Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in Nepal - Guide
Why the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Delivers Unforgettable Himalayan Magic in a Compact AdventureImagine stepping into a breathtaking glacial amphitheate...
Have you already begun your planning for the Annapurna Circuit Trek? Are you looking for an economical way to reach the Annapurna Circuit trek starting point, Besisahar? Traveling by bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar is the most preferred and cost-effective transport mode for the majority of the trekkers.
Also the scenic driving routes pass through the riverside and mountains, providing a feast for your eyes throughout the ride. Therefore you will reach Besisahar at an altitude of 820m (2,690ft) fresh and ready for your trek.
| Bus Type | Price Per person ( USD ) | Price In NPR | Duration | Comfort level |
|---|---|---|
| Local Public Bus | 8-12 | 1,000-1,500 | 7-9 hours | Basic |
| Tourist Deluxe Bus | 10-15 | 1,300-2,000 | 6-8 hours | Good |
| Semi-Luxury/ AC Bus | 12-18 | 1,500-2,300 | 6-7 hours | Better |
| Private Jeep / Van/ Car | 110-160(per vehicle) | N/A | 5-7 hours | Best |
Bus Choices available :
Things to keep in mind :
Furthermore tourist bus will give you more convenience and guarantee. So most foreign trekkers will choose them. Nevertheless you must pre book tickets a day prior during peak seasons to avoid the chaos at the bus station.
Actually, the road distance from Kathmandu to Besisahar is roughly 170 km; therefore it's still going to be scenic yet a bit tiring. Hence it's advisable to carry water, wear comfortable outfits, carry snacks and medicines for motion sickness.
Note: Take care of your personal stuffs and belongings during the drive.
The best advice, Therefore, investing $10-15 on a comfortable tourist bus trip would be value for money and a well-suited mode to reach Besisahar from Kathmandu.
So, have you kicked off the planning of your Annapurna Circuit Trek and want precise transportation costs from Kathmandu to the starting point of the trek? Travel by bus is the most preferred choice of most trekkers, for it is the cheapest.
On the contrary, depending on the types of bus; the prices of traveling by the former one do differ. Thus, you can select the appropriate one based on your budget.
| Bus type | Fare per person (USD) | Fare in NPR | Duration | Comfort level |
|---|---|---|
| Local / Public bus | 8 - 12 | 1000 - 1500 | 7-9 hours | Basic |
| Tourist deluxe bus | 10 - 15 | 1300 - 2000 | 6-8 hours | Good |
| Sofa / AC bus | 12 - 18 | 1500 - 2300 | 6-7 hours | Better |
| Private Jeep / Van | 110 - 160 (for the vehicle) | - | 5-7 hours | Best |
Departure time from Kathmandu :
Final Recommendation,
Therefore, I recommend the Tourist deluxe bus over others since it provides the perfect balance of comfort and price. A traveler should budget for USD 10 to 15 per person for a ticket and expect to arrive at Besisahar at an altitude of 820 meters (2,690 feet).
Have you ever thought about the distance and the duration of reaching Besisahar from Kathmandu? Actually, knowledge of these facts could lead to proper planning of your trekking day more efficiently.
Moreover, you cannot alter the distance, whereas the duration of travel does depend on the means you choose to travel with. Hence, meticulous planning could avoid rushing.
| Mode of transport | Distance | Average duration | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus | 170-180 km | 6-8 hours | Highly recommended for trekkers. |
| Local Public bus | 170-180 km | 7-9+ hours | Less expensive and time consuming. |
| Private Jeep | 170-180 km | 5-7 hours | Best mode for comfort and speedy travel. |
Route Highlight,
On the other hand, the ride along the Prithvi highway offers beautiful views of rivers and green hills. Therefore, one could enjoy these views but on the downside the road consists of numerous sharp bends.
Practical Recommendation :
Final Recommendation
In conclusion, one can expect the duration to be around 6 to 8 hours to cover a distance of 170 to 180 kilometers by tourist bus. Once at Besisahar, you are all prepared to begin your adventure along the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Ever wondered what is the exact road you will be driving on from Kathmandu till the starting point of your Annapurna Circuit trek, Besisahar? What more the route you travel along is one of the most scenic highway routes of Nepal.
What else you get to witness during this journey is you travel on the Prithvi highway and then take a turn to Marsyangdi river valley. Because of which the views along the way are always of hills, rivers and villages.
Key breakdown of the main bus route :
| Section | Distance | Main Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Mugling | Approximately 110 km | Trishuli River, green hills |
| Mugling to Dumre | Approximately 30 km | Highway junction |
| Dumre to Besisahar | Approximately 30-40 km | Marsyangdi River, rural villages |
| Total Distance | 170-180 km | - - |
Final note,
Additionally, this route from Kathmandu to Besisahar is easily accessible via road and you get to reach Besisahar (altitude of 820m / 2,690 ft) comfortably. Nevertheless, the final stretch of Dumre to Besisahar gets narrow and more winding.
Are you seeking for an appropriate travel option for your journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar before starting your Annapurna circuit trek? Many of the travel options are available for you to chose from depending on your need and budget.
Meanwhile, the best part is you get to chose from the public transports and the private vehicles to match your preferences and group size.
| Transport Type | Price per Person (USD) | Travel duration | Appropriate For | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Local public bus | 8 - 12 | 7 - 9 hours | Budget travelers | Basic. |
| Tourist deluxe bus | 10 - 15 | 6 - 8 hours | Most trekkers | Good. |
| Sofa/ AC luxury bus | 12 - 18 | 6 - 7 hours | Comfort seekers | Very good. |
| Private jeep/ van | 110 - 160 (per vehicle) | 5 - 7 hours | Group of people, families | Highest. |
| Taxi/ private car | 90 - 130 (per vehicle) | 6 - 8 hours | Small group of people | High. |
Best Features of Transport Option :
Departure Point,
Additionally, almost all the buses for Besisahar from Kathmandu leaves from Gongabu (New Bus Park). Thus, morning departures are highly recommended as it is better to reach your destination when you have enough light.
Conclusion,
To sum up, the tourist deluxe bus seems to be the best option among the lot for solo and small groups of people considering the prices and the comfort offered. If your group has four people or more, hiring a private jeep may be a convenient and a pocket-friendly option.
Would you prefer a comfortable, flexible trip to Besisahar from Kathmandu by hiring a private car? Also, private cars offer adoor-to-door journey, giving you freedom to make stops for photos and breaks at your own pace.
More importantly, these vehicles are best suited for small groups or couples who desire a smooth journey, providing privacy and convenience over public buses.
| Type of Car | Cost (in USD) | Maximum Passengers | Travel Time | Comments. |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Toyota Corolla | 90 - 120 | 3 - 4 persons | 6-8 hours | Suitable for small groups. |
| SUV / Scorpio | 100 - 140 | 4 - 5 persons | 6-7 hours | Better road clearance |
| Premium SUV | 130 - 170 | 4 persons | 5-7 hours | Best comfort level |
Additional Notes,
In addition, the drivers, fuel and car are generally covered by the fare and you need not worry about extra expenses. However, depending on the stay, you may be required to bear costs for food and lodging of the driver.
Are you heading to Besisahar with your travel group and need a reliable vehicle for mountainous terrains? A private jeep, as these roads can be treacherous, are the most common choices among trekkers since they navigate twists and turns better than other cars.
In addition, these vehicles have a higher ground clearance, along with more space for passengers and cargo. It is perfect for trekkers planning to go to the Annapurna Circuit with luggage and trekking equipment.
| Type of Jeep | Cost (in USD) | Maximum Passengers | Travel Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Shared/Private Bolero Jeep | 110 - 150 | 6 - 7 persons | 5 - 7 hours | Most common choice. |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep | 160 - 220 | 6 - 7 persons | 5 - 6 hours | Most comfortable |
| Full Private Jeep | 130 - 180 (average) | up to 7 people | 5 - 7 hours |Door-to-door service |
Points to Remember
Apart from this, a private jeep is more expensive than a bus but it is more convenient for a group. So you can split it among 5-6 people and the cost per head can turn out to be very cheap. However, always check before booking if fuel charges and driver fees are included in the price.
Which Option to Choose?
Here, take a private car if your group consists of only 2-4 people and you want more luxury; otherwise, choose a private jeep if it's for a large group or a mountainous road where you need robust driving. Both services directly take you to Besisahar at an altitude of 820m (2,690ft), and most depart in the early morning. Book in advance to secure the best vehicles and drivers.
Have you wondered if the bus will make stops during the journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar? I’m also wondering this, as well as if there are any rest stops. Luckily for you almost all the buses do stop at different points throughout the journey. These are to let passengers relax, use washrooms, eat and have a refreshing break. You have no need to worry about sitting for a 6-9 hour period.
Below are the normal bus stops on the route:
| Bus Stops | Duration | Reason / Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Mugling | 30 - 45 minutes | Meal (dal bhat) / Yes |
| Dumre | 10-20 minutes | Toilet, tea, snack / Yes |
| Random short stops | 5-10 minutes | Quick break / As needed |
Actually, it’s good to know that the tourist buses are much more organized then local buses, but tourist buses will make the same stops as above, as the stops are intended to let passengers have a meal and relax. Also, it is a good idea to take some snacks with you just in case there are delays and of course take something to drink !
Are you worried about the traffic jams when going from Kathmandu to Besisahar on your Annapurna Circuit Trek? Traffic varies from day to day and time to time, but yes traffic jams do occur. Prithvi Highway is known as one of the biggest and the busiest highways in Nepal and therefore the traffic will be medium to heavy on sections of it.
| Traffic Time/Season | Traffic Level Notes |
|---|---|
| Morning (6 AM - 10 AM) Light-Medium | This is generally considered the best time to travel. |
| Daytime (10 AM-4PM) Medium-Heavy | During these hours many trucks, local and tourist buses will be active on the road. |
| Peak season (Mar-May & Sept-Nov) Heavy, the influx of tourists makes the road busy | Road maintenance is more common in these seasons too. |
During Rainy Season(Jun-Aug): May cause huge traffic due to heavy rain and landslides ( between Naubise to Mugling and Aanbook Khaireni)
Actually, weekends & public holidays Heavy Road busy due to the local population taking trips, and trekkers getting away.
Specific busy points:
Leaving the morning will mean less traffic. Experienced trekkers would recommend leaving in the morning, as this will mean arriving at Besisahar quicker and earlier. However, delays can occur at peak seasons and also during periods of road repairs.
Therefore the traffic is a factor you do need to consider but it shouldn't effect your plans. As mentioned previously, taking a tourist bus can help provide a more comfortable journey even with the traffic as they are more organized in their trip than local buses. Make sure to leave in the morning. You will arrive at Besisahar (820 meters / 2,690 feet) earlier with less traffic on the roads and be able to commence your trek sooner, if you are eager ! Safe Travels !
Have you been wondering whether the road to Besisahar is the same as the famous road to Pokhara? Well, yes and no! More specifically, partly yes.
To begin with, the road to both destinations uses the same Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu. Hence, you travel with Pokhara-bound vehicles for a substantial duration.
| Route | Common Section | Divergence Point | Total Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | Kathmandu Mugling Dumre | Continues west | 220 km |
| Kathmandu to Besisahar | Kathmandu Mugling Dumre | Turns north at Dumre | 170-180 km |
Key Highlights :
Final Answer,
Actually, the route is the same until Dumre, after which it diverges. The first 130-140 km are, thus, identical to the Kathmandu-Pokhara road.
If you are curious about how much the route to Besisahar compares with the route to Chitwan and want to know whether they share any segments then the answer is yes up to Mugling.
Not only are the routes the same, but they both share the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Mugling. This means you will traverse the exact same road for almost the first half of your journey.
| Route segment | Kathmandu to Besisahar | Kathmandu to Chitwan | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Naubise | Same | Same | Identical |
| Naubise to Mugling | Same | Same | Identical |
| Mugling onwards | Diverges North (toward Dumre Besisahar) | Diverges South (toward Narayanghat) | Diverged |
| Total distance shared | Until Mugling (~130km) | Until Mugling (~130km) | - |
Points to note :
For Besisahar, vehicles take a turn toward the north to Dumre from Mugling and toward the Marsyangdi River while for Chitwan the turn is made south to Narayanghat leading to the Terai planes.
Conclusion,
So, the route is same until Mugling. Post that the route splits in different directions, therefore first 4-5 hours of the journey are same for both.
Tip of the day,
If you are taking the Annapurna circuit trek, you will likely take a jeep or a bus toward the mountains after an initial scenic route over the Prithvi Highway to Mugling. The shared portion between Kathmandu to Chitwan and Besisahar is up to the district border at Mugling.
Have you already planned for Annapurna circuit trekking and now wondering how to book the bus tickets from Kathmandu to Besisahar? It's so easy and there are various methods through which you can easily book bus tickets.
Here, you can either book online or offline. Thus, you can choose your preferred method for booking bus tickets from Kathmandu to Besisahar.
Methods to book bus tickets :
Tips to book bus tickets,
You must book tickets at least one day before during the peak seasons of trekking i.e., March-May and September-November.
Early morning buses i.e., between 6 AM to 8 AM are recommended.
Can book night bus tickets as well,
You must make reservations well in advance as tourist deluxe bus tickets are sold off rapidly.
Are you wishing to make your travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar stress free and with a guaranteed and hassle free service? Thus, booking your bus ticket through Haven Holidays Pvt. Ltd. Will help you obtain such a benefit.
Actually, it has several advantages to booking bus tickets through us. If you book through us, all the services and necessary arrangements will be handled so that you only need to take care of your trek.
Reasons to Book bus tickets with us :
Why do trekkers prefer Haven Holidays for booking bus tickets?
Meanwhile, the professional staff are well-aware of best bus operators and timely schedules. Thus, long queues and other last-minute problems at the bus park will be avoided and you will reach Besisahar at 820 m (2,690 ft).
Have you already planned everything for your bus ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar? Follow these Pro Tips to make your ride as comfortable and exciting as possible.
In fact, these useful tips and suggestions for a long journey of 6-8 hours with winding roads would surely come to help in making the ride a memorable one.
Pro Tips :
Things to carry for bus trip :
Summary of travel,
Thus, the best suggestion is to take a morning bus, reach the bus station 30 minutes earlier and sit back relaxed as you witness the awesome scenery along the way to Besisahar. Happy Travels !
Krishna Thapa
Blogger and Trek Planner
Haven Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
Whatsapp-977-9851014429
[email protected]
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