Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - Short

We begin our journey with a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni, the starting point of the Dhaulagiri Short Trek. The route follows winding roads along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, passing through green hills, small towns, and terraced farmland. After reaching Pokhara, we continue west to Beni Bazaar, a small riverside town in the Myagdi district. Beni serves as the gateway to both Annapurna and Dhaulagiri trekking routes, and it’s where our permit checks and local preparations begin. Overnight at a local lodge.

Your trek officially starts today. Following the Myagdi Khola river upstream, the trail passes through beautiful rice paddies, suspension bridges, and local villages like Simalchaur and Tatopani. The path is mostly gentle, making for an enjoyable warm-up day. Babiachor is a peaceful riverside settlement with traditional homes and terraced fields, surrounded by green hills. The region is rich in Magar culture and offers your first real taste of rural Nepal. This section is part of Nepal's lesser-known trekking trails and is perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Today’s trail continues alongside the Myagdi Khola, leading through forested paths and occasional ridges that offer sweeping views of the Dhaulagiri foothills. You’ll pass several small villages where locals farm rice, maize, and millet. As you approach Dharapani, the landscape begins to shift, and you’ll start to see more traditional stone houses with slate roofs. Dharapani is a cultural gem, offering homestay experiences and a peek into Magar and Gurung lifestyles. It’s a great place to engage with locals and learn about their traditions, making this day a highlight for cultural trekkers.

From Dharapani, the trail ascends gradually through beautiful rhododendron forests and crosses multiple small bridges. One of the highlights is climbing the ridgeline that reveals the first major panoramic views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Manapati, and surrounding snow peaks. After passing the small settlements of Takum and Sibang, the trail becomes more rugged as you descend to a river before climbing steeply to Muri village. Muri is a stunning hillside village inhabited mostly by the Magar community. This area is known for its traditional lifestyle, warm hospitality, and dramatic mountain scenery.

The trail today is more remote and offers a wilder trekking experience. From Muri, you descend to a suspension bridge over the Muri Khola, then climb steadily through terraced fields and dense forests. You’ll walk through jungle-like vegetation filled with chirping birds and maybe even spot langurs or Himalayan wildlife. The village of Boghara is small but authentic, providing a sense of isolation that is rare on other treks in Nepal. Here, you’ll begin to feel the raw, untouched energy of the Dhaulagiri trekking region, making it a favorite among adventurous trekkers.

As we continue deeper into the Dhaulagiri conservation area, the landscape becomes more alpine, with fewer settlements and denser forests. The trail is narrow in places and may require careful footing, especially after rain. Waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, and the roar of the Myagdi Khola follows you throughout the day. Doban is a remote stopover point in the middle of the forest. This day is ideal for those who enjoy solitude and untouched natural beauty. Doban is also a strategic resting point before heading toward higher elevation.

This is the most exciting and challenging day of the trek. You’ll ascend through thick alpine forests and over rocky terrain as you approach the Italian Base Camp, the base camp for climbers heading to Dhaulagiri I. The final push involves crossing landslide-prone zones and steep switchbacks. Upon reaching Italian Base Camp, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Tsaurabong Peak, and glacial walls towering above. This high-altitude campsite is remote and breathtaking, offering an unforgettable Himalayan wilderness experience. Overnight in tents or a basic shelter.

Today is a well-deserved rest and acclimatization day. You can explore nearby ridges for better panoramic views or simply relax and take in the surreal landscape. Italian Base Camp lies beneath sheer ice cliffs and is surrounded by rugged beauty. This spot offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the snow-capped peaks glow golden. While not part of the full Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, this short version still delivers dramatic high-altitude beauty without the need for technical climbing. Many trekkers say this day alone makes the journey worthwhile.

On your final day, you begin your descent from Italian Base Camp to Choriban Khola, retracing your steps through alpine forest and rocky terrain. After a quick break, you'll trek back toward Boghara or directly descend to Beni depending on your pace and available transportation. From Beni, we organize a private jeep or bus to Pokhara or Kathmandu, concluding your short Dhaulagiri trekking adventure.