12-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu: Natural hot springs included

Walk to the foot of Annapurna I in 12 days, sleeping in mountain villages and soaking in hot springs on the way down.

A 12-day trek from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, moderate in difficulty and suited to novice and experienced trekkers alike. The route passes through rhododendron forests, terraced farmland and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, with nights in teahouses and a sunrise hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters. After reaching base camp and watching the sunset over Annapurna I, you descend through the same valleys and finish with a soak in natural hot springs before returning to Kathmandu.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

• Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
• Transfer to hotel in Thamel area
• Meet guide for trek briefing and permit
• Explore local shops or rooftop restaurant

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (820m)

• Travel to Pokhara by drive or flight
• Relax or explore lakeside cafes
• Visit vibrant night markets

Day 3: Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Ulleri (2,070m)

• Drive to Nayapul after breakfast
• Walk to Birethanti and Tikhedhunga
• Climb steep stone steps to Ulleri

Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani

• Trek uphill through rhododendron and oak forests
• Pass waterfalls and Magar villages
• Arrive in Ghorepani village

Day 5: Sunrise at Poon Hill, Trek to Tadapani

• Hike early to Poon Hill for sunrise
• Descend to Ghorepani for breakfast
• Trek through forests to Tadapani

Day 6: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m)

• Descend steeply to stream
• Climb through farmland and forests
• Reach Chhomrong village

Day 7: Trek to Himalaya (2,920m)

• Descend to river then climb to Sinuwa
• Pass Bamboo and Dovan
• Arrive at Himalaya village

Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

• Ascend past Deurali and Machapuchare BC
• Climb through alpine meadows
• Arrive at Annapurna Base Camp

Day 9: Trek down to Bamboo

• Descend via Machapuchare BC and Deurali
• Reach Bamboo forest area

Day 10: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m)

• Trek uphill to Chhomrong
• Descend steeply to Jhinu Danda
• Soak in natural hot springs

Day 11: Trek to Siwai, Drive back to Pokhara

• Trek to Siwai or Nayapul
• Drive back to Pokhara
• Enjoy lakeside dinner or massage

Day 12: Return to Kathmandu & Departure

• Fly or drive back to Kathmandu
• Transfer to airport or stay overnight

The experience

How many stone steps does it take to reach your first high-altitude village? The trek starts with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then a walk along gentle paths to Tikhedhunga, and then over 3,000 stone steps climb steeply to Ulleri at 2,070 meters, where Annapurna South comes into view. From there the route follows a well-established trail through forests and villages for the next five days, gaining altitude gradually as it passes waterfalls, Magar settlements and terraced fields. Each night you sleep in a teahouse run by local families, and each morning the peaks get closer and higher.

Poon Hill at 3,210 meters is the trek's first major viewpoint, and you reach it on day five before sunrise. The hike takes about an hour from Ghorepani, and the light hits Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machapuchare all at once. After breakfast you trek onward through forests thick with moss and birds, descending and climbing again through Chhomrong: a large Gurung village where the views of Machapuchare (the sacred Fishtail peak) stop you mid-step. The terrain shifts as you climb higher: bamboo forests give way to open alpine meadows, and the air thins noticeably. On day eight you reach Annapurna Base Camp itself, surrounded by towering peaks, and the sunset turns Annapurna I golden.

The descent retraces the same route but feels different: easier underfoot, longer in time, and a chance to notice what you missed on the way up. On day ten you reach Jhinu Danda at 1,780 meters, and the trek includes a soak in natural hot springs by the riverside: a reward after eight days of altitude. The final push takes you back to Pokhara by vehicle, then to Kathmandu by flight or overland drive. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language throughout, and children from age five are welcome on the trek.

What’s included

• Admission fees and government permits.
• all meals during the trek.
• teahouse lodging.
• a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• hotel pickup in Kathmandu.
• and WiFi access where available.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (35 to 45 years) · Senior (46 to 65 years) · Youth (18 to 34 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Everest High Pass Adventures

Is this one for you?This trek suits small groups and solo travelers who want to reach high altitude without mountaineering skills or technical climbing. The 12-day length fits a two-week vacation and spreads the altitude gain across enough days that acclimatization happens naturally. The moderate pace and teahouse format mean you walk during the day and sleep in villages rather than camps, which keeps the physical demand steady rather than extreme.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 34 years); Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get from Kathmandu to the start of the trek?

You spend your first night in Kathmandu's Thamel area after arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet your guide for a briefing, and on day two either fly (25 minutes) or drive (6–8 hours) to Pokhara. From Pokhara, a 1.5-hour drive takes you to Nayapul, where the trek begins.

What is Poon Hill and why do trekkers wake up early to see it?

Poon Hill is a viewpoint at 3,210 meters on day five of the trek. The sunrise there shows Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machapuchare all at once, and the hike from Ghorepani takes about an hour. Most trekkers start in darkness to reach the summit before the light changes.

What happens at Annapurna Base Camp itself?

Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 meters, surrounded by towering peaks. You arrive on day eight after climbing through alpine meadows, and the sunset over Annapurna I is the highlight of the trek. You spend one night there before beginning the descent the next morning.

Where do you sleep during the trek?

You sleep in teahouses run by local families in villages along the route: Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Himalaya, Machapuchare Base Camp, Bamboo, and Jhinu Danda. Teahouses provide basic but clean rooms and meals cooked on-site, and the experience is part of the trek itself.

What are the natural hot springs and when do you visit them?

Natural hot springs sit by the riverside at Jhinu Danda, a village at 1,780 meters on day ten. After descending from Annapurna Base Camp, you have the afternoon free to soak in them: a soothing reward after eight days of trekking at altitude.