Annapurna Circuit Starting Point Guide- Which Place is Best?

One of the most confusing parts of the Annapurna Circuit trek is choosing the starting point of the trek. Some trekkers prefer to start from Besisahar, while others simply choose to head straight to Dharapani, Chame, or even Manang. Therefore, the Annapurna Circuit can start anywhere nowadays.

However, this fact makes the Annapurna Circuit Trek unique and exciting! Your Annapurna Circuit starting point decides the whole adventure.

It determines how cultural the experience is, how quickly you gain altitude, how many days of trekking you will have, and even which type of landscape you will encounter first.

There is no “official” starting point for everyone on the Annapurna Circuit. You must consider several factors, such as budget, available time, physical fitness, personal preferences, and the experience you wish to have.

This guide will cover all of the starting points of the Annapurna Circuit, determine their pros and cons, and provide guidance on which of them suits you best.

Where Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Start?

Annapurna Circuit does not have a single point. Previously, the trek normally started from Besisahar and is still regarded as a traditional starting point.

Starting here, trekkers pass through villages, riverbanks, and rolling green hills as they slowly increase altitude, making this the most complete and traditional way of doing the Annapurna Circuit.

In recent days, numerous trekkers start the trek at an alternative starting point to reduce the time duration. The starting points can be Bhulbhule, Jagat, Dharapani, and even Manang.

The total distance of the Annapurna Circuit Trek differs as per the point you begin to trek.

Bhulbhule is a little bit ahead of Besisahar and saves some time walking. Another option that is usually taken is Jagat because it helps one to skip some parts of the roads and go through a more natural trail.

Dharapani is a starting point that is more popular nowadays, as it is a more definite access point to the mountain region and saves some days on the way.

Chame is even higher and is popular with people who have less time. Importantly, even some trekkers start in Manang, focusing on shorter, more luxurious-style itineraries.

The Annapurna Circuit has become very flexible. Having no fixed starting point anymore, all options have varying experiences based on the time available and the type of scenery you wish to experience. It is best for the solo trekkers who have enough time to explore the region in detail.

How to Choose Your Annapurna Circuit Starting Point?

There are various factors to consider when selecting the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Time Availability

The most important determining factor is time. With just approximately 7 days, most trekkers usually start at a higher altitude, such as Dharapani or Chame, so as to get through the key sights in a limited time.

When you have 10-14 days, it is best to start in Besisahar, as you can acclimate slowly and enjoy the full experience of the changing scenery from the lowlands to the high mountains.

Trekking Experience Level

Experience counts so much. Beginners prefer more advanced routes as they will cut down on lengthy walking days, sharp uphill and downhill climbs, and straight roads.

Seasoned trekkers begin at low altitude to experience the entire variety of the route and get to know more properly the progressive changing of the villages into alpine terrain.

Road Access Tolerance

The Annapurna Circuit has been altered by road construction. Since the lower parts, there is no pure trekking route, so they have jeep tracks. If you like more natural trails, then begin at Jagat or at Dharapani.

Views and Landscapes

Starting at the low altitude trek points, they provide more cultural experiences. You cross typical local Nepali villages, terraced fields, local markets, and everyday village life. But if you start at the higher altitudes, half of these things will go missing.

So, you have to choose whether culture or landscape is more important to you.

Scenic Diversity

Changing landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit are one of the largest attractions of the circuit. You begin at the jeep road, and you will see green woods, streams, falls, towns, and finally snowy mountains.

Starting higher, includes direct entrance into mountain sceneries without seeing the plain landscapes. They are both beautiful, but they have different experiences.

Budget Considerations

The longer the route, the more days of lodging, food, permits, and guide/porter expenses. The Annapurna Circuit Trek cost will be higher, and the trek provides a full trip beginning with Besisahar.

Beginning at Chame or higher saves time but also money. Midpoints such as Dharapani are often used by budget travelers to create a balance.

Trekking Style

The style of trekking you have is also something to consider. Photographers and travelers who like doing things at an easy pace, such as living in villages and walking, should begin down here.

Trekkers with a fast pace or limited time should start at higher elevations to reach the mountains quickly without spending many days in the wilderness.

Seasonal Conditions

Your decision can be influenced by the seasons. Road traffic or muddy conditions can be seen in low places during monsoons. Higher areas are more scenic, colder, and clearer in winter. Thus, certain trekkers change their starting point, depending on the weather.

Needs of Altitude and Acclimatization

Starting low helps you gradually adapt body to altitude, thereby decreasing risk chances of altitude sickness.

Starting higher means faster altitude gain; so, more care, combined with acclimatization planning, is needed. This is a major consideration, particularly for beginners at high-altitude trekkers.

Transportation Convenience

Another reason why people skip the lowland routes is for easy road access. Jeeps can directly take you to such places as Dharapani or Chame, with time saved on traveling. This makes the trek more adaptable and could be taken even on short days.

Personal Trekking Goals

Finally, your goal is the most important factor. Some like the entire classic circuit; others like a short trek with a mountain-driven approach, and others like a comfortable mix.

It is always best to start at a point that aligns with your personal aim, rather than the most popular option.

Kathmandu to Annapurna Circuit Starting Points Transportation Options

Getting to your Annapurna Circuit Trek starting point from Kathmandu is relatively simple these days.

You have the choice of how to travel based on your budget, comfort, and time; you can take the local bus, shared jeep, or personal jeep.

Routes go along the Prithvi Highway in the direction of Marsyangdi Valley and link to various starting points of trekking.

Local Bus (Budget)

The most affordable way is to take a local bus to Besisahar, which is the traditional point of starting the trek. Besisahar is approximately 175 km (108.8 miles) from Kathmandu, and the ride typically takes 6-8 hours.

The bus departs from Gongabu Bus Park and is cheap but sometimes less comfortable. You will proceed to Besisahar and take a local jeep to Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, or Manang.

Shared Jeep (Most Popular)

Another commonly used mode of transport among trekkers is through shared jeeps; they are time-saving and convenient compared to buses.

The journey to Dharapani by shared jeep is approximately 240 km (150 miles) and takes 8-10 hours.

Going on to Chame, takes 10-12 hours from Kathmandu, depending on the road conditions. Chame is around 66 km (41 miles) from Besisahar.

This alternative will allow the trekkers to avoid lower road portions and begin nearer to the mountainous area.

Comfort + Flexible Option (Private Jeep)

The most comfortable and convenient mode of transport is a private jeep. This way Kathmandu is connected to Jagat, Dharapani, or Chame by road without the need to change vehicles.

Travel time is compared to shared jeeps, though with private jeeps, one will have a lot of space, options of stops. The overall journey will be smooth, particularly for a group of people or luxury trekkers.

Traffic Information and Road Conditions

The highway leading to Besisahar is paved and well maintained. But beyond that, it becomes rough, dusty, and mountainous. Monsoons can take more time due to landslides or poor road conditions.

Route Breakdown of Each Starting Point

The Annapurna Circuit transforms the entire trekking experience in terms of the scenery, days of trekking, increase in altitude, and trail conditions.

The breakdown of the most common starting points, as well as the reasons why trekkers prefer them, is listed below.

Starting from Besisahar (Classic Route)

The classic Annapurna Circuit begins at Besisahar. The city of Besisahar is situated at approximately 760 meters elevation, which makes it the lowest point from where you can start your adventure. Trekking through Besisahar provides trekkers with a full journey from subtropical hills to the high Himalayas.

The trek from Besisahar leads through various small villages, including Bhulbhule, Ngadi, Jagat, Tal, and Dharapani, before reaching the Manang district.

It takes around 11-12 days if you start your Annapurna Circuit journey from Besisahar. For the first few days, the trek route offers lush green hills, waterfalls, suspension bridges, streams, terraced fields, and typical Gurung villages. 

The surroundings change to forests, dry river valleys, and finally to mountains covered in snow. One of the greatest advantages of beginning the Annapurna circuit from Besisahar is acclimatization.

Due to the gradual increase in altitude, there will be sufficient time for natural acclimatization before arriving at Manang and Thorong La Pass.

The route is preferred by many trekkers for:

• Better acclimatization
• Full cultural experience
• Maximum scenic diversity
• Traditional Annapurna Circuit feeling

Starting from Jagat

Jagat is also among the best options for trekking, offering a good balance between practicality and scenic beauty. Most travelers will use a jeep ride from either Kathmandu or Besisahar to Jagat before beginning their treks. The trek days starting from Jagat is also same as Besisahar.

Jagat lies at an altitude of about 1,340 meters (4396 ft) and gives trekkers the option to skip the road routes while retaining the essence of trekking.

Trekking from Jagat soon turns into a scenic and peaceful adventure. Some of the highlights on the trekking route from Jagat include stone stairs, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and narrow river valleys.

It is popular due to:

• It reduces around 1-2 trekking days.
• You skip the dusty ways up the road.
• The trail becomes more scenic and peaceful.
• You can see the villages, rivers, and slowly changing landscapes.

Starting from Dharapani

Nowadays, the modern starting point is Dharapani. Trekkers normally drive into Kathmandu, take a direct jeep to Dharapani, and begin walking from there. It also takes 11 days around to complete from Dharapani as per our, Himalayan Masters Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary.

It is best for individuals with limited time but eager to experience a good Annapurna Circuit.

At Dharapani, the path soon turns into the landscapes of Manang, and the landscape of mountains becomes more expressive.

Trekkers prefer Dharapani due to:

• It reduces a few days of trekking.
• Worse road conditions are avoided.
• You can get adequate acclimatization time.
• You get to see the teahouses and local culture all along the way.

Starting from Chame

Chame lies around 2,670 meters (8760 ft) and serves as the headquarters for the Manang district. Nowadays, many travelers take direct jeep rides to Chame because their trek is relatively short. While the drive is long and difficult, the travel cuts off several days of trekking.

If you begin at Chame, it will take around 8-10 days to complete the Annapurna Circuit.

The trek starting from Chame automatically takes you into the higher Himalayan setting. The scenery gets more picturesque, and travelers start to see towering cliffs, pine forests, deep valleys, and mountains that surround them.

One can also spot peaks such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

It is best to begin at Chame, as:

• You directly enter the mountain scenery.
• Immediately, snow peaks and alpine scenery start.
• It is appropriate for shorter itineraries.

Starting from Pisang

Pisang, particularly Upper Pisang, is one of the most beautiful starting points along the Annapurna circuit trekking route. From Pisang, it takes 7-8 days to complete the whole Annapurna Circuit Trek.

In this way, tourists even drive up to Pisang just to make the trekking route shorter while enjoying beautiful mountain scenery.

There is a significant difference in the scenery around Pisang compared to other parts of the trail that have already been passed. The area becomes drier and much windier with an alpine setting featuring huge mountain views around the valley.

To begin with, Pisang is ideal as:

• You are directly surrounded by the panorama mountain.
• The terrain is dry and dramatic.
• You reduce some time trekking.
• It is ideal for photography-oriented trekkers.
• Pisang to Manang may be regarded as one of the most scenic sections along the Annapurna Circuit, and when traversing the Upper Pisang trail.

Starting from Manang

Others choose to reach Manang by driving and usually opt for shorter versions of the Annapurna circuit or luxury treks. Manang is located approximately 3540 meters (11,614 ft) in elevation and is thus considered a very high starting point.

From Manang it takes from 6-8 days to complete the whole trek. The route of the Annapurna Circuit from this point forward is mainly based on acclimatization, crossing of the Thorong La Pass, and a descent to Muktinath.

The scenery on this part of the trail will feature the typical Alpine setting of glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

One needs to keep in mind that starting out at this elevation level demands altitude awareness, since one skips the gradual process of climbing up altogether.

• Direct access to the Himalayan mountains is possible.
• A highly shortened version of the Annapurna Circuit trek can be undertaken.
• Preferred among luxury trekkers.
• Trekking is focused more on the Thorong La Pass and Muktinath areas.

FAQS

Where is the official starting point of Annapurna Circuit?

The official starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Dharapani. Himalayan Masters has an 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary starting from Dharapani.

Can I start the trek from Chame?

Yes, you can start the trek from Chame. You can take a jeep from Manang to Chame and directly start the trek from there.

What is the shortest Annapurna Circuit route?

The Shortest Annapurna Circuit Trek route is either starting from Chame or Manang. From Chame it takes 6 days and from Manang it takes 5 days to complete the circuit. But this does not include the rest of the days. Keep in mind adding those as per your need.

Is it worth starting from Besisahar?

Yes, if you like to explore the villages, local culture and get the long days vibes then starting at Besisahar is best for you.

Author

Himalayan Masters

Himalayan Masters has been established by travel and trekking experts with several years of experience. Our consultants have travelled extensively and have in-depth knowledge of the region you will be traveling in.