Dhaulagiri Round Trek is a challenging 19-day adventure through the remote Dhaulagiri region, designed for experienced trekkers seeking rugged Himalayan landscapes and an authentic wilderness experience. The trek follows the Myagdi/Dhaulagiri valleys toward Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, and Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750 m) before crossing the spectacular French Pass (5,360 m) and descending through Hidden Valley (5,000 m) and Yak Kharka toward Marpha and the Kali Gandaki Valley. The journey combines glaciers, river valleys, waterfalls, alpine landscapes, forests, local villages, and magnificent views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and surrounding peaks.
📌 01. Booking & Confirmation
To confirm your Dhaulagiri Round Trek, please provide:
- Completed booking details
- Valid passport copy
- Required travel information
- 10% non-refundable advance payment
Once the documents and payment are received, South Col Adventures will confirm your booking by email and arrange permits, accommodation, transportation, guides, porters, meals, and other trekking logistics.
Early booking is recommended because the route is remote and requires careful logistical preparation.
❌ 02. Cancellation & Refund
The 10% booking deposit is non-refundable if the trip is cancelled within 30 days before departure.
If the required balance is not paid by the agreed deadline, South Col Adventures may consider the booking cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
For complete cancellation terms, please refer to our CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY.
💳 03. Payment Methods
South Col Adventures accepts:
- Bank Transfer
- Visa or MasterCard — 4% card processing fee applies
- Credit Card — please contact South Col Adventures for payment instructions
Bank charges, payment gateway fees, and currency conversion costs are payable by the Client.
The applicable balance payment deadline and transaction charges will be communicated during booking.
🌤️ 04. Best Time for Dhaulagiri Round Trek
The best seasons are:
Spring: March–May
Autumn: September–November
These seasons generally provide clearer mountain views, more stable weather, and favorable trekking conditions. The route may also be possible in early summer under suitable conditions, but monsoon rain can make lower trails wet and difficult, while winter can bring heavy snow and extreme cold at higher elevations.
🥾 05. Difficulty Level
Dhaulagiri Round Trek is considered a challenging and strenuous high-altitude trek. It is best suited to trekkers with good fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience.
Major challenges include:
- Long trekking days
- Remote and rugged trails
- Steep ascents and descents
- High-altitude terrain
- Glacier and moraine sections
- Crossing French Pass (5,360 m)
- Crossing Dhampus Pass (approximately 5,234 m)
- Cold temperatures and strong winds
- Limited facilities in remote areas
- Camping and wilderness conditions
Good endurance, acclimatization, and mental preparation are essential.
🏔️ 06. Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is an important concern, particularly around Italian Base Camp, Glacier Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, French Pass, and Hidden Valley. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day at Italian Base Camp (3,800 m) before continuing toward higher elevations.
Possible symptoms include:
Headache • Nausea • Dizziness • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Difficulty sleeping
Trekkers should walk slowly, stay hydrated, eat properly, and get adequate rest.
If serious symptoms develop, further ascent should stop and descent to a lower altitude may be necessary.
Safety always comes before completing the route.
💪 07. Fitness & Preparation
Good cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and leg strength are highly recommended. Prepare with:
- Long-distance hiking
- Uphill and stair training
- Cardio exercises
- Leg and core strengthening
- Backpack training
- Regular endurance workouts
Previous experience with high-altitude and multi-day trekking is strongly recommended.
🛂 08. Permits & Documents
The Dhaulagiri Round Trek requires the appropriate trekking permits, conservation-area/national park permits, TIMS, and applicable local permits, according to current regulations and the selected itinerary. South Col Adventures arranges the required trekking permits and documentation as part of the package.
Carry your passport, permits, travel documents, and insurance details throughout the trek.
🎒 09. Trekking Equipment
Essential trekking equipment may include:
Trekking boots • Trekking poles • Sleeping bag • Backpack • Headlamp • Waterproof jacket • Down jacket
Personal gear should also include warm layers, gloves, warm socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, personal medication, toiletries, and suitable high-altitude clothing.
A detailed packing list will be provided before departure.
🌨️ 10. Weather & Trail Conditions
Mountain weather can change quickly, particularly above Italian Base Camp. Snowfall, strong winds, cold temperatures, fog, rain, and poor visibility may affect the trekking schedule.
Trail conditions may also vary because of snow, glaciers, moraine, landslides, and river crossings. South Col Adventures may modify the itinerary when necessary for safety.
🏕️ 11. Accommodation & Meals
The trek combines tea houses/local lodges and camping, particularly in the remote high-altitude sections.
The itinerary includes tea-house or lodge accommodation during the trekking period, while remote sections may require camping arrangements. Meals generally include breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee.
Food choices become more limited at higher elevations, making adequate nutrition and hydration important.
🛡️ 12. Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover:
- High-altitude trekking
- Emergency medical treatment
- Helicopter evacuation
- Mountain rescue
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
Ensure your insurance specifically covers trekking at altitudes of at least 5,360 m.
🚁 13. Safety & Emergency Support
Safety is our priority. Experienced trekking guides monitor altitude, weather, trail conditions, glacier sections, river crossings, and the health of participants throughout the journey.
A trekking medical kit is carried during the trip. In case of serious emergencies, appropriate rescue or evacuation arrangements may be made according to the situation and accessibility.
📱 14. Communication & Electricity
Mobile networks and internet services can be limited or unavailable in remote sections of the Dhaulagiri route. Electricity may also be unavailable during camping sections.
We recommend carrying a power bank, spare batteries, and essential electronic devices. A Nepal SIM card may provide connectivity in some lower sections, but coverage cannot be guaranteed.
🌱 15. Responsible Travel
The Dhaulagiri region is a remote and environmentally sensitive Himalayan destination. We encourage trekkers to:
- Minimize waste and plastic use
- Avoid littering
- Carry reusable water bottles
- Respect local communities and traditions
- Conserve water and energy
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
- Respect wildlife and the natural environment
The region is known for diverse flora and fauna, with the surrounding forests providing habitat for wildlife such as red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan species.
🎒 Dhaulagiri Round Trek Guidelines
A little preparation can make your trek safer and more comfortable.
01. Prepare Your Fitness
Train with long-distance hiking, uphill walking, cardio, and strength exercises before departure.
02. Prepare Your Trekking Boots
Wear your trekking boots before the trek to ensure comfort and prevent blisters.
03. Walk Slowly at Altitude
Maintain a steady pace and avoid unnecessary exertion, particularly above Italian Base Camp and around the high passes.
04. Watch for Altitude Sickness
Stay hydrated, eat well, and report headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue to your guide immediately.
05. Carry a Daypack
Keep water, snacks, medication, passport, cash, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain protection, and warm layers with you.
06. Carry Enough Cash
There are no reliable ATMs in the remote sections of the Dhaulagiri route. Carry sufficient Nepalese rupees before entering the remote trekking area.
07. Prepare for Limited Connectivity
Carry a power bank or solar charger. Internet and mobile coverage may be unavailable in remote sections.
08. Eat Well & Stay Hydrated
Drink regularly and carry energy snacks such as nuts, chocolate, dried fruit, or energy bars.
09. Protect Yourself
Use proper warm and waterproof clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and protection against cold, wind, rain, and strong sunlight.
10. Follow Your Guide's Instructions
Follow your guide's advice regarding high passes, glacier sections, river crossings, weather, trail conditions, and daily walking schedules.
11. Be Flexible With Weather
Mountain conditions can change quickly. The itinerary may be delayed, modified, or adjusted whenever conditions become unsafe.
12. Carry Proper Insurance
Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, and mountain rescue.
13. Plan Personal Expenses
Keep extra cash for charging, Wi-Fi where available, hot showers, snacks, drinks, laundry, shopping, and other personal expenses. Tipping is voluntary.
14. Respect the Mountain
Avoid littering, reduce waste, respect local culture, and follow the instructions of your guides and trekking crew throughout the journey.
🧭 Trek Prepared. Travel Responsibly. Explore the Dhaulagiri Circuit with South Col Adventures.
