When Is the Best Time for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
The best seasons for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek for 2026/2027 are spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. These are the best seasons for every trek in Nepal, as during these months, the weather is clear, mountain views are at their best, and the trails are most stable for high-altitude travel.
Spring brings vibrant rhododendron blooms across the trail, while autumn offers crisp skies and moderate temperatures, which are the ideal conditions for crossing high passes.
While you can still trek in winter and monsoon, we do not recommend it due to heavy snowfall and unstable weather in the high sections. For the best view and comfort, trekking to the Dhaulagiri Circuit in spring and autumn is recommended. Booking is now open for 2026/2027, so hurry up and grab your spot now.
What are the accommodation facilities during the trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek in Nepal is a mixture of simple lodging and camping as the route passes through isolated valleys without teahouse facilities. You’ll stay in simple teahouses that offer a twin-sharing room with a warm bed to sleep in at a lower altitude.
Do not expect attached bathrooms, hot showers, and wifi along the trail, as this is one of the remotest trekking trails. At some places, you will be staying in quality tented camps equipped with sleeping mats, dining tents, and hygienic kitchen setups managed by professional staff.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, accommodation is provided in comfortable 3-star hotels, offering hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a relaxing recovery space before and after the trek. This blend of wilderness camping and city comfort creates a true Himalayan experience, one that combines rugged adventure with reliable support throughout.
Food and Water on the Dhaulagiri Trek
Our package includes all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trip. While staying in teahouses, you will be having meals there where the menu does not have many options but still provides you with the energy you need for the walk.
Breakfast usually includes bread and curry, tea, and coffee porridge. Whereas lunch and dinner are usually the Nepali staple meals, Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles). You can also get the options of Thukpa, noodles, fried rice, etc. at some places.
While staying in the tent, all meals are freshly prepared by our skilled trekking cooks. Expect nourishing dishes such as rice, lentils, vegetables, pasta, soups, and occasional meat or eggs to maintain your energy in the high mountains.
Boiled or purified drinking water is provided daily during the trek, and we discourage the use of plastic bottles to promote eco-friendly trekking practices. Thus, carrying your own reusable bottle or hydration system is highly recommended.
How difficult is the Dhaulagiri round trek?
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek in Nepal is a challenging journey designed for experienced trekkers seeking remote adventure. The route involves several high passes above 5,000m, glacier crossings, and rugged terrain where trails are often steep and exposed.
As the trek is over two weeks with 4-7 hours of walking required each day, a solid level of physical fitness, endurance, and mental resilience is required. Further, the high altitude makes the trek even harder, especially for beginner trekkers.
However, that does not mean it is impossible to complete this trek. With proper preparation and guidance by professionals, this 17 days journey is achievable, and the reward is unmatched, a sense of achievement that few treks in Nepal can offer.
What is the risk of Altitude Sickness during the trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit?
Altitude is a major factor in the Dhaulagiri Round Trek, with camps above 5,000 m. And there is a chance of getting altitude sickness, which is the condition that occurs when your body is not able to adjust to the changing altitude.
Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, loss of sleep and appetite, and vomiting. To avoid altitude sickness, make sure to walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and always follow the instructions of your guide.
We follow a well-structured itinerary that includes acclimatization days and gradual ascents to minimize the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our guides are trained in altitude safety, and we carry oximeters, first-aid kits, and emergency oxygen. In severe cases, evacuation procedures are pre-planned for your safety.
How to prepare for the Dhaulagiri Trek?
Preparing for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek in Nepal calls both for physical building of endurance and mental strengthening. Begin at least 8–10 weeks before the start with cardio exercises like hiking, jogging, cycling, or stair climbing.
Incorporate strength workouts for your legs and core, as one needs to walk 6 to 8 hours daily across steep and rocky terrain. Acclimatization is very important during the Dhaulagiri Round Trek, as it reaches a high altitude over 5,000 m and crosses challenging passes like French Pass (5,360 m). Thus, it is best if you have some high-altitude hiking experiences.
Similarly, packing the right gear, warm layers, waterproof boots, trekking poles, and a high-quality sleeping bag is essential for safety and comfort. Equally significant is preparing mentally: be flexible, remain patient under unstable conditions, and remember that the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is as much about endurance as it is about discovery and solitude in one of Nepal's most remote mountain regions.
What are the permits required for the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek?
To trek in the Dhaulagiri Circuit region, you’ll need the following permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Dhaulagiri Trekking Permit (Special Restricted Area)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
All permits are arranged by us before your departure, so you don’t need to worry about the paperwork.
What to pack for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?
As it is a long 17 days trek involving camping, packing the right items is crucial to having a hassle-free trek. You’ll be provided with a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and trekking poles by Himalayan Recreation Treks if you do not already have them. Further, extra luggage can be safely stored in Kathmandu.
Here’s what to bring:
- Lightweight down jacket and thermal base layers
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell
- Trekking boots, camp shoes, and sandals
- Sun hat, gloves, and sunglasses (UV protection)
- Fleece jacket and quick-dry shirts/pants
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Personal medication
- water purification tablets
- Camera
- Powerbank
- Extra cash
- Snacks
- Toiletries
During the trek, you’ll only carry a daypack with essentials; your main gear will be carried by porters, allowing you to fully enjoy the wilderness without strain.
What is the transportation during the Dhaulagiri round trek?
The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and then from Pokhara, you will have a short ride to Beni, the starting point of your trek.
After completing the trek, you will then have a drive from Jomsom to Pokhara, where you can rest and enjoy lakeside views before flying back to Kathmandu. All ground and air transfers are organized by us, ensuring comfort, safety, and punctuality throughout.
How much is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Cost 2026/2027?
Our Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek package cost typically ranges from USD 1999 to USD 2599 per person, depending on group size, accommodation standard, and services included. Below is the table for the cost per person depending on the group size:
No of people | Cost per person |
1 | USD 2599 |
2-4 | USD 2199 |
6-8 | USD 2099 |
8+ | USD 1999 |
This cost covers all major logistics such as airport transfers, domestic transportation, accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, meals during the trek, trekking permits, guide and porter services, and camping equipment.
At Himalayan Recreation, we prioritize fair pricing without compromising on safety, comfort, or quality of service. The package ensures you’re fully supported in one of Nepal’s most remote and challenging trekking regions, where reliable logistics make all the difference.
What is the booking process for the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek in 2026/2027?
Booking your Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek package with Himalayan Recreation Treks is easy and simple. You first have to choose the date on our website, and once you confirm your dates, we require a 20% deposit to confirm the booking.
You can directly reach out to us via email or WhatsApp if you want any modifications to the itinerary or have any other inquiries before you book. Once the booking is done, we handle all arrangements from permits to accommodations, so you can focus on the experience itself.
We recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance, especially for spring and autumn departures, to ensure availability of guides, flights, and logistics.
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