Chame is the district headquarters of Manang, at about 2,670 m on the Annapurna Circuit. It has shops, lodges and a clinic, and it is a common night stop before Pisang. A road reaches Chame and onward, so you can choose to drive or walk.
Altitude: about 2,670 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Chame is and why trekkers stop
Chame lies in the upper Marsyangdi valley, past Dharapani and below Upper Pisang. It is the largest settlement on this stretch, which makes it a natural overnight. Many trekkers arrive here after a long stage from Dharapani or by jeep, then continue to Pisang the next day. It is also a place to deal with practical issues before the higher, colder part of the circuit begins. Plans shift with weather and landslides, so keep some flexibility in your schedule around Chame.
What to expect at Chame
Expect a real small town, with a main street, lodges of various standards, shops selling snacks and basic gear, and a clinic. Views open to higher peaks, and hot springs and apple orchards in this part of the valley are sometimes mentioned by locals. Mobile signal is available in some lower villages like Chame. Evenings are cool and the air has a clear mountain feel, which signals that the trek is becoming a high altitude walk.
Altitude and how you may feel
At about 2,670 m, Chame is where altitude begins to matter for some people, particularly if you arrived by jeep. A mild headache or restless sleep is not unusual. Take things slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Altitude illness can strike anyone. If symptoms worsen, with persistent vomiting, confusion or unsteady walking, tell your guide and descend to lower ground. The clinic here can help with advice.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Choose from a range of lodges, from simple to more comfortable, and eat well while the menu is varied. This is a good place to buy snacks, replace small items and charge devices. Carry cash, as it gets harder to find higher up. From Chame, routes continue to Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, with times that vary with pace and trail conditions. Tipping your guide and porters at the end of the trek is customary and appreciated.
Stage guides that pass through Chame
These day-by-day guides start or end at Chame, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Besisahar to Chame trek: altitude, time and route
- Chame to Yak Kharka trek: stages, altitude and time
- Chame to Manang trek: stages, altitude and time
- Chame to Thorong Phedi trek: stages, altitude and time
- Jagat to Chame trek: stages, altitude and time
- Bhulbhule to Chame trek: stages, altitude and time
- Dharapani to Chame trek: altitude, time and route
- Chame to Upper Pisang trek: altitude, time and route
Common questions
What is Chame known for on the circuit?
Chame is the district headquarters of Manang, with shops, lodges and a clinic. It is the main practical stop between Dharapani and Upper Pisang.
Can I drive to Chame?
Yes. A road reaches Chame and continues beyond, so you can choose to drive or walk. Walking gives a fuller acclimatisation profile, while jeeps save time but raise your sleeping altitude faster.
Is Chame a good place to acclimatise?
It is a comfortable early step. At about 2,670 m it is not very high, but you should still take it easy, hydrate and watch for headaches, especially after a fast drive.
