High-altitude expedition around the world's 7th highest peak · Glacier crossing · French Pass (5,360m) · Hidden Valley
A wild, technical circuit around Dhaulagiri — the world's 7th highest mountain — crossing glaciers and high passes that demand real mountaineering fitness. Extremely remote and rarely trekked, this route delivers the rawest and most physically intense Himalayan experience in Nepal.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is not for the inexperienced — the French Pass and the Hidden Valley involve genuine glacial terrain, technical navigation, and total commitment. For those who are ready, the reward is an untouched mountain wilderness and a proximity to the Dhaulagiri massif that few trekkers ever experience.
Remote circuit with glacier moraine walks, high passes, and the spectacular Hidden Valley — for experienced trekkers only.
Annapurna / Dhaulagiri
5,360 m (French Pass)
16–21 days KTM–KTM
~220 km trekking
Strenuous / Technical
Glacier crossing, camping
Oct–Nov (crystal clear)
May (spring)
Dhaulagiri Base Camp · French Pass · Hidden Valley · Italian Base Camp · Jomsom flight
Dhaulagiri Circuit requires ACAP + TIMS + Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Guide mandatory.
| Permit | Cost (USD/NPR) | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Dhaulagiri | $20/week (USD only) | Kathmandu (Dept of Immigration) |
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) | ~$23 / 3,000 NPR | Kathmandu or Pokhara (NTB) |
| TIMS Card (Green) | ~$15 / 2,000 NPR | Pokhara Tourism Office |
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| ACAP + TIMS | $38 |
| Restricted Area Permit (10 days) | $140 |
| Guide (mandatory, 18 days) | $346 |
| Porter (18 days) | $230 |
| Food (3 meals/day) | $308 |
| Camping equipment rental | $92 |
| Jeep Pokhara → Darbang | $31 |
| Flight Jomsom → Pokhara | $85 |
| Total (approx) | $1,320+ |
From Kathmandu to Darbang, Italian Base Camp, French Pass, Hidden Valley, and Jomsom.
Close-up views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche, Gurja Himal, and more.
| Peak Name | Height (m) | Best Viewed From |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaulagiri I | 8,167 | Dhaulagiri Base Camp, French Pass |
| Tukuche Peak | 6,920 | Hidden Valley, Dhampus Pass |
| Gurja Himal | 7,193 | Italian Base Camp, Muri Danda |
| Putha Hiunchuli | 7,246 | French Pass |
| Nilgiri South | 6,839 | Jomsom (end of trek) |
| Sita Chuchura | 6,611 | Hidden Valley |
Beyond Italian Base Camp, only expedition camping. Bring full gear and expect basic facilities.
Temperatures drop to -20°C on French Pass. Crampons/microspikes required for glacier crossing.
Rest day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m) is mandatory. Hydrate aggressively (5–6L/day).
Headache, nausea, fatigue = mild. Vomiting, loss of coordination = descend 500m immediately.
Start at 3:00 AM. Ropes may be used to cross glacier crevasses. Weather-dependent; if snowing, wait.
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills above 4,000m – they suppress breathing and worsen AMS.
Must cover helicopter rescue up to 5,800m. Standard policies exclude Dhaulagiri – check carefully.
Drink 5–6 liters daily. Use ORS sachets. Dehydration mimics AMS.
6 months before: climb 2,000m elevation/week with 12kg pack. The circuit has relentless ascents.
Walk on left side of mani walls, ask permission before photos, remove boots in dining rooms.
Pokhara → Darbang → Italian Base Camp → Dhaulagiri BC → French Pass → Hidden Valley → Jomsom
Book your Dhaulagiri Circuit expedition with Lila – experienced high-altitude guides, proper camping gear, and full logistic support.