Off The Beaten Treks
  • Home
  • Treks
  • Booking Advice
  • Dhaulagiri Region
  • Reviews
  • About "Fair Tread"
​Discover our Treks

Our treks offer authentic village experience and unparalleled mountain panoramas in the Dhaulagiri range of western Nepal. With treks from 3 days to 3 weeks, there is something to suit everyone's time-scale and ability.
This section provides a summary guide to help you compare and select the right trek for you. For a detailed trail guide, download and print out the pdf Trail Guide (mobile phone networks are slow and weak where they exist). Relevant maps can be purchased in bookshops on arrival in Nepal. See scroll-down menu Trekking Advice for suggestions on how to arrange your trek.edit.
Picture

Homestay/Teashop treks
 These treks do not require a tent, sleeping bag, or food to be carried, unless you wish to.
Trek 1:  gurja himal & hidden village - 5 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Permits: none required

Map: Gurja Himal & Hidden Village  
x
​One of the best short OTB treks. Discover isolated, untouched Hidden Village (Gurja Khani), nestling near the foot of Gurja Himal (7193m).
​
Features traditional villages, varied scenery, views of Dhaulagiri 1 (8172m) and Gurja Himal, One moderate pass (3250m) with amazing views. Snow possible Dec-Jan. Sleep/eat in Homestays and Teashops. Return same route. ​

To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs), then bus or share-taxi to Darbang (1.5 hrs)
Day 1: Darbang (1070m) to Dharapani (1560m) 2 hrs walk
Day 2: Dharapani to Lulang (2450m)  7 hrs
Day 3: Lulang to Gurja Pass (3250m) to Gurja Khani (2650m)  8 hrs
Day 4: Rest day in Hidden Village. Side trip to base of Gurja Himal.
Days 5 & 6: Return same route. Most trekkers reach Darbang in 2 days.
Download Trek 1 Detailed Trail Guide
​Trek 2:  GURJA HIMAL & RUGACHAUR PASS - 6 to 7 DAYS
Grade:  Moderate (one challenging day)
Permits:  Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Permit (purchase on entry)
Map: Gurja Himal & Hidden Village
Variation of Route 1, returning from Gurja Himal via Dhorpatan. The best circular route for Hidden Village. 3 passes with awe-inspiring views. Local guide essential for Rugachaur Pass (3850m). Snow possible. Features traditional villages, panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, alpine scenery, Tibetan settlement and Bonpo Monastery. Sleep/eat in Homestays or Teashops.

To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs), then bus or share-taxi to Darbang (1.5 hrs)
Day 1: Darbang (1070m) to Dharapani (1560m) 2 hrs walk
Day 2: Dharapani to Lulang (2450m)  7 hrs
Day 3: Lulang to Gurja Pass (3250m) to Gurja Khani (2650m)  8 hrs
Day 4: Rest day in Hidden Village. Side trip to base of Gurja Himal 5 hrs
Day 5: Gurja Khani to Rugachaur Pass (3850m) to Gurja Ghat/Dhorpatan (3000m)  8-9 hrs
N.B: Side trip to Tibetan Bonpo Monastery at Chentung requires 2 nights stay at Gurja Ghat.
Day 6: Gurja Ghat to Jaljalla Pass (3400m) to Lumsung (2190m) 7 hrs
Day 7: Lumsung to Darbang 6-7 hrs. Reverse of Days 1-2. Bus to Beni or Pokhara.
Download Trek 2 Detailed Trail Guide
​Trek 3:  Gurja Himal & Daula Canyon - 6 days
Grade:  Moderate, but exposed
Permits:  None required
Map: Gurja Himal & Hidden Village

​
Variation of route 1.  Circular trek to isolated Hidden Village (Gurja Khani) at foot of Gurja Himal, returning via the wild and vertiginous Dhaula Canyon. Local guide essential for canyon section. Features traditional villages, plunging topography, mountain views. Sleep/eat in Homestays and Teashops.

​To start: Share-jeep/bus Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs), then bus/share-taxi to Darbang (1.5 hrs)
Day 1: Darbang (1070m) to Dharapani (1560m) 2 hrs
Day 2: Dharapani to Lulang (2450m)  7 hrs
Day 3: Lulang to Gurja Pass (3250m) to Gurja Khani (2650m)  8 hrs
Day 4: Optional Rest day in Gurja Khani. Side trip to base of Gurja Himal 5 hrs
Day 5: Gurja Khani to Arche (1820m) 8 hrs
Day 6: Arche to Sibang (1680m) 5-6 hrs
Day 7: Sibang to Darbang (1070m) 4 hrs. Reverse of Days 1-2. Bus to Beni or Pokhara​
Download Trek 3 Detailed Trail Guide
​​Trek 4:  Okhle dHaulagiri viewpoint & Hot springs - 2 to 3 days
Grade:  Easy
Permits:  None required
Map: Gurja Himal & Hidden Village
A mini-trek from the roadhead at Baglung to Okhle village and Dhamja Pass Viewpoint, with panoramic views of the snow mountains all the way down to the hot springs at Singa-Tatopani on the Myagdi river. People, villages, terraced fields, panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Eat/sleep in homestay and teashops, bathe in hot springs. 
​​
​To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Baglung (2 hrs)
Day 1: Baglung (970m) to Kalimati (1400m) to Okhle (2000m) 7 hrs
           Options: Stay overnight in Baglung hotel; or shorten day 1 and stay in teashop at Kalimati. Note: This is a long day which can be broken into two (see full pdf guide).
Day 2: Okhle to Dhamja Pass (2560m) to Singa-Tatopani Hot Springs (1000m) 4 hrs. Bus to Beni and Pokhara (4 hours)​
Download Trek 4 Detailed Trail Guide
​Trek 5:  DHAULAGIRI I Valley Loop - 5 DAYS
Grade:  Easy
Permits:  None required
Map: West Dhaulagiri (Dhaulagiri & Kanjirowa)
A gentle trek through pretty villages along the delightful Rahughat Khola which drains the gigantic south face of Dhaulagiri 1 (8172m) Features: steeply-stacked Magar village of Chim Khola; dizzying path cut into marble cliff. Great views of Dhaulagiri. Optional descent to hot springs. Eat/sleep in homestay and teashops.
 
To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs). Bus to Jhi (1-2 hrs) or walk (5-6 hrs)
Day 1: Jhi (1800m) to Rayakhor (2100m) 5-6 hrs
Day 2: Rayakhor to Dhar (2000m) 4 hrs
Day 3: Dhar to Chim Khola 3-4 hrs
Day 4: Chim Khola to Dagnam (marble cliff) 3-4 hrs. 
            Walk 1 hr further and return Beni by share-jeep (1.5 hrs) or walk to Beni (4 hrs). ​
Download Trek 5 Detailed Trail Guide
​Trek 6:  DHAULAGIRI to Gurja Himal - 8 Days
Grade:  Easy to moderate
Permits:  None required
Map: West Dhaulagiri (Dhaulagiri & Kanjirowa)
Combines the best of the Rahughat-Dhaulagiri Loop and Gurja Himal treks. Starts from Beni up the Rahughat khola which drains south face of Dhaulagiri 1 (8170m) and over 2 low passes to connect with either Route 1 or Route 4 to Hidden Village & Gurja Himal. Features terraced fields, traditional villages, marble cliff path, stunning mountain views of Dhaulagiri 1 and Gurja Himal. Eat/sleep in homestay and teashops. 
​
To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs). Bus/share-jeep to Dagnam (1-2 hrs) or walk (5-6 hrs)
Day 1: Beni (850m) to Dagnam (4 hrs walk; 2 hrs bus) Dagnam to Chim Khola (1800m) 4 hrs
Day 2: Chim Khola to Kuinekhani (2400m) 7 hrs
Day 3: Kuinekhani to Khibang (1800m) 6.5 hrs
Day 4: Khibang to Lulang (2400m)
Day 5: Lulang to Gurja Khani (2700m)
Day 6: Optional rest day Gurja Khani (Hidden Village)
Day 7: Gurja Khani to Phalyagaon (1800m)
Day 8: Phalyagaon to Darbang (1000m)
Download Trek 6 Detailed Trail Guide
Trek 7:  Baglung to Gurja Himal - 8 days
Grade:  Moderate (1 steep pass)
Permits:  Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (purchase on entry)
Map: Gurja Himal and Hidden Village
​This is a trek through the highlands of Baglung District, to Dhorpatan and Hidden Village, for those with a strong off-the-beaten itch.  There are some teashop lodges, and 2-3 homestays, but if you fail to find these, accomodation will be of the "knock on someone's door" variety.  You are highly unlikely to meet any other tourists, and you will be in the peak of fitness by the time you reach Gurja Khani village!

Day 1:  Baglung to Okhle 6-7 hrs
Day 2:  Okhle to Phedi 6-7 hrs
Day 3:  Phedi to Rum  4 hrs
Day 4:  Rum to Bonga Dobhan 6-7 hrs
Day 5:  Bonga Dobhan to Gurjaghat 8 hrs
Day 6:  Gurjaghat to Gurja Khani 7-8 hrs
Day 7:  Gurja Khani to Lulang 7-8 hrs
Day 8  Lulang to Dharbang 7-8 hrs
Download Trek 7 Detailed Trail Guide
Trek 8:  Dhorpatan-maikot circuit - 10 to 14 days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Permits: Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (on entry)
Map: West Dhaulagiri
Cautions: Snow possible Dec-Jan.
From Dhorpatan, this trek follows a new circuit which combines panoramic mountain views with homestays in high-altitude villages of the little-known Kham Magar people. The circuit begins by crossing Phalgune Pass (3915m), descending to villages along the  Ghustung and Sano Bheri kholas, before cutting over a low pass to the fascinating twin villages of Taki and Shera, returning to Dhorpatan up the Uttar Ganga river.  Local teashops and homestays can be found all along this route.
Day 1  Darbang to Darapani  1.5 hrs
Day 2 Darapani to Lumsung  6 hrs
Day 3 Lumsung to Gurjaghat  7 hrs  
Day 4 Gurjaghat to Dhorpatan 3 hrs
Day 5 Dhorpatan to Thankur  8 hrs
Day 6 Thankur to Tatopani  6 hrs
Day 7 Tatopani to Maikot  6-7 hrs
Day 8 Maikot to Okhma  5.5 hrs
Day 9 Okhma to Taka  5 hrs
Day 10 Taka to Niseldor 6 hrs
Day 11 Niseldor to Gurjaghat 6.5 hrs
Day 12-13 Gurjaghat to Darbang  10 hrs​
Download Trek 8 Detailed Trail Guide
Trek 9:  Kathe Khola Valley - 2 to 6 days
Grade: Easy   Days: 2-6 (flexible)
Permits: none
Highest point: 2560 m
​Like an abstract art-form created by centuries of toil, the steep narrow terraces cascade from all points of the compass, gracefully outlining the contours of the mountains. In the monsoon a million lakes reflect the sky, and in autumn the terraces turn gold with ripening rice. This is the quintessential Nepal of terraced fields, rushing rivers, mud-washed villages, fronds of bamboo and views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas. Inhabited largely by Magar people, this valley also has numerous communities of Dalits, people who were once the artisans of Nepal, practicing a variety of trades - cobblers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, tailors and musicians. Although these skills are fast dying out, you will meet some who still practice their craft.
This is an ideal route for those with limited time, or those wishing for an easy introduction to trekking in off-the-beaten valleys of Nepal. The beauty of this trek is its flexibility in duration since at any point, the trek – which follows the perimeter of the valley - can be curtailed by descending to the Kathe Khola river (allow 2 hrs) where frequent buses take 30 minutes to reach Baglung.

Flexible itineraries from 2 to 6 days - see Detailed Trail Guide below.
Download Trek 9 Detailed Trail Guide

Homestay + camping treks
These treks require camping gear for the higher altitudes.
​​Trek 10:  churen glacier sanctuary - 12 days ​
Grade:  Moderate to challenging
Permit:  Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Permit (purchase on entry)
Map: Gurja Himal & Hidden Village or West Dhaulagiri/Kanjirowa
​This trek combines the best of village homestays plus wilderness camping in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, and stupendous mountain views. Gateway is Gurja Khani village. From GK, trek follows SW ridge of Ghustung Himal crossing high pass to reach junction of glaciers from four peaks:- Pyutha (7246m), Churen (7371m), Dhaulagiri 6 (7268m), Gurja (7193m). DHR is uninhabited and requires 5 nights/6 days camping until Dhorpatan is reached. The circuit crosses 4 passes, all offering awe-inspiring views that shiver your spine. Camping can be organized in Gurja Khani. Trekkers must supply their own tent, sleeping bag and pad. Local guide essential between GK and Dhorpatan. Moderate to Challenging.
 
To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs), then bus or share-taxi to Darbang (1.5 hrs)
Day 1: Darbang (1070m) to Dharapani (1560m). Homestay.  2 hrs
Day 2: Dharapani to Lulang (2450m). Homestay.  7 hrs
Day 3: Lulang to Gurja Pass (3250m) to Gurja Khani (2650m) Homestay. 8 hrs
Day 4: Altitude acclimatisation day in Hidden Village. Side trip to base of Gurja Himal 5 hrs
Day 5: Gurja Khani to Gai Kharka camp on lower Phokse-Dalsin ridge (3500m)  3-4 hrs. 
Day 6: Gai Kharka to Beraka Tal Pass (4457m) to Thara Khola Dobhan (4100m)  7-8 hrs
Day 7: TK Dobhan to Churen Glacier Sanctuary (4300-4500m) to Jogi Bas (3755m) 7-8 hrs.     
            Other options: camp at Churen Base Camp or return to TK Dobhan Camp spot..
Day 8: Jogi Bas to lower west Phalyaghar (3837m)  2-3 hrs
Day 9: Phalyaghar west to Darse Dhuri Pass (4459m) to Barse Khola Hut (3650m)  7-8 hrs
Day 10: Barse Hut to Gurja Ghat/Dhorpatan. Local Lodge.  4-5 hrs.
             Side trip to Chentung Bonpo Monastery adds 2-3 hrs.
Day 11: Gurja Ghat to Jaljalla Pass (3400m) to Lumsung (2190m). Homestay. 7 hrs
Day 12: Lumsung to Darbang 6-7 hrs.  Bus to Beni and Pokhara.
Download Trek 10 Detailed Trail Guide
Trek 11:  dhaulagiri South Face sanctuary - 8 days
Grade:  Moderate to challenging
Permits:  None required

Map: West Dhaulagiri
​Continuation of Route 6 (Dhaulagiri Loop) up to the base camp for the sheer south face of Dhaulagiri 1.   Splendid waterfalls, villages, stunning views of Dhaulagiri 1. Risk of snow. Challenging to Difficult. (Rumours that footpath safety has been improved – it was treacherous in 2016).
 
To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs). Bus to Jhi (1-2 hrs) or walk (5-6 hrs)
Day 1: Jhi (1800m) to Rayakhor (2100m). Homestay 5-6 hrs
Day 2: Rayakhor to Chhari (2100m) 5-6 hrs. Homestay. Shop with basic needs
Day 3: Chhari to Sunguri Chaur camp (2600m) 4-5 hrs
Day 4:  Sunguri Chaur to riverside Rock Overhang (3100m) 3-4 hrs. Firewood scarce.
Day 5: Rock Overhang to Base Camp/glacier (4000m), return to Rock Overhang  7-8 hrs
Days 6-8 Return same route. From Chhari, option to return on opposite side of valley.
Download Trek 11 Detailed Trail Guide
Trek 12:  High and wild around dhaulagiri Massif - 19 to 21 days 
Grade:  Challenging
Permits:  Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Entry Permit, TIMS Permit, Upper Dolpa and Lower Dolpa Trekking Permits
Map: Gurja Himal and Hidden Village; West Dhaulagiri/Kanjirowa
​​This is the ultimate trek – around the whole of the Dhaulagiri range (9 peaks over 7000m), crossing 5-8 passes (depending how you define a pass) over 4000m, through the extreme topography and wilderness of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) to the arid, trans-Himalayan district of Dolpo and its remote untouched villages with ancient Buddhist/Bonpo monasteries, prayer walls, and chortens.  This is how the Round Annapurna Trek used to be before tourists and roads arrived.
This trek requires a level of fitness and determination but is worth every laboured breath and aching muscle.  You will get a sense of the breath-taking scale of the Himalayas, and the extraordinary stamina and endurance of the people who live in its highest corners. 
 
To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs), then bus or share-taxi to Darbang (1.5 hrs)
Day 1: Darbang (1070m) to Dharapani (1560m). Homestay.  2 hrs
Day 2: Dharapani to Lulang (2450m). Homestay.  7 hrs
Day 3: Lulang to Gurja Pass (3250m) to Gurja Khani (2650m) Homestay. Shop. 8 hrs
Day 4: Altitude acclimatisation day in Gurja Khani. Side trip to base of Gurja Himal 5 hrs
Day 5: Gurja Khani to Phaleghar Phedi (3300m). Camp   5 hrs
Day 6: Phaleghar Phedi to Phaleghar Pass (4075m) to Kape Khola (3650m) to Nauri. Camp (4080m) – 7 hrs
 Day 7: Nauri to 3 lakes/3 passes (4350-4550m) to Dokari Khola (3600m) Camp. – 8 hrs
 Day 8: Dokari Khola to (nameless) Pass (4020m) to Lamsar Khola (3860m) to Lamsar Pass (4520m) to Gurghat (4010m). Camp.  – 6 hours
Day 9: Gurghat to Phuphal and Panidal Pass (4520m) to Purbang (4020m). Camp – 6 hours
Day 10:  Purbang to Jangla Pass (4550m) to Tarakot/Lower Dolpo (2320m). Local lodge 7-8 hrs.   
               Basic food supplies available
 From Tarakot there are a choice of routes. Here is one “off-the-beaten” option:-
 Day 11: Morning R & R in Tarakot. Afternoon stroll to Laisicap (2600m). Tourist lodge – 2 hrs
Day 12: Laisicap to Kakkot along Bharbung Khola. Homestay or Camping – 6 hrs
Day 13: Kkot to Seri (4100m). Homestay or Camping – 8hrs
Day 14: Seri to Dhadgaon (4200m). Homestay or Camping – 3-4 hrs
Day 15: Dhadgaon to Chharka (4300m). Tourist lodge. Shop. – 5-6 hrs
Day 16: Rest day in Chharka.  Basic food supplies available.
Day 17: Chharka to Nulungsumda Kharka (4990m). Camp.  6 hrs
Day 18: Kharka to Jugben La Pass (5520m) to Ghalden-Ghulden (4150m). Camp – 6-7 hrs
Day 19: Ghalden-Ghulden to Khagbeni/lower Mustang (2810m). Tourist Lodge – 8 hrs
Days 20-21: Return by bus (8-10 hrs) or flight to Pokhara

Download Trek 12 Detailed Trail Guide
Trek 13:  Gurja Himal to Lower Dolpo - 12 to 14 days
Grade:  Moderate to Challenging
Permits:  Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, TIMS Permit, Lower Dolpo Trekking Permit 
Map: West Dhaulagiri/Kanjirowa
​This is the ultimate trek – around the whole of the Dhaulagiri range (9 peaks over 7000m), 5 passes over 4500m, through high-altitude wilderness into trans-Himalayan desert and remote untouched villages of Dolpo. Your jaw will be locked open at the breath-taking scale of the Himalayas. Highest pass 5500m.
 
To start: Share-jeep Pokhara to Beni (3 hrs), then bus or share-taxi to Darbang (1.5 hrs)
Day 1: Darbang (1070m) to Dharapani (1560m). Homestay.  2 hrs
Day 2: Dharapani to Lulang (2450m). Homestay.  7 hrs
Day 3: Lulang to Gurja Pass (3250m) to Gurja Khani (2650m) Homestay. Shop. 8 hrs
Day 4: Altitude acclimatisation day in Gurja Khani. Side trip to base of Gurja Himal 5 hrs
Day 5: Gurja Khani to Phaleghar Phedi (3300m). Camp   5 hrs
Day 6: Phaleghar Phedi to Phaleghar Pass (4075m) to Kape Khola (3650m) to Nauri. Camp (4080m) – 7 hrs
 Day 7: Nauri to 3 lakes/3 passes (4350-4550m) to Dokari Khola (3600m) Camp. – 8 hrs
 Day 8: Dokari Khola to (nameless) Pass (4020m) to Lamsar Khola (3860m) to Lamsar Pass (4520m) to Gurghat (4010m). Camp.  – 6 hours
Day 9: Gurghat to Phuphal and Panidal Pass (4520m) to Purbang (4020m). Camp – 6 hours
Day 10:  Purbang to Jangla Pass (4550m) to Tarakot/Lower Dolpo (2320m). Local lodge 7-8 hrs.   
               Basic food supplies available
 From Tarakot there are a choice of routes. Here is one “off-the-beaten” option:-
 Day 11: Morning R & R in Tarakot. Afternoon stroll to Laisicap (2600m). Tourist lodge – 2 hrs
Day 12: Laisicap to Kakkot along Bharbung Khola. Homestay or Camping – 6 hrs
Day 13: Kkot to Seri (4100m). Homestay or Camping – 8hrs
Day 14: Seri to Dhadgaon (4200m). Homestay or Camping – 3-4 hrs
Day 15: Dhadgaon to Chharka (4300m). Tourist lodge. Shop. – 5-6 hrs
Day 16: Rest day in Chharka
Day 17: Chharka to Nulungsumda Kharka (4990m). Camp.  6 hrs
Day 18: Kharka to Jugben La Pass (5520m) to Ghalden-Ghulden (4150m). Camp – 6-7 hrs
Day 19: Ghalden-Ghulden to Khagbeni/lower Mustang (2810m). Tourist Lodge – 8 hrs
Days 20-21: Return by bus (8-10 hrs) or flight to Pokhara
Download Trek 13 Detailed Trail Guide
Trek 14:  Dhaulagiri Circuit via French Pass - 10 to 12 days
Grade:  Moderate to Challenging
Permits:  ACAP entry permit and Lower Mustang Trekking Permit
Map: West Dhaulagiri/Kanjirowa or Round Dhaulagiri
​A spectacular crossing of the Himalayas between the peaks of Dhaulagiri 1 and the rest of the range. This is an established trekking route which many Trekking Agencies offer. Be aware that there is a small avalanche risk on this route; also due to altitude acclimatization needs, many hours are spent in camp at high altitudes. Make sure your porters and yourself are well-equipped for the cold.
 
Day 1: Darbang to Dharapani (1560m). Local lodge. 2 hrs
Day 2: Dharapani to Muri (1800m). Homestay.  5-6 hrs
Day 3: Muri to Bagar (2080m). Homestay. 6 hrs
Day 4: Bagar to Dobang (2430m). Camp  6-7 hrs
Day 5: Dobang to Sallaghari. Camp. 6-7 hrs
Day 6: Italian Base Camp. (3660m). Camp.  7 hrs
Day 7: Acclimatization day.
Day 8: Italian Base Camp to Japanese Base Camp. Camp (4440m). 4 hrs
Day 9: Japanese Base Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. 4 hrs
Day 10: Acclimatisation day
Day 11: Dhaulagiri B.C. to French Pass (5350m) to Hidden Valley. Camp (5100m) 8 hrs.
Day 12: Hidden Valley to Dhampus Pass (5250m) to Yak Kharka (3660m). Camp 5-6 hrs
Day 13: Yak Kharka to Marpha/Jomosom (2680m). Tourist lodge. 5-6 hrs
Day 14: Flight or bus (1-2 days) to Pokhara  
Download Trek 14 Detailed Trail Guide

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Treks
  • Booking Advice
  • Dhaulagiri Region
  • Reviews
  • About "Fair Tread"