Besisahar

Besisahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung District and the traditional starting point of the world-famous Annapurna Circuit trek. Located at 760 m in the Marsyangdi River valley, the town is a busy transit hub where trekkers stock up on supplies and organise permits before heading into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The surrounding landscape features terraced hillsides and views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

The climate is subtropical with warm summers, a monsoon (June–September), and mild winters. The best trekking seasons are March–May and September–November.

By Plane

The nearest airport is at Pokhara (PKR), 75 km south-west. Taxi from Pokhara costs Rs 3000–4000 (2 hours).

By Train

No train service.

By Car / Road

Besisahar is 35 km north of the Prithvi Highway via the Dumre–Besisahar road. Buses from Kathmandu (180 km, 5 hours) and Pokhara (75 km, 2–3 hours) run daily.

The town is walkable. Taxis and jeeps connect to nearby villages.

• Marsyangdi River – The powerful glacial river that trekkers follow on the Annapurna Circuit.

• Besisahar Bazaar – Market town with trekking supplies.

• Khudi and Bhulbhule – First villages on the Annapurna Circuit trail.

• Annapurna Circuit Trek – The classic 15–20 day circuit, starting from Besisahar.

• Permits – Obtain ACAP and TIMS permits at the park office.

• Short hikes – Walks to nearby villages and viewpoints.

• Besisahar Hotel Restaurant – Dal bhat and noodles.
• Trekking lodges – Standard meals for trekkers.

Tea and boiled water. Bottled water limited.

• Budget: Besisahar Lodge – Rs 500–1000.
• Mid-range: Hotel Marsyangdi – Rs 1000–2500.

Trekking supplies, gear, and food for the trail.

• Annapurna Circuit – Trek north through the Marsyangdi valley.
• Pokhara (75 km south-west) – Adventure capital.
• Bandipur (35 km south) – Preserved Newari hill town.
• Manaslu Conservation Area (70 km north-east) – Remote trekking region.