Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List
Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous and challenging multi-day treks in Nepal Himalayas. Our detailed, tried and tested Annapurna Circuit Packing List will help you figure out what to pack and what to leave behind to enjoy the hike to the fullest. This travel guide includes tips on what gear and clothes to pack for Annapurna Circuit.
Are you planning your Annapurna Circuit itinerary? That's awesome news. Until today, hiking in Nepal Himalayas is one of the best things we've ever done, and we still keep fond memories of walking under 8000 meters high giants, waking up in teahouses, and pushing our limits.
We are not afraid to say that trekking the Annapurna Circuit (or other famous multi-day treks in Nepal) is a life-changing experience.
To get the best experience possible, you should be at least a bit physically fit so you won't suffer (although hiking at such high altitude can disarm even well-trained traveler), and pack as light as possible.
It took us a while to figure out what to pack for Annapurna Circuit and what we should leave behind.
As always, we had a dilemma. On the one hand, we knew we couldn't underestimate the harsh mountainous weather; on the other hand, we knew we would carry everything we pack on our shoulders for more than two weeks.
So it was necessary to create our essential packing list for the Annapurna Circuit.
In that list, we highlighted the stuff we needed unconditionally and crossed out all extra things which would only create an extra weight in our backpacks.
Although this Annapurna Circuit packing list is designed specifically for this two to three-weeks hike, you can use this sheet for any other trek in Nepal. The conditions and the necessity to have quality gear are very similar.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
Before we share our packing tips and clothes and gear we decided that are unnecessary for our comfort, it is necessary to realize one thing. Annapurna Circuit is a very diverse loop.
It means that you will start your trip in Besisahar, a small village, which lies in a sub-tropical zone only 760 meters above sea level, and you will gradually make your way via Chame to the real mountains in Manang, and then to the highest point, Thorong La, at 5416 meters, and end your advenure in Jomsom.
As you can see, you need to be prepared for everything, from scorching hot to freezing cold temperatures, for blazing sun, monsoon rains, and snowstorms.
Of course, there are four distinctive seasons in Nepal, but it does not mean the conditions cannot change within the second. Rather the opposite.
Probably the hardest part is not to overpack. It is easy, and without knowing it, you'll be struggling with 15 kilograms or even a heavier backpack.
It is absolutely essential to pack layers, but on the other hand, we prefer quality over quantity in the case of packing for a mountain adventure. The truth is, the packing list is pretty much the same if you decide to hike in the winter or summer.
So without any further ado, here's our Annapurna Circuit every season packing list.
PACKING LIST: TREKKING INDEPENDENTLY OR WITH A TOUR
We would say that when it comes to packing, it does not matter if you plan on hiking Annapurna Circuit alone and carry your backpack all the way from Besisahar across the Thorong La Pass to Jomsom or if you will use the porter service.
In both cases, we recommend you to pack smart and as light as possible - you don't want to injure your porter's back as well as you don't want to injure yours.
To improve porter's work environment, there is also a limit of kilograms they can carry, by the way, so check it before your trek starts.
Before hiking Annapurna Circuit, we've done many multi-day and overnight hikes, but packing for this trek was different in many ways.
We were not sure what to expect at such a high altitude - we had never been that high before visiting Nepal.
If this is exactly your case, no worries, we've tried and tested all gear and equipment in the mountains, and in this packing list, we will recommend you only necessary things you should carry.
BACKPACK
No matter if you are hiking with a porter who carries your stuff or carrying everything on your own, you need at least two backpacks.
When hiking independently, you need a quality large backpack you will carry on your back for more than two weeks and a small day pack for acclimatization hikes when staying for more days at one place - we have a great packing tip below; check it out.
When hiking with a porter, you need a smaller daypack for hiking, a large backpack for traveling to Nepal, and packing cubes, because you will give your things to porters who carry them in their duffel bags.
In our opinion, choosing the right backpack for Annapurna Circuit is one of the essential things, so make sure you test it before your trip - it's really not worth it to save money on this product.
Rucksack | When traveling without a porter, it is essential to choose the right large backpack with waist straps and good back support.
Nowadays you can choose a backpack for men or women as the physique is different, and the comfort will be better.
When it comes to hiking Annapurna Circuit, bear in mind that you should not carry more than 13 kilograms, optimal weight is anything between 8 to 12 kilograms to enjoy the hike without back and knee pain. Always remember that you will have to carry also at least 1L of water.
Daypack | If you hike with a porter, this is the backpack you should be focusing on the most.
It should be comfortable, have good back support, and you should be able to fit in it a snack, water bottle, and extra layers for one day.
You need a daypack even when hiking independently, but check out our packing tip below; you might find it useful.
Ultralight Packable Daypack | For one-day acclimatization hikes from Manang or when we went to Tilicho Lake, we carried this small and light, packable daypack.
It is not the most comfortable thing, but for only a couple of hours hiking with a small snack, water, and a couple of extra gear, this backpack was perfectly fine, and we saved space and weight in our rucksacks.
Packing Cubes | Whenever we travel, we always find packing cubes useful. Not only will it keep your backpack organized, but it protects your clothes as well a bit.
Dry Sacks | To keep our valuables and electronics safe, we always pack three or four drybags. The weight is negligible, and it can save you a couple of thousands of dollars.
THINGS TO KNOW
Why did we find packing for Annapurna Circuit quite challenging?
One of the most important reasons was that we wanted to carry as little as possible, but as we intended to hike the hike's whole length, we knew we need to be well-prepared for many climate zones.
We started in Besisahar, which is 760 meters above sea level; the climate is jungle-like hot and humid, so we wore shorts and short-sleeved t-shirts.
When we climbed up higher, it was still hot, but we needed to cover ourselves as the sun was way too strong, and when we reached 4000 meters, it was cold, windy, and it even rained and snowed at times!
As you can see, packing for the Annapurna Circuit is not straightforward, and you need to evaluate all possibilities and choose your favorite gear.
WEATHER ON ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK
Although an old saying says there is not bad weather, only wrong gear, we think that Annapurna Circuit is not an all-year-round trek for an average hiker.
Winter months from December to February must be great because of all the snow and lack of people, but there is a high chance of avalanches, and some trails can be impassable.
We recommend hiking Annapurna Trek in winter only to experienced hikers with excellent gear and knowledge on what to do in the mountains when a snowstorm comes.
The best season to trek around Annapurnas is from September to November, followed by spring months from March to May (we visited Nepal in March and April).
During those months, you can expect hot and sunny weather, blue skies (although spring can be a bit hazy in lowlands), and also many hikers on the trail. June to September is a monsoon season.
It rains a lot though usually not all day, but you might be annoyed by leeches, and there is a danger of landslides and rockfalls.
Our packing list is designed for all seasons. You only need to add a couple of layers in winter and during the rainy season to have more dry clothes for a change.
Also, make sure to read our detailed post on best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit.
CLOTHING
Choosing the right clothing will be the biggest challenge on your Annapurna Circuit packing list.
You need to pack everything from shorts to a down jacket, so always think ahead, know what weather you can expect, and pack a limited number of items.
Yes, it’s not the perfect solution, but you cannot bring along fourteen pairs of socks and a clean t-shirt for every day.
We washed our clothes two or three times when we came to a teahouse early, and it was usually dry in the morning. Here's everything we packed for Annapurna Circuit.
One more tip. No matter how much we like outdoor clothes and enjoy testing new products, on an adventure such as Annapurna Circuit, where we want to be 100% sure that everything goes right, we do not experiment.
Yes, we bought new down jackets specifically for this trip, but other than that, we stuck to our tried and tested clothes.
When we thought about what to pack and what to leave behind, we usually left at home the new stuff and traveled with only our tested gear.
Functional Underwear | Pack as many undies and sports bras as you like, but it is enough to have five or six pieces of underwear and wash it every day in hand. We prefer functional underwear as it works much better with sweat.
We were able to dry our clothes in the tea house in our room, but sometimes we carried wet clothes on top of our backpack, and it got dry during the day.
That's not possible in higher elevation or when it rains and snows, so plan accordingly.
Thermo Underwear | We don't want to scare you, but it can get very cold at night. Thermo underwear is a great solution for how to feel comfortable both during the day and at night.
Hiking Socks | High-quality socks reduce impact, prevent blisters and irritation. Although it seems irrelevant, pack extra socks as it is important to start every day in dry socks.
Also, we used one pair of warm socks for sleeping.
Short-Sleeved T-Shirt | When we started our Annapurna Circuit adventure in Kathmandu and ended in Pokhara, it was too hot, and the first days of the hike were very warm as well, so you will need a short-sleeved t-shirt.
We don't recommend a tank top without sleeves, because the sun in the mountains is way too strong.
Long-Sleeved T-Shirt | We used the long-sleeved t-shirt to prevent sunburnt, or at a higher elevation as an additional layer. You can bring an extra long-sleeved t-shirt for free time in teahouses and for sleeping.
Fleece Jacket | It is essential to pack at least one or two thin fleece jackets to stay warm when you stop hiking and take a break for a while.
Down Jacket | One of the most essential things to bring for Annapurna Circuit.
It will help you keep warm during the cold evenings in teahouses or when you take longer breaks during the hike. We also wore it when we summited Thorong La Pass.
Even though we normally don't wear down jackets when climbing up, crossing the Thorong La and Tilicho day hike were one of those rare occasions, where we made an exception.
The thing is that, at 5000 meters above sea level, you will walk slowly, and you won't sweat much, so you need to stay nice and warm.
Rain Jacket | Together with down jacket, one of the essential gear for outdoor adventures is a proper waterproof jacket.
It protects you from rain, wind and snow showers as the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Always make sure that your rain jacket is also windproof.
Although it rarely rains in the main hiking season, we would still pack it as the Annapurna Range is unpredictable.
Rain Pants | It might rain and snow anytime, so it’s better to come prepared. Rain trousers are baggy, but the main feature is that you can put them on quickly and easily.
Hiking Pants | Hiking pants should be comfortable, breathable, and durable because you will spend most of your time wearing them. I usually prefer wearing leggings no matter where we travel but found hiking pants handy here because of cold and strong winds.
Leggings | Pack at least one pair of leggings with you. We use them as an additional layer under hiking pants or instead of pajama trousers. Always make sure to bring rain pants when hiking in leggings.
Shorts | Shorts are very useful for the first part of the trek as the temperature was hitting 30+ degrees of Celsius.
It was quite warm, even higher in the mountains, but the sun was so strong, and we did not want to risk sunburn, so after a few days, we buried shorts down in the backpack.
Bandana | Annapurna Circuit is a dusty trek, and bandana is a great little thing you can use against dust and sun in lower altitudes.
Scarf | You can use it as a headscarf, neck warmer, face warmer.
Beanie | It's going to be cold, especially in Thorong La Pass, or if you plan a side trip to Tilicho Lake, stay warm.
Gloves | Great for low morning temperatures at high altitudes and when holding trekking poles.
Winter Gloves | We recommend you bring winter gloves in case of a snowstorm and freezing weather.
We had a snowstorm a couple of days before crossing Thorong La in mid-April.
FOOTWEAR
The best thing about packing shoes for Annapurna Circuit is that you will wear the heaviest item almost all the time, so you don't need to worry about weight limits.
If there is one thing we wouldn't skimp on, it would be proper hiking boots.
You will wear them most of the time, and it is essential to break them in before the hike. Sneakers are optional, but we found them useful in teahouses because it was quite cold to be only in flip-flops.
You can also pack flip-flops and wear them in lower elevation or when it’s shower time. Flip-flops are an optional item.
Hiking Boots | We said that before and will repeat it. Purchase quality hiking boots with Gore-Tex and make sure they fit and you feel comfortable before your trip to Nepal.
It is possible to do last-minute shopping in Kathmandu, but we really think it is worth buying such an important thing as hiking boots in your home country. Your hike will definitely be less stressful.
Flip-flops | After trekking, you can change to flip-flops in your room or when you go to shower. We would prefer sneakers instead, though.
Runners | After we accommodated ourselves in a room, we always walked around a village to see local people and rural life, and we always wore sneakers so our hiking boots could dry off.
Make sure your runners are light as possible.
And unlike flip-flops, you can use them as a last resort if something bad happens to your hiking boots.
GEAR
Do you also find the most annoying thing about packing taking care of gear for hiking? We definitely do.
But when you don't pack an item from the list below, you will surely find out on the second day of your hike that you need it. That's how it usually works.
When preparing for Annapurna Circuit Trek, make sure you have a warm sleeping bag with additional layers, water bottle, headtorch, rain poncho, and proper sunglasses to protect your eyesight.
Sleeping Bag | There is no heating in the rooms on the Annapurna Circuit, and nights can be really cold. Well, we don't want to scare you, only to prepare you.
Accommodation might provide you with extra blankets, but they are not often enough. Generally, we wouldn't travel to Nepal without own high-quality sleeping bag.
We usually pack a sleeping bag together with cocoon, but you can also bring a winter sleeping bag, which is a bit heavier (you don't need to carry cocoon though).
Mummy Liner | If you want to use blankets in teahouses, we recommend bringing a cocoon. We also use it as an additional layer for a sleeping bag.
Trekking Poles | Annapurna Circuit was the first long trek (15 days) where we used trekking poles for the entire time, and we had a great experience with them.
Hiking poles will help your knees when hiking downhill or uphill and are great for establishing walking pace and rhythm, especially when carrying a heavy backpack.
Headtorch | You might be tempted to use only your flashlight on your smartphone, but we recommend you to bring a proper headtorch.
It is often too dark outside and path can be slippery when walking from the restaurant back to the room. Also you might want to start the Thorong La hike early.
On top of that, having a proper headlamp is also essential for safety reasons if you ever got lost.
Rain Poncho | Rain poncho is great when the rain is too heavy; you can also use it as an emergency shelter.
We even prefer a plastic rain poncho over a waterproof jacket when it rains a lot because we can cover backpacks as well.
If traveling in monsoon season, consider packing an ultralight hiking umbrella as you would be boiling in the rain poncho.
Sunglasses | You need to keep your eyes protected at all times because the sun at the high altitude is too strong.
Travel Towel | Light and fast-drying towel is the best choice when hiking in the mountains.
First Aid Kit | First Aid Kit is a must-have, pack all medications you use daily, plus pills against diarrhea and headache. You might want to buy Acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness. Consult it with your doctor, though.
Duct Tape | When your backpack or boots break down, it is hard to find a shop to fix it along the Annapurna Circuit. Duct tape might do the magic, at least for a short time.
Foldable Knife | Because you never know when you are gonna need it. Plus you don't have to wear scissors.
WATER
Staying hydrated is one of the essential things to do when trekking at high altitudes. Always keep that in mind, and your life will be much easier in the Himalayas.
There are plenty of ACAP drinking stations on the Annapurna Circuit where you can buy cheap purified water, and we used them a lot. However, there are some places where those drinking stations are missing.
Luckily, there are plenty of modern solutions to this problem.
Water Bottle | Bring your own water bottle and refill the water in the ACAP drinking stations.
Avoid buying plastic bottles if possible to lower your plastic footprint.
They are not environmentally friendly and additionally water is quite expensive in the mountains. Nepal has a big problem with plastic waste; this way you can help to reduce it.
SteriPen | This handy little thing is a modern solution to unpotable water.
Steripen's ultraviolet light rays sterilize clear water, and the effect is almost instant. And by the way, Steripen is rechargeable, so you can use it multiple times.
Water bottle with integrated filter | Although this water bottle is more expensive than the regular one, this one comes with an integrated filter that kills bacteria and parasites, so you won't need to buy single-use plastic bottles ever again.
Purifying Tablets | Purifying tablets or drops are always a reliable solution, though there are better ways to treat water nowadays.
The biggest problem with the tablets is that it can take anything between 30 minutes up to 8 hours before the water is safe to drink. Make sure to read the leaflet carefully.
And by the way, sometimes they taste funny because of Iodine.
Believe us, you don't want to carry extra two liters of water for, let's say 4 hours before you can drink it.
TOILETRIES
When packing toiletries, always think twice about what you really need. It is not necessary to pack make-up, carry only essentials you cannot live without.
We found it quite useful lately when traveling only for two or three weeks to purchase small travel bottles to save space. These are toiletries we packed for the Annapurna Circuit.
Sunscreen | We used SPF 50+ every day on every part of our bodies exposed to the sun as it is extremely strong in higher altitudes. Do not forget to reapply the sunscreen, preferably at midday.
Lip Balm | A common mistake when hiking is to use only sunscreen but forget to protect your lips. Lip Balm helps to protect your lips not only against the sun but also the wind.
Bug Repellent | We would bring it only in the rainy season.
Toothpaste | Toothbrush | Shampoo | Shower Gel | Toilet Tissue | Wet Wipes | Hand Sanitizer | Manicure Set | Hygiene plays an important part when hiking, but it often leads to overpacking.
It's a common mistake to carry too much unnecessary weight in your backpack, so make sure to bring only travel-sized bottles, you can buy 3in1 shower gel and leave shampoo at home, and if you have the multi-tool knife, you don't need a manicure set at all.
Travel Comb | Unless you want to look like Bob Marley at the end of the trek.
Glasses | Contact Lenses | Multi-Purpose Solution | If you wear contact lenses every day, make sure that your solution bottle will last the entire trek.
ELECTRONICS
We were quite surprised how advanced teahouses along Annapurna Circuit were.
We could almost every day charge our electronics, and there was even Wi-Fi in most places. It did not work super-fast, but enough to check the weather forecast and let our parents know we are alive.
When packing electronic gear, you can pack quite light, depending on what you use. Because of our work's nature, we carry maybe too much electronics, but you can take pictures only on your mobile phone if you will.
This is what we packed.
iPhone | We are big fans of Apple products because they simply work. Whether you use your mobile phone only as an alarm clock, as a watch, or if you use it as the main camera, we recommend you to use phone cover as well.
iPad | We wanted to hike as light as possible, so we didn't pack it, but it might be a good choice for you to watch movies or catch up on TV shows in your free time. This item is optional.
Kindle | When you arrive early, there is not much to do in the hotel room, so you can bring along a portable library and read on a porch accompanied by stunning vistas. Once again, pack light, if you bring a tablet with you, leave your ebook reader at home.
Power Bank | If you won't be able to charge your stuff in a hostel, bring a power bank or solar power bank just in case. This item is optional.
Travel Adapter | We solved the problem of different electrical plugs and sockets by buying a multi-plug adapter, so we don't have to think about charging our stuff no matter where we go.
PHOTO GEAR
This section is mostly for photo enthusiasts. If you want to save as much weight as possible, most modern smartphones produce amazing images, so you can skip this text.
Canon RP + 24-240mm Lens | Camera and lenses were probably the heaviest things we packed with us to Nepal, but they were well worth it.
Canon RP is an excellent travel camera, and the 24-240mm is a great lens for travel as it covers a wide range of focal lengths, so you won't have to worry about switching (or carrying extra) lenses.
Battery Charger | Do not forget cables and chargers to keep your electronics working. You can use outlets to charge your stuff in teahouses, sometimes it is for free, at higher elevation we sometimes had to pay for it.
Spare Batteries | We always carry two to three extra batteries in case there would be a blackout.
Memory Cards | When not carrying a backup solution, like a laptop, bring extra memory cards. Trust us; nature around is so beautiful that you will need them. As their weight is negligible, bring as many as possible, especially if you shoot in RAW.
Tripod | To get even better sunrise, sunset, or night photos, pack a small portable tripod. However, this item is optional.
Photo Cleaning Kit | Trails and roads are dusty; it can rain or snow, so take care of your equipment. You don't have to bring the entire kit, though microfibers cleaning cloths and lens cleaning pen is a must.
DOCUMENTS
When traveling to a foreign country, always make sure what is the visa policy.
Nepal provides travelers with visas on arrival for most countries, but always make sure you know up-to-date requirements before your travels.
Also, contact your bank before traveling to Nepal. We forgot to do so and had to call our bank because ATM first took our card, and then the bank blocked our access to money.
You will also need at least four passport photos as it is compulsory to apply for Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits.
Flight Tickets | Travel Documents | Passport | Visa Permit | Trekking Permits | Money | Credit Cards | Travel Insurance | Passport Wallet
EXTRA
Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya | We purchased a guide about the Annapurna Circuit and other treks in Nepal, and we enjoyed reading about Nepal and life of Nepalese people every day before bedtime.
Annapurna by Maurice Herzog | If you don't have or don't like Kindle, bring a book to kill free time if you arrive early in the accommodation as there is not much to do. This book is about the first conquest of the Annapurna.
Snacks | The APC trek is demanding and challenging, and some high nutrition snacks will help you pull through.
Travel Insurance
If you plan your trip to the Himalayas in Nepal, there are several things to consider.
First of all, the trails are challenging, weather can change rapidly, and you'll be hiking at a high altitude - and unfortunately, mishaps happen. Plus, the highest point on Annapurna Circuit is 5416 meters above sea level.
When it comes to travel insurance, we never travel without it. It is not just us who think that travel insurance is important. The Nepalese government requires having insurance.
For your safety, it should cover sports activities and climb above 5000 meters.
Having a travel insurance number is even compulsory when filling out the form in order to get Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits - TIMS and ACAP.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
BUYING OR RENTING GEAR IN KATHMANDU
Of course, it is possible to buy or rent gear in Kathmandu or even Pokhara.
There are many shops (especially in Thamel district in Kathmandu), and although some for sure offer excellent gear, some can also sell fake stuff, and for the two-weeks-long hike, we wouldn't be comfortable buying equipment we cannot absolutely rely on.
We know that many travelers do it, especially when traveling long term around South East Asia but we were not that brave (or foolish) to purchase hiking gear last-minute in Nepal.
So that’s it. We hope that this Annapurna Circuit packing guide is going to make your planning easier, and if you have any questions or recommendations, let us know in the comments section below!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
