Annapurna Base Camp Trek, 12 Days: We Meet You at Arrival
Most trek listings only cover the trekking part. You land in Kathmandu, and suddenly you're on your own figuring out a hotel, a transfer, what to do with the day before the trek actually starts. This one doesn't leave that gap. From the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport to the moment you're dropped back there twelve days later, every part of the trip is arranged, not just the walking.
Day one is airport pickup, a hotel in Kathmandu, and a proper briefing with your guide so you know exactly what the next eleven days look like before you've even left the city. Day two is a scenic drive to Pokhara, then from day three the actual trek begins, Nayapul into the hills, up the stone steps to Ghorepani, sunrise from Poon Hill over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, then deeper into Gurung country toward Chhomrong and into the Annapurna Sanctuary itself.
By day eight you're standing at Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130m, ringed by Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. The way down retraces through Bamboo and Jhinu Danda, with a hot springs stop if your legs want it, before the drive back to Pokhara and the return bus to Kathmandu on day twelve.
A licensed guide is with you the entire twelve days, not just the trekking stretch, and hotel accommodation in both Kathmandu and Pokhara is already sorted before you land. Free date change if your travel plans shift.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 01 — Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Airport pickup, hotel transfer, trek briefing.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 02 — Kathmandu → Pokhara (820 m)
Scenic tourist bus drive.
Drive: 6–7 hrs | Overnight: Pokhara
Day 03 — Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga (1,540 m)
Drive to Nayapul and begin trekking through villages and farmland terraces.
Walk: 3–4 hrs | Overnight: Tikhedhunga
Day 04 — Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani (2,860 m)
Climb the Ulleri stone steps through rhododendron forests.
Walk: 5–6 hrs | Overnight: Ghorepani
Day 05 — Poon Hill Sunrise → Tadapani (2,630 m)
Early hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views, then trek to Tadapani.
Walk: 6–7 hrs | Overnight: Tadapani
Day 06 — Tadapani → Chhomrong (2,170 m)
Descend through forest trails and Gurung villages.
Walk: 5–6 hrs | Overnight: Chhomrong
Day 07 — Chhomrong → Deurali (3,230 m)
Enter the Annapurna Sanctuary via bamboo forests and river valleys.
Walk: 6–7 hrs | Overnight: Deurali
Day 08 — Deurali → MBC → ABC (4,130 m)
Ascend to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
Walk: 5–6 hrs | Overnight: ABC
Day 09 — ABC → Bamboo (2,310 m)
Descend through the sanctuary valley.
Walk: 6–7 hrs | Overnight: Bamboo
Day 10 — Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (1,780 m)
Forest descent with optional hot springs visit.
Walk: 5–6 hrs | Overnight: Jhinu
Day 11 — Jhinu Bridge → Drive to Pokhara
Short trek then drive to Pokhara.
Walk: 45 min | Drive: ~3 hrs | Overnight: Pokhara
Day 12 — Pokhara → Kathmandu
Tourist bus return to Kathmandu.
Drive: 6–7 hrs | Trip ends