This is a demanding camping trek for experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with remoteness, glaciers, high passes and consecutive days at altitude. Discuss your trekking and any mountaineering experience with us before booking.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via The French Pass
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass: untouched trails, vibrant hamlets, warm Tamang population, away from crowded Himalayan trekking routes.
3,890
Duration
19 Days
Per person · 2–16 travelers
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Private departure from US$ 3,890 · 2–16 travelers
- Traveling with a group? Ask about group rates
- We’ll help tailor the trek to your budget
Duration
Max elevation
Best season
From group price
Per person · 2–16 travelers
Amigo traveler rating: 4.9/5 across 548 reviews · Google, Tripadvisor, Amigo website
Is this trek right for you?
Physically demanding treks with significant elevation and endurance.
Trekking involves altitude, weather, and trail risks. A planned itinerary, acclimatization days, and guide support cannot guarantee safety or reaching the planned destination. Conditions may require changes to the route.
Getting around
Flight and private jeep
PDFYour trip planning kit
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via The French Pass
Trip overview
- Service level
- Amigo Plus
- Comfort profile
- High-Altitude Trek
- Accommodation standard
- Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouses and tented camps during the trek
Route highlights
Walk through remote villages to Italian and Dhaulagiri base camps.
Cross French Pass into Hidden Valley beneath Dhaulagiri.
Acclimatise at Italian, Japanese and Dhaulagiri base camps.
Cross Dhampus Pass and return to Pokhara by road from Marpha.
Embarking on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass will take you on a journey through untouched trails that showcase vibrant villages and a warm Tamang community, far away from the crowded trekking routes in the Himalayas. As you trek through the off-the-beaten-path trails, you will come across the Hidden Valley, nestled in the shadow of the towering Mount Dhaulagiri, standing tall at 8,167 meters. At times, you will find yourself surrounded by the majestic Himalayas with no one else in sight, offering a sense of tranquility and solitude.
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This Himalayan adventure leads you to the foothills of the awe-inspiring Dhaulagiri mountain, located in the northwest region of Nepal. Ranking as the seventh highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri gets its name from the Sanskrit words "Dhawala" meaning white, and "Giri" meaning mountain. This magnificent mountain, which is also the highest peak in the Gandaki River basin, presents an exciting challenge for those seeking an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas.
At Amigo Treks & Expedition, we take pride in offering exceptional services, including private transportation, comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and support in arranging emergency assistance when needed. Additionally, we provide group discounts to ensure that our clients can have a memorable trip without breaking the bank.
The journey to the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass begins in Kathmandu and continues with a flight to the city of Pokhara. We travel along the winding banks of the Kali Gandaki River to reach Darbang, then continue along the beautiful Myagdi River to Dharapani before reaching Mure. Our journey takes us past Bagar and Dovan before arriving at Pakhaban, where we can admire the stunning Dhaulagiri Range. From there, we ascend the summit of French Pass (5360m) and continue to Hidden Valley before crossing Dhampus Pass (5244m) and driving back to Pokhara from Marpha.
For the best trekking conditions and peaceful trails, we recommend undertaking the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek via French Pass during the autumn (September-November) or spring (March-May) seasons. These seasons offer ideal weather conditions for trekking, while winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August) can bring unpredictable and harsh weather.
Day-by-day route outline
Review the route day by day, or expand all days to compare the details.
Altitude & distance by day
Published altitudes and walking distances for each day. Road and flight transfers are listed separately in the daily route data.
Swipe the chart to see every day.
Dots mark the altitudes listed in the itinerary, and bars show how far you’ll walk each day. If a day has no altitude listed, we keep the line at the last known height. For a distance range like 8–10 km, we show 9 km.
View daily route data
| Day | Route | Altitude | Published distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | — | — |
| Day 2 | Trek preparation and fly or drive to Pokhara | — | — |
| Day 3 | Drive to Dharapani (1560m/5118ft) or Sibang (1780m/5839ft) | 1560m/5118ft | — |
| Day 4 | Trek to Muri (1720m/5643ft),(12km and 7h from Dharapani) and (7.5km and 4.5h from Sibang) | 1720m/5643ft | 12kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 5 | Trek to Bagar (Boghara) (2080m/6824ft),(8.5km),(5.5h) | 2080m/6824ft | 8.5kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 6 | Trek to Dobhan Kharka (2520m/8267ft),(8.5km),(5h) | 2520m/8267ft | 8.5kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 7 | Trek to Sallaghari (2820m/9251ft),(8.5km),(5-6h) | 2820m/9251ft | 8.5kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 8 | Trek to Italian Base Camp(3660m/12007ft),(3.5km),(4h) | 3660m/12007ft | 3.5kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 9 | Acclimatization day in Italian Base Camp | — | — |
| Day 10 | Trek to Japanese Camp (3890m/12,762ft),(3.5km),(4h) | 3890m/12,762ft | 3.5kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 11 | Acclimatization in Japanese Camp | — | — |
| Day 12 | Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4748m/15,577ft), (6km), (4-5h) | 4748m/15,577ft | 6kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 13 | Acclimatization in Dhaulagiri Base Camp | — | — |
| Day 14 | Trek to French Col (5360m/17,585ft),(7.5km),(5h) to Hidden Valley(5140m/16,863ft),(3km),(3.5-4h) | 5360m/17,585ft | 7.5kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 15 | Exploration walk around Hidden Valley or climb Dhampus Peak (Optional) | — | — |
| Day 16 | Trek from Hidden Valley to Dhampus Pass (5244m/17204ft), (3km),(2.5-3h) to Alu Bari(3900m/12,795ft)/(9.5km),(5.5-6h) | 5244m/17204ft | 3kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 17 | Trek to Marpha (2670m/8759ft), (5km),(2h) and drive to Pokhara (6-7h) | 2670m/8759ft | 5kmWalking / trekking |
| Day 18 | Fly to Kathmandu | — | — |
| Day 19 | Departure day | — | — |
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Day details
Welcome to Nepal. One of the company representatives will meet and greet you and your group at the airport and transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. The hotel will be a 4 Star Standard Hotel and will be booked around the Thamel area. This person will help you with hotel check in formalities as well. If your flight is scheduled to arrive before noon, a short meeting will be conducted at your hotel to brief you regarding the trek, introduce you to your guide, check your equipment and settle the final payment, in the afternoon. After the meeting, you will go for a welcome dinner with your guide or a company representative, where you will be introduced to typical Nepali meals as well as culture of different regions in Nepal in the form of dance, songs and costume. You will then get back to your hotel for overnight stay. If your flight is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon, evening or later at night the meeting will be held the next morning and the welcome dinner will be in Pokhara. Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Trek preparation and fly or drive to Pokhara
Day details
Breakfast at the hotel and after final equipment check and trek preparation you will be transferred from the hotel to the domestic terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport as per your airport reporting time in a private car/jeep/minivan (depending on the group size). After airport formalities, you will fly to Pokhara, a very beautiful lake city, that serves as one of the major tourist destinations and a gateway to most of the popular Annapurna Treks in Nepal. The flight time is roughly 30 minutes. From the Pokhara Airport, you will drive to the hotel booked for you in Pokhara, in a private car/jeep/minivan (depending on your group size). The hotel booked will be a 4 Star Standard and will be in the Lake area. You will check into the hotel and can spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure. The best way to spend time in Pokhara is to go on a boat ride around the Phewa Lake and visit Tal Barahi Temple, or simply stroll along the lake area. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara Meals: Breakfast and Welcome dinner (if not done on the first day)
Day 3
Drive to Dharapani or Sibang
(1560m/5118ft) · (1780m/5839ft)
Day details
From Pokhara, we drive west through the Myagdi valley to Dharapani or Sibang, depending on the road and the starting point arranged for the trek. We spend the night there before beginning the walk.
Day 4
Trek to Muri , and
(1720m/5643ft) · (12km and 7h from Dharapani) · (7.5km and 4.5h from Sibang)
Day details
We leave Dharapani or Sibang and trek to Muri through the foothills and villages of the Myagdi valley. The itinerary allows around seven hours from Dharapani or four and a half hours from Sibang.
Day 5
Trek to Bagar , ,
(Boghara) · (2080m/6824ft) · (8.5km) · (5.5h)
Day details
From Muri, we continue along the remote trail to Bagar (Boghara), with climbs and descents through the Myagdi valley. The walk is approximately 8.5 km and takes around five and a half hours.
Day 6
Trek to Dobhan Kharka , ,
(2520m/8267ft) · (8.5km) · (5h)
Day details
We leave Bagar and follow the trail through the valley to Dobhan Kharka. The itinerary allows around five hours for the 8.5 km walk.
Day 7
Trek to Sallaghari , ,
(2820m/9251ft) · (8.5km) · (5-6h)
Day details
Today we trek from Dobhan Kharka toward Sallaghari, continuing into the forested upper valley. The listed walk is approximately 8.5 km and takes five to six hours.
Day 8
Trek to Italian Base Camp , ,
(3660m/12007ft) · (3.5km) · (4h)
Day details
We leave Sallaghari and climb to Italian Base Camp, where we camp beneath the mountains. The itinerary lists approximately 3.5 km and four hours of walking.
Day 9
Acclimatization day in Italian Base Camp
Day details
We stay at Italian Base Camp for acclimatisation. The guide will assess how the group is feeling and may suggest a short walk if conditions and health allow. Tell your guide promptly if you have symptoms of altitude illness.
Day 10
Trek to Japanese Camp , ,
(3890m/12,762ft) · (3.5km) · (4h)
Day details
We leave Italian Base Camp and continue toward Japanese Camp. The route becomes more rugged as we approach the glacier; the itinerary allows approximately four hours.
Day 11
Acclimatization in Japanese Camp
Day details
We remain at Japanese Camp for acclimatisation before moving higher. Rest, monitor how you feel, and follow the guide’s advice about any short walk in the area.
Day 12
Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp , ,
(4748m/15,577ft) · (6km) · (4-5h)
Day details
From Japanese Camp, we continue toward Dhaulagiri Base Camp, following the rugged approach through the glacial valley. The itinerary lists approximately 6 km and four to five hours.
Day 13
Acclimatization in Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Day details
We spend an acclimatisation day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp. We rest and prepare for the French Col crossing; any short walk depends on the group’s health and conditions.
Day 14
Trek to French Col , , to Hidden Valley , ,
(5360m/17,585ft) · (7.5km) · (5h) · (5140m/16,863ft) · (3km) · (3.5-4h)
Day details
We leave Dhaulagiri Base Camp early and climb to French Col (5,360 m), then descend into Hidden Valley. The itinerary allows approximately five hours to the pass and another three and a half to four hours to the valley.
Day 15
Exploration walk around Hidden Valley or climb Dhampus Peak
(Optional)
Day details
We spend the day in Hidden Valley. The itinerary allows an exploration walk or an optional Dhampus Peak climb; ask us in advance about the experience, permits, equipment and extra arrangements required for the climb.
Day 16
Trek from Hidden Valley to Dhampus Pass , , to Alu Bari / ,
(5244m/17204ft) · (3km) · (2.5-3h) · (3900m/12,795ft) · (9.5km) · (5.5-6h)
Day details
We leave Hidden Valley and cross Dhampus Pass (5,244 m), then descend to Alu Bari. The itinerary allows around two and a half to three hours to the pass and a further five and a half to six hours to camp.
Day 17
Trek to Marpha , , and drive to Pokhara
(2670m/8759ft) · (5km) · (2h) · (6-7h)
Day details
From Alu Bari, we trek down to Marpha, a walk of approximately two hours. We then travel by road to Pokhara, where we spend the night. The drive is usually around six to seven hours, depending on road conditions.
Day 18
Fly to Kathmandu
Day details
Breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara and you will be transferred to the airport in a private car/jeep/minivan (depending on the group size) to help you catch your flight to Kathmandu. The flight time is 30 minutes. From the airport you will be transferred to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. Spend the day at your leisure and in the evening one of the company representatives will meet you for farewell dinner and feedback. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 19
Departure day
Day details
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu. The hotel check out time in Kathmandu is 12:00 noon. As per your airport reporting time you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport to help you catch your onward flight. If your flight is in the evening or later at night and if you need a late check out, kindly let us know in advance and we will arrange that for you. Late check out charge will be applicable. Meals: Breakfast
What is included in the trip price
The essentials and support items that are already built into the package.
Package includes
Airport transfer service upon arrival and departure (private car/jeep/minivan)
Airport transfer for domestic flights in Kathmandu and Pokhara (private car/jeep/minivan)
2 Nights twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (4 Star Standard Hotel)
2 Nights twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara (4 Star Standard Hotel)
Flight Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu with departure tax
All required trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS)
Private jeep from Pokhara to Dharapani/Sibang
Private jeep from Marpha to Pokhara (Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara can be arranged at extra cost)
Welcome dinner at one of the most authentic Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu with cultural show
Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), every day during the trek
3 cups Tea/coffee (served in cups only) during the trek
Seasonal fruits served after dinner, during the trek
Unlimited purified drinking water, during the trek
All accommodation (teahouse/tented camp) during the trek
Government-licensed, English-speaking, knowledgeable and experienced guide and his entire expenses
Required number of porters as per the group size
Insurance of guide and porter
All required camping equipment
Rope used for climbing in case of emergency
Down Jacket and sleeping bag (if required)
Duffle bag (souvenir)
Basic First Aid kit with oximeter
Satellite Phone for emergency use
Adventure certificate upon completion of the trek
Farewell dinner
What to budget for separately
Items travelers usually pay for separately, depending on style, spending habits, and optional upgrades.
Package Excludes
Nepal arrival visa
Meals in city (Pokhara and Kathmandu) except breakfast and welcome and farewell dinner
Personal expenses like mineral water, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, extra meal, snacks, hot shower, laundry service etc.
Extra personal porter (if required)
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (can be arranged at extra cost)
Any extended trips and accommodation
Accommodation, meals and any other trips in case of early return
Cost of Dampus Peak Climbing (can be arranged at extra cost)
Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation over 5000 meter with the use of climbing equipments, trip cancellation and medical treatment
Tips (as an appreciation) to the service providers
Group rates by party size
Per-person rates adjust automatically with your party size. Member discounts apply where available.
2-16 travelers
US$ 3,890
per personQuestions travelers usually ask before booking
These route questions cover Nepal, remote trek planning, and the logistics travelers usually want clarified before they commit.
Spring and autumn are the main seasons recommended for the circuit. Snow, wind and weather can make the French and Dhampus passes difficult, so our guide will assess conditions and the group before crossing.
The itinerary is 19 days from arrival to departure. It approaches Dhaulagiri Base Camp, crosses French Col into Hidden Valley and returns through Dhampus Pass and Marpha.
It is strenuous and remote. The itinerary lists French Col at 5,360 m and a long day over Dhampus Pass. Acclimatisation days are included at Italian, Japanese and Dhaulagiri base camps; altitude and weather can still require a change of plan.
The package lists 4-star standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and teahouses or tented camps during the trek. Camping equipment is included; conditions at high camps are basic.
The package lists flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, a private jeep to Dharapani or Sibang and a jeep from Marpha to Pokhara. A Jomsom–Pokhara flight can be arranged at extra cost. Weather and road conditions can change timings.
The package lists ACAP and TIMS permits and a government-licensed guide. Dhampus Peak is an optional climb in the itinerary: ask us about additional permits, equipment, cost and experience before choosing it.
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