Trekking · Besisahar
The Annapurna Circuit from Besisahar
How the Annapurna Circuit unfolds from Besisahar — the trailhead, first villages and the road up the Marsyangdi.
The Annapurna Circuit classically begins at Besisahar, and this collection gathers the key first stages of the route as it leaves the Lamjung roadhead and climbs the Marsyangdi valley into the high Himalaya. If you are planning the trek, start here to understand how the trail unfolds from the trailhead toward Manang and the Thorong La pass.
The short answer
The route starts at the Annapurna Circuit trailhead in Besisahar, climbs through the first villages of Khudi and Bhulbhule, and continues up the valley on the rough jeep road to Chame and Manang. Adventurous travellers can add a day of Marsyangdi River rafting on the same river the trek follows.
From Khudi and Bhulbhule the path leads on through Jagat, Dharapani and Chame to Manang, the great acclimatization base below the 5,416m Thorong La pass, before crossing into Mustang on the far side.
Good to know
- Where it starts: Besisahar, the lowest accessible roadhead on the Marsyangdi side of the Annapurna massif.
- Walk or drive: A jeep road reaches Chame and Manang, but walking the lower valley aids acclimatization and scenery.
- Permits: Carry an ACAP permit and TIMS card, arranged in Kathmandu, Pokhara or at the bazaar.
- Acclimatize: This is a high trek — read the Annapurna Circuit trek and altitude sickness in Nepal guides first.
- Time it right: Plan around the best time to visit Besisahar, and see more in the top things to do in Besisahar.
Trekking & treks
Rafting & rivers
Getting around
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Annapurna Circuit start at Besisahar?+
Besisahar is the lowest, most accessible roadhead on the Marsyangdi side of the Annapurna massif, reached easily from Kathmandu and Pokhara. From here the trail and jeep road follow the river up into the mountains, making it the natural and traditional starting point for the circuit.
How does the route unfold from Besisahar?+
From Besisahar the route climbs the Marsyangdi valley through Khudi and Bhulbhule, then on to Jagat, Dharapani and Chame before reaching Manang, the acclimatization base below the Thorong La pass. From the pass it drops into Mustang and the Kali Gandaki valley.
Can you do part of the circuit by jeep?+
Yes — a rough jeep road now climbs the Marsyangdi valley from Besisahar to Chame and Manang, so trekkers short on time can ride the lower section. Many still prefer to walk the lower valley for scenery and better acclimatization before the high pass.
How long does the Annapurna Circuit take from Besisahar?+
Traditionally the full circuit from Besisahar over Thorong La took two to three weeks. With jeep roads now reaching far up the valley, many trekkers complete a shortened version in around ten to fourteen days, depending on how much of the lower section they walk or drive.
