Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar – Start of the Annapurna Circuit

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At 7 a.m. the alarm woke me up after a restless night full of barking street dogs in Kathmandu. Sleepy but excited, we carried our backpacks and walked to the “New Buspark.” Thanks to the clear directions from our hostel owners, the 40-minute walk through dusty streets felt almost like a morning workout. We arrived just in time to catch our bus.

Buying a ticket for the local bus to Besisahar was easy. Soon we were sitting inside one of those slightly unstable but beautifully painted buses. The colorful decorations are typical in Nepal and make the ride itself part of the experience.

In Nepal, a bus ride is never just transport – it is part of the adventure, full of color, chaos and surprises.

Leaving the chaos of Kathmandu behind, we faced 137 km to Besisahar. In Western countries that would be a 1.5-hour trip. But in Nepal, the roads are bumpy and slow, turning it into a 6.5-hour journey. The bus was packed, and even a goat joined the ride – an unforgettable sight.

First Taste of Nepali Street Food: Jackpot

Halfway through the trip we stopped in a small village and discovered our first authentic Nepali street food. A boy prepared a snack called “Jackpot” at his bicycle stall, serving it in old newspaper with a spoon cut from a cigarette pack. For only 20 NPR (about 20 cents), we enjoyed a fresh, tangy salad that was both simple and delicious – a true must-try in Nepal.

Arrival in Besisahar – Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit

By late afternoon we finally reached Besisahar. At the checkpoint we registered for the Annapurna Circuit trek and then took a refreshing cold shower in a small guesthouse nearby.

Besisahar is the classic starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. Taking a Jeep to Chame saves time, but you will miss stunning views on the first stretch.

Hungry from the long ride, we went searching for dinner and quickly found a small eatery serving freshly steamed Momos with a simple veggie soup. Momos are the famous Nepali dumplings you can eat any time of day – tasty, filling and everywhere in Nepal.

After dinner we went straight to bed, ready to start trekking the next morning. Our plan: set off early and enjoy the first stage of the Annapurna Circuit.

Next post: Annapurna Circuit: Besisahar to Bahundanda (Nepal 3)