Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List
Footwear:
- Walking boots. A pair of water-repellent boots with ankle support.
- Walking socks.
- Yaktrax
- Trainers or trail shoes. Can be used in and around the lodge in the afternoons/evenings.
Clothing:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar).
- Trekking trousers.
- Long sleeve shirts (not cotton).
- Mid to heavyweight fleece.
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
- Fleece pants.
- Medium weight down jacket (e.g.: Nuptse jacket by The North Face).
Hand wear:
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Headwear:
- Wool or fleece hat.
- Sun hat.
- Bandana or scarf.
- Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
- Sunglasses.
Personal Equipment:
- Day pack (you’ll need during the day, such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, snacks, and a personal first aid kit. Keep your daypack under 5 kg. A porter will transport the rest of your personal gear in a duffel or kit bag, which should not exceed 15 kg per trekker. Clearly mark your bag to help identify it easily.)
- Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized.
- Water bottles (Nalgene wide-mouth bottles are the best).
- Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF.
- Water purification tablets (Aqua Tab, Chlorine dioxide).
- Favourite snack food.
- Trekking poles (optional).
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
- Insurance certificate.
- Flash Light
- Earplugs (optional).
- Hand sanitizer
- Face Mask
- Spare cash for extra expenses like hot shower, boiled water, gadget charging during trek
Traveling:
- Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.
- Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu.
- Toiletry bags include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.
- Quick dry towel
Personal first aid kit: Note: Nepal Sanctuary Treks provides a comprehensive group first aid kit, but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Seasonal Temperatures
The Annapurna Circuit experiences significant seasonal and altitude-based temperature variations.
In spring (March to May), daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C in lower regions (800–2,500 m) and -5°C to 10°C at higher elevations (above 4,000 m).
Summer and the monsoon season (June to August) bring warmer days of 18°C to 30°C in lower areas, with 2°C to 12°C at high altitudes, though afternoon rain can cool the trail.
Autumn (September to November) offers 12°C to 24°C in the lower region and -8°C to 10°C above 4,000 m, while winter (December to February) is coldest, with 5°C to 15°C in lower areas and -10°C to -25°C at high elevations.
Temperatures generally drop about 6.5°C for every 1,000 m of ascent, and nights above 4,000 m frequently fall below freezing regardless of the season.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit offer basic rooms and meals. Most rooms are twin-sharing with two single beds and a blanket. Bringing a sleeping bag is recommended for extra warmth and hygiene.
Bathrooms are generally shared and often feature Asian-style squat toilets. At lower elevations, Western-style flush toilets and hot showers heated by gas or solar power are sometimes available for an additional $2–$4 USD.
At higher altitudes, such as Thorong Phedi and High Camp, squat toilets and cold water are standard, and hot showers may not be available. Teahouses provide a communal dining area with a fireplace or stove to keep guests warm.
Typical Day on a Teahouse Lodge Trek
Each day includes three meals. Mornings start by packing your overnight gear into your main bag before breakfast while porters set off early.
Trekking usually begins around 8 a.m. at a relaxed pace, allowing time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and visit local villages. Lunch is served at a teahouse along the trail between 11 a.m. and noon.
Afternoon trekking resumes around 1 p.m., with most days ending at the lodge by mid-afternoon. Upon arrival, trekkers are offered a hot drink and biscuits.
Dinner consists of two courses, typically a soup followed by a main dish such as dal bhat, momos, or local specialties. After dinner, the trek leader provides a briefing on the next day’s itinerary.
Electricity on the Annapurna Circuit Trek
At lower elevations, most teahouses connect to the local hydroelectric grid, offering fairly stable electricity, and some rooms have private outlets.
Above Manang, teahouses rely mainly on solar power, so outlets are generally limited to communal dining areas and may be available only during daylight or specific evening hours.
Charging is rarely free at higher altitudes due to limited solar and battery capacity. Expect to pay $1–$5 USD (130–650 NPR) per device for a full charge or per hour, with prices increasing at higher elevations.
Nepal primarily uses Type C (two-pin) and Type D (three-pin) sockets, so carrying a universal adapter is recommended.
Outlets can be crowded during peak season, and cold temperatures drain batteries quickly. Bring a high-capacity power bank and a headlamp with spare batteries to stay powered throughout the trek.
Communication on the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Mobile networks and paid Wi-Fi become less reliable at higher altitudes, with no coverage at Thorong La Pass.
Buy a Nepalese SIM in Kathmandu or Pokhara before your trek. Nepal Telecom (NTC) offers the best coverage in remote areas, while Ncell works better in lower-altitude towns. Strong signals exist in Besisahar, Chame, Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom, while coverage is weak or nonexistent above Manang and near Thorong La.
Most teahouses provide slow Wi-Fi, usually free at lower elevations but costing 200–500 NPR ($2–$5 USD) per day at higher stops.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Difficulty and Physical Fitness
The Annapurna Circuit is a moderate to challenging trek. No technical climbing skills are required, but high altitudes and long trekking days over 12 to 21 days make it demanding. The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft).
The trek covers 160–230 km, with most days requiring 5 to 8 hours of walking. You will cross varied terrain, including subtropical forests, stone staircases, narrow ridgelines, and loose scree. Crossing Thorong La Pass is the toughest day, taking 8 to 10 hours of steep climbing in sub-zero temperatures.
You do not need to be a professional athlete, but endurance and strength are essential.
Be prepared to walk uphill for hours with a 5–8 kg daypack, tackle long ascents and descents, and stay mentally resilient in cold, fatigue, and basic teahouse conditions.
ATM Access on the Annapurna Circuit Trek
ATMs are available in major towns such as Besisahar, Chame, Manang, and Jomsom, but they can be unreliable due to power outages or network issues. It is highly recommended to withdraw enough Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.
The trek is entirely cash-based. Teahouses, shops, and vendors accept only Nepali Rupees, and credit cards are rarely accepted in smaller villages. Carry enough cash to cover extra expenses such as showers, device charging, and hot water.