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Dhaulagiri Round Trek via French Pass

Dhaulagiri Round Trek via French Pass

Season

March - May, September - November

Group Size

2+

Max Altitude

French Pass (5,360 m)

Duration

18 Days

Overview

The Dhaulagiri Round Trek via French Pass is a challenging and spectacular high-altitude trek in the western region of Nepal. This trek circles the Dhaulagiri massif (8,167 m), passing through remote valleys, high passes, and pristine landscapes, offering some of the most dramatic Himalayan scenery in the country.

The trek takes you through traditional villages, terraced farmlands, alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and rugged mountain terrain. The highlight of the journey is the crossing of the French Pass (5,360 m), which provides breathtaking panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, trekkers experience remote Himalayan culture, high-altitude lakes, and glaciers.

Moderate to highly challenging, this trek is suitable for experienced trekkers with strong fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience. The Dhaulagiri Round Trek via French Pass offers a unique combination of adventure, natural beauty, and remote Himalayan culture, making it one of Nepal’s most rewarding and less-crowded trekking experiences.

Itinerary

Dhaulagiri Round Trek via French Pass

18 Days • Itinerary Overview

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Highlights: Arrival in Kathmandu, city orientation, easy acclimatization.

Day 02

Fly to Pokhara (822 m) and Drive to Darbang (1,179 m, 7–8 hours)

Take an early morning flight to Pokhara, then drive through scenic valleys and rivers to reach Darbang. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you enter the remote areas of the Dhaulagiri region. Overnight in Darbang.
Highlights: Scenic drive through valleys, entry into Dhaulagiri region.

Day 03

Trek to Sibang (1,698 m)

Begin your trek from Darbang, walking through charming villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Reach Sibang, a peaceful village perfect for experiencing local culture.
Highlights: Village trails, forest walks, cultural immersion.

Day 04

Trek to Muri (1,720 m)

Continue trekking through gentle ascents and beautiful landscapes to Muri. Enjoy the mountain views and the hospitality of local teahouses.
Highlights: Mountain vistas, terraced farmland, traditional teahouses.

Day 05

Trek to Boghara (2,080 m)

Trek deeper into the hills as the scenery becomes more alpine. Boghara offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and a chance to experience the quiet Himalayan lifestyle.
Highlights: Alpine scenery, serene village life, panoramic views.

Day 06

Trek to Dobang (2,400 m)

Ascend gradually through forests and highland trails to Dobang. The trail provides closer views of snow-capped peaks and the changing terrain of the Dhaulagiri region.
Highlights: Closer mountain views, forested trails, Himalayan landscapes.

Day 07

Trek to Sallaghari (3,100 m)

The trek becomes more challenging as you gain altitude. Sallaghari offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks. Take time to rest and acclimatize.
Highlights: Spectacular mountain panoramas, altitude gain, acclimatization.

Day 08

Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,640 m)

Continue ascending to the Italian Base Camp. The route passes through rocky trails and moraines with increasing alpine scenery. Prepare for high-altitude trekking in the coming days.
Highlights: High-altitude landscapes, dramatic mountain views, base camp experience.

Day 09

Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp (3,640 m)

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing. Optional short hikes around the base camp provide spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding glaciers.
Highlights: Acclimatization, glacier views, preparation for French Pass.

Day 10

Trek to Glacier Japanese Camp (4,250 m, 4 hrs)

Trek to the Glacier Japanese Camp over rocky trails and glacial terrain. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Dhaulagiri’s massive peaks and the surrounding glaciers.
Highlights: Glacier trekking, high-altitude scenery, spectacular views.

Day 11

Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,660 m, 4 hrs)

Ascend to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, a stunning location with panoramic views of the massive Dhaulagiri range. Rest and enjoy the majesty of the mountains.
Highlights: Base camp experience, panoramic mountain views, photography opportunities.

Day 12

Cross French Pass (5,360 m) to Hidden Valley (5,120 m, 8 hrs)

Trek across the challenging French Pass, the highest point of the trek. Descend into Hidden Valley and witness its dramatic alpine landscape, surrounded by towering peaks.
Highlights: High mountain pass, adventure trekking, dramatic alpine landscapes.

Day 13

Cross Dhampus Pass (5,250 m) to Yak Kharka (4,000 m, 8 hrs)

Cross the Dhampus Pass and descend to Yak Kharka. Enjoy the high-altitude alpine scenery and the unique Himalayan flora and fauna along the way.
Highlights: Alpine trekking, mountain flora and fauna, high-altitude experience.

Day 14

Trek to Jomsom (2,750 m, 5 hrs)

Descend through beautiful valleys, forests, and villages to reach Jomsom. Celebrate the successful completion of the challenging high mountain trek.
Highlights: Scenic descent, valley villages, approach to Mustang region.

Day 15

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (822 m)

Take a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Relax by Phewa Lake or explore the Lakeside area after the long trek.
Highlights: Aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, relaxation in Pokhara.

Day 16

Drive/Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Return to Kathmandu either by scenic drive or flight. Spend the evening resting or exploring Thamel.
Highlights: Return to Kathmandu, final scenic views of mountains and valleys.

Day 17

Final Departure (1,400 m)

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Dhaulagiri region and French Pass adventure.
Highlights: Departure, memorable trek completion.

Dhaulagiri Round Trek via French Pass

18 Days – Detailed Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Highlights: Arrival in Kathmandu, city orientation, easy acclimatization.

02

Take an early morning flight to Pokhara, then drive through scenic valleys and rivers to reach Darbang. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you enter the remote areas of the Dhaulagiri region. Overnight in Darbang.
Highlights: Scenic drive through valleys, entry into Dhaulagiri region.

03

Begin your trek from Darbang, walking through charming villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Reach Sibang, a peaceful village perfect for experiencing local culture.
Highlights: Village trails, forest walks, cultural immersion.

04

Continue trekking through gentle ascents and beautiful landscapes to Muri. Enjoy the mountain views and the hospitality of local teahouses.
Highlights: Mountain vistas, terraced farmland, traditional teahouses.

05

Trek deeper into the hills as the scenery becomes more alpine. Boghara offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and a chance to experience the quiet Himalayan lifestyle.
Highlights: Alpine scenery, serene village life, panoramic views.

06

Ascend gradually through forests and highland trails to Dobang. The trail provides closer views of snow-capped peaks and the changing terrain of the Dhaulagiri region.
Highlights: Closer mountain views, forested trails, Himalayan landscapes.

07

The trek becomes more challenging as you gain altitude. Sallaghari offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks. Take time to rest and acclimatize.
Highlights: Spectacular mountain panoramas, altitude gain, acclimatization.

08

Continue ascending to the Italian Base Camp. The route passes through rocky trails and moraines with increasing alpine scenery. Prepare for high-altitude trekking in the coming days.
Highlights: High-altitude landscapes, dramatic mountain views, base camp experience.

09

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing. Optional short hikes around the base camp provide spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding glaciers.
Highlights: Acclimatization, glacier views, preparation for French Pass.

10

Trek to the Glacier Japanese Camp over rocky trails and glacial terrain. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Dhaulagiri’s massive peaks and the surrounding glaciers.
Highlights: Glacier trekking, high-altitude scenery, spectacular views.

11

Ascend to the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, a stunning location with panoramic views of the massive Dhaulagiri range. Rest and enjoy the majesty of the mountains.
Highlights: Base camp experience, panoramic mountain views, photography opportunities.

12

Trek across the challenging French Pass, the highest point of the trek. Descend into Hidden Valley and witness its dramatic alpine landscape, surrounded by towering peaks.
Highlights: High mountain pass, adventure trekking, dramatic alpine landscapes.

13

Cross the Dhampus Pass and descend to Yak Kharka. Enjoy the high-altitude alpine scenery and the unique Himalayan flora and fauna along the way.
Highlights: Alpine trekking, mountain flora and fauna, high-altitude experience.

14

Descend through beautiful valleys, forests, and villages to reach Jomsom. Celebrate the successful completion of the challenging high mountain trek.
Highlights: Scenic descent, valley villages, approach to Mustang region.

15

Take a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Relax by Phewa Lake or explore the Lakeside area after the long trek.
Highlights: Aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, relaxation in Pokhara.

16

Return to Kathmandu either by scenic drive or flight. Spend the evening resting or exploring Thamel.
Highlights: Return to Kathmandu, final scenic views of mountains and valleys.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Dhaulagiri region and French Pass adventure.
Highlights: Departure, memorable trek completion.

Trip Inclusions

Trip Inclusions

Everything you need for a comfortable and memorable trek

Cost Includes

  • Airport Transfers
    Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu Accommodation
    Four nights’ accommodation in a standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis with daily breakfast.
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing
    Guided sightseeing tour of major cultural and heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.
  • Domestic Transportation
    Round-trip flight to Pokhara – Kathmandu, including round-trip ground transfers.
  • Permits & Entry Fees
    Trekking entry permit and local village development fees.
  • Medical Oxygen & First Aid
    One 3-liter oxygen cylinder with mask and regulator for emergency medical use, along with a comprehensive first-aid kit.
  • Tea House Trek Accommodation & Meals
    Lodging in local tea houses during the trek, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Snacks During Trek
    Supplementary snacks such as cheese, crackers, salami, fresh fruits, and similar items to maintain energy levels.
  • Trekking Staff Support
    Licensed trekking guide and porters, including their food, accommodation, wages, insurance, and domestic air tickets.
  • Office & Service Charges
    All operational and administrative service charges.

Exclusions

Personal Expenses

  • International airfare to Nepal
  • Personal equipment (boots, climbing harness, gloves, jackets, crampons)
  • Personal trekking/medical insurance
  • Tips for guides, porters, or staff

Extra Services

  • Extra hotel nights outside itinerary
  • Optional sightseeing or recreational activities
  • Satellite phone, internet, or personal communications

Unforeseen Costs

  • Rescue or evacuation due to personal negligence or health issues
  • Weather-related delays (flights or lodging beyond plan)

Other

  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks purchased personally
  • Any items not mentioned in the inclusions
Adventure

Dhaulagiri Round Trek via French Pass

18 Days • Schedule Your Own Departure

No booking fees • Free cancellation up to 50 days

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