My Essential Annapurna Circuit Packing List
December 21, 2022
Nepal
By guy yefet
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Are you planning to trek the Annapurna circuit and don't know what to pack? Here you will find my essential Annapurna circuit packing list!

Annapurna circuit packing list

When you trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, it is critical to arrive equipped so that you are prepared for many situations: heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, and radiation from the sun, so it is essential to talk about a packing list for trekking in Annapurna Circuit.

This is not an easy task that requires a lot of thought.

On the one hand, we don't want to be missing anything we might need during the trek, on the other hand, we don't want to carry around a backpack that's too big and heavy.

Which backpack should you take, and how many clothes? This packing list is based on my experience and aims to organize and help you choose the right travel equipment for the Annapurna trek.

The most popular trek in Nepal is the Annapurna Circuit trek provides the best that a successful trek and Nepal have to offer to every traveler and backpacker.

But like any other trek you will do, for the Annapurna circuit trek, you need to know how to prepare accordingly since a lack of proper preparation could end up in real life-threatening danger.

So, if you planning to do some trekking in Nepal, the following article is for you.

annapurna packing list

Annapurna circuit packing list: overview

GEAR

CLOTHES

Toiletries & HYGIENE

  • Toothbrush + Toothpaste
  • Small Shampoo + Shower Gel
  • Tissues
  • Nail Clippers
  • Deodorant
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Lipstick for dry lips

ELECTRONIC

FIRST AID

  • Compeed
  • Ankle Brace
  • Aspirin
  • Antiseptic Cream
  • Small Scissors

EXTRAS

  • Pen
  • Notebook
  • Cards
  • Books

What to pack for the Annapurna Circuit

Backpack | on a trek where trekking equipment is carried on the back, a professional back system in the backpack enables correct weight distribution and adjusts to the traveler's body shape.

It is recommended to make sure that the bag is of sufficient size for you, including a rain cover and a holder for walking sticks.

A good and comfortable bag can be the difference between two or three days of getting used to it and two weeks of suffering. Invest in a good bag.

One of the critical things when carrying a heavy bag for several days is the fit on the back.

On the first few days of walking, make sure everything is tensioned suitably for you, and if you are not sure, ask for help from someone who seems experienced.

Each bag has straps that close around the waist - use them! This is the most crucial part of the bag.

Make sure that the weight of the backpack with which trekking does not exceed 20% of your body weight.

Dry bag | To keep our valuables and electronics safe, it is useful to have a dry bag. The weight is negligible, and it keeps your valuable things.

Shoes

Altra lone peak | In recent years, I have replaced my heavy hiking boots with trail running shoes. This is a big change for me.

Some will say that maybe it's not safe enough and the shoe doesn't support the ankle. But I found it very comfortable. I walked with shoes in every possible situation, whether snow, mud, or any off-road route.

The great advantage of trail running shoes is, first of all, the weight, they are very light, and they also dry quickly, unlike the boots, which once they get wet take a long time to dry.

I don't know of any shoe that is 100% waterproof. Water can always get into your shoes, so in my opinion, it's better to have shoes that dry quickly.

I highly recommend Altra lone peak, a light, and comfortable shoe.

Flip-flops | You may see porters doing the Annapurna trek with flip-flops, but you should not go with them.

The flip-flops will be used by you in the evening. You can change into flip-flops in your room or for the shower.

Clothing

Travel pants | You should take light hiking pants. An excellent option is these detachable pants. The pants protect from the sun and sweat, dry quickly, and are durable for hiking.

Thermal clothing | You must have thermal clothing for the Annapurna circuit trek. An alternative base layer designed to keep the body on the beach. Thermal clothing is not very warm, but they keep the body cool and help the layers above to warm you better.

After trying several different companies, I found that the most comfortable and warm thermal clothing is the Icebreaker Merino 175.

It may be a bit expensive but worth the investment.

Merino T-shirts | 2-3 shirts that you will walk with during the day are enough. This amazing merino wool icebreaker shirt is suitable for both heat and cold.

Dry quickly, and most importantly, do not stink, no matter how much you sweat with them.

Fleece jacket | a thin layer of heating.

Rain Jacket | one of the most important things to take on a trek. It is essential to have a quality raincoat that you can walk with that breath and that you won't sweat with it after 5 minutes of walking.

Down jacket | Another essential item to invest in.

It is cold at night in Annapurna, and it is recommended to have a down jacket with you to keep you warm in the evenings, or during the breaks, you take during the trek. And on the day you climb the Thorng-la pass.

Socks | The socks should be sweat-wicking so they dry quickly and smell less. I have sweat-wicking socks, which are hung up for ventilation at the end of every day of walking, and the next morning they don't smell at all. I can walk with the same socks for two to four days.

Gloves | It is essential to take two pairs of gloves. The first pair are thin gloves that are comfortable to wear and warm but still allow for normal handling of the hands. The second pair are thick, waterproof snow gloves - for more extreme cold conditions and snowy/rainy days.

GEAR

Sleeping bag | True, many will tell you that you can get by without a sleeping bag, and it's enough to get by with a liner - it's as thin and light as a sheet.

There are blankets in all the guesthouses and you don't have to pay.

All true. But, you are in the Himalayas, at heights of 3-5 thousand meters. What if there is a storm and it is extremely cold? What if you get to the high villages and you only get one blanket? In my opinion, going on a trek like this without a sleeping bag is a bit irresponsible.

Hiking Poles | You should be equipped with walking sticks on the Annapurna trek.

The Hiking Poles ease the load on the knees, helps in a good distribution of body weight, and make life easier. There are many types of walking poles at a variety of prices. You should make sure that the grip of the pole is comfortable for you and that it folds to the size that suits you.

LifeStraw | There are all kinds of methods to purify water (there are many unpurified water points in the villages along the way), but the most effective is this bottle. Just fill it with water and drink filtered water through the straw. Saves a lot of time on purification with various tablets.

Sunglasses | The snow reflects a lot of light which can lead to snow blindness - a medical condition of temporary or permanent damage to vision, due to being in a snowy environment for a long time.

To avoid this, equip yourself with high-quality polarized sunglasses.

First aid kit | The Annapurna trek does pass between the different villages of Annapurna, but 7 hours from Kathmandu means you are also 7 hours from the nearest hospital. Therefore, it is essential to take a first aid kit with you for any trouble that may arise. You should take a basic first aid kit with you, with iodine, bandages, and plasters.

Travel towel | takes up little space and dries quickly.

Headlamp | When planning a list of equipment for Nepal, it is recommended to take care of a headlight with LED lighting with priority for fast charging and a long lighting time.

Electronics

Camera + lens | I use a fuji Xt-30 camera with a 35 mm lens

Portable charger | take a high-quality and durable portable battery with you that can charge your satellite and personal mobile device in the field.

Other things

Hand sanitizer | Excellent for maintaining hygiene while walking.

Sunscreen | It is critical to put sunscreen on at altitude when the sun is stronger.

Lipstick for dry lips

Cards | For the free time you will have in the evenings.

Books

Notebook and pen | Write down your experiences from the trek.

What can you buy in Kathmandu?

In the tourist area where you will stay in Kathmandu, you can buy a lot of equipment at cheap prices.

You can find in fake shops - down jackets, walking poles, rain jackets, hats, and small bags - these are popular things to buy in Kathmandu.

What you should not buy in Nepal are - shoes, thermal clothes, a sleeping bag, and socks.

Summary

It's essential to have the appropriate equipment for the Annapurna circuit trek.

Be sure that the breathtaking views you will be exposed to along the route and at the peak of the route will be worth every difficult or complex moment during the trek. And that's without even talking about the immense sense of satisfaction you'll feel when you reach the long-awaited summit of the trek.

The packing stage for the trip can change your entire trip experience.

Thinking about the small details will be reflected when you are in the most extreme places and will make your life easier.

It's necessary to also know how to enjoy the preparation and packing stage because your trip already begins at this stage!

The most important thing is that you have a successful and exciting hike!

I hope this Annapurna circuit packing list will help you prepare for your trip to Nepal.

My travel resources

  • Book affordable flights on Expedia, a great website that show the best routes and flight deals to your destination.

  • Find a budget-friendly deal on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com.

  • Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance at SafteyWing.

Thanks for reading!

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