Kathmandu to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit covers 4 stages, via Besisahar, Bhulbhule and Jagat. It goes from about 1,400 m to about 1,860 m, a net gain of roughly 460 m. Timing depends on road and multi-day sections, so use the stage list.
Quick facts
- Start: Kathmandu, about 1,400 m
- End: Dharapani, about 1,860 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 460 m
- Stages: 4
- Total time: varies, see the stage list
- Hardest stage: moderate
Stage by stage
- Kathmandu to Besisahar: 5 to 7 hours by road (easy)
- Besisahar to Bhulbhule: 1 to 1.5 hours on foot, or 20 to 30 minutes by jeep (easy)
- Bhulbhule to Jagat: 6 to 8 hours (moderate)
- Jagat to Dharapani: 6 to 7 hours (moderate)
How to split it
Some stages are road journeys or multi-day, so treat the stage list below as the guide. The route passes through Besisahar, Bhulbhule and Jagat. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route stays below about 3,000 m, so altitude sickness is unlikely, though heat, humidity and fatigue still matter. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.
Reverse direction
Walking Dharapani to Kathmandu is the same route in reverse. It is mostly downhill and usually quicker, but a long descent is hard on the knees, so poles help.
Common questions
- How long is Kathmandu to Dharapani? The time depends on road and multi-day sections, so check the stage list.
- Which places are on the way from Kathmandu to Dharapani? The route passes Besisahar, Bhulbhule and Jagat.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Annapurna Circuit guides.
