Are you preparing your itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit? That is fantastic news. Walking beneath 8000-meter-tall giants, waking up in teahouses, and pushing our physical boundaries while climbing in the Nepal Himalayas remains one of the best things we've ever done.

You may have a hard time deciding what to bring on the Annapurna Circuit and what to leave behind. It might even be a challenge! You shouldn't underestimate the tough mountain weather!

Therefore, we had to make a list of everything we needed to bring to the Annapurna Circuit.

There will be one porter for every two trekkers if you are trekking the Annapurna circuit with a tour company. For two persons, the porters can only lift roughly 20 kg. Therefore, you must pack appropriately!

The gear you need to bring also varies on the time of year you'll be trekking. March, April, and May are warm months for trekking, so you might not need to pack as many layers of clothes. Similarly, since it might get much colder than spring, you might want to carry a bit more for your autumn trek to base camp in September, October, and November. The monsoon and winter treks are completely different from one another.

The altitude will also affect what you should wear on your trek. The weather at the lower altitude may not be as chilly as it is at higher altitudes. The maximum altitude you may reach while trekking the Annapurna circuit is about 5500 meters, and you can also descend as low as 800 meters. Thus, the fluctuation in altitude also affects what you should wear on your journey.

Annapurna Circuit Temperature

The time of year you journey through the Annapurna region will also affect what kind of clothing you require. The temperature can fluctuate between a high of 18 degrees Celsius and a low of -8 degrees Celsius during the spring seasons. In a similar vein, during the summer, the temperature at base camp varies from 3 degrees to 20 degrees. In contrast, the Annapurna region experiences autumnal temperatures of -15 to 18 degrees Celsius. The temperature can fluctuate between -25 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius during the winter.

PS: We created this list using our 20-day Annapurna circuit itinerary. You can prepare your belongings following the number of trekking days and your particular preferences. The equipment and packing list sample is shown here.

Basic Essentials

  • Trekking Boots: Take a sturdy pair of trekking boots with you. A nice pair of trekking boots will be quite helpful. If your boots are brand new, be sure to break them in.
  • A cozy daypack or backpack: If you are hiring a porter, you can get a cozy backpack that you can use for the walk. You can store the necessary items that you might require while traveling.
  • Duffel bag: Your trip operator will supply one porter for every two trekkers if you travel with them. So, purchase a duffel bag to store all of your clothing and supplies.

Trekking Equipment

  • Trekking poles: You can anchor yourself on sloppy terrain, muddy slopes, and even snowy ground with the aid of trekking poles. On your adventure, they will function like an extended appendage!
  • Swiss knife: The Swiss knife is incredibly useful and versatile.

Clothing when you are on a Trek

  • Trekking Shirts: Make careful to get light, sturdy shirts that are breathable and dry quickly.
  • Windproof jacket: It will be windier at a higher altitude. You can shield yourself from the brisk wind by wearing a windproof jacket.
  • Trekking Shorts: When it's sunny in the Himalayas, warm trousers might not be a good idea. It is advisable to carry some hiking shorts!
  • Raincoat and Rain Trousers: You will go through the rainy Kaski district of Nepal. So always take a raincoat with you, no matter the season!
  • Insulating Jacket: An insulating jacket will keep you warm even during cold in the Himalayas.
  • Hiking gloves: You can carry at least one pair of gloves to keep your hands warm, depending on the season. Carry two while going on a winter hike; in the spring or the fall, you might only need to bring one pair.
  • Hiking Socks: Hiking-specific socks are comfortable and practical.
  • Ear Muffs: Ear muffs keep your ear warm and protect you from catching a cold.
  • Scarf: Helps you stay protected while it's windy.
  • Undergarments: Make sure you carry sweat-proof and breathable undergarments.
  • Sun Hat/ Shade Hat: Protect yourself from scorching heat with a sun hat.
  • Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays.

Clothing when in your Accommodation

  • Fleece-lined t-shirt: Warm and cozy t-shirts for your lodging.
  • Fleece-lined trousers: Warm and cozy trousers for your lodging.
  • Basic t-shirts: Full sleeves and half sleeves to wear depending on your situation.
  • Thermals: Inner lining of clothing will help you stay warm. Layering is recommended.
  • Socks: It is recommended that you carry warm socks for bed.
  • Fleece-lined jacket: With the goal to keep you warm at high altitude.
  • Slippers: Slippers are easy to wear in tea houses.

Toiletries

  • Toilet paper: Most tea houses may have traditional restrooms without toilet paper. You must possess your toilet paper.
  • Wet wipes: When there isn't always access to water, wet wipes come in handy.
  • Soaps and Shampoo: Use of shampoo and soap in travel-size containers will be sufficient.
  • Hand Sanitizer: A sanitizer can be used when the water is too chilly to touch.
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste: For oral sanitation reasons.
  • Mouth wash: For the time when water is too chilly to touch.
  • Lip balm: Lip balm will protect your lips from chapping.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburnt and UV rays.
  • Towel: For your personal use.
  • Deodorant: For your hygiene, when water is too cold to touch in the higher altitudes.

Sleeping Essentials

  • Sleeping Bag: The bag needs to be warm and comfortable because you'll be using it a lot while on the trek.
  • Earplugs and Eye Mask: Having these will help you sleep better in higher altitudes.

Food Items

You could get very hungry when trekking. There may be no retailers around since you are in the middle of nowhere. You should thus bring snacks with you to keep your energy levels high and prevent your blood pressure from falling too low. Here is a list of some items you might wish to bring with you.

  • Trail Mix
  • Granola Bars
  • Chocolate Bars
  • Biscuits
  • Dry Fruits

Medicine and First Aid

  • Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • 1 skin-blister repair kit
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Anti-headache pills
  • Cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
  • Water purification tablets or the water filter
  • 1 set of earplugs
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Extras/Luxuries

  • Reading book
  • Trail map/guide book
  • Journal and pen
  • iPod
  • Travel games i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
  • modest swim suit
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
  • Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
  • Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your stuff as a pillow

Some tips you can follow before you trek to the Annapurna Region

  • Break in your trekking shoes while wearing socks before you embark on your trekking adventure.
  • Make sure to inform your guide of any medical condition you have.
  • Test all your trekking equipment beforehand and check if you have any items missing.
  • Check the batteries in your camera and do not forget to bring a spare.
  • Layering your clothing is also recommended.

We hope that this article helped you with your packing and equipment queries for your trek to the Annapurna Circuit region! Happy trekking!