Birethanti is a riverside village a short walk from Nayapul, at about 1,025 m, in the Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill region. It holds the first permit check post on the trail. Most trekkers pass through on the first morning and often return for lunch on the last day.
Altitude: about 1,025 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Birethanti is and why trekkers stop
Birethanti lies where the trail leaves the road and heads up the Modi Khola gorge. Many people treat it as the real start of the trek, since this is where permits are checked and registration happens. Day 1 of the classic route often reads: drive to Nayapul, register at Birethanti and start walking. On the last day, a final walk down from Ghandruk often ends with lunch here before the drive back to Pokhara. It is a stop for paperwork, tea and a first look at the river.
What to expect at Birethanti
Expect a pleasant street of shops, lodges and small restaurants along the stream, with a suspension bridge and a stone path leading into the gorge. It is livelier than the villages higher up, because it receives travellers on both the first and last day. The check post is easy to find, but queues can form in the busiest seasons. After registering, the path crosses the river and begins its gentle climb. The temperature is warm, so carry water and apply sun protection.
Altitude and how you may feel
Birethanti is low, so there is no altitude concern here and the first hours of walking should feel comfortable. The altitude story begins later, as the trail rises toward Ghorepani, Poon Hill or the Annapurna Base Camp. Altitude illness can strike on the higher sections, usually well above this point. Use the easy first day to settle into a steady pace, drink water, and save your energy for the staircases and climbs that follow. Descend if symptoms worsen higher up.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Birethanti has simple lodges and restaurants, so some trekkers sleep here, especially after a late arrival from Pokhara. Food is varied compared with the upper trail, and it is a good place for a last proper meal or a first one after a long trip. Start early to avoid heat and keep your permits ready for inspection. Carry cash, as bank services are limited. Walking times to the next stop vary with pace and trail conditions.
Common questions
Do I need permits at Birethanti?
Permits are checked here, so keep them ready. The check post is near Birethanti on the road from Nayapul. Your agency or guide can tell you which permits apply and help with registration.
How far is Birethanti from Nayapul?
It is a short walk or a very short drive along the road. Most trekkers begin walking at Nayapul and reach Birethanti within a short stretch, depending on pace and trail conditions.
Can I stay overnight in Birethanti?
Yes, there are simple lodges, and some trekkers sleep here after a late arrival from Pokhara. Most others stay higher up, but the village makes an easy first or last night.
