Besisahar is the district town of Lamjung and the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. It is the last place on the route with a full range of shops, banks and a bus station, so most trekkers stock up here before heading up the Marsyangdi valley. Plan it with a local guide who knows the current trail.
Altitude: about 760 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Besisahar is and why trekkers stop
Besisahar lies at the foot of the Marsyangdi valley, a long day by road from Kathmandu. Buses and jeeps run here, and many trekkers arrive in the afternoon and start walking the next morning, often to Bhulbhule, a short distance beyond. It is also where road travellers choose between walking and driving, because the road continues up the valley beyond Besisahar toward Chame and Manang. Starting here gives the longest, most gradual version of the circuit.
What to expect at Besisahar
This is a working town rather than a village. You will find shops, pharmacies, banks and cash machines, a bus station, and plenty of small restaurants and guesthouses. The streets are busy and often dusty, and the climate is warm and humid compared with the high trail. It is a good moment to sort final gear, buy snacks, change money and confirm your permits. Once you set off, services thin out quickly, so this is the practical last chance for many things.
Altitude and how you may feel
Besisahar is low, about 760 m, so altitude is not a concern here. Heat and humidity are more likely to tire you, particularly outside the cooler months. The real altitude gain comes later, as the trail climbs toward Manang and Thorong La. Treat the first days as a chance to settle into walking. Altitude illness can strike higher up, and the safest response to worsening symptoms there is always to descend. Keep alcohol and sleeping pills out of the picture, as both can hide warning signs.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodging ranges from simple guesthouses to a few more comfortable hotels, and food is mostly dal bhat, noodles and momos. Book the night before your start if you are arriving late. Carry cash, since machines can be out of order or empty, and keep your permits and passport copies handy for checks along the trail. Decide in advance how far you plan to drive, because many trekkers take a jeep further up the valley to save time.
Stage guides that pass through Besisahar
These day-by-day guides start or end at Besisahar, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Besisahar to Dharapani trek: stages, altitude and time
- Besisahar to Chame trek: altitude, time and route
- Besisahar to Jagat trek: stages, altitude and time
- Kathmandu to Besisahar trek: altitude, time and route
- Besisahar to Bhulbhule trek: altitude, time and route
- Besisahar to Manang trek: altitude, time and route
Common questions
Where is Besisahar?
Besisahar is the district town of Lamjung, at the lower end of the Marsyangdi valley. It is reached by road from Kathmandu and is the traditional start of the Annapurna Circuit.
Can I get cash and supplies in Besisahar?
Yes. It is the last place on the circuit with a full range of shops, banks and a bus station. Withdraw cash and buy any missing supplies here, because services become limited higher up.
Do I have to walk from Besisahar?
No. A road continues beyond the town, so you can choose to drive part of the way. Walking from Besisahar gives the fullest, most gradual circuit, while jeeps save several days.
