Beni is a busy road town at about 850 m, on the road from Pokhara up the Kali Gandaki valley. It is the usual start for the Dhaulagiri circuit, which climbs the Myagdi valley, and a staging point on the road to Jomsom. Most visitors arrive by vehicle and stay briefly.
Altitude: about 850 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Beni is and why trekkers stop
Beni lies where the Myagdi valley meets the Kali Gandaki, and a road runs from Pokhara through it and up the valley. For trekkers, it is mainly a gateway. The Dhaulagiri circuit begins near Beni or Darbang, and the first days follow the Myagdi valley through farmland and forest. Some travellers also pass through on the road to Jomsom. It is a place for a night, a meal and last supplies rather than a trekking highlight in its own right.
What to expect at Beni
Expect a working market town with shops, buses, jeeps, banks and a steady noise of traffic. It is not a village on a quiet trail, and that is part of its use: you can find food, a pharmacy and basic gear here before the remote sections. The air is warm and the surroundings green, in clear contrast to the high, dry valley further north. Days of travel from Kathmandu and Pokhara can be long, so many groups simply eat, rest and move on.
Altitude and how you may feel
Beni is at low altitude, so there is no altitude concern here. If anything, the heat and the long road journey are what tire people. Once the trek begins, height builds over several days, and the Dhaulagiri circuit climbs to very high passes where altitude illness can strike. Keep that in mind when setting your pace on the lower sections. Drink water, rest, and if symptoms appear higher up, descend and tell your guide immediately.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodging is mostly simple hotels and guest houses, with food ranging from dal bhat to Chinese style noodles and momos. Cash and last minute shopping are easier here than anywhere further up. Road conditions can change with the monsoon and landslides, so ask about the current state of the route and allow spare time. Dhaulagiri is a demanding trek, and a licensed guide and a registered agency are strongly advised. Drive times vary with traffic and road conditions.
Common questions
Is Beni the start of a trek?
It is a gateway for the Dhaulagiri circuit, which starts near Beni or Darbang and climbs the Myagdi valley. It is also a stop on the road between Pokhara and Jomsom.
How do I reach Beni?
The usual way is by road from Pokhara, by bus or private vehicle. Journey times vary with traffic and road conditions, so build in spare time, particularly during the monsoon.
Can I buy supplies in Beni?
Yes, it has shops, a market and basic services, so it is one of the last places for supplies before remote sections. Stock up on essentials and cash here rather than higher up the trail.
