Trekking · Besisahar
The Annapurna Circuit Trailhead
The classic starting point of the Annapurna Circuit, where the great loop begins up the Marsyangdi valley.
Besisahar is the classic Annapurna Circuit trailhead, the place at around 760 metres where most trekkers begin the great loop around the Annapurna massif. From the edge of this Lamjung roadhead the trail and the rough jeep road set off up the Marsyangdi River, climbing north and east toward Manang, the high Thorong La pass and the descent into Mustang on the far side.
What to expect
The trailhead is not a single gate but the point where the bazaar gives way to the valley path. Most walkers shoulder their packs here after a night in town, sorting permits and supplies first, then setting off up the river toward the first villages. The lower valley is green and terraced, dotted with hamlets and suspension bridges, a gentle start that climbs steadily into ever bigger mountain country.
Good to know
- First villages: The trail heads up to Khudi and Bhulbhule, the traditional first stops on the circuit.
- Road or trail: A rough jeep road now climbs to Chame and Manang, so some trekkers ride the lower section and start walking higher up — though walking lower aids acclimatization.
- Permits: Carry your ACAP permit and TIMS card; there is a check post near Besisahar.
- Acclimatize: This trek crosses a 5,416m pass, so read the national guides to the Annapurna Circuit trek and altitude sickness in Nepal before you go. See the full route in our Annapurna Circuit from Besisahar collection, or return to the Besisahar travel hub.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does the Annapurna Circuit start?+
The Annapurna Circuit classically starts at Besisahar in Lamjung district, at around 760 metres. From here the trail and the rough jeep road follow the Marsyangdi River north and east, climbing toward Chame, Manang and the high Thorong La pass before descending into Mustang.
Do you still walk from Besisahar?+
Many trekkers now take a jeep up the first stretch of the Marsyangdi valley to skip the road-walking, but plenty still walk out from Besisahar through Khudi and Bhulbhule for a gentler, lower-altitude start. Walking the lower valley eases you into the trek and helps acclimatization.
What permits do you need at the trailhead?+
The Annapurna Circuit needs an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card. Both can be arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara in advance, and there is a check post around Besisahar and on the trail where permits are inspected.
How long is the Annapurna Circuit from Besisahar?+
The full circuit from Besisahar over Thorong La to Jomsom or Pokhara traditionally took around two to three weeks on foot. With jeep roads now reaching far up both sides, many trekkers complete a shortened version in roughly ten to fourteen days.
