Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List

Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List

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Annapurna Circuit Trek is an incredible trek to circle the Annapurna range by crossing one of the challenging passes, Thorong La Pass, 5416 meters, and finish the trek at Pokhara. The Trek allows trekkers to see all the Annapurna range peaks and the Dhaulagiri Range together and enjoy one of the most diverse landscapes.

Apart from your physical strength, preparing the right things for your backpack to ensure the convenience of your trek is important. Packing the right gear will reduce the difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

You should prepare and carry all the important stuff required for your journey, including travel documents, upper and lower body wear, footwear, sleeping gear, first aid, etc. Here in this article, we have tried to cover most of the gears for your Annapurna Circuit trek.


CLOTHING LAYERRECOMMENDED ITEMSQTYEXPERT INSIGHT (LOCAL TIP)
Base LayerMerino wool or synthetic thermal tops & bottoms2 SetsAvoid cotton completely. Merino dries fast and resists odor over a 10-day period.
Insulation LayerHigh-loft Down Jacket (rated down to -15°C), Mid-weight fleece1 EachEssential for nights above 3,500m (Manang) and the Thorong La Pass morning climb.
Outer ShellGore-Tex waterproof/windproof jacket & rain trousers1 SetThe wind between Muktinath and Jomsom (Windy Valley) is brutal. Keep this in your daypack.
FootwearSturdy, waterproof trekking boots (broken in), camp sandals1 Pair EachNever start the circuit with brand new boots. Bring lightweight sandals or Crocs for teahouse lounges.





Pack very wisely with the weight limits


Trekkers need to pack their trekking gear within the weight limits. Normally, a porter carries about 10-15 kg, so you need to stick to that weight limit because, at high altitude, it is very hard to carry the luggage. Most companies normally assign 1 porter for 2 trekkers ‘ luggage, so in total, they have to carry 20-30 kg and their own backpack as well. While packing, you need to consider weight and pack only essential items.


1. Travel Documents

Proper travel documents are required for safe trekking and travel to Nepal. Here are some travel documents that you need to arrange before you leave your country for Nepal.

  • 1. Valid Passport:

    You need to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months to travel in Nepal. Make sure that you have a long enough valid period before you make the trek plan. You also need to have some photocopies or an ecopy on the phone, which is easier in case you lose it or need it quickly.

  • 2. Nepal Visa:

    The most important thing is to get the Nepal visa, and you can get the Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. There are some countries where you don’t get an on-arrival visa; other than that, you will get an on-arrival visa, but make sure that you fill out the on-arrival visa form and bring the print with you, which makes the visa process faster at Kathmandu airport.

  • 3. Few Passport-size Photos

    Passport-size photos can be used to take the local sime SIM cards, etc.

  • 4. Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is very important to trek Annapurna Circuit. The Insurance covers all your medical costs, rescue, and air ambulance during your trek. There is very little chance of getting such types of problems, but it may happen, so you need to be prepared for this and have good travel insurance that covers up to 5000 meters air evacuations.

Head Items


  • 1. Brimmed Hat:

    It protects you from intense sun rays while hiking through the sunny trails. This will also protect your face from sunburn.

  • 2. Woollen Hat:

    Have a good woollen hat that keeps your head and ears warm at night, sleeping and thorong la pass.

  • 3. Head Scarf:

    Keep your head and neck warm from the wind, but this is optional if you have a Buff.

  • 4. Sunglasses:

    It is great if you take dark and UV protection sunglasses for your Manaslu trek. It will protect your eyes from sunlight, snow glare, and harmful UV radiation.

  • 5. Balaclava or Buff:

    Protects your face and neck from the cold, wind and sun

  • 6. Headlamp:

    Headlamp to go toilets and Thorong la Pass With spare batteries.

Body Wear Items


  • 1. Outer Jacket:

    Puffy Down Jacket Keep your body warm during the Thorong La Pass and during your stay in the hotel. It is recommended that you have a -15℃ to -20℃ , which you can bring from your country, or you could rent or buy one in Kathmandu if you don’t have one.

  • 2. Shell Layer:

    It is highly recommended to have a waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex waterproof/windproof jacket and pants to cope with the cold, windy weather. The weather can change very quickly, and rainfalls and snowfalls may happen very quickly above Manag, so it is highly recommended to have 1 set of it.

  • 3. Soft Fleece Jacket or Hoodie:

    During normal weather, this soft fleece jacket will keep you warm while ensuring that moving around is comfortable. It is recommended to have a 1 jacket.

  • 4. Trekking Pants:

    Take 2-3 Hiking pants, sweat-proof and quick dry. There are many brands such as North Face, Parta Gonia, Marmut, Kathmandu and many others. You can bring the suitable one for you with your own colour preference. Grey-white colour is recommended.

  • 5. Underwear:

    You should take enough pieces of underwear. Cotton or soft material is recommended.

  • 6. Sports Bra:

    You can take 4 sports bralettes or more than that, according to your needs.

  • 7. Light and warm Thermal set:

    The thermal set is essential for the warmth of your body, and you can use it as an inner layer of clothes that will keep you warm throughout your trek and during sleep. It is recommended to have a 2-set thermal set.

  • 8. Long/Short Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt:

    You will need 2 long and 2 short polypropylene shirts for your daily hike, which should be fast-wicking.

  • 9. T-Shirt:

    Have 2-3 t-shirts which can dry very quickly and are comfortable for wearing

  • 10. Rain Gear:

    Carrying rain gear is very important. In the spring season, it is highly recommended to have. Even if you trek in the good season, the rain/snow can happen at any time. A raincoat or rain poncho is the best and light options.

  • 11. Hiking Shorts:

    Carry hiking shorts with you as it’s very comfortable while hiking at a lower altitude.

Footwear Items


  • 1. Hiking Socks:

    Take 5 to 7 pairs of hiking socks. A good quality pair of hiking socks wicks moisture away from your feet and prevents blisters. You can also wash during the trek and hang in the day packs.

  • 2. Thermal Socks:

    These socks keep your feet warm at a higher altitude. You can use it with the camp shoes or crooks very well during your stay in the hotels.

  • 3. Trekking Boots:

    A good pair of hiking boots is essential. Passes like Thorong La are very cold, and the trails are also filled with uneven stairs and rocks. A pair of hiking boots is highly recommended, and make sure that they can protect your feet from an ankle sprain and provide better walking support

  • 4. Camp shoes/trail runner shoes:

    A pair of trail runner shoes is very good during the stay in the guest house, as it becomes very cold in the Higher areas, so it helps to keep your feet warm.

  • 5. Microspikes:

    Microspikes are used when you are hiking at higher elevations. They help you to move quickly and provide grip while walking on the snowy hiking trails.

  • 6. Gaiters:

    Gaiters are used as a shield against moisture, such as rain and snow. It protects from branches and thorns and also prevents mud, snow, and rain from entering the top of your hiking boots.

Equipment and Sleeping Gears Items


  • 1. Duffle Bags (50 – 65L):

    65-75 litres, for porters to carry (You bring or we give, this will be carried out by a porter where your luggage goes). We will give you the duffel bags for free

  • 2.Sleeping Bag:

    Rated to at least -15℃ to -20℃. Most teahouses provide basic single blankets, but high-altitude nights become cold, so it is essential to have a sleeping bag, especially in winter seasons.
  • 2. Day Backpack:

    To pack your snacks, water bottles, rain jackets and other items required for your daily hike. The backpacks should be around 20-30L, for carrying your daily essentials by yourself.

  • 3. Trekking Poles:

    Trekking poles are very helpful for hiking. It reduces some weight and strain on your legs, knees, and hips. It is very helpful during the steep descent down hills and uphills. You can take two adjustable trekking poles with your preference.

  • 4. Water Bottle:

    Carry two 1-litre wide-mouth Nalgene bottles. You can fill them with boiling water at teahouses to use as hot-water bottles in your sleeping bag at night, then drink the cooled water the next morning and use another for regular drinking water, which you can purify by using the water purification tablets. You can also have a metal bottle if you want. The Nalgene plastic bottles can be used for keeping the hot water and warming your feet for sleeping.

  • 5. laundry bags:

    Laundry bags to carry your used clothes to separate them from the rest. Besides that, it can also be used to protect your gadgets if the weather turns wet.

  • 6. Binoculars (optional):

    This is not important, as you will already have a guide, but if you want to carry it, it’s your choice.

  • 7. Fleece Gloves:

    To keep the hands warm during the stay in the guest house, and even during the trek as well. Easy to take the phones and other stuff.

  • 8. Waterproof Gloves (for the outer layer):

    Helpful for the wintertime and Thorong La Pass day early in the morning as the temperatures drop very low.

First-aid kit and other items


  • Blister patches
    (Compeed brand or equivalent) and medical tape

  • Ibuprofen and paracetamol
    for pain and fever management

  • Diamox (acetazolamide)
    for altitude sickness prevention — consult your doctor before the trek; not suitable for everyone, there is a preventive dose of diamox as well

  • Rehydration salts and electrolyte sachets
    Critical at altitude where dehydration accelerates

  • Anti-diarrhoea medication
    (Imodium or similar)

  • Other Medicine
    Antiseptic cream, wound dressings, plasters, Bandages and tensor wrap for ankle support, Tweezers and small scissors

  • Antihistamine
    for allergic reactions

  • All personal prescription medications
    Carry more than you think you need

  • Extra Medicine
    Anti-infection ointments, Band-aids, Detol, Betadin, tape, Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea, Diamox 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness, small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.


Personal Hygiene and Sun Cream


  • Lip balm: lip balm (At least SPF 20)
  • Sun Cream: High suncream SPF 50+ as per your skin needs
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste: (travel size)
  • Biodegradable soap and 2-in-1 shampoo: Required to minimise environmental impact in this conservation area Quick-dry microfibre towel (×1 compact size)
  • Biodegradable wet wipes or body wipes: Essential above 3,500 m where hot showers are unavailable or extremely expensive Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper: (compress rolls by removing the cardboard core), you can also buy in Trek trails
  • Menstrual hygiene products if needed: These are unavailable on the trail; pack out all waste in ziplock bags
  • Sanitizers: Insect repellent, DEET-based, Hand sanitizer

Water Purification

  • Water filter: You can buy the available water filters there, which can be reused as well. There are various types of filters, such as Sawyer and many others. You can buy them online
  • Water purification tablets: if you want the cheap options, you can consider water purification tablets, and among them, you can get the Aquatabs widely in Kathmandu.

Electronics and Power

Charging is available at most teahouses but typically costs NPR 200–500 per device. The electricity is everywhere except dharamshala and it is better to have some electronics related gears with you.
  • Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum): You can charge once by paying some charge and use it for multiple devices and multiple times. Sometimes the electricity may go out for the longer time, so it will be useful to charge your electronic devices.
  • Solar charger: (lightweight, e.g., Anker 21W): works well during rest periods on sunny days and if you have that you can bring a long with you.
  • Nepal power adapter: (Type C / D), USB cables for all your devices, Spare batteries (AA/AAA) for your headlamp

Food and Snacks

Although you can get plenty of food in the local teahouse, which is simple and filling — dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodle soups, momos, and porridge form the backbone of trail nutrition. The Dal Bhat is quite a heavy dish, and tea houses offer unlimited refills, so you can keep eating until you are fully loaded.


Recommended Snacks to Bring on the trek

  • Energy bars (Clif Bars, KIND bars, or any local brands from your country or local Nepali alternatives)
  • Dark chocolate — high in calories, good for longer distance hiking days
  • Nuts — almonds, brazilian nuts, cashews, walnuts, and dried fruits
  • Peanut butter packets
  • Crackers and rice cakes


Food and drinks advice

  • Drink 3–4 litres of water every day from staring of your treks to till you cross the La Pass. Hydrating your body helps you to prevent altitude sickness.
  • Eat regularly, even when your appetite decreases. Above 4,000 m — caloric intake directly affects your energy and acclimatisation
  • Avoid alcohol above 3,000 m; it causes dehydration and disrupts sleepand we recommend not consuming alcohol.
  • Garlic soup is a traditional local remedy against altitude sickness

Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing by Season

Your core packing lists remain the same regardless of when you trek. But each trekking season requires specific additions or reductions of the items. So it is advisable to pay attention to what you are going to pack.


Spring — March to May (Second Best Season)

Spring is the second most popular and favourable season for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. In this season, the temperatures are moderate (quite hot in a lower area) but suitable in a higher area. There is a lower chance of snowfall and rainfall, and it is a bit easier to cross the Thorong La Pass. For this season, here are the things that you may consider reducing some layers of T-Shirt and fleece




Autumn — September to November (Best season)

Post-monsoon season and it is an extremely good season for the trek because the landscapes are green and the sky is clear and blue. There is a very small chance of rainfall, but it might rain and snowfall at the end of the september or begging of October. Late November might be cold, so here are the things you may consider additionally during the Autumn season.


Additional items for autumn:

  • Extra warm mid-layer (evenings cool suddenly after mid-October)
  • Full waterproof jackets/trousers or poncho for late September and early October
  • Crampons


Winter — December to February (Tough)

Annapurna circuit trek is still possible in winter, but it is hard and very uncertain whether you will be able to cross the Larke La or not due to the snow level on the trails. If the weather becomes bad and snowfalls happens for 2-3 days, then the trails become hard or even impossible to cross, but still you can try to cross Lake La Pass. It is advisable for the trekkers who have previous experience to attempt to do the trek in winter.


Additional items for winter:

  • Heavy down jacket (800-fill or higher)
  • Four-season sleeping bag rated to −25°C
  • Microspikes or crampons for icy trails
  • Snow gaiters
  • Additional Four-season insulated mountaineering gloves
  • Balaclava and extra thermal layers

About Author

Shreeram Thapaliya is the Founder and Managing Director of Nepal Trek Hub. With over 14 years of experience as a licensed trekking and tour guide, Shreeram has personally led hundreds of trekking across the Himalayas, including the Manaslu and Annapurna circuits. Born and raised near the Langtang Valley, he brings a deep, local perspective to trekking logistics, permit regulations, and sustainable tourism in Nepal. When not in the mountains, Shreeram is dedicated to providing transparent, expert advice to help global trekkers plan safe and affordable adventures.

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