Important Information

Region
Dhaulagiri Region Treks
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude 3500m
Best Season March - November
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 20 people
Transportation Flight - Jeep

Gurja Khani-Dhorpatan Circuit is one of off-the-beaten- treks, a combination of cultural and scenic passes for Mountain View. This trek is located in the Dhaulagiri Region. It is dominated by the huge mountain-like south face of Dhaulagiri Himal (8,167 meters), Gurja Himal (7193m), Putha Himal (7246m), and Churen Himal (7371m). Trekking to this area is strenuous and least traveled but rewarding trek that offers you to witness one of the most beautiful mountain vistas. Traversing from the hidden valley of Gurja Khani to Dhorpatan via Rugachaur Pass 3850m is challenging and some trekkers keep an extra day for an overnight stay at Rugachaur that is possible only on a full camping trek. Most of the trekkers directly walk to Gurjaghat (3000m) from Gurja Gaun, especially in homestay trek. This trek required physical fit and good stamina to hike over 7 hours a day.

Himalayan Wander Walkers suggest all our clients choose the homestay trek so the host family can directly benefit from your expenses on accommodations and foods expense. We do organized camping trek for those who choose comfort treks.  Settlement of Tibetan Refugee, typical Magar villages, and pleasant grassland of Dhorpatan, sole Hunting Reserve of Nepal are additional features of this trek. Of course, you will experience both Hindhu and Buddhist cultures on the trial.

Gurja Khani and Dhorpatan Circuit Trek Route

This trip starts from Kathmandu and driving to Dharapani via Pokhara and Beni with a total distance of 325-kilo meters approximately. From Dharapani trek begins by taking an anticlockwise route. The route leads to Gurja Khani via Lulang by crossing the Gurja Pass at 3250 meters. Then after spending a full day in Gurja, you will trek to Gurjaghat passing the Rugachaur Pass that is located within the Dhorpatan wildlife conservation. You will have an exploration day in Dhorpatan and return to Singa Tatopani via Jaljala Pass and Lumsang. After the hard trek, soaking yourself in a hot spring will rejuvenate your tiresome body and drive to Kathmandu. 

Outline Itinerary ( 14 Days )

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

Arrival in Kathmandu-Transfer to Hotel, Welcome assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers' representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel, rest at the hotel, and briefing about the trip.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 2

Sightseeing and Trek preparation

Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath), and the world's largest Buddhists stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide).

Overnight accommodation is in the same hotel as the BB Plan.

Day 3

Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus or private vehicle (850 m), 7-8 hours

Our trekking guide will pick you from your hotel and transfer you to the Tourist Bus station around 6:30 am and the bus will depart from Kathmandu after 7:00 am. It takes 6 -7 hours to reach Pokhara.

Overnight accommodation with a BB Plan is arranged.

Day 4

Drive to Dharapani (1560m, 6-7 Hours)

Today you will have breakfast at your hotel and drive to Dharapani into the Kali Gandaki Valley and up the tributary Myagdi Khola valley as far as Darbang situated at an altitude of approximately 1100 meters. Drive further to Dharapani where the first camp of the trip is set.

Stay overnight at homestay.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 5

Dharapani to Lulang (2450m - 7 hrs

As normal trekking days, you will start your trek after breakfast. The trail passes through woodland interspersed with terraced fields, where you will see villagers busy with different tasks depending on the agricultural season – ploughing, planting, harvesting, or threshing. In about an hour you arrive at the even more picturesque village of Takam – slate roofs, and stone-walled house. Continuing, follow the jeep track as it climbs to negotiate a landslide-prone cliff section and winds around to reach Sibang (1790 m) in 30 minutes. The jeep track ends here. After 3 hours walk takes you to Lulang village (2410 m) via Phalegaon. Phaegaon the path descends gently (passing below the village of Muna) to reach a bridge across the Dar Khola (a tributary of the Myagdi) in less than an hour.

Stay overnight at homestay.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 6

Lulang to Gurja Khani (2650m) via Gurja Pass (3250m) 7- 8 hrs

Today you will start your trek earlier than normal days because this day will be the longest one. Track any footpath up through Lulang to reach the main trail which emerges from the village on the upper left side as you look uphill. The path has been repaired and the landslide opened up views of Gurja Himal which can be enjoyed much of the way down. On the halfway, you will reach the Gurja pass and descent to Gurja Khani. The path arrives at a flattish grassy meadow. There are a water tap and an empty building on the right, with the sheer face of Gurja Himal partially visible above this. The village of Gurja Khani is also visible to the left and is reached on a level footpath about 15 minutes from here. Near the village, avoid the path which forks right and rises up to the school. 

Stay overnight at homestay.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 7

Rest and side trek to the foot of Gurja Himal

Gurja Khani is a pleasant place to spend a few nights. The villagers have built a community bathhouse with hot showers heated by green hydropower. Things to do include pony riding walks (flora & fauna; temples; village crafts; mining tunnels), and day-hike to the foot of Gurja Himal.

Stay overnight at homestay.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 8

Gurja Khani to Gurjaghat (3000m) via Rugachaur Pass (3850m), 7-8 hours

Today your trek will be about 8 hours which led to Gurjaghat via Rugachaur Pass. Your homestay family will prepare the packed lunch. You will depart early to obtain the best views from the pass. Snow is possible on the pass any time from October to April. There are 3 bridges plus a gigantic log to test your balance as the trail weaves from one side to the other. As altitude is gained, the Himalayan peaks appear and provide the excuse for rest stops. After 3 and half hours will reach the Pass where you will see the vies of the north of the Dhaulagiri range are spectacular - Pyutha, Churen, Ghustung, Gurja, Dhaulagiri 1 and 6. You are now in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve where blue sheep and other wild animals may be spotted. After 3-4 hrs of descent, the broad flat valley of the upper Uttar Ganga River comes into sight, with the seasonal settlement of Gurjaghat.

Stay overnight at homestay.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 9

Explore around Dhorpatan

Optional Rest day: If you have the time, we recommend spending 2 nights at Gurjaghat in order to visit the Bonpo monastery & Medicine school and the small remnant of Tibetan refugees at Chentung which lies 2 hours easy flat walk downstream from Gurjaghat. Some refugees were settled here in 1959 following the Chinese invasion of Tibet. [See Box under Trek 8] The town of Dhorpatan, with a road connection and buses to Baglung lies a further hour downstream.

Stay overnight at homestay.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 10

Gurja Ghat to Jaljalla Pass (3400m) to Lumsung (2190m), 6 hours

This is another day where it is advised to carry food and snacks with you. The lodge will prepare some. Possibly more teashops will open up on the route, as trekkers’ footfall increases. Leave early to get the best views. You are nowout of the wild’ and the path more traveled by locals and occasional trekking agency groups. Follow the Uttar Ganga upstream, heading due east. Where there are offshoot paths, always select the most tramped one. After 2-3 hours, the spot called lower Jaljalla (3300m) is reached. The panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges are well worth a 5-minute diversion to the low grassy ridge north of the path. A little further on Jaljalla Pass (3435m). The descent tests the knees, but the panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs keep you smiling. The path descends steeply through what used to be moss-drenched oak-rhododendron forest but is progressively disappearing. It is hard to lose the way. After 2 hours or so, the upper houses of Muna hamlet come into view, followed by Moreni. If you are feeling tired there are a couple of homestay/lodges here, but otherwise press on to cross the river and the short climb to Lumsung.

Stay overnight at homestay.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 11

Lumsung to Darbang 6-7 hrs

Retrace to Darbang via the route to Lulang. Most trekkers reach Darbang in one day, and fast walkers can make it to Beni or even Pokhara for the night. But you will walk to Darbang and drive to Singa Tatopani.  

Stay overnight at the lodge.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 12

Drive to Pokhara (3-4 hrs)

After breakfast, you will be driving toward Pokhara via Beni for about 4 hours. Along the way, we can some amazing views of the Mountains shining brightly on a clear sunny day. We can even add some sightseeing tours in Pokhara in the evening time. We can also relax by boating for one hour in the famous Phewa Lake. Overnight stay in Pokhara

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 13

Depart Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will return back to Kathmandu which is of 6/7 hours drive. You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, and scenic Everest flight, mountain biking, and other activities.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 14

Final Departure

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

 

Include

Airport Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath and Pasupatinath) with city guide and necessary transport.
3 nights’ accommodation (2 persons per room) in Kathmandu and 2 Nights in Pokhara with breakfast.
All land transportations (a private car/ sharing bus)
Homestay Accommodation during the trek
Licensed Guide and a porter per two people
Staff Insurance, lodging and food Expenses
All required permits for Dhorpatan.
Group First Aid Kit.
Himalayan Wander Walkers Company Duffle Bag for luggage

Exclude

Meals & drinks during the trek and in Kathmandu (unless stated otherwise under ‘The trip cost includes’)
Personal trekking equipment
Travel/medical insurance
Emergency rescue evacuation
Phone calls
Internet
International air ticket
Tips for your trekking guide & porters at the end of the trek
If you’re forced to extend your trek due to bad weather or natural disaster circumstances, we are not liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses you may incur
Anything not mentioned in the ‘includes section’
Nepal entry visa Fee.

Important Information

CHECKLISTS FOR GURJA AND DHORPATAN TREK

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
Trekking in Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES 

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket Jumper or piled jacket Hiking shorts Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants T-shirts or blouses Underwear Sun hat

Rucksack Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional) Water bottle Torch, batteries, and bulbs