Dhaulagiri Treks packages

The Dhaulagiri region is one of the few remaining wilderness treks in Nepal. In most treks in the territory, camping is the only option. It brings out the wonder of nature and the thrill of exploring off-the-beaten paths. Dhaulagiri offers you a chance to visit hidden gems and see the towering peaks.

The world’s seventh-highest mountain resides in the region. Mount Dhaulagiri has an elevation of 8,167 meters. Likewise, it’s surrounded by high peaks and passes. Trekkers can find joy in unspoiled alpine beauty. Also, many come to the area for its raw Himalayan challenges. Like the Dolpo region, the Dhaulagiri region offers an isolated trail. The treks in this territory are much less crowded than in the Everest or the Annapurna region.

The highest point in the region is the peak of Mount Dhaulagiri. It’s located in Gandaki Province, the north-central part of Nepal. Likewise, its closest entry towns are Beni, Darbang, and Pokhara. As for its coordinates, the Dhaulagiri region is at Latitude 28.6967° N, Longitude 83.4875° E.

Why Trek in the Dhaulagiri Region?

The Dhaulagiri region offers solitude, snowfields, and high-altitude passes. If these things entice you, then this region is for you. Be warned, it’s the place where challenging routes meet the untamed wilderness.

Here’s what you are in for in the Dhaulagiri region:

• Escaping the crowds and discovering true solitude. It’s less crowded than the Everest and Annapurna trails. 

• You’ll find peaceful treks away from the popular tourist spots. The Dhaulagiri is your Himalayan getaway.

• You’ll get the full experience of wild and untamed alpine landscapes. You’ll witness breathtaking views of massive peaks. 

• You can expect towering glaciers, vast snowfields, and rugged cliffs. And as trekkers, you’ll face dramatic mountain passes. It challenges body and spirit.

• Dhaulagiri I and its stunning sister peaks are in one place. Find Dhaulagiri II, III, IV, and V. The Dhaulagiri peaks dominate the skyline in every direction.

• Marvel at the Dhaulagiri Massif up close! You can witness breathtaking panoramas of Dhaulagiri’s massive peaks.

• Dhaulagiri offers demanding glacier and high-altitude passes. This section adds excitement and a sense of true alpine adventure.

• You are exposed to many cultures and communities in the region. The lower territory is known for rich traditions and shamanistic rituals.

• In high altitudes, you get to experience Tibetan Buddhist influences in the region. You’ll find many monasteries, prayer flags, and spiritual practices. 

• You’ll find pristine nature and diverse ecosystems in the Dhaulagiri region. The landscape changes from lush forests to high-altitude deserts.

• If you love animals, you’ll enjoy spotting rare Himalayan wildlife. Over 135 species of birds and over 50 species of mammals are found in the region.

• You can find hidden villages and unmarked trails. The Dhaulagiri’s natural beauty appears untouched by time.

• It’s truly for the experienced trekker. Some trials may be moderate, but most treks are a genuine challenge. It’s perfect for those pushing their limits in the untamed Himalayan setting.

How to reach the Dhaulagiri Region?

Adventure begins as you start your journey to the Dhaulagiri region. There are two ways to start your journey. One is by flying and the other is by road. But in the end, you will need to travel by road. For now, there are no direct flights to Dhaulagiri. Similarly, there’s no direct access through roads, either. But don’t worry, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate:

Option 1: Reaching Dhaulagiri by Air

Flight is the shortest way and gives you a bird’s-eye view of Nepal. You’ll enjoy the mid-hills and snow-capped ranges. Taking a flight is the preferred route for trekkers. It’s ideal for travelers on a tight schedule or those seeking a smoother journey.

Step 1. Fly From Kathmandu to Pokhara:

• Flight Duration: 25 to 30 Minutes

• Airlines: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines

• Departure: Domestic Terminal, Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

• Arrival: Pokhara Airport (PKR)

• Cost: Approx. $80 to $150

Step 2: Pokhara to Beni by Road:

• Distance: 85 Kilometres

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours by jeep

• Transportation option: 

  • Local Microbuses: Estimated $10 

  • Tourist Buses: Estimated $20-30

  • Private Jeeps: NPR 18,000-20,000 ($135-150)

• Beni Elevation: 899 meters

• Road conditions: asphalt up to Baglung, then gravel and dusty stretches until Beni

Step 3: Beni to Darbang to Muri:

Beni to Darbang:

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours by jeep

• Terrain: Rough, off-road tracks

Darbang to Muri:

• Begin trekking from Darbang. 

• You’ll gradually ascend in altitude. You go from 1,100 meters at Darbang to 1,800 meters at Muri.

• You will trek through steep hillsides and suspension bridges. At last, you get the first glimpse of Dhaulagiri.

Option 2: Reaching Dhaulagiri Region By Road

Travel by road allows you to experience the terrain and local life up close. And if you are traveling on a tight budget, the road route is ideal. But be ready for bumpy roads and slow progress.

Step 1. Kathmandu to Pokhara by Road:

• Distance: 200 Kilometres

• Durations: 6 to 8 hours

• Transportation Options:

  • Tourist Buses: Depart from Kantipath NPR 1600 to NPR 1700

  • Deluxe Buses: With AC, lunch stops NPR 1200 to NPR 1700

  • Private Hire: Expensive but flexible and faster, 10,000 to 24,000 NPR

• Scenery:

  • Green Valleys, River Canyons, Bustling roadside towns

  • You’ll follow the Trishuli River and then the Seti River.

Step 2. Pokhara to Beni:

• Distance: 85 Kilometres

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours by jeep

• Transportation option: 

  • Local Microbuses: Estimated $10 

  • Tourist Buses: Estimated $20-30

  • Private Jeeps: NPR 18,000-20,000 ($135-150)

• Beni Elevation: 899 meters

• Road conditions: asphalt up to Baglung, then gravel and dusty stretches until Beni

Step 3: Jeep travel from Beni to Trek from Darbang to Muri:

Beni to Darbang:

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours by jeep

• Terrain: Rough, off-road tracks

Darbang to Muri:

• Begin trekking from Darbang. 

• You’ll gradually ascend in altitude. You go from 1,100 meters at Darbang to 1,800 meters at Muri.

• You will trek through steep hillsides and suspension bridges. At last, you get the first glimpse of Dhaulagiri.

Culture and community are found in the Dhaulagiri Region.

Trekking through the Dhaulagiri region offers more than physical adventure. Dhaulagiri provides a cultural odyssey. You will travel through quite valleys, rugged ridgelines, and remote highlands. You’ll step into the world shaped by centuries-old tradition and spiritual depth.

Dhaulagiri is beautifully layered with diverse geography and a tapestry of people. During your journey through the area, you’ll find many communities living in harmony. You will encounter Magars, Gurungs, Chhantyals, Brahmins, and Chhetris in the lower regions. In the upper parts of Dhaulagiri, there are communities from the Thakali culture. You'll also find Tibetan-influenced groups.

Magar communities dominate the lower valleys from 1,000 meters to 2,000 meters. But it is also known for Shamanism and spiritual healing. The agricultural lifestyle is common in most parts of the region. Similarly, the hospitality is among the warmest in the country.

The Tibetan influence is apparent in the upper trails, above 3,000 meters. At Hidden Valley, Yak Kharka, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp, you’ll notice the change. Tibetan Buddhism shaped the cultural fabric of the upper territory. You’ll be greeted with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens along the ridgelines. 

Landscapes that Shape Culture and Daily Life

The Dhaulagiri region doesn’t just offer a vast community. It has varying landscapes. Likewise, these harsh conditions shaped how the people live in the territory.  

You can find rice fields and subtropical forests from 1,000 meters to 2,000 meters. The land in Beni and Darbang supports rice paddies, banana groves, and orange trees. But things soon change after you ascend to a higher altitude. 

You find pine forests and cliffside villages at 2,000 meters to 3,500 meters. You’ll find steep ridges along the path. Once you reach Muri village, you can find open yak grazing land. Here, you start to see Magar and Tibetan culture seemingly blend. 

Reaching above 5,000 meters, you will find glaciers, icefalls, and an alpine desert. It’s a vast glacial valley above a certain altitude. But even in such harsh conditions, you can find people living in the area. Likewise, you can find many prayer flags and at times, a shelter of a lone yak herder in the snowfield.

Popular Packages in the Dhaulagiri Region

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Start your adventure by sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley. Explore the wilderness in the Dhaulagiri region and marvel at the Dhaulagiri range. And here’s what you can expect from the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek package:

• Duration:                      20 Days

• Max Altitude: 5,360 Meters

• Coordinates:         28.7546° N, 83.4376° E (Dhaulagiri Base Camp)

• Difficulty:               Intermediate Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Tented Camps, Tea Houses & Hotels

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)

• Night Temperature: 5°C to -10°C (41°F to 14°F)

• Group Size:           2-16

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Putha Hiunchuli Expedition

Putha Hiunchuli is one of the peaks in the Dhaulagiri range. It’s also called the Dhaulagiri VII. Find some of the breathtaking views from the climb to the Putha Hiunchuli peak. And here’s what you can expect from the Putha Hiunchuli Expedition package:

• Duration:                      35 Days

• Max Altitude: 7,246 Meters Putha Hiunchuli 

• Coordinates:          28.7472° N, 83.1486° E (Putha Hiunchuli)

• Difficulty:               Intermediate Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Tented Camps, Tea Houses & Hotels

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        0°C to 10°C

• Night Temperature: -8°C to -15°C

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Dhaulagiri Expedition

Dhaulagiri is among the world’s highest mountains. Scale the seventh-highest peak. Find the heart-stopping views of ridges, icefalls, and glaciers in the region. And here is what you can expect from the Dhaulagiri Expedition package:

• Duration:                      46 Days

• Max Altitude: 8,167 Meters Mt Dhaulagiri 

• Coordinates:         28.6967° N, 83.4878° E (Mount Dhaulagiri)

• Difficulty:               Extreme Trekking and Climbing

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Tented Camps, Tea Houses & Hotels

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        -15°C to -20°C 

• Night Temperature: -25°C to -35°C

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Gurja Himal Trek

Find a beautiful amalgam of nature and culture during the hike. Mesmerizing views of the Annapurna ranges, Gurja Himal, Dhaulagiri, and Churen Himal. Experience the hospitality of the local community. And here’s what you can expect from the Gurja Himal Trek package:

• Duration:                      15 Days

• Max Altitude: 3,900 Meters, Rugachaur Pass 

• Coordinates:         28.55° to 28.60° N, 83.35° to 83.40° E (Rugachaur)

• Difficulty:               Moderate Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Homestays/Tea Houses & Hotels

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:         5°C to 12°C

• Night Temperature: -3°C to -8°C

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Difficulty levels in the Dhaulagiri Region

The Dhaulagiri region offers peaceful walks and brutal climbs. The territory hosts a range of adventures. You can enjoy peaceful trails, experiencing the culture. If you want to challenge yourself, you can take the high-altitude routes. Here’s a listing from the beginner-friendly treks to the extreme climbs:

Beginner-Friendly Treks:

Lower Dhaulagiri Trek:

• Best for first-time trekkers, families, or cultural travelers.

• Elevation Range: 1,000 meters to 2,500 meters

• Duration: 5 to 7 Days

• Trail Type: Well-developed trails and gentle ascent

• Accommodation: Homestays and Teahouses

• What You’ll See:

  • Lush forest, terraced fields, and hillside villages

  • Traditional Magar and Gurung communities

• Why it’s beginner-friendly: No extreme altitude. No risky crossing.

Moderate Treks:

Gurja Himal Trek:

• Perfect blend of scenery, culture, and moderate physical challenge.

• Elevation Ranges: 1,500 Meters to 3,200 Meters

• Duration: 15 Days

• Trail Type: Mountain ridge, forest paths, and occasional steep climbs

• Accommodation: Homestays and Teahouses

• What You’ll See: 

  • The sacred Gurja Himal (7,193 meters)

  • Ancient Magar architecture and livestock herding culture

  • Rare encounters with the endangered Red Panda in higher forests

• Why it’s moderate: Max altitude 3,900. A whirl of terrain.

Intermediate Treks

Putha Hiunchuli Expedition:

• It’s perfect for peaking at a 7,000+ meter mountain. It’s considered one of the most attainable high-altitude mountains in Nepal.

• Elevation: 2,000 meters to 7,246 meters.

• Duration: 35 Days

• Accommodation: Hotels, Lodges, and Tented Camps

• What You’ll See:

  • Panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, Dolpo, and beyond Tibet

  • Stunning sunrise from high camp above 6,000 meters

• Why it’s intermediate: Less technical peaks than Ama Dablam and Dhaulagiri

Hard Treks

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek:

• A step into the high-altitude mountaineering world. But no pressure of the summit.

• Elevation Range: 1,200 meters to 5,360 meters

• Durations: 20 Days

• Accommodation: Teahouse, hotel, and tented camps

• What you’ll see:

  • Cross Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and French Pass

  • Towering ice walls and shifting glaciers

  • Trek through Hidden Valley and Chhonbardan Glacier

• Why it’s a hard trek: Altitude sickness risk and river crossing. Past a certain point, there are few teahouses or villages.

Extreme Climbs

Dhaulagiri Expedition:

• Dhaulagiri Expedition is the world’s seventh-highest mountain. It offers steep faces and avalanche-prone slopes. The summit push demands expert mountaineering skills.

• Elevations: 8,167 meters Mount Dhaulagiri

• Duration: 46 Days

• Accommodation: Teahouses (Lower route), Tented Camps (base camp onward)

• What you’ll see: 

  • Towering icefalls, hanging glaciers, and sheer mountain walls

  • Panoramic views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Hidden Valley

  • Remote Magar villages and untamed alpine wilderness

• Why it’s extreme:

  • Technical route with avalanche risks and high-altitude exposure

  • Requires multiple high camps 

  • Prior 6,000–7,000 meters of climbing experience

  • Demands strong physical conditioning, acclimatization, and mountaineering skills

Best Time to Be in the Dhaulagiri Region: Seasons and Temperatures

Timing is everything while journeying through the Dhaulagiri region. You’ll find remoteness, altitude, and rapidly changing weather in the territory. As such, choosing the right season to visit Dhaulagiri is a must.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is an ideal season to trek in Nepal’s Himalayan region. And yes, Spring offers the best experience in the Dhaulagiri region. You can find rhododendrons blooming across the hillsides. The view of the varying mountains is clear. 

The snow at higher altitudes is more stable after winter. Likewise, it becomes perfect for glacier crossings. Similarly, the temperature in the region becomes more welcoming.

• Temperature Ranges:

  • Lower Elevations (1,000 meters-2,000 meters): 10°C to 25°C Day / 0°C to 5°C Night

  • Higher Elevations & Base Camp: 10°C to 15° Day / -10°C to -1°C Night

Summer (June to August)

It rains daily during the monsoon and summer in the Dhaulagiri region. Most lower valleys in the area are muddy and prone to landslides. Additionally, the clouds block views of the mountains. 

Trails below 2,000 meters are infested with leeches. As such, treks during this season are rarely attempted. The best option during the monsoon is the rain-shadow areas in Nepal.

• Temperature Ranges:

  • Lower Elevation: 18°C to 25°C Day / 15°C and 20°C Night

  • Elevations & Base Camp: 5°C to 15°C Day / -5°C to 5°C Night

 Autumn (September to November)

Autumn offers the best visibility and stable weather. It also has dry trails in the Dhaulagiri region. It’s the perfect season for the Dhaulagiri Circuit and Putha Hiunchuli expedition. 

The air in the mountains is crisp during Autumn. The landscape glows golden, and campsites are photogenic. Similarly, the temperature becomes mild after summer.

• Temperature Ranges:

  • Lower Elevation: 10°C to 18°C Day / -5°Cto -15°C Night

  •  Higher Elevation & Base Camp:  -5°C to -15°C Day / -15°C to -25°C Night

 Winter (December to February)

Winter is only recommended for hardy trekkers or climbers with full winter gear. Many passes are blocked off by snow. As such, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is inaccessible. Lower levels of the Dhaulagiri region are possible. 

The temperature during winter drops below freezing. Here’s what you can expect in Winter in the remote region.

• Temperature Ranges:

  • Lower Region: 5°C to 10°C Day / -10°C to -15°C Night

  • Higher Altitude and Camps: 5°C to 10°C Day / -15°C to -20°C Night

Accommodation and Food Available in the Dhaulagiri Region

Trekking the Dhaulagiri region tests endurance. It also offers culture, beauty, and hospitality. You find humble village homestays and teahouses. But you will be staying in tented camps in most places at altitudes above 5,000 meters. 

Accommodation and Facilities in the Dhaulagiri Region

Teahouses:

• Found in villages like Beni, Darbang, Muri, and Gurja Khani

• Offers basic rooms, shared bathroom, and simple meals

• Solar Charging, boiled water, and Wi-Fi may be available in some spots

• Great for cultural immersion with Magar hosts.

Hotels:

• Available in Pokhara and Beni

• Ideal for a rest day before heading to the trailhead

• Mid-range and budget hotels offer hot showers, attached bathrooms, and Wi-Fi

• A good place to organize permits, gear, and porters.

Lodges:

• Found in lower elevations, Boghara and Dobang.

• It's slightly better than teahouses

• Provide basic Nepali and Tibetan meals

• Usually equipped with a kitchen, dining area, and communal stove

Homestays:

• Found in less-frequented villages like Lulang, Gurja Khani, and Chhentung.

• Home-cooked meals with locally grown grains and vegetables

• Sleep in traditional stone and mud houses

• A cultural deep-dive into Magar and Gurung lifestyles 

Tented Camps:

• Required for Dhaulagiri Circuit, Hidden Valley Trek, or Putha Hiunchuli climb

• Carried out and set up by support teams

• Includes mess tents, sleeping tents, and kitchen tents

• No shops or lodges beyond Italian Base Camp, so full provisioning is needed

Foods that are only found in the Dhaulagiri Region

Journey in the Dhaulagiri region isn’t just about the trails. It’s also about the flavours you come across on the path. The area offers locally sourced, rustic cuisine that fuels your journey. 

·         Unique Foods

• Kodo Dhido:

  • A wholesome buckwheat porridge eaten with gundruk soup or goat curry

• Chyankhla: 

  • A meat stew of dried yak or goat meat, native to the highland Magar communities

• Sisno Soup: 

  • Nettle leaf soup served with millet bread. It's nutritious and surprisingly tasty.

• Aalutama Tarkari:

  • Spicy potato curry with locally grown beans and turmeric

• Rilduk:

  • A comforting mashed potato and rice soup with Himalayan herbs

·         Unique drinks

• Tumba (Millet Beer): 

  • Warm and slightly fermented, it’s both a drink and a hand-warmer

• Butter Tea: 

  • Warm and slightly fermented, it’s both a drink and a hand-warmer

• Local Raksi:

  • A fiery distilled liquor made from millet or maize. It is offered during festive evenings or homestay dinners.

• Juwa ko Jhol: 

  • A fermented rice drink with probiotic properties, common in Magar households

What Permits Are Required for Trekking in the Dhaulagiri Region?

You will need the right permits to legally and safely explore the Dhaulagiri region. Some areas around the region fall under restricted zones. As such, to journey through these places, you will need additional documentation.

The types of Permits needed:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):

• Purpose: 

  • Entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area

  • It includes trailheads: Beni, Muri, and the lower circuit

• Cost: 

  • NPR 3,000 (Approx. USD 25) for foreigners

  • NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals

• Where to Get it:

  • Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara

  • It can also be arranged by most trekking agencies

Restricted Area Permit (RAP):

• Purpose:

  • For trekking through Chharka La, Mukot, and Hidden Valley

  • Sections beyond the Italian Base Camp, the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and parts of upper Dolpo

• Cost:

  • $100 per person for the first 7 days

  • $15 per day thereafter

• Where to Get it:

  • Only through government-registered trekking agencies

  • Requires at least two trekkers in a group with a licensed guide

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card:

• Purpose: Tracks trekkers for safety and supports sustainable tourism

• Cost:

  • $20 for independent trekkers (FITs)

  • $10 Group of trekkers and guide/agency

• Where to Get it:

  • TIMS counters at Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara

  • Handled by agencies if you book a package

Climbing Permit: 

• Purpose:

  • Only if you plan to climb peaks like Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche (6,920m), or Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m).

• Cost:

  • Prices range from $250–$500+, depending on peak and season

• Where to Get it:

  • Peak Climbing Permits from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)

  • The Ministry of Tourism