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Ke Classic
Ke Classic
Holidays

Dhaulagiri Circuit via the French Pass

Nepal
6 reviews
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
TOUGH TOUGH

One of the best trekking holidays in Nepal, making a circuit around Dhaulagiri

Trip Code: DLG
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

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7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

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10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

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Dhaulagiri Circuit via the French Pass

Highlights
  • A classic and challenging trek around Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest peak on Earth
  • Trek across the French Pass (5370m) and into the spectacular Hidden Valley
  • Superb views of Dhaulagiri and the peaks of the Annapurnas
  • Excellent Kathmandu accommodation including the Hotel Shangri-La
  • FREE sleeping bag, down jacket and climbing gear hire is available for this holiday

At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 12
  • 12 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 5360 metres
  • Join In Kathmandu

Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 4 nights Hotel
  • 12 nights Camping
  • 1 nights Lodge
Overview

Amongst the peaks and high valleys of the Nepal Himalaya there are several long and demanding trekking routes and this real adventure holiday tackles one of the best and most challenging of these; the circuit of Dhaulagiri (8167m) via the French Pass (5360m) and the Hidden Valley. This is a classic adventure trekking holiday for those with previous high altitude trekking experience, which includes a taste of all of the trekking environments that Nepal has to offer.


After a night in Pokhara and an exciting drive south of Dhaulagiri to the village of Dharapani, this superb trekking route ascends the lovely and unspoiled valley of the Myagdi Khola, which flows southwards from the heart of the Dhaulagiri Himal. We then spend 8 days trekking through an ever-changing landscape, with numerous picturesque villages, to reach Dhaulagiri Basecamp where we have a rest and acclimatisation day in preparation for the crossing of the French Pass. This tough, but technically straightforward pass lies close beneath the northern slopes of Dhaulagiri and the mountain views on our ascent and descent are simply sensational. Our highest camp is in the remarkable Hidden Valley at around 5100 metres and from here we cross the Dhampus Pass with sensational views across the Kali Gandaki Valley to the peaks of the Annapurnas. After a long descent to Marpha, we fly back to Pokhara from the airstrip at Jomsom and have more time to enjoy this laid-back lakeside town, before returning to Kathmandu. This is adventure travel at its best - a brilliant trek in a rarely-visited part of Nepal.

Is this holiday for you?

Much of the trekking on this holiday in Nepal involves straightforward walking on good trails. The trek is within our highest grade range on account of a number of factors including the unavoidably large altitude gains, the committing nature of the pass crossings and because there are a number of long or difficult days. On the first part of the trek we will follow generally good paths, through …

Much of the trekking on this holiday in Nepal involves straightforward walking on good trails. The trek is within our highest grade range on account of a number of factors including the unavoidably large altitude gains, the committing nature of the pass crossings and because there are a number of long or difficult days. On the first part of the trek we will follow generally good paths, through paddy fields and villages, as well as narrow tracks through forest, with good underfoot conditions. Approaching and crossing French Pass, we will encounter rough glacial moraine, scree, rock ridges with some degree of exposure (fixed lines may be used) and easy angled snow slopes. All group members will be required to bring crampons and an ice axe and should be competent in their use. (These can also be hired through KE). Our itinerary is staged to allow the best possible acclimatisation but large steps in altitude are unavoidable because of limited campsite options. You will need to be comfortable walking for 6 or 7 hours each day on a variety of terrain with the occasional longer day and to maintain this over several days. Since there are no lodges of a good standard in this region, this is a camping trek with a full Nepalese crew. Please note that this is camping in some style, where we provide spacious 2 person tents and thick foam mattresses to ensure you get a really good night's sleep. Also part of the camp set up is a dining tent (complete with table and chairs) where you will eat your meals and relax. The cook and his team have the use of a kitchen tent and there will also be one (or more usually two) toilet tents. Your local crew will set up the camp each evening and take it down again in the morning.

Why KE?

The Full Monty
Heading off the beaten track on quiet trails and across challenging snow covered high passes, this classic circuit trek includes a taste of all of the trekking environments Nepal has to offer.

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