

Leaving Beni and Kali Gandaki the trek heads west along the north bank of the Myagdi Khola through the village of Beni Mangalghat to Singa and Tatopani (hot springs). 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. Overnight at tented camps.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
950

The valley widens and terraced hills develop on both sides of the river. The trail is fairly level and you pass 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. Continue to the village of Dharapani. Overnight at tented camps.

Elevation
1400

After crossing the river to its West Bank as you leave Phedi, the trail 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.

Elevation
1850

Descend a little, 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). Overnight at tented camps.

Elevation
2080

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 part. 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. Overnight at tented camps.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2520

After crossing a wooden bridge out of Dobang the trail ascends a forested 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. Overnight at tented camps.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3110

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). Overnight at tented camps.

Elevation
3660

We will 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. Overnight at tented camps.

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. Overnight at tented camps.

Elevation
4210

This is one of our adventurous days to Dhaulagiri base camp. From here you can look up at the 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. Overnight at tented camps.

Elevation
4740

Another day to take some rest and more importantly, acclimatize to the lower air pressure. Views from this place are superb and there is plenty to explore. Overnight at tented camps.

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 vista 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. Overnight at tented camps.

Elevation
5360

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

Elevation
5200

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. Overnight at tented camps.

Elevation
2710

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. Overnight at a hotel.

You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.) Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

The trip concludes today. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass Include / Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (3 nights)
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. (2 nights)
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private tourist vehicle.
  • All your standard Meals Cooked by our expert camping cook and kitchen team during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
  • Tented accommodation and equipment during the trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc. and Climbing rope to cross the Passess.)
  • Local Actual adventure licensed English speaking guide.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage and camping equipment during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
  • All trekking permits & fees.
  • Flight cost from Jomsom to Pokhara including airport departure taxes in Jomsom airport.
  • Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu (Local bus transfer from Ktm to Beni and Tourist Bus transfer from Pokhara to Ktm).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (On Day 20th).
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.

Cost Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.)
  • International airfare and airport departure tax 
  • Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
  • Alcoholic and cold drinks.
  • 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.

Altitude Graph

Additional Information

Trekking Info

Stay Safe

  • Altitude Sickness: The main and common risk while trekking above about 2500m is Altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. The available amount of oxygen to sustain mental and physical alertness decreases with altitude. Available oxygen drops as the air density itself, the number of molecules (of both oxygen and nitrogen) per given volume, drops as altitude increases. So don’t ignore, if you have any symptoms then descending to a lower altitude is the only option.
  • Water: Have some means to purify water, iodine or a fine ceramic filter are the best options. The streams should be considered polluted and whilst bottled water is often available, the disposal of plastic bottles is a problem.

Electricity in Nepal

Nepal is a developing country, Outside of major cities area electricity on trekking can be scares. You should have to pay 100-800 NRs per hour to charge goods on many lodges and also many tea-house treks, including in Annapurna base camp trek, Everest Base camp trek and many others treks also. Chargers often won't work on low power solar systems you find right up in the mountains so u can buy alternative bayonet light to electricity power plug converter, which will only works in low voltage is highlow. The standard Nepalese electrical outlet is a three-pronged triangle so bring three-pronged triangle chargers.

Nepal Climate information

Nepal is a landlocked country which lies in Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Nepal has monsoonal climate having four main seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.

Below is a general guide to conditions at different seasons:
January to March (winter): In this season temperature will decrease at often 0°C (32°F) at night, with extreme cold at high elevations. It is possible to trek in places like the Everest region during the winter but due to extreme cold weather and heavy snow fall it may be quite difficult than as usual.
April to June (summer): In these months it is quite warm and dry weather. There is an abundance of blooming flowers in the Himalayas at this time, with rhododendrons, in particular, adding a splash of color to the landscape. This season is the best time to undertake mountain expeditions.
June to September (Monsoon): There will be heavy monsoonal rainfall in this season. Rains are generally lighter in high Himalayan reasons. In this season the mountain ranges are not often visible due to the clouds.
October to December (autumn): These months are cool and clear which is due to the end of monsoon, there is little dust in the air so this is the best season to visit the hilly and mountainous regions.

Nepal Visas information

Visa in Nepal can be acquired on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu and also at the border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki border of Nepal - India and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also acquire at the nearest Nepal Embassy. For visa renewal purpose you can contact at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan at Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

Visa Facility         Duration       Fee
Multiple entry       15 days          US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry       30 days          US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry       90 days          US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Respect to Local Peoples

In Nepal, “Namaste” or “Namaskar” is said to an older or high-status person with palms together, figure up. It is used to greet a person in place of goodbye or hello. There is no limitation how many times you say “Namaste” but, it is better if you say once per person, per day. If You want to say “Thank You” then you can say “Dhanyabaad /'ðɅnjɅbɑ:d/ (Dhan-ya-baad)” 

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