Overview
Mode of Trekking: Hotels, lodges, and camping along the route
Trekking Grade: Adventurous to demanding, depending on snow and glacier conditions
Highest Elevation: French Pass – 5,360 m
Activities: Trekking, scenic drives, and cultural tours
Region: Far North-West Nepal, around Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya
Culture: Inhabited by Magar and Thakali communities practicing Hinduism and Buddhism
Trekking Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days (including drives and flights from Jomsom)
Total Trip: 16 Nights / 17 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Best Seasons: April–May and September–November
Introduction
The Around Mt. Dhaulagiri Trek is one of Nepal’s most adventurous treks, offering close-up views of massive icefalls, glaciers, and the imposing 8,167 m summit of Mt. Dhaulagiri.
This trek takes you through the remote Far North-Western Himalaya, a less-traveled region renowned for its pristine wilderness, alpine forests, and green pasture lands. The journey offers complete isolation in the harmony of high snow-capped peaks, traversing the French Pass and Dhampus/Thapa Pass above 5,360 m, providing stunning panoramic views of the western Himalayan range.
The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a famous tourist hub at the base of the Annapurna range. From there, the trek heads west past rural farm villages and warm paddy fields, gradually ascending through alpine meadows and forests. Overnight camps are set in scenic spots along the trail.
As the trek progresses, trekkers leave behind lush vegetation for rocky landscapes and glaciers at the base of Mt. Dhaulagiri, exploring pristine terrain and panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range.
The trek continues over the French Pass (5,360 m) and descends to hidden high-altitude pastures used for yak grazing. After crossing the Dhampus/Thapa Pass, trekkers descend to greener valleys, reaching Marpha village in Mustang. A short scenic flight from Marpha to Pokhara concludes the trek, marking the completion of one of the most adventurous and scenic Himalayan circuits.
Highlights
- Circumnavigate the massive Mt. Dhaulagiri from south to north, witnessing towering glaciers and icefalls
- Trek through landscapes ranging from warm paddy fields to alpine meadows and icy highlands
- Explore the least-trekked regions of Far North-West Nepal, in pristine wilderness away from human settlements
- Visit remote farm villages, dense rhododendron and pine forests
- Cross French Pass and Dhampus/Thapa Pass, ending in the Kaligandaki Valley