Skip to content

French Pass and Hidden Valley: The High Crossing of the Dhaulagiri Circuit

Mustang and the west

In this article
  1. French Pass at a glance
  2. Hidden Valley
  3. Trips and guides
  4. Plan your visit

French Pass, at about 5,360 m, is the high point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit. Beyond it lies Hidden Valley, a remote high basin at around 5,000 m, followed by Dhampus Pass and the descent to Marpha in the Kali Gandaki.

Quick answer: Allow a full day for the crossing from Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Weather can change fast; carry full camping and cold-weather gear.

French Pass at a glance

FactDetails
AltitudeAbout 5,360 m
Leads toHidden Valley, Dhampus Pass
TrekDhaulagiri Circuit
EndsMarpha
StyleCamping

Hidden Valley

A wide, empty high valley between the Dhaulagiri range and Tukuche Peak, often snowbound.

Trips and guides

Plan your visit

French Pass is the gateway to Hidden Valley. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? Our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.

Ask a question

About 5,360 m.

A remote high basin beyond the pass.

Marpha.

Yes.

Yes, high and remote.