ABC Trek with Guide Only

A guide-only trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) lets experienced trekkers hire a licensed guide without booking a full package. booking a full package. The guide handles navigation, safety, and local insight while you maintain independence. This approach complies with Nepal’s regulations. Includes an 8-day itinerary, guide hiring costs for 2026/2027, permit requirements, best seasons, and a guide-only vs full-package comparison

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration8 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude4130 meters
  • Starts/EndsNayapul/Jhinu
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax
  • Best SeasonSpring & Autumn
Highlights
  • Trek to ABC with an Experienced Trekking Guide 
  • Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 meters with a Trekking Guide 
  • Get cultural and geographical insights of Annapurna Base Camp from an experienced trekking guide. 
  • Hire an experienced Trekking Guide for the ABC Trek from Mountain Eco Trails 

ABC Trek with Guide Only refers to trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with the support of a professional Trekking Guide Only.

In this trip, you hire a licensed trekking guide to accompany you, while you independently pay for your meals and accommodation on the trek. It’s a popular choice for experienced trekkers who prefer flexibility during the trek.

By choosing a guide-only trek, you still benefit from the guide’s expertise in navigation, safety, and local knowledge. Importantly, as of 2023, Nepal requires foreign trekkers in major regions (including Annapurna) to trek with a guide. This means an ABC trek with a guide only enhances your experience and ensures you comply with the latest regulations.

The trek takes you to 4130 meters with the help of a professional trekking guide. With moderate difficulty, this trek can be done within 8-10 days with an experienced trekking guide. Book your trek to ABC with a guide from Mountain Eco Trails today. 

What Is the ABC Trek with Guide Only?

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek with a guide only is a trekking style where you hire a licensed trekking guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. You will have an expert guide by your side until you complete the trek to ABC. You pay for your own meals and lodging along the way, giving you more control over your budget and choices. The guide’s role is to lead you safely to Annapurna Base Camp, help with route finding, handle permit checks, and provide valuable insights about the local area.

Why Choose a Guide-Only Trek to Annapurna Base Camp?

Choosing a guide-only trek to Annapurna Base Camp offers several distinct advantages for seasoned trekkers:

  • Having a knowledgeable guide significantly enhances your trek’s safety.
  • Trekking with a local guide allows you to connect more deeply with the culture and environment.
  • Unlike a fixed group itinerary, a guide-only trek gives you flexibility. You can discuss and tailor the day-to-day plan with your guide.
  • Cost Savings: Going guide-only is generally more budget-friendly than a full package trek.
  • A guide-only trek satisfies the legal requirement of having a guide, without forcing you into a big group tour.

In essence, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with a guide only strikes a great balance – you gain the security, knowledge, and convenience of a professional guide, while retaining the freedom and authenticity of trekking on your own terms.

ABC Trek Itinerary with Guide Only

When doing the ABC trek with a guide only, the itinerary can be more flexible than a fixed group tour. However, it will generally follow the classic route to Annapurna Sanctuary. Below is a standard 8-day itinerary (starting and ending in Pokhara) often used for a guide-only trek. Each day’s route, approximate altitude, and trekking time are outlined:

ABC Trek 8-Day Guide-Only Itinerary:

Day

Route

Destination Altitude

Trekking Time

Day 1

Pokhara (820 m) drive to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk

1,940 m

1.5 hr drive, 4–5 hrs trek

Day 2

Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong

2,170 m

5–6 hrs trek

Day 3

Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan

2,505 m

6–7 hrs trek

Day 4

Trek from Dovan to Deurali

3,200 m

4–5 hrs trek

Day 5

Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

4,130 m

5–6 hrs trek

Day 6

Return trek from ABC down to Bamboo

2,310 m

6–8 hrs trek (descent)

Day 7

Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)

1,780 m

5–6 hrs trek

Day 8

Jhinu Danda – Cross the river and drive back to Pokhara by shared jeep

820 m (Pokhara)

3–4 hrs drive

Notes on the Itinerary: This 8-day schedule is a common plan for trekkers starting in Pokhara (which lies roughly 820 m above sea level). It covers the journey from the roadhead up to ABC and back down to a road access point:

ABC Trek Guide Only Costs for 2026, 2027

One of the key reasons trekkers opt for a guide-only trek is to have control over their budget. By paying only for a guide and handling other expenses yourself, you can often trek to Annapurna Base Camp at a lower cost than a fully packaged tour. Let’s break down the typical cost components for an ABC guide-only trek, and then discuss expected costs in 2026 and 2027.

The cost of the guide from Mountain Eco Trails for the ABC Trek Guide Only ranges from USD 30-35 per day. It covers the salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance of the guide. However, the transportation of the guide from Pokhara to Naya Pul and Jhinu to Pokhara has to be covered by the trekkers. 

Note: Check out Annapurna Base Camp Trek for the full package details. 

Why Book ABC Trek with Guide Only Through Mountain Eco Trails?

While it’s possible to hire a freelance guide on the spot in Pokhara, there are significant benefits to booking your ABC guide-only trek through an established trekking agency like Mountain Eco Trails. Here’s why Mountain Eco Trails stands out and how they add value to a guide-only trekking experience:

  • Mountain Eco Trails provides government-certified, licensed trekking guides who have extensive experience on the Annapurna Base Camp route.
  • Handling of Logistics and Permits by the guide himself along the way.
  • Quality and Reliability: Trekking in remote areas comes with unpredictability. Having a company’s support provides an extra safety net. Mountain Eco Trails has been organising ABC treks for years
  • Flexible Itineraries & Customisation: Mountain Eco Trails is known for flexible and tailored itineraries.
  • When you book a guide-only trek through Mountain Eco Trails, they’ll clearly outline what’s included in the fee (guide’s salary, guide’s meals, permits, transport, etc.)
  • Support Local Communities Sustainably

(Interested trekkers can contact Mountain Eco Trails via their website or WhatsApp at +9779849790153; we accommodate both bookings and last-minute arrangements.)

Itinerary

Your adventure begins in Pokhara, where you meet your guide (if you haven’t already) and drive to the trailhead. At Nayapul, there’s an ACAP checkpoint where your guide will register your permits.

From Nayapul, you start walking on a gravel road/trail. You might pass through Birethanti (1,025 m), a village by the Modi River, where there is another checkpost. The trail then follows the Modi Khola upstream. Early on, you’ll see terraced rice fields, small hamlets and perhaps mule caravans (donkeys carrying supplies) on the path. The initial segment is relatively gentle.

The ascent is mostly on well-maintained stone steps and paths. It’s a good workout for the legs, but you can take breaks at small tea shops. Arrive at Ghandruk for an Overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude:2012 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Lunch and Dinner

Wake up early to catch the sunrise on Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. From Ghandruk’s viewpoint, the morning light gradually paints the peaks gold – a breathtaking start to the day. After breakfast, you’ll set off for Chommrong.

Today’s trek involves a mix of downhills and uphills. The trail drops down to the Kimrong Khola through a forested hillside. At the bottom, you cross a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. Now the challenging part – the climb up to Chommrong. It’s a long uphill stretch. The trail zigzags up the ridge through terraced fields and sparse villages like Taulung. Overnight stay at Chommrong.

  • Max Altitude:2170 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up in Chommrong to another stunning mountain view. After breakfast, you’ll start the trek down and then up again. Today, you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary valley proper, leaving behind the more populated villages.

Immediately, you tackle the steep stone steps down from Chommrong. Yesterday’s finish becomes today’s start – you descend roughly 150–200 m of elevation on stone stairs to reach the Chommrong Khola river.

On the other side of the river begins an ascent. You’ll climb up through lush forest to reach Sinuwa. Beyond Sinuwa, the trail enters a beautiful oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forest. Continue the trek to Dovan for an Overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude:2505 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up in the deep gorge of Dovan. After a simple breakfast, you continue the journey northward towards the sacred heart of the Sanctuary.

Leaving Dovan, the trail enters a thick forest of bamboo and rhododendron. The path at first is fairly gentle and takes you to the Himalaya. Beyond the Himalaya, as you head towards Deurali, you will pass the famous Hinku Cave.

After Hinku Cave, the forest starts giving way to more alpine scrub and grass. The valley broadens slightly, and the Modi Khola, far below, is now more of a white ribbon with muffled thunder echoing up. You’re approaching Deurali for an Overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude:3200 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You wake up in Deurali knowing that today you will stand at Annapurna Base Camp! The guide will likely suggest an early start. The first target is Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700 m. As you climb, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak starts to dominate the view behind you. After resting at MBC for a while, you’ll continue to Annapurna Base Camp.

The trail from MBC to ABC is about 430 m ascent, and likely takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The path winds up a broad moraine. The panorama just keeps getting better: to your left (west) the massive wall of Annapurna I (8,091 m) starts to be visible; to your right, Machhapuchhre looms close, and behind you the valley stretches out.

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Annapurna Base Camp!

  • Max Altitude:4130 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp: This is a must-see. Your guide will likely wake you before dawn. Step outside in the pre-dawn twilight – it will be cold (possibly -5°C to -10°C pre-sun). But as the first rays of sun hit the peaks, you’ll witness the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna Sanctuary.

You’ll have breakfast at ABC after sunrise.

The plan today is to trek down to Bamboo (2,310 m). That’s a significant descent (about 1,820 m drop) and distance (16+ km), so it will be a long day but mostly downhill or flat. You’ll basically retrace your steps: ABC -> MBC -> Deurali -> Himalaya -> Dovan -> Bamboo for an Overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude:2310 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:8-9 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes you from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), famous for its hot springs. The distance isn’t very long, but there are a couple of ascents along the way (it’s not all downhill, unfortunately!). From Bamboo, pass through several villages like Sinuwa and Chommrong to arrive at Jhinu Danda.

  • Max Altitude:1780 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up in Jhinu Danda to the sound of the river down below and birds chirping. Enjoy your final trek breakfast with a view of the hills. By now, your legs might be a bit stiff, but no significant trekking awaits – mainly transportation. There is still a short hike to the jeep pickup point, but nothing like the previous days. But first, if you want, you can visit the Natural Hot Spring and then trek to the Jeep station. Your guide will help you get into the Jeep to drive back to Pokhara.

We hope our guide from Mountain Eco Trails made your trek memorable.

    • Well-balanced itinerary designed for proper acclimatisation, scenic highlights, and a comfortable trekking pace
    • Fully flexible and customisable to suit your fitness level, interests, and schedule
    • Option to extend or shorten the trek based on available time
    • Adjustable daily walking hours, rest days, and difficulty level
    • Freedom to add side trips, cultural experiences, or scenic viewpoints
    • Can be tailored for photography, nature, culture, or spiritual focus
    • Contact us anytime to create a personalised trekking itinerary that fits your goals
    Cost Includes
    • Experienced and English-speaking Trekking Guide 
    • Salary, meals, accommodation, & insurance of the guide. 
    • Arrangement of the Permit Card for the Trek 
    • Rescue arrangement if needed 
    • Complimentary farewell dinner after the trek with the team official 
    • First Aid Kit carried by the guide 
    • Government Tax and service charge 
    Cost Excludes
    • Personal expenses during the trek: Wi-Fi, Hot Shower, Laundry, etc. 
    • Meals, drinks, and accommodation during the trek. 
    • Rescue evacuation cost and medical bills. 
    • Required Transportation cost for the guide and trekkers. 
    • Tips to guide 
    Availability
    • Flexible departure dates for all trekking and tour packages
    • Customized schedules to match your travel plan
    • Private and group departures available
    • Seasonal advice for the best trekking conditions
    • Short-notice and last-minute departures possible
    • Share your preferred dates, and we’ll handle the rest
    Select a Departure Month
    Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
    Start DateStarts: SundayJan 18, 2026End DateEnds: SundayJan 25, 2026PricePriceUS$380StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStarts: SundayJan 25, 2026End DateEnds: SundayFeb 01, 2026PricePriceUS$380StatusStatusAvailable
    Good to Know

    Best Season for ABC Trek with Guide

    Choosing the best season is crucial for a successful Annapurna Base Camp trek. The Annapurna region has distinct trekking seasons, and as an independent trekker with a guide, you’ll want to aim for times with good weather and open trails.

    The best seasons for an Annapurna Base Camp trek with a guide are Autumn (Oct-Nov) and Spring (Apr-May) for the best combination of weather and views.

    If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind cold, early Winter (Dec) is also feasible (with caution in deep winter).

    Monsoon season trekking is only for the adventurous who can tolerate rain and leeches – but even then, a guide is strongly recommended to navigate weather challenges. Whenever you go, your guide will help ensure you have a safe trek, but picking the right season will greatly enhance your overall experience of the ABC trek.

    (Tip: Always check weather forecasts and consult with your guide before heading up to Base Camp, especially in the fringe seasons. Conditions can change, and sometimes waiting a day at Deurali or Chhomrong for better weather is worth it.)

    Can Beginners Do the ABC Trek with a Guide Only?

    Yes, beginners can absolutely do the Annapurna Base Camp trek with a guide only – provided they have a reasonable level of fitness and preparation. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered a moderate trek and is often recommended as a great first Himalayan trek.

    Mountain Eco Trails notes that even a 10-day ABC trek is moderate enough that “any beginner with reasonable fitness can do this trek”.

    Many beginners have successfully reached ABC without severe altitude issues. A guide will ensure you follow proper acclimatisation practices.

    The daily walking duration on the ABC trek is usually 5–7 hours, which is challenging but feasible for beginners.

    Beginners can certainly undertake the ABC trek with just a guide. In fact, doing it with a guide can be a perfect introduction to trekking – you get support and knowledge. The key is to listen to your guide’s advice, go at your own pace, and come with a positive mindset.

    Permits Required for the ABC Trek with a Guide

    To trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you must obtain certain permits, even if you are trekking with a guide. Our guide from Mountain Eco Trails will help you in getting the permit card for this trek. The permit requirements for the ABC trek are:

    Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The ACAP costs NPR 3,000 (around USD $25) per person for foreign nationals. For SAARC country citizens, the fee is NPR 1,000.

    Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Historically, independent trekkers needed a TIMS card (blue for solo, green for group treks), which cost around NPR 2,000 for solo trekkers and NPR 1,000 if trekking with a guide/agency. However, starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has changed its rules. The TIMS card system was effectively replaced by the new requirement of having a guide.

    Your guide will handle presenting the permits. It’s a good idea for you to keep copies of your permits (and passport) in case you misplace them. The permits will have your passport details and a permit number.

    Guide Responsibilities During the Annapurna Trek

    Trekking with a guide is not only about having someone show you the route. A good trekking guide wears many hats throughout the journey. Here are the key responsibilities and roles your guide will fulfil during the Annapurna Base Camp trek:

    • Navigator and Route Finder, your guide leads the way on the trail.
    • Safety Manager: The guide is continuously assessing your safety.
    • Communicator and Facilitator: The guide will communicate with the teahouse owners to arrange your room and meals.
    • Your guide will point out the names of peaks and tell you interesting facts. Passing through villages, they might explain about the Gurung and Magar cultures common in the region, or the significance of a prayer flag or chorten you see on the trail.
    • Trek Planner and Problem Solver: Each evening (or each morning), your guide will typically discuss the next day’s plan with you.
    • Motivator and Trekking Companion
    • A responsible guide also ensures minimal environmental impact. They will remind you not to litter, or perhaps organize collected trash to dispose of properly in villages. Some guides even carry a bag to pick up plastic waste left by others, exemplifying

    Overall, your guide is much more than just a route leader. The quality of the guide can make or break a trek; fortunately, companies like Mountain Eco Trails pride themselves on expert guides who fulfill these responsibilities excellently. With such a guide, you can relax and immerse yourself in the trek, knowing all the important aspects are being handled competently.

    Guide Only vs Full Package – Comparison

    When planning your Annapurna Base Camp adventure, you might be weighing the guide-only trek vs. a full package trek. Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your preferences for independence, comfort, and budget. Let’s compare these two approaches across key aspects:

    Aspect

    Guide-Only Trek

    Full Package Trek

    Services Included

    Guide Only: You pay for a licensed guide’s services. You handle your own accommodations and meals.

    All-Inclusive: You pay one price for a package that typically covers guide, porter(s), all meals on trek, accommodations, necessary permits, and often transportation.

    Cost

    Lower cost, more control: A guide-only trek is generally cheaper upfront. You’re paying the guide’s daily rate and minimal agency fee, not the overhead of full service.

    Higher cost, more inclusions: Full packages cost more because they include everything and have margins for the organiser. However, there’s value in convenience. The fixed price means you don’t have to carry much cash on the trail.

    Flexibility & Itinerary

    Very flexible: With guide-only, you can easily tailor the itinerary as you go.

    Pre-planned schedule: Package treks have a fixed itinerary and schedule. The route, daily stop, and even the tea house are often decided in advance by the company.

    Comfort & Support

    Basic but sufficient: You won’t have luxuries on a guide-only trek – no additional porters (unless you hire one last-minute), so you carry your own gear. more rugged experience, which many experienced trekkers are fine with.

    More comfortable: With a package, you often get a porter, which hugely increases comfort by lightening your load.

    Who It’s Best For

    Experienced, independent trekkers: A guide-only trek is perfect for those who have some trekking experience or are confident in their abilities.

    First-timers, comfort-seekers, or time-pressed trekkers: A full package is best if you want a hassle-free experience

    Choose the style that fits your personality and then get ready to enjoy the incredible hike up to Annapurna Base Camp!

    How to Book a Guide for the ABC Trek Guide Only?

    If you are planning to hire a guide for the ABC Trek, then feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779849790153. We have experienced, skilful, first-aid trained, and expert trekking guides who have been to Annapurna Base Camp several times. 

    Get more info regarding the trek in Nepal: 

    FAQs

    • In a guide-only ABC trek, the guide’s services are included – leading the way, handling permits, arranging lodges, etc. You typically pay for your own meals and accommodation separately. Transportation and permits are either arranged through the guide/agency at cost or paid directly.

    • Definitely. Solo trekkers often hire a private guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek – it’s a common practice and now a requirement for trekking in Nepal’s main regions

    • Yes. As of 2023, Nepal requires all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide or join an agency-organised trek for routes like Annapurna Base Camp.

    • A licensed guide for the ABC trek typically costs USD $30–$35 per day. For an 8–10-day trek, budget roughly $240–$350 for guide fees.

    • Yes, you can trek without a porter – many do the ABC trek carrying their own backpack. A guide-only trek means no porter is hired, so you’ll carry your gear (pack light, ~10–12 kg).

    • Absolutely. Trekking with only a guide is safe, provided you have a competent licensed guide. They are trained in first aid and know the route intimately. In emergencies or if you face altitude issues, your guide will manage rescue or descent. The trails see many trekkers; as long as you follow your guide’s advice, an ABC trek is very safe.

    We Offer Group Discount
      
    1 paxUS$380
    2 paxUS$199
    3 - 5 paxUS$130
    Price Per PersonUS$380US$499(All-inclusive services)
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