In this guide to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, we’ll take you through our day-by-day itinerary, along with essential information on permits, budgeting, transportation, trail conditions, food, accommodation, and preparations we recommend to ensure you have the best possible experience on this incredible Nepal trek.
We set off on our 6-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a guide, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable journeys of our travels around the world. From navigating the trails to managing our own itinerary, we found that this approach gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, immerse ourselves in the local culture, and experience the beauty of the Himalayas in a truly personal way.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know before taking on one of Nepal’s most popular hikes in the heart of the Annapurna region.
By the end of this Annapurna guide, we’re confident you’ll feel fully prepared to embark on this incredible Himalayan adventure and enjoy one of the best hikes in the world.
Be sure to check out our YouTube video at the end to see exactly how our ABC hike went, giving you a first-hand look at what to expect.
Do I need a Permit for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Yes. To trek the Annapurna region, including the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, trekkers must obtain two essential permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
The ACAP permit costs NPR 3,000 (20 Euro) and is mandatory for all trekkers in the Annapurna region, while the TIMS card costs NPR 2,000 (17 Euro).
Take a look at our guide for obtaining an Annapurna trek permit in Pokhara, where you’ll find all the details on the location, costs, and the process involved.
These trekkers’ permits are required to help preserve the natural beauty of the Annapurna region and ensure your safety during your 6-day Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a Guide: 6-Day Itinerary
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a guide. This 6-day ABC trek will take you through spectacular landscapes, stunning mountain views, and yes, knee warnings as you make your way to Annapurna Base Camp for that epic sunrise.
While you’ll be taking on the Annapurna Base Camp trek without a guide, you’re never really lost – you’re just embracing the adventure!
Day 1: Jhinu Danda Suspension Bridge to Sinuwa (2,200 m)
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts at the Samrung side of the Jhinu Danda suspension bridge. There are two forms of transport to get from Pokhara to Samrung – a public bus for 120 rupees per person or a shared jeep for 1200 rupees per person. You can get information on the shared jeep option from any of the travel agents in Pokhara, and trust us they are plentiful.
Congratulations, your Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a guide has officially begun! From the very first step, it’s a thrill as you cross the huge suspension bridge towards Jhinu Danda, with breathtaking views unfolding around you.
You’ll feel that little bit of uphill and no doubt some of the steep sections will have you thinking: “I should’ve done more squats before this.”
After 4-5 hours of gentle but steady climbing, you’ll arrive at Sinuwa (2,200 m). It’s a charming spot to rest, and there’s nothing like a hearty Nepali traditional meal of dal baht for 750 rupees per person ($5) to reward yourself. You can even get a refill for free – we highly recommend doing this!
There will be a number of teahouses to choose from in each village along the Annapurna Base Camp trek, all offering pretty similar food and lodgings so you can’t really go wrong in our opinion.
A double room in the village of Sinuwa costs just 300 rupees ($2) per person – an absolute bargain. Be aware that all accommodation on this 6-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is quite basic, with shared toilet and shower facilities, and you’ll need to pay extra for hot water. But hey, you’re in the heart of the Himalayas, so it’s all part of the adventure!
All the teahouses we visited displayed food prices on their menus. However, during busy periods, we heard stories that room rates may increase, so it’s a good idea to brush up on your haggling skills!
Stretch your legs and take care of those knees – trust us, they’ll be needing some love before too long. Tomorrow is a new day, and it only gets more adventurous from here!
Day 2: Sinuwa to Himalaya (2,800 m)
Distance: 8 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 2 brings you mainly through forest, and sorry to say, up many more steps – basically, more of the fun stuff! As you make your way to Himalaya (2,800 m), you’ll notice the air getting thinner, and the views getting even better.
Every day, we left our teahouse with the plan to have breakfast in the next village – something to look forward to along the way. On this occasion, we were heading to the village of Bamboo for our morning meal. Of course, you can always choose to have breakfast at your teahouse, just be sure to order the night before so your meal is ready on time so as not to delay the start of your ABC hike.
It’s generally considered courteous to dine at the teahouse where you’re staying, so we always had our dinner at the same teahouse we slept.
There will be river crossings, waterfalls and Buddhist temples along this part of the Annapurna Base Camp route, and of course, keep an eye out for those majestic Himalayas peaking through the trees.
Check in to your chosen tea house in Himalaya and dig in to some more Dal Baht!
Day 3: Himalaya to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m)
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
Get ready to feel like you’re trekking through the pages of a Nepal travel magazine. The climb from Himalaya to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) is tough, but the views are absolutely worth it.
As you ascend, the altitude starts to make its presence known, and you’ll be feeling it, but just take your time and take regular breaks at teahouses. We are pretty sure we were 60% Dal Baht and 40% milk tea after our 6-day Annapurna Base Camp trek without a guide!
After leaving Himalaya we hiked two hours to have breakfast in Duerali offering some of the most incredible views along the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
From Deurali we hiked for another 2 hours and reached Machapuchare Base Camp, where (once again!) you’ll find yourself surrounded by the majestic Annapurna range. Note that this section of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is also known as the “Avalanche Zone,” so be sure to take your time and hike with caution.
Given our timeline, you can clearly see that we never pushed ourselves too hard and made sure we left time to take in our Annapurna surroundings. That’s the positive of the Annapurna Base Camp trek without a guide, we could take our time to rest when and where we needed.
The route to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) involves a steady uphill climb through rugged terrain, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by towering mountains. As the air gets thinner and your body works harder, remember to keep your pace slow and steady. You’ll naturally slow your pace simply from the constant awe-inspiring views around you!
Every aching step, every breathless moment, and yes, every groan from your knees is totally worth it. Take in the stunning views and enjoy a well-deserved plate of, you guessed it, dal baht before you rest up. You’ve earned it. Of course, there are other food options like spaghetti, eggs, and fried potatoes – perfect for that carb boost – but when it comes to value for money, nothing beats Nepal’s dal baht!
Our experience of eating on a budget around the world is still very much with us!
Meal prices are likely to rise as you trek higher toward Annapurna Base Camp, since the ingredients are carried up by the incredible porters. We think this small price increase is more than fair!
Luckily we didn’t experience any issues with the rising altitude during our 6-day Annapurna Base Camp trek without a guide but be sure to do your research about altitude sickness risks and how to acclimatize properly.
Just wait – the best is yet to come.
Day 4: Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) and Return to Bamboo (2,300 m)
Distance: 12 km | Duration: 6-7 hours
On Day 4, we set out early – really early. Waking up at 4 am, we ventured out under the moonlit and starry sky, surrounded by the towering Himalayas. The stillness of the morning, with only the sound of our footsteps, made for an almost surreal experience.
It was a magical hike as we made our way toward Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) for sunrise. This was definitely a “pinch-me” moment and a memory of the Annapurna Base Camp that will stay with us forever.
Check out some of our best hikes, such as Mount Longonot in Kenya, Mount Bromo in Indonesia, the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, and the famous Living Root Bridges of India.
When we finally arrived at Annapurna Base Camp for sunrise, the view was absolutely breathtaking. The sun slowly rose over the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, and all those early morning aches and tiredness faded away.
Put simply, this magical sight of the Annapurna range at sunrise was worth every step.
After a delicious breakfast, a huge pot of coffee, and time spent soaking in the views, we began our descent back to Bamboo (2,300 m). It was a long day of trekking, but it felt so much easier knowing we’d witnessed one of the best sunrises in the world.
While it might seem like downhill should be a breeze, it’s actually just as challenging on your knees – gravity has a way of reminding you of every step.
After a rocky and sometimes steep descent, you’ll finally make it to Bamboo. It’s a lovely spot to relax after a long day of descent. This was the first day we treated ourselves to a hot shower (250 rupees per person) and even a pizza – best day ever!
Day 5: Bamboo to Landruk (1,600 m)
Distance: 13 km | Duration: 6 hours
On Day 5, you’ll continue the descent to Landruk (1,600 m). The trail is a bit of a rollercoaster, with uphill and downhill sections. Just remember to take it slow and steady – your knees are still recovering from yesterday’s downhill marathon.
Many trekkers on the Annapurna route end their Annapurna Base Camp hike back at the starting point in Samrung/Jhinu Danda’s suspension bridge, but that’s not how we do things! We chose to push on past Samrung for a fresh perspective of the Annapurna Base Camp trail, and we’re so glad we did.
This detour took us through rivers, forests, and waterfalls, adding a whole new layer of enjoyment to the trek. It’s a part of the journey that you might miss out on if you stick to the standard Annapurna Base Camp trek with a guide, so we’re happy we ventured off the beaten path!
If you’d prefer the reassurance and convenience of hiking to Annapurna Base Camp with a guide, make sure to choose a trustworthy, licensed guide.
When you reach Landruk, you’ll find a comfortable teahouse waiting for you. Kick back, sip on something warm, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You’ve made it through another tough day, and now it’s time to relax (and give those knees a good stretch).
Day 6: Landruk to Kade (1,100 m)
Distance: 7 km | Duration: 3-4 hours
The final day is mostly a gentle downhill walk to Kade (1,100 m), and it should feel like a nice, easy stroll after all that altitude and steepness. Your knees will probably give you a thumbs-up (or whatever it is knees do when they’re not complaining).
We had a wonderful lunch at Australia Camp, the perfect final stop to sit back, reflect on your Annapurna journey, and take in the stunning mountain views. Now, you can even treat yourself to a cheeky, well-earned drink and celebrate your accomplishment!
Once you reach Kade, you’ll officially wrap up your Annapurna Base Camp Trek WITHOUT a Guide. You’ve trekked through stunning landscapes, reached Annapurna Base Camp, and – most importantly – made it to the end in one piece.
Pro Tip: Care for Your Knees!
Throughout the Annapurna Base Camp trek without a guide, remember that your knees are working hard, and they’ll definitely remind you when they’re tired. Use trekking poles to take some of the pressure off, pace yourself, and take plenty of breaks.
Be sure to check out our YouTube video following our 6-day Annapurna Base Camp trek so you can fully know what to expect when hiking one of Nepal’s most popular hikes.
What to pack for your Annapurna Base Camp trek without a Guide?
Since you’re tackling the Annapurna Base Camp trek without a guide, it’s important to consider any extra items you may need to pack to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure and don’t find yourself lacking anything essential.
Our Annapurna Base Camp packing list:
- Cash – Only cash is accepted in the Annapurna teahouses.
- Annapurna Base Camp trekking permits – You’ll encounter checkpoints where you’ll need to present both your permits and passport, which brings us to the next important item to pack.
- Passport – see above.
- Sweets and snacks – a great way to keep your energy and morale high during the ABC trek. It’s also a kind gesture to share some chocolates or sweets with local children you meet along the way.
- Toilet paper – you can purchase toilet paper from the teahouses at a higher cost, however, you can never have enough right?! Better to be safe than sorry.
- Battery pack – While there won’t be any phone coverage, we can guarantee that all the photos you’ll be taking will quickly drain your battery.
- Head torch – Useful for any toilet ventures in the middle of the night.
- Towel/Shower gel/soap – remember that the shared toilets are very basic, not that you would want to share a communal towel/soap!
- Warm gear – it can get pretty chilly along the Annapurna Base Camp hike once the sun sets so be sure to wrap up.
- Waterproof shoes – the forest route along the Annapurna Base Camp trek can get quite muddy and depending on the time of year there can be snow nearing the Annapurna Base Camp so best be prepared with waterproof shoes – no one wants to hike with wet feet!! We visited Nepal at the end of September and didn’t have to hike through snow during our ABC trek, but the forest trails were still wet and muddy during this time.
- Water bottle filter – to save money on having to purchase water along your Annapurna Base Camp trek, consider purchasing a water bottle filter. Something we feel is a smart travel investment in general.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a Guide: Summary and Total Cost
A key question to consider is: how much will the Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a guide actually cost you?
Since payments during your Annapurna Base Camp hike are only accepted in cash, it’s important to have an idea of the costs and how much money you’ll need to carry. To help with your preparation, we’ve compiled a list of potential extra fees you might encounter.
- ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) 3000 rupees/€20. Apply in Pokhara’s ACAP Office.
- We started our independent trek to Annapurna Base Camp at Samrung. A local bus from Pokhara to Samrung is approximately 120 rupees per person, whereas a shared jeep will cost 1200 rupees each.
- We finished our Annapurna Base Camp hike in Kade. From there, a local bus to Pokhara costs around 120 rupees per person, while a shared jeep will set you back about 1200 rupees each. Once you arrive in Kade, locals will likely offer transportation options or direct you to the bus stop for the local bus.
- Accommodation in the teahouses from 300 PP/€2
- Nepal’s traditional dish – Dal Baaht from 750 PP/€5 *with a free refill
- Filtered water from 120 rupees /80 cent per litre.
- Hot shower from 200 PP/€1.40
- Charging station from 200 PP/€1.40
- Wifi from 300/€2
- Prices increase the higher you go along the Annapurna Base Camp route
- It is possible to hire a guide and/or porter, however the track is well signposted so it is possible to hike Annapurna Base Camp independently.
- Our total cost of hiking Annapurna Base Camp without a guide was €163 for 6 days/5 nights, that is €13.50PP per day – food, accommodation and water *Permit costs not included.
Take your time when hiking to Annapurna Base Camp. Stop often for milk tea and a snack. Breathe and take in where you are – in the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas, that is pretty awesome.
Enjoy your Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a Guide
Tackling the Annapurna Base Camp Trek without a guide was one of our most unforgettable travel experiences, and we couldn’t recommend it more. Words can’t fully capture the stunning natural beauty of Nepal’s most popular trek.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on our budget and Annapurna itinerary! If you’re planning to visit Nepal, let us know how your hike in the Annapurna region goes, and if you’ve noticed any changes in the process since our visit. Your feedback helps us keep providing the best and most up-to-date information for fellow trekkers in Nepal.
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
