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Kathmandu to Besisahar
Besisahar has been an important starting point for the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is located 175 kilometers away from the capital city. Since direct flights aren’t available, the journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar is overland. It begins as you drive west out of the Kathmandu Valley. You follow the Prithvi Highway, then, after a while, the vehicle makes a north turn towards the Marsyangdi River valley from the town of Dumre. It takannaes about 6 to 9 hours to reach Besisahar in Lamjung district, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Below, we’ll discuss the different modes of travel to Besisahar from Kathmandu, the costs, and the road conditions.
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How to Get from Kathmandu to Besisahar?
To reach Besisahar from Kathmandu, you can take a public or a private vehicle. The public options are local buses, tourist buses, shared jeeps, or microbuses. Similarly, for those who want a private feel to the journey, private jeep and car options are also available. You can even hire a helicopter if you want a more luxurious feel. That said, you can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then take a drive to the Besisahar bus station.
Local Bus
- Ticket price: NPR 1,000–1,200 (approx. USD 7–9 ), paid in cash.
- Duration: 7–9+ hours
- Starting point: Gongabu or New Bus Park
- Departure time: 6:00 AM and throughout the day
Taking a local or public bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar is the most budget-friendly transport option. They are often crowded, non-air-conditioned, and slow as they make frequent stops in villages and towns along the way. The ride can feel tiring as you travel on bumpy roads for long hours. It must be tried at least once because you get to witness the genuine Nepali hospitality and daily life. However, you must keep your valuables close, as large luggage is often stored on the roof or in the trunk of the bus.
Tourist Bus
- Ticket price: NPR 1,400–2,000+ (approx. USD 10–15+).
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Starting point: Gongabu / Balaju / Kalanki Bus Park
- Departure time: 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM
Tourist buses offer a more comfortable and reliable travel experience to Besisahar. They typically feature air conditioning and designated seating per vehicle. However, note that the prices and amenities vary by company and vehicle type (deluxe, super deluxe, or sofa buses). Since it is expensive, few people travel in tourist buses. These buses do not have a designated bus station, so they can depart from anywhere around Thamel, e.g, Gongabu Bus Park. They also include planned stops for meals and restrooms. Similarly, vehicles are generally cleaner and better maintained.
Rental Jeep/Car
- Price: NPR 15,000–18,000+ (approx. USD115–140+)
- Duration: 5–7 hours
- Starting point: Your hotel or preferred address.
- Departure time: You set the time.
You can also hire a private jeep or a car for maximum comfort, flexibility, and convenience. It comes with an experienced driver for door-to-door service. So, you can be spontaneous throughout the journey and make unscheduled stops for breaks or photos. Jeeps, such as a Scorpio, are better suited for the rougher terrain beyond Besisahar, but a car is sufficient for the ride to Besisahar itself. You can book them through a travel agency or directly with a rental company in Kathmandu.
Flight to Pokhara, then an Overland journey to Besissahar
- Flight ticket price: NPR 4,400–7,000+ for Nepali citizens; USD 100+ for foreigners
- Cost for overland journey: NPR 1,200–1,500 for shared jeep, NPR 15,000–22,000+ (private vehicle)
- Duration: 25–30 minute flight; 4–5 hour drive.
- Starting Point: Kathmandu Airport
- Departure time: Choose a suitable time from multiple daily flights
If you are running short on time, the best option to reach Besisahar is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then take a private car or jeep. This method skips the long, tiring road trip and lets you enjoy a bird’s-eye view of valleys and mountains. When you land in Pokhara, a private vehicle will already be waiting to take you straight to Besisahar. Thus, the overall journey is comfortable and flexible, which makes the start of your Annapurna Circuit trek smooth and stress-free. It’s best to use a jeep because the road can get quite bumpy at times.
Note: You can also take the local bus for NPR 1,000–1,500, but it may take longer than 5 hours.
Direct Helicopter flight
- Charter (per helicopter): NPR 150,000–180,000+ per hour (USD 1,200–1,400+).
- Duration: ~1 hour.
- Starting Point: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
- Departure time: Flexible
Chartering a helicopter is by far the fastest and most convenient way to get to Besisahar. It is also the most expensive and luxurious option. On the flight, you can see spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna Range. Its only downside is that it heavily relies on weather conditions for a safe flight. You can book a charter through a travel agent or a reputable helicopter operator for fair pricing.
Distance and Cost Breakdown for Kathmandu to Besisahar Travel
To choose the perfect transportation from Kathmandu to Besisahar from the several options, you have to know about the costs. Below is a quick overview of the available transport modes along with their estimated costs.
| Mode of Transportation | Distance Covered | Duration (hrs) | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bus | ~175 km (road) | 7–9+ | NPR 1,000–1,200 (≈ 7–9 USD) |
| Tourist Bus | ~175 km (road) | 6–7 | NPR 1,400–2,000+ (≈ 10–15+ USD) |
| Shared Jeep | ~175 km (road) | 6–8 | NPR 1,500–3,000 per person (≈ 11–23 USD) |
| Private Jeep / Car Rental | ~175 km (road) | 5–7 | NPR 15,000–18,000+ per vehicle (≈ 115–140+ USD) |
| Flight from Kathmandu → Pokhara | ~150 km (air) | 0.5 | NPR 4,500 (Nepali) / 100+ USD (foreigner) |
| Overland Drive from Pokhara → Besisahar | ~108 km (road) | 4–5 | NPR 1,200–1,500 (shared) / 15,000–22,000 (private) (≈ 9–115+ USD) |
| Helicopter Charter (Direct KTM → Besisahar) | ~150 km (air) | ~1 | NPR 150,000–180,000+ per helicopter (≈ 1,200–1,400+ USD) |
Road Condition during the Ride
The journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar depends on traffic, weather, and road conditions. The route is scenic but unpredictable, combining busy highways, mountain curves, and rough stretches. Here’s what it’s like, section by section:
Kathmandu to Dumre (via Prithvi Highway)
- Distance: ~130 km
- Road Type: Mostly paved (blacktopped); part of the main Prithvi Highway connecting Kathmandu and Pokhara.
This part of the road is generally in good to moderate condition, but it can get congested near Naubise, Mugling, and Damauli. The route circles along the Trishuli River valley. You’ll see beautiful mountain scenery during sharp turns, narrow lanes, and occasional landslides during the monsoon season (June to September). The drive is smooth in some stretches but may become dusty and slow in areas with traffic or road damage. In October 2025, landslides caused significant delays on this highway after heavy rainfall.
Dumre to Besisahar (Besisahar Road)
- Distance: ~45 km
- Road Type: Mix of paved and gravel roads.
From Dumre to Besisahar, you’ll drive to Khudi. This stretch is partly paved, but the road toward Besisahar beyond this can be uneven, bumpy, and muddy after rain. Only local jeeps, buses, and construction trucks frequently use the route, so traffic is moderate. As the road climbs into hilly terrain, the path narrows and becomes dustier. Thus, this part gives an off-road feel. Like the highway, this section is also prone to landslides and mudslides during the rainy season. In October 2025, a road slip caused one-lane traffic and significant delays.
Travel Tips
- Choose a jeep or microbus over a large bus because they handle rough roads better and save you time.
- The dry months (October–November, March–May) are ideal. Roads are clearer and safer to travel.
- Always check the latest road updates from travel agencies or online forums, as conditions can change quickly.
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Which Transportation Option to Choose and Why?
There’s no single “best” way to reach Besisahar, to be honest. It all depends on how you want to start your adventure. Whether you value comfort, speed, or authentic local experiences, here’s how each option stands out.
Rental Jeep or Car
- Privacy & Comfort: Enjoy the entire vehicle to yourself, with clean seats and air conditioning.
- Hygiene & Convenience: Vehicles are well-maintained, and you can choose your departure time.
- Personalized Stopovers: Stop for photos, meals, or tea whenever you wish.
- Immersive Scenic Journey: Experience the countryside at your own pace and enjoy uninterrupted mountain views.
- Best for: Families, groups, or those who prefer flexibility and comfort.
Flight to Pokhara & Overland Drive to Besisahar
- Fastest Travel Option: Cuts the 6–9 hour road trip down to under an hour of flight time plus a short drive.
- Aerial Views: Offers spectacular panoramas of the Himalayas, valleys, and rivers.
- Smooth Start: Great for those short on time or wanting to avoid long, bumpy drives.
- Best for: Travelers seeking speed, convenience, and breathtaking mountain views.
Helicopter Charter
- Exclusive Experience: Fastest and most luxurious option with door-to-door service.
- Spectacular Views: Unmatched aerial vistas of the Annapurna range.
- Flexibility: Depart anytime, weather permitting.
- Best for: High-end travelers or those on tight schedules.
Conclusion
In short, there are many ways to travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar, depending on your time, budget, and comfort needs. Buses offer a local experience, private cars or jeeps give flexibility and comfort, and flights save time. For a fast and scenic start, a helicopter is the most luxurious option. However you travel, the journey itself is the first step into your Annapurna Region Trek. Choose your route, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the Himalayas in Nepal!
