How to reach the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek is the first and foremost question that may arise in your mind if you are planning for the ACT trek. In this blog, we will be talking about the different ways to reach the trail head of the Annapurna circuit by bus, jeep, the vehicle costs, time taken, and many more. Let’s break down everything in detail:
Table of Contents
By Public Bus
If you are planning to reach the starting point of the Annapurna circuit by bus, then you can do that as well. Every day in the morning, the bus departs in 5 minutes for Besisahar from Kathmandu. To get your public bus to reach the starting point, you will first need to reach the Gongabu bus park. From the Gongabu bus park, you can take a drive to Besisahar. The cost from Kathmandu to Besisahar is NPR. 1500. The distance between Kathmandu and Besisahar is 185 kilometers, which can be reached in the time frame of 7 to 8 hours, depending on the road conditions.
Why You Should Drive to Besisahar by Public Bus?
You should drive to Besisahar by public bus because public bus is affordable, and when you are driving by the pubic bus, you will feel the local experience where people will come and go. They chit-chat with you and share their stories. You will see the authentic local lifestyles on the way. You will have enough space to put your luggage. You will stop at the local Dhabas(local Restaurants) for lunch and refreshments, which enhances your local experience during the Annapurna circuit trek.
Why you should not drive to Besisahar by the Public Bus?
While you will enjoy the local experience during the drive. The public buses might be overcrowded for you if you are starting your Annapurna circuit trek during the peak seasons, like the Autumn, which is the season of the festivals in Nepal. During your drive, you might feel uncomfortable on the narrow seats, and the local people might not be able to speak English, which may increase the communication barrier. If you want to stop at some place for refreshments or want to do any kind of side visits, then the public bus might not help you do it.
By Private Vehicle
If you are reaching the Annapurna circuit trek starting point by a private vehicle, which is a Jeep or Scorpio, it would be the best option for you. The private vehicle comes to pick you up from your hotel basement, and then from there you can drive. The private vehicle takes you to Chame, which will decrease your trekking distance. The cost for the Private rented vehicle is 180 USD, which can be negotiated. You can reach your destinations in a short time, just like the public buses your private rented vehicle would not stop anywhere.
Why should you choose the Private vehicle to reach the Annapurna circuit trail head?
You should choose the private vehicle to reach the Annapurna circuit trail head because you will have a comfortable drive from Kathmandu to Chame. The private vehicle will be a 4*4 WD, which will be comfortable for you even on the off roads. You can stop your vehicle at the places you want and enjoy your time.
You can even do the side trips, for example, you are driving to the Besisahar and on the way you see the Manakamana temple in Mugling, and you can visit there with an extra cost. You can travel with your friends and family only. You will have the guide as the driver who will explain to you and everything you find curious on the way.
What are the different starting points for the Annapurna circuit trek?
As you will be trekking to the Annapurna circuit, you will have many options to reach the starting point. You will have many destinations from which you can start your trek and complete your trek. You can choose the places like;
- Besisahar (760m) – For the full classic circuit experience.
- Bhulbhule (840m) – A short drive from Besisahar, a quieter option.
- Jagat (1,300m) or Chamje (1,410m) – Chosen by trekkers who want to avoid long road sections.
- Chame (2,670m) – For those with limited time, starting directly in the Manang region.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to reach the Annapurna Circuit trek starting point?
What is the cheapest way to reach the Annapurna Circuit starting point?
The cheapest way to reach the Annapurna circuit trek starting point is by using the public bus, which can be found in the Gonga bus park, and the cost is also 1500 NPR.
Can I go directly from Kathmandu to Chame by jeep?
Yes, you can go directly from Kathmandu to Chame by jeep. The distance between Kathmandu and Chame is 248 km, which can be reached in 8 to 10 hours via Kathmandu, Dhading, Mugling, Besisahar, and Chame route.
Is it better to start the Annapurna Circuit from Besisahar or Chame?
Whether to start the Annapurna circuit trek depends on your choice. If you want to experience the authenticity, spend more time in nature, acclimate yourself to the Thorong La Pass, then the Besisahar will be better, but if you want to avoid the roads where vehicles run during the trek, and if you want to complete in short durations, then the Chame would be the better option for you to start.
Can I book buses or jeeps online in advance?
Yes, you can book the buses or jeeps online in advance with us. We provide the rented vehicles for the trekkers at an affordable price, and we also manage the public buses for the guests.
How long does it take to travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus? tra
The time taken to travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus is 8 to 10 hours, depending on the road conditions and the bus availability.
Are there shared jeeps available from Besisahar to Chame?
Yes, you will get many shared jeeps available from Besisahar to Chame, which depart every 30 minutes from Besisahar.
Is the road to Chame safe during the monsoon season?
No, the roads to Chame are not safe during the monsoon season, as the roads are off-road and the monsoon rains sweep away the roads, making them muddy, which makes it difficult for the vehicle to reach Chame.
Can I take a motorbike to the Annapurna Circuit starting point?
Yes, you can take a cycle to reach the Annapurna circuit trek starting point. Please use the motorcycles, which are adventure bikes and dirt bikes. The cruise bikes can also reach, but the sports bikes may not be able to reach
Which is more comfortable: a local bus, a microbus, or a private jeep?
A private jeep is the most comfortable way to reach the activity starting point, as during the drive, only 7 people will sit, and the jeeps have a 7-person seating capacity.
Do I need to go through Pokhara to start the Annapurna Circuit?
No, you will not need to go through Pokhara to start the Annapurna circuit. You will need to reach the Dumre, and then from Dumre you can drive to Besisahar and to Chame.
How much does a private jeep from Kathmandu to Chame cost?
The private jeep from Kathmandu to Chame costs 180 USD per vehicle, which can be divided among your fellow trekkers, friends, and families.
What are the most common starting points for the Annapurna Circuit trek?
The most common starting points for the Annapurna circuit trek are:
- Besisahar (760m)
- Bhulbhule
- Chame
Can I travel with my trekking group in a single vehicle?
Yes, you can travel in a single vehicle with your trekking group if it’s 7 people; if it’s more than that, you will need to rent a bus, which can take you to your destinations.
What are the some side trips which I can do during the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The side trips which you can do during the Annapurna circuit trek are:
- Tilicho Lake Trek
- Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek
- Pisang Peak climbing
- Gangapurna Lake Hiking
- Ponker Lake Trek
Related Blogs Topic
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Top 8 things to know before trekking in Annapurna Circuit
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Tags: act trek, annapurna circuit trek, annapurna region, annapurna trekking, circuit trek, jeep rent, vehicle rent