Besisahar

Besisahar is the starting village for the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the ending village for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. “Besisahar” comes from two Nepali words — “Besi,” meaning lowland or river valley, and “Sahar,” meaning town, referring to a town located in a lower valley area.

Where Is Besisahar Located?

Besisahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung District of Gandaki Province in central Nepal. It lies at approximately 760 m (2,493 ft) in central Nepal.

It sits in the lower Marsyangdi Valley, with the terrain gradually becoming steeper and higher toward Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and Manang to the north.

Besisahar is approximately 175–185 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu and around 100 kilometers northeast of Pokhara.

Province	Gandaki Province
District	Lamjung District
Municipality	Besisahar Municipality
Elevation	760 m (2,493 ft)
River	Marsyangdi River
Location	Lamjung District, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Latitude	~28.22° N
Longitude	~84.35° E

How to Reach Besisahar?

You can reach Besisahar by road from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. The routes meet at Dumre, from where the road heads north into the Marsyangdi Valley and continues to Besisahar.

By Road From Kathmandu

Kathmandu → Naubise → Mugling → Dumre → Besisahar

• The first part of the journey takes you from Kathmandu to Naubise, roughly 25 km away. It usually takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic, as you leave the valley.
• From Naubise, the road continues to Mugling, covering about 85 km and taking roughly 2.5–3.5 hours. This section follows the Prithvi Highway through the winding hills of central Nepal.
• Mugling to Dumre is another 45 km, which normally takes about 1–1.5 hours. From Dumre, the route leaves the Prithvi Highway and turns north toward Besisahar.
• The final stretch, Dumre to Besisahar, is around 40–45 km and takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. The road follows the Marsyangdi Valley as it approaches Besisahar.

By road from Pokhara Route

Pokhara → Damauli → Dumre → Besisahar

• From Pokhara to Damauli, the distance is around 50 km, taking about 1.5–2 hours. The road follows the Prithvi Highway through the hills and settlements along the route.
• Damauli to Dumre is a shorter stretch of around 25 km, usually taking 45 minutes to 1 hour. At Dumre, the route turns north toward Besisahar.
• The final 40–45 km from Dumre to Besisahar takes around 1.5–2 hours. This section follows the Marsyangdi Valley and brings you into Besisahar.

Things to Do in Besisahar

Although you won't spend much time in Besisahar, you can do some fun things.

Walk along the Marsyangdi River

A short walk beside the Marsyangdi River is one of the easiest things to do in Besisahar. The river runs through the valley below the town, and nearby paths provide views of the surrounding hills, cultivated terraces, and river gorge.

Make sure to take care near steep riverbanks and avoid walking alone on unfamiliar paths after dark.

Explore the local market

Besisahar is the main commercial centre of Lamjung District. The local market has shops selling trekking gear, clothing, snacks, electronics, household goods, and basic supplies.

A walk through the market gives visitors a view of daily life in a busy hill town. Small eateries, tea shops, bakeries, and local restaurants serve Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian-style food.

Visit nearby Gurung villages

Several traditional Gurung villages lie a short drive or day-hike from Besisahar.

Ghale Gaun and Bhujung are the most popular, with stone houses, terraced fields, and community-run cultural programmes.

You can walk through narrow lanes, watch farmers working on the slopes, and sit with local families for tea or meals.

Some homestays and community lodges arrange traditional dance, music, and storytelling in the evenings, giving visitors a closer look at Gurung hospitality and daily life.

Short hikes around the town

The hills around Besisahar have simple walking paths and farm trails that are easy to explore without a long trek.

A morning or late-afternoon walk takes you above the town, with views of the Marsyangdi valley, Lamjung Himal, and nearby villages.

Local farmers often use the same paths to reach their fields, so you can see people carrying grass, firewood, or produce as you walk. You can also ask locally which trails are clear and safe, especially after rain.

Visit Kaule Waterfall

Kaule Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located a short distance, around 5 to 6 km from Besisahar. The falls drop through forested slopes and are a popular spot for photography and short excursions.

The site is more active during and after the monsoon, when water flow is stronger. Access paths may be slippery, so it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear.

Go white-water rafting on the Marsyangdi River

From Besisahar, you can join Marsyangdi River rafting trips that start about 5–10 km upstream at Ngadi or Khudi.

The river runs through steep gorges with Grade III–IV+ rapids, jungle banks, and remote villages, making it one of Nepal’s most exciting white-water routes.

Trips usually last 3–5 days, camping on riverside beaches and finishing near Bimal Nagar after roughly 45–50 km of rafting.

Relax before or after a trek

Many trekkers use Besisahar as a rest stop. The town has cafes, bakeries, and lodges where you can relax, recharge devices, and prepare for the trail ahead.

It is also a useful place to repack bags, purchase last-minute supplies, and confirm transport or guide arrangements.

Popular Treks Passing Besisahar

• Annapurna Circuit Trek: The classic route around the Annapurna massif starts here, following the Marsyangdi Valley up toward Chame, Manang, and Thorong La Pass.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake: The same starting point, extended with the detour to Tilicho Lake beyond Manang.
• Manaslu Circuit Trek: Besisahar often serves as the finishing point for this trek, reached after crossing Larkya La Pass and descending through Dharapani.
• Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek: A longer version of the Manaslu route, also typically ending in Besisahar after the Tsum Valley side trip.

Best Time to Visit Besisahar

The best times to visit Besisahar are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
These seasons usually provide more stable weather, better road conditions, and favourable trekking conditions in the Annapurna region.

Spring: March to May

Spring is a popular season for the Annapurna Circuit and shorter treks from Besisahar. The lower hills become greener, temperatures are generally comfortable for walking, and rhododendrons bloom in higher forest areas.

• March: Mild mornings and warm afternoons, with daytime temperatures generally around 18°C–25°C.
• April: One of the most comfortable months, with clear mornings and pleasant temperatures for walking.
• May: Warmer days, greener hills, and a lively atmosphere along the trekking routes.

Spring is also a good season to enjoy the riverside setting of Besisahar. You can take a short walk around the town, visit the market, and begin the trail early when the air is still cool.

Autumn: September to November

Autumn is generally the most reliable season for visiting Besisahar and completing the Annapurna Circuit. After the monsoon, the air often becomes clearer and mountain visibility improves.

• September: The valley is still fresh and green after the monsoon, with warm conditions and improving visibility.
• October: It is the best all-round month. It offers comfortable daytime temperatures, clear mornings, and excellent conditions for exploring the town and starting the trek.
• November: Cooler mornings and evenings, dry weather, and crisp views of the hills surrounding the Marsyangdi valley.

October and early November are particularly suitable for travellers who want to enjoy Besisahar’s riverside landscape before continuing toward Chame and Manang.

Monsoon: June to August

The monsoon brings regular rain to the lower Marsyangdi valley, keeping the hills green and the rivers full.
Besisahar remains accessible in most periods, and the landscape around the town looks especially lush during these months.
Bus and jeep journeys can take longer than planned, and road closures are possible after heavy rain or landslides.
Trekkers who enjoy fewer crowds, fresh vegetation, and active waterfalls often find the monsoon a rewarding time to visit, provided they carry rain gear and allow extra travel time.

Winter: December to February

Winter is drier and cooler, with clear mornings and crisp air in the Marsyangdi valley.
Besisahar itself has a relatively mild lower-valley climate compared with the upper Annapurna settlements, so daytime temperatures are often comfortable for walking and exploring the town.
Mornings and evenings can feel cold, especially in higher areas, and snow or freezing temperatures may affect high passes and upper settlements.
For visitors who prefer quieter roads, stable weather, and clear views, winter offers a calm and scenic time to experience Besisahar and the surrounding hills.

Lifestyle and Culture in Besisahar

Besisahar is a mixed hill town with a diverse population. The community includes Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Newar, and other groups. Nepali is the main language, while Gurung, Magar, and other local languages are spoken in surrounding villages.

Daily life centres on trade, transport, government services, farming, and tourism. The town has government offices, banks, schools, health facilities, shops, and lodges.
Terraced fields on the surrounding slopes grow rice, maize, millet, potatoes, and vegetables. Families keep goats, chickens, and buffalo for milk, meat, and farm work.

Alongside agriculture and local business, many households depend on trekking-related income. Locals work as lodge owners, cooks, porters, guides, drivers, and shopkeepers.
Construction and transport services also provide employment, especially along the main highway and the road to Besisahar.

As for the cultural festival, Besisahar does not have its own specific village festival unique to this town. However, as a mixed community, the area observes national festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Holi, as well as Gurung and Magar festivals such as Tamu Lhosar and Sonam Lhosar in nearby villages. During these occasions, families gather for feasts, music, and traditional dance.

Flora and Fauna in Besisahar

Besisahar lies within the lower section of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), which supports a wide range of habitats from subtropical forests to alpine meadows.

Vegetation and forests

The vegetation around the town includes sal forest, mixed broadleaf forest, and terraced farmland.
At higher elevations, rhododendron, oak, pine, and juniper become more common. In spring, these hillsides transform into one of Nepal’s most striking floral displays.
The Annapurna region is home to around nine recorded rhododendron species, with several appearing along trails that start from or pass through the Besisahar–Marsyangdi corridor.

The most iconic is Rhododendron arboreum, known locally as Lali Gurans and celebrated as Nepal’s national flower.
Between February and April, its deep red to crimson blooms paint the mid-elevation forests (roughly 1,600–2,800 m) in vivid colour, especially on ridges above the Marsyangdi Valley.

Alongside Lali Gurans, trekkers may also encounter:

• Rhododendron campanulatum: pink to lavender flowers at slightly higher, cooler elevations.
• Rhododendron barbatum: bright red blooms in moist, mixed forests.
• Rhododendron hodgsonii: large white to pale pink flowers in misty, higher forest belts.
• Rhododendron anthopogon: a smaller, aromatic shrub used in local herbal remedies, more common toward the alpine zone.

Together, these rhododendrons form layered “bands” of colour that shift with altitude and season, making the ACA one of Nepal’s best regions for rhododendron trekking.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife.
Commonly seen animals include langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various species of deer and wild boar in the surrounding forests.

Higher up in the Annapurna Conservation Area, rare and elusive species such as red panda, snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, and grey wolf are found, although they are less likely to be seen near the town itself.

Birdlife and aquatic species

Birdlife is rich, with about 523 species recorded in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Common birds around Besisahar and the Marsyangdi valley include pheasants (such as the Himalayan monal), partridges, eagles, hawks, and various songbirds.

The Marsyangdi and other local rivers support fish species and aquatic life, while the forests provide habitat for butterflies and other insects.

Where to Stay in Besisahar?

Besisahar has a mix of budget lodges, mid-range guesthouses, and a few resort-style hotels for travellers. Most accommodation is locally operated and designed for trekkers, tourists, and business visitors passing through Lamjung District.

Rooms commonly contain beds, mattresses, blankets, and basic furniture. Some lodges offer private rooms with attached bathrooms, while others may provide twin rooms with shared toilets. En-suite bathrooms are more common in mid-range and higher-end properties.

Facilities available in Besisahar

Depending on the lodge or hotel, travellers may find:

• Dining rooms serving dal bhat, noodles, momo, soups, and other meals.
• Hot drinks such as tea, coffee, and hot lemon.
• Shared or attached bathrooms with Western or squat toilets.
• Hot showers for an additional fee, usually gas- or solar-heated.
• Electricity and charging for phones, cameras, and power banks.
• Wi-Fi in many lodges and cafes, although the connection may be slow or unreliable.
• Shops selling snacks, bottled drinks, toiletries, and simple trekking supplies.

Typical accommodation and food cost in Besisahar

For a standard twin or double room in a normal trekking lodge or guesthouse, expect to pay roughly NPR 800–1,500 per room per night. Rooms with attached bathrooms usually cost around NPR 1,500–3,000 or more, depending on the property.

As for food, a simple breakfast (tea, eggs, bread or porridge) typically costs NPR 250–400. Lunch or dinner (dal bhat, noodles, momo, fried rice) is around NPR 350–600 per meal.
For one person, a basic room plus three meals in a standard lodge usually comes to about NPR 1,800–3,000 per day. These exclude drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, snacks, and personal purchases.

What to Pack for Besisahar?

Packing for Besisahar depends on whether you are staying only overnight or continuing on a full Annapurna or Manaslu trek. The lower valley can be warm during the day, while higher sections of the trek require proper cold-weather equipment.

Essential items include:

• Comfortable walking shoes or trekking boots with good grip for uneven and muddy trails.
• Lightweight trekking clothes for warm lower-valley conditions.
• Warm layers, including a fleece and insulated jacket for higher elevations.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers, especially during spring showers or monsoon travel.
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
• Reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder.
• Water-purification tablets or a reliable filter.
• Headlamp with spare batteries.
• Personal first-aid supplies and regular medication.
• Toiletries, hand sanitiser, and quick-drying towel.
• Power bank because charging can be limited or unreliable.
• Small amounts of Nepali cash for food, accommodation, charging, showers, and snacks.
• Trekking poles for steep, uneven, and slippery sections.

Do not pack only for the climate at Besisahar. The Annapurna Circuit reaches much higher elevations, including Thorong La, so the equipment should be selected for the coldest and most demanding parts of the complete route.

FAQs

How far is Besisahar from Kathmandu?

Besisahar is approximately 175–185 km from Kathmandu by road. The journey usually takes about 6–8 hours, but monsoon conditions, road construction, traffic, and landslides can make it longer.

How far is Besisahar from Pokhara?

Besisahar is approximately 100 km from Pokhara by road. The journey usually takes about 2–3 hours by bus or jeep.

Is there an airport in Besisahar?

No. Besisahar does not have a commercial airport. Travellers normally reach it by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara before beginning the trek.

How high is Besisahar?

Besisahar is approximately 760 metres (2,493 feet) above sea level.

Can I withdraw money in Besisahar?

Yes, you can withdraw money in Besisahar. The town has several banks and ATMs. As for the withdrawal limits and fees: Most ATMs in Besisahar allow withdrawals of about NPR 10,000–35,000 per transaction. Local banks usually charge an ATM service fee of around NPR 400–500 per withdrawal, and your home bank may add its own foreign transaction fee.