Where to start the Annapurna Circuit: Besisahar, Dharapani or Chame?

The Annapurna Circuit traditionally starts at Besisahar, at about 760 m. A jeep track now runs up the valley, so many trekkers drive to Dharapani (about 1,860 m) or Chame (about 2,670 m) and start walking there, saving three to five days. Start low if you have 16 days or more; start at Dharapani or Chame if you have about 12 and want to spend them in the high country.

From Besisahar and From Dharapani or Chame at a glance

• Starting height. From Besisahar: about 760 m. From Dharapani or Chame: 1,860 m at Dharapani; 2,670 m at Chame.
• Days to the Thorong La. From Besisahar: 10 to 12. From Dharapani or Chame: 6 to 8.
• Total trek. From Besisahar: 16 to 20 days. From Dharapani or Chame: 11 to 14 days.
• What you walk through. From Besisahar: rice terraces, gorge, waterfalls, then pine forest. From Dharapani or Chame: pine forest and the high valley only.
• Acclimatisation. From Besisahar: very gradual. From Dharapani or Chame: faster; needs care.
• Road walking. From Besisahar: more, unless side trails are used. From Dharapani or Chame: less.

How the road changed the circuit

Until the 2000s the whole circuit was a footpath. A rough road now reaches Manang on the east side and Muktinath on the west. Walkers have not lost the trek, because marked side trails, often called NATT trails, avoid the road for long stretches, but the lower days involve dust and jeeps unless you take them. Starting higher is the commonest response.

Starting at Besisahar or Bhulbhule

The low start gives you the full transition the circuit is famous for: banana trees and rice fields, the deep gorge near Jagat and Tal, and waterfalls dropping to the river. It also gives the gentlest acclimatisation possible, since you gain height on foot from under 1,000 m. The cost is three to four extra days and some hot, humid walking.

Starting at Dharapani

Dharapani is where the Manaslu Circuit joins the Annapurna trail. Starting here skips the hottest section and most of the road walking while keeping two days of forest before Chame. It is a good compromise for a two-week holiday.

Starting at Chame

Chame is the district headquarters, reached in a long day by jeep from Besisahar. From here the best scenery begins almost at once: the great rock slab of Paungda Danda, then Pisang and the upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal. Because you arrive at 2,670 m by vehicle, spend the night there and keep the next days short.

Can you drive to Manang?

Jeeps do go to Manang at 3,540 m, but arriving there in a day from the lowlands is a recipe for altitude sickness. If time is very short, drive no higher than Chame or Pisang and walk the rest.

Season and road conditions

The track is rough at all times and slow after rain. In the monsoon landslides often block it for hours or days. In the main seasons expect a bumpy seven to nine hours from Besisahar to Chame.

Which start do we suggest?

For a first circuit with two weeks, we usually suggest driving to Dharapani or Chame. For trekkers with more time who want the classic experience, we start at Bhulbhule or Ngadi and use the side trails. Tell us your number of days and we will work back from the pass day.

Choose From Besisahar if

• You have 16 days or more.
• You want the complete, classic circuit.
• You want the easiest acclimatisation.
• You do not mind some road sections or will use the side trails.

Choose From Dharapani or Chame if

• You have 11 to 14 days.
• You want your days in the high mountains.
• You dislike heat and humidity.
• You can accept a long jeep ride on a rough track.

Plan it

See the Annapurna Circuit stage by stage and the short circuit options, or ask us for a plan that fits your days.

Common questions

Where does the Annapurna Circuit officially start?

Traditionally at Besisahar. Most trekkers today begin between Bhulbhule and Chame.

How long is the jeep from Besisahar to Chame?

About seven to nine hours, depending on the road.

Do you miss much by starting at Chame?

You miss the low gorge and farmland. The high scenery, Manang and the pass are all still ahead.

Is it safe to start at Manang?

Not advised. Driving straight to 3,540 m gives the body no time to adapt.

Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.