Chamje is a small village at about 1,430 m on the Marsyangdi river, passed between Jagat and Tal on the Annapurna Circuit. Most trekkers walk through on the way to Dharapani, though it also appears on routes that descend the valley from Bimthang.
Altitude: about 1,430 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Chamje is and why trekkers stop
Chamje lies beside the Marsyangdi, a short way beyond Jagat on the climb toward Tal. On the stage from Jagat to Dharapani, the route passes Chamje and Tal, where the valley flattens and the river runs wide. Jeeps heading from Besisahar toward Manang also pass through the village. Trekkers usually stop for tea or lunch rather than for the night, though a few sleep here to break a long day. Your guide or lodge owner can confirm current trail and road conditions near Chamje before you set off.
What to expect at Chamje
Expect a quiet roadside and riverside settlement with a few lodges and tea houses. Surroundings are green, with steep valley walls, waterfalls in the wet season and views down to the river. Some stretches of trail share the road, so watch for passing vehicles. A suspension bridge or two is typical for this valley. There is little to see apart from village life and the scenery, so it works best as a place to pause.
Altitude and how you may feel
Chamje is still low, so you should feel normal here. Fatigue is more likely to come from the heat, the distance and the steady upward gradient than from altitude. Keep drinking, wear sun protection and pace yourself. Higher on the circuit, altitude illness can strike, and anyone whose symptoms worsen should descend. The lower valley is a gentle introduction to the climbing to come. Warm drinks and regular meals make a real difference to how you feel.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Food is simple and filling, with dal bhat, noodles, soup and tea, and lodges offer basic rooms. Take cash with you, as machines are not available. The nearest bigger stops are Jagat behind you and Tal or Dharapani ahead, so decide where to sleep before you set off. The stage from Jagat to Dharapani typically takes around six to seven hours, but the time varies with pace and trail conditions. Ask your lodge about breakfast time the evening before, so you can leave early.
Common questions
How high is Chamje?
Chamje is about 1,430 m, a little above Jagat at about 1,300 m and below Dharapani at about 1,860 m. The valley climbs gradually through this stretch.
Do trekkers sleep at Chamje?
Some do, especially if they want to shorten the day between Jagat and Dharapani. Most treat it as a tea or lunch stop and continue to Tal or Dharapani by the evening.
What is next after Chamje?
The trail continues to Tal, where the valley flattens and the river runs wide, and then to Dharapani. Tal is also the first village in the Manang district.
