If you are planning to trek to the Annapurna circuit, then the question of what the packing list is may arise in your mind. And the question is genuine, as it’s the important part of the trek that decides whether you will be successful with your trek or not. As the Annapurna Circuit trek altitude varies from 800 meters to 5416 meters, you need to pack the clothes, gear, and equipment for every altitude.
And to guide you and give some tips for the light and smart packing list, this blog will explain everything to you, clearing all your general thoughts and curiosity for the trek. Let’s start in detail:
Table of Contents
Trekking Clothing
When you are trekking to the Annapurna circuit, it is important for you to have comfortable and cold protective clothes. It’s important for you to get clothes in layers so that you can be protected from the cold of the mountains. You will need base layers, insulation layers, and many more.
- Base Layers (Thermal tops & bottoms): Lightweight and moisture-wicking for cold nights.
- Trekking Shirts (Quick-dry): Breathable synthetic or merino wool shirts. Avoid cotton.
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover: Provides insulation in the cold evenings.
- Down Jacket (Lightweight, packable): Essential for higher altitudes and Thorong La Pass.
- Trekking Pants: Convertible or lightweight quick-dry trekking trousers.
- Insulated Pants (Optional: Useful for very cold nights at high altitude.
- Waterproof & Windproof Jacket (Hard shell): Protects from rain, snow, and wind.
- Waterproof Pants: For wet or snowy conditions.
- Innerwear: Comfortable sports bras (for women) and breathable underwear.
Footwear & Accessories
When you are trekking in the Annapurna circuit, it’s important for you to get a good pair of footwear and accessories so that you can avoid any kind of trail, whether it’s slippery, snowy, or steep. You will need items like
- Trekking Boots (Waterproof, well broken-in): Sturdy boots with ankle support for rocky trails.
- Camp Shoes/Sandals: Lightweight sandals or slippers to relax in teahouses.
- Trekking Socks (4–5 pairs): Merino wool or synthetic for warmth and comfort.
- Warm Socks (1–2 pairs): Thick thermal socks for high-altitude nights.
- Gaiters: Useful in snow or muddy conditions.
- Gloves: Inner liner gloves and warm insulated gloves.
- Hat/Cap: Sun hat for daytime, woolen hat/beanie for cold nights.
- Buff or Neck Gaiter: Protects against dust, wind, and cold.
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping gear is mainly provided by the trekking agencies. If you take the package, but if you are doing solo treks or within your groups and not taking the package from the trekking agencies, which is not suggested, but if you do it, you will need the equipment like:
- Sleeping Bag (-10°C to -20°C rating): Essential for warmth above 3,500 m.
- Sleeping Bag Liner: It adds extra warmth and maintains hygiene.
- Earplugs: Teahouses can be noisy with trekkers moving around.
Trekking Equipment
Trekking equipment is also provided by the trekking agencies as a complimentary service. But if you still need the equipment, you will need the following:
- Trekking Poles: Reduce stress on knees, especially during descents.
- Backpack (40–50 L): for personal gear if trekking independently.
- Daypack (20–30L): To carry essentials (water, snacks, camera, jacket) during the day.
- Duffel Bag (70–90L): If you hire a porter, pack your gear in a duffel.
- Rain Cover for Backpack: Keeps your gear dry.
- Headlamp (with spare batteries): Crucial for early morning hikes and teahouse power cuts.
- Water Bottles (Reusable): 2x 1L bottles or hydration bladder.
- Water Purification (Tablets/Filter/Steripen): Safer and more eco-friendly than buying bottled water.
Personal Care & Toiletries
When you are trekking in the Annapurna circuit, and as it’s a remote trail and not well developed like the cities, it’s important for you to take care of yourself more personally. You will need to keep the personal care and toiletries items with you, like:
- Quick-dry Towel: Lightweight and compact.
- Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes: Not provided in teahouses.
- Hand Sanitizer: Must-have for hygiene.
- Biodegradable Soap/Shampoo: Respect the environment.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Lip Balm (with SPF): Prevents cracked lips in cold and windy weather.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+): High UV exposure in the Himalayas.
- Moisturizer: Protects skin from dryness.
Health & First Aid
A health and first aid kit is carried by the guide and porter you hire for the trek. If you need a health and first aid kit, you will need items like
- Personal First Aid Kit: Painkillers, band-aids, blister plasters.
- Diamox (Acetazolamide): for altitude sickness prevention (consult doctor).
- Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Prevents dehydration.
- Electrolyte Powder: Restores energy during long hikes.
- Anti-diarrheal & Antibiotics: For stomach issues.
- Insect Repellent: For lower regions like Besisahar.
Electronics & Gadgets
When you are trekking to the Annapurna circuit and you are a Gen Z, a millennial, or any other age group, it’s important for you to capture the beautiful moments in the mountains. Due to which it’s suggested for you to bring the electronic items like:
- Camera/GoPro: Capture stunning landscapes.
- Power Bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): Essential for charging devices.
- Universal Travel Adapter: Nepal uses Type C and D plugs.
- Phone & Offline Maps (Maps.me or AllTrails): Helpful for navigation.
Documents & Money
The most important part of your Annapurna circuit trek packing list is to bring the documents and money for your trek. In the documents, you will be bringing the ACAP permit, the TIMS permit, your visa, and your passport, as some places might require you to show your documents. And it’s also important for you to carry enough cash for yourself to sustain the trek, and also, there are no ATMs or swiping machines. If you are trekking through the trekking agencies, then your agency will pay for your accommodations, transportation, food, and every cost, but if not, it’s important for you to bring enough.
Where can I rent the trekking gear and equipment for the Annapurna Circuit trek?
When you are trekking in the Annapurna Circuit trek, you must follow the packing list. And if you are a first-time trekker or even an experienced one, if you don’t have the trekking equipment, you will need to rent the items. You can mainly rent inside Kathmandu from different shops that sell and rent the equipment. You can rent the items for $1 to $5 per day, depending on the items and how expensive they are.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List Tips
- Pack light: The standard porter weight limit is 15–20 kg.
- Layer wisely: Use clothing that can be mixed and matched.
- Rent vs. Buy: You can rent down jackets, sleeping bags, and poles in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Eco-friendly trekking: Avoid single-use plastics and carry a reusable bottle with a purifier.
- Hire a porter: Hire a porter who can carry your weight so that you can enjoy your trek without thinking about the weight.
What is the cost for renting the gear and equipment?
The cost for renting the gear and equipment depends on the place you are renting and the time you are renting. Some items may cost a higher price, and some may cost less. The cost also depends on the days you are renting. The minimum cost for renting is 1 USD, and the maximum can go up to 5 USD. You can check the table below for a rough idea.
Gear You Can Rent for the Annapurna Circuit Trek Breakdown
| S.N | Gear / Equipment | Daily Rental Cost (USD) | Typical Trek Duration Cost (12 Days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sleeping Bag (-10°C to -20°C) | $1.5 – $3 | $18 – $36 | Essential above 3,500m. |
| 2 | Down Jacket (Warm, Packable) | $1.5 – $3 | $18 – $36 | Required for cold nights & Thorong La Pass. |
| 3 | Backpack (40–60L) | $1 – $2 | $12 – $24 | For independent trekkers or carrying essentials. |
| 4 | Duffel Bag (70–90L) | $1 – $2 | $12 – $24 | Used if you hire a porter. |
| 5 | Trekking Poles (Pair) | $0.5 – $1.5 | $6 – $18 | Protects knees during steep ascents/descents. |
| 6 | Trekking Boots | $1 – $3 | $12 – $36 | Make sure they fit well; test before renting. |
| 7 | Headlamp | $1 – $2 | $12 – $24 | Essential for early starts and teahouse power cuts. |
| 8 | Crampons / Gaiters | $1 – $2 | $12 – $24 | Useful if trekking in winter or early spring. |
| 9 | Tent (if camping trek) | $3 – $7 | $36 – $84 | Not needed for teahouse treks. |
Should You Rent or Buy?
Either you should rent or buy it, depending upon your usage, like
- Rent if you’re trekking once or twice and don’t want to carry bulky items from home.
- Buy if, you plan multiple treks, want guaranteed hygiene, or prefer specific brands.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List Infographics
Read Some Related Blogs
How Much Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost?
What permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
How to reach the Starting Point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map
Best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Real Trekkers Share Their Annapurna Circuit Trek Reviews
Tags: annapurna circuit trek, annapurna trek, circuit trek, packing list