Bhulbhule is a small village on the Marsyangdi river, a short distance beyond Besisahar on the Annapurna Circuit. It is where many trekkers take their first steps on the trail, and a convenient first night after the drive from Kathmandu.
Altitude: about 840 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Bhulbhule is and why trekkers stop
Bhulbhule sits on the Marsyangdi, just beyond Besisahar. Because the road trip from Kathmandu takes most of a day, many groups arrive here in the afternoon and spend a gentle first night before the real walking begins. From the village the trail heads upriver toward Jagat, passing through a lower, warmer valley of terraced fields. It is also a practical meeting point when your party drives from Kathmandu together. Treat the schedule as a plan rather than a promise, because the mountains decide in the end.
What to expect at Bhulbhule
Expect a modest riverside settlement rather than a town, with lodges, a few small shops and a relaxed atmosphere. After the noise of Besisahar the surroundings feel much calmer. In the morning you cross the valley on the first stretch of trail, with views of fields, waterfalls and suspension bridges as the route climbs gently. Mobile and internet coverage can be patchy, so sort anything important in Besisahar or Kathmandu before arriving.
Altitude and how you may feel
At roughly 840 m, Bhulbhule is low, and altitude plays no part in how you feel. Warm, humid weather and a long day of travel are more likely to leave you tired. Use these first days to find your walking rhythm, drink plenty of water and look after blisters early. Altitude illness becomes relevant much higher on the circuit, and anyone who develops worsening symptoms there should descend. A short, easy walk in the afternoon often helps more than lying down all day.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges are simple, with basic rooms, shared or small private bathrooms and a menu of dal bhat, noodles, eggs and tea. Dinner is usually early. Carry a small amount of cash and a refillable bottle, and keep your permits accessible for any check along the way. If time is short, some trekkers skip the lower walk and ride a jeep further up, but staying here makes for a gentle start. Respect the lodge rules on stoves, shared rooms and quiet hours.
Stage guides that pass through Bhulbhule
These day-by-day guides start or end at Bhulbhule, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Bhulbhule to Upper Pisang trek: stages, altitude and time
- Kathmandu to Bhulbhule trek: stages, altitude and time
- Bhulbhule to Jagat trek: altitude, time and route
- Besisahar to Bhulbhule trek: altitude, time and route
- Bhulbhule to Chame trek: stages, altitude and time
- Bhulbhule to Dharapani trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
Where is Bhulbhule?
Bhulbhule is a small village on the Marsyangdi river, a short distance beyond Besisahar. It is one of the first overnight points on the Annapurna Circuit trail.
Is Bhulbhule a good first night?
Yes, for many trekkers. After the drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Bhulbhule gives a quiet, low altitude night and a gentle start on the trail toward Jagat the next morning.
What comes after Bhulbhule on the circuit?
The trail follows the Marsyangdi upriver to Jagat, and then on through Chamje, Tal and Dharapani. Our route pages cover the stages, altitude and time between these stops.
