Tal is a village on the Annapurna Circuit, on the Marsyangdi river at about 1,700 m, and the first village in the Manang district. This page is about the trail village, not the lakes called tal elsewhere. It sits on a flat river plain beyond Chamje.
Altitude: about 1,700 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Tal is and why trekkers stop
Tal lies on the Marsyangdi between Chamje and Dharapani, where the narrow gorge gives way to a flat plain with a wide river. Because it is the first village in the Manang district, it marks a change in the character of the valley. Most trekkers walking from Jagat to Dharapani pass through Tal at midday. Some stay overnight when they want a shorter day or a calmer village than the roadside settlements.
What to expect at Tal
The wide, open river plain is what stands out here, after the tight gorge below. A long waterfall usually tumbles down the valley side near the village, and the trail passes between fields and houses. You will find lodges, tea houses and small shops, and the atmosphere is peaceful, particularly away from the road. Other mountains are not yet in view, so enjoy the green surroundings and the sound of the river.
Altitude and how you may feel
At about 1,700 m, Tal is still comfortable for nearly everyone. Warm days can feel tiring, so keep up fluids. As the trail continues to Dharapani at about 1,860 m, the gain is modest. Altitude illness is a concern much higher on the circuit near Manang and Thorong La, where anyone with worsening symptoms should descend. Use the lower days to settle into a steady, unhurried walking pace. A short, easy walk in the afternoon often helps more than lying down all day.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges are basic and friendly, serving dal bhat, noodles, eggs and tea. Bring cash and a charged phone or power bank, as electricity can be limited. Permit checkpoints in the valley record your passage, so keep documents handy. The walk onward to Dharapani is part of a stage that typically takes six to seven hours from Jagat, though the time varies with pace and trail conditions. A small power bank is more reliable than counting on charging points.
Common questions
Why is Tal special on the Annapurna Circuit?
Tal is the first village in the Manang district, set on a flat river plain where the valley widens after the gorge. It marks a gentler, more open stretch of the trail.
Is Tal the same as a lake called tal?
No. Here Tal is a village on the Marsyangdi trail. The word tal means lake in Nepali, which is why other places, such as Kicho Tal near Braga, have it in their names.
Can I stay overnight in Tal?
Yes, there are lodges, and some trekkers sleep here to shorten the day between Jagat and Dharapani. Others continue to Dharapani, a junction village about an hour or two further on, depending on pace.
