18-Day French Pass Trail: Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

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Tour Details
  • DestinationNepal
  • AccommodationHotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek
  • RegionDhaulagiri Region
  • Best SeasonFeb, March, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec.
  • Days21
  • Group8-12 Persons
  • DifficultyStrenuous
  • PickupTIA Airport
  • Activity Per DayApprox. 4-6 hrs Walking
  • Max. Altitude5360 m
  • Meals IncludedBreakfast in Pokhara Hotel and all Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
  • TransportationKathmandu to Pokhara via Flight

Introduction to the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, encompassing the iconic French Pass Trail in Nepal, is a high-altitude adventure that ranks among the Himalayas most challenging and rewarding treks. Circling the majestic Dhaulagiri massif—the world’s seventhhighest peak at 8,167 meters—this 170-kilometer loop takes trekkers through remote wilderness, high passes, and vibrant Magar villages.
 
The trek’s pinnacle, French Pass (5,360 meters), offers jaw-dropping views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and the Hidden Valley, a stark high-altitude basin.

Unlike the crowded Everest or Annapurna trails, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek remains a haven for solitude-seeking adventurers. Named for French mountaineers who explored the region in the 1950s, French Pass is the gateway to this untamed frontier..

Start of the trek

The Dhaulagiri range can be seen in the distance. The main mountain of the range, Dhaulagiri I, is on the right not visible in the photo.

Way to Dhaulagiri

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek owes its fame to 1950s French expeditions, led by Maurice Herzog, who attempted Dhaulagiri’s summit. Their exploration, named French Pass and spotlighted the Hidden Valley as a mountaineering legend. The trail remains a testament to their pioneering spirit.
 
Culturally, the trek passes through Magar, Gurung, and Chhetri villages like Darbang, Muri, and Marpha. Trekkers encounter terraced fields, stone-paved paths, and Buddhist stupas adorned with prayer flags, reflecting Tibetan-influenced heritage. Marpha’s apple brandy and Thakali cuisine offer a warm cultural finale, while interactions with locals enrich the journey.

South-west face of Dhaulagiri I

Challenges of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Rated as very strenuous (5/5 difficulty), the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek demands physical fitness, high-altitude experience, and mental resilience. Key challenges include:
  • High Altitude: Crossing French Pass (5,360m) and Thapa Pass (5,250m) risks acute mountain sickness (AMS). Acclimatization at Italian and Dhaulagiri Base Camps is critical.
  • Rugged Terrain: Steep ascents, rocky moraines, and snow-covered slopes require crampons and ice axes in some conditions.
  • Weather Extremes: High passes are prone to snowstorms and winds, necessitating flexibility.
  • Remoteness: Beyond Dobhan, there are no settlements, requiring tented camps and self-sufficiency.
  • Endurance: Daily treks of 6-9 hours, like the 8-9-hour French Pass crossing, test stamina.
The rewards—unparalleled Himalayan vistas and a sense of triumph—make every challenge worthwhile.

Cultural Etiquette

Italian base camp and the view onwards

Meeting Point

Tribhuvan International Airport 

Price Includes

  • International and domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary by private vehicle and check - in assistance.
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu [4 Star] with breakfast based on double occupancy
  • Welcome dinner with live Nepalese culture program at Bhojan Griha
  • Guided sightseeing tour as per the itinerary with applicable entrance fee
  • Domestic flights – Kathmandu – Pokhara/Kathmandu, Pokhara-Jomsom/Pokhara with an extra 5kg luggage allowance and cargo charges
  • English Trekking Guide, supporting sherpas and necessary porters (two clients will get a porter) with complete insurance protection
  • Fully camping trek inclusive of 2 men tent, dining tent and table & seating chair, toilet tent with necessary kitchen equipment and provision of all meals on the trek
  • All applicable trekking and entrance fees
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu as per the itinerary

Price Excludes

  • Visa fee to Nepal: US$ 50 per person for 30 days Multiple entry visa. Subject to change
  • Meals: No Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Your personal nature expenses and travel insurance.
  • Any international sectors air fare.

Complementaries

  • Hat
  • Trek Completion Certificate
Why Choose the French Pass Trail?

The French Pass Trail in Nepal offers unparalleled solitude, stunning Himalayan vistas, and cultural immersion. Crossing French Pass and Thapa Pass, trekkers experience the thrill of high-altitude adventure and the serenity of Hidden Valley. For those with trekking experience, this trail is a chance to conquer a Himalayan classic.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA),
• Reception and Welcome with Garlands.
• Transfer to your hotel, rest, and prepare for adventure.
• Evening briefing on the trip.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu using 4* property on BB plan

Day 2Kathmandu Sightseeing

Early morning transfer to Domestic airport at Manthali from Kathmandu
to connect with Lukla flight. (Approx. 30 minutes fly)
Fly to Lukla, arrive at Lukla & trek to Phakding (2610M 03-04 hrs walk)

Highlights of the Day:
• Experience a thrilling flight into Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport,
renowned for its challenging approach.
• Begin your trek amidst the Dudh Kosi River’s scenic landscapes.
• Pass through traditional Sherpa villages, offering a glimpse into
local life.
• Cross suspension bridges adorned with vibrant prayer flags.
• Settle in Phakding, acclimating at 2,610 meters.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at a local lodge in Phakding

Day 3Fly to Pokhara (850m)

Trek from Phakding to Namche (3450 M – approx 6-7 hrs walk).

Highlights of the Day:
• Enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Navigate the Hillary Suspension Bridge over the confluence of Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi rivers.
• Ascend through pine forests with potential sightings of Himalayan wildlife.
• Catch your first glimpse of Everest on the trail.
• Arrive at Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa hub at 3,440 meters.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Namche.

Day 4Drive to Darbang (1,180m), Trek to Dharapani (1,200m, 7 hours)

Full day rest & explore in Namche for acclimatization.

Highlights of the Day:
• Hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain vistas.• Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to delve into local heritage.

• Explore bustling markets offering traditional crafts and gear.

• Enjoy cafes with unique high-altitude brews.
• Rest and adjust to the elevation, preparing for higher altitudes.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Namche

Day 5Trek to Muri (1,850m, 6-7 hours)

Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3864 M – approx. 6-7 hrs walk)
Highlights of the Day:
• Trek with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
• Descend to the Dudh Kosi River, then ascend through
rhododendron forests.
• Reach Tengboche Monastery, the region’s spiritual center at
3,867 meters.
• Witness evening prayers amidst serene mountain backdrops.
• Capture stunning photographs of the monastery framed by
towering peaks.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at a local lodge in Tengboche.

Day 6Trek to Boghara (2,080m, 6 hours)

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 M – approx. 5-6 hrs walk)
Highlights of the Day:
• Descend through lush forests to the Imja Khola River.
• Pass through Pangboche, the highest permanent Sherpa
settlement.
• Observe ancient Mani stones and chortens along the path.
• Ascend to Dingboche, a picturesque village at 4,410 meters.
• Enjoy views of the Imja Valley and surrounding peaks.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at a local lodge in Dingboche.

Day 7Trek to Dobhan (2,520m, 6 hours)

Full day rest & explore in Dingboche.
Highlights of the Day:
• Hike to Nangkartshang Peak, reaching approximately 5,100
meters – 4 to 5 hours.
• Gain panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and other towering
summits.
• Explore local agricultural practices in high-altitude conditions.
• Visit local bakeries offering comfort amidst rugged terrains.
• Rest and prepare for the ascent towards higher elevations.
Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at a local lodge in Dingboche.

Day 8Trek to Sallaghari (2,820m, 6 hours)

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 M – approx. 6-7 hrs walk)
Highlights of the Day:
• Traverse the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.
• Pause at the memorials of climbers at Thukla Pass.
• Experience the stark beauty of alpine meadows and glacial
landscapes.
• Spot peaks like Pumori and Nuptse en-route.
• Arrive in Lobuche, situated at 4,940 meters, with its rugged
charm.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at a local lodge in Lobuche.

Day 9Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m, 4 hours)

Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep – EBC (5,364m)- Gorakshep (5164 M –
approx. 8-9 hrs walk)
Highlights of the Day:
• Follow the trail along the Khumbu Glacier’s edge.
• Reach Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp,
at 5,164 meters.
• Continue to Everest Base Camp, standing at 5,364 meters.
• Witness the Khumbu Icefall, a formidable feature for climbers.
• Celebrate the achievement amidst the world’s highest peaks.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at a local lodge in Gorakshep

Day 10Rest and Acclimatization

Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapathar Summit (5,545m– approx. 4-5 hrs
walk) & descend back to Pheriche (4371m – Approx. 07-08 hrs)
Highlights of the Day:
• Embark on a pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar, reaching 5,545
meters.
• Experience unparalleled sunrise views over Everest and
neighbouring peaks.
• Capture iconic photographs of the Everest massif bathed in
morning light.
• Descend through alpine terrains to Pheriche at 4,371 meters.
• Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association’s aid post, learning about
high-altitude medicine.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Pheriche

Day 11Trek to Glacier Camp (4,200m, 6 hours)

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) from Pheriche – 07 to 08 hours.
Highlights of the Day:
• Retrace steps through rhododendron and juniper forests.
• Cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River.

• Pass through familiar villages, observing daily Sherpa life.
• Enjoy the warmer climate and increased oxygen levels.
• Return to Namche Bazaar, offering modern amenities and
comforts.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & Overnight at a local lodge in Namche.

Day 12Rest and Acclimatization

Trek from Namche to Lukla (2840 M – approx 7-8 hrs walk)
Highlights of the Day:
• Begin the final leg with a descent through dense forests.
• Reflect on the journey, passing by mani walls and prayer wheels.
• Celebrate the trek’s completion upon arrival in Lukla.
• Share experiences with fellow trekkers in local establishments.
• Prepare for the return flight to Ramechhap.

Lunch on the way,
Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Lukla

Day 13Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,550m, 4 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Fly back to Manthali, Ramechhap. Drive back to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Free at leisure
Or,
PM: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square
In this tour, visit the 17th Century Durbar complex
and Hanuman Dhoka, temple of living goddess,
Narayan Mandir and Kasthmandap, a wooden
temple built from a single tree, Shiva Paravati
temple, great Bell and Drum, Seto Bhairav, Kal
Bhairav and Taleju Temple. Visit Kumari Bahal at
16:00 hrs show.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu using 4* property on BB plan

Day 14Rest and Acclimatization

Acclimatize, explore Dhaulagiri’s surroundings.

Day 15Trek to Hidden Valley via French Pass (4,860m via 5,360m, 8-9 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Free time till departure

Transfer to the Airport to connect to the onward journey flight.

Day 16Rest in Hidden Valley

Day 17Trek to Alubari via Thapa Pass (3,900m via 5,250m, 9 hours)

Day 20Fly to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu, enjoy a free evening.

Day 21Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.

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