Annapurna packing list is one of the most essential part of your trek. You stand at a crossroads. 

If you pack too much every  step you take  becomes torture. If you pack too little and you might freeze at 4,000 m. This balance keeps many trekkers awake at night.

The Annapurna trek offers stunning views. But the wrong gear can turn your dream into a nightmare. Tea house trekking means you sleep in lodges. You don't need tents or cooking equipment. This saves weight. But you still need the right items.

Porters typically carry 15 kg. Your daypack adds another 5-7 kg. Every item must earn its place. 

This guide shows you exactly what to bring. It covers what to rent in Kathmandu, and what you don’t need to pack. 

The 2026 season has lots of better gear options. Lighter materials exist now. Rental shops have modern equipment that is necessary. But the mountains haven't changed. You still need to stay warm, dry, and healthy. That is why a packing list is very important.

Let's build your perfect packing list.

The Big Three Essentials for your Annapurna Trek

Trekking Boots

Your boots matter most. They carry over 100 kg of stone steps. Uneven terrain tests every pair. Some routes are extremely difficult to take over. 

What you need:

• Ankle support (the trail has loose rocks)

• Waterproof membrane (rain and snow happen)

• Broken-in boots (new boots cause blisters)

At least be familiar with your new boots. You can use it  20 hours before the trek. Practice it. Walk on stairs. Test them on hills. Your feet should feel comfortable.

The Annapurna trail has steep descents. Ankle support prevents injuries. Do not ignore even your minor injury on the trek.

Boot tip: It is best to pack spare laces. A broken lace at altitude might ruin your trek.

Backpack

Your daypack holds water, snacks, and layers. You need it  dozens of times so make sure what to pack inside your backpack.

Size guide for your backpack:

• 30-40 litres  is best

• Hip belt helps with the  weight

• Chest strap helps on steep climbs

• Rain cover protects your gear

A porter carries your main bag. But your daypack stays with you. It should fit comfortably for 6-8 hours.

Make sure you choose a pack with side pockets. You need quick access to water bottles. If you have small pouches it gets easier to withdraw things in times of need.

Sleeping Bag

Tea houses provide blankets. But these blankets aren't warm enough above 3,000 m. Hygiene varies too. It is best if you carry a light sleeping bag. It keeps you warm at altitude.

Most trekkers rent sleeping bags in Kathmandu. Rental bags cost around  $1-2 per day. They come cleaned and compressed. 

If you bring your own, use a compression sack. This saves precious backpack space.

Clothing Layering System

You can think clothing  like an onion. Funny as it sounds but it is necessary. Multiple thin layers beat one thick jacket. It helps you make an easy way.

Your body temperature changes often . Morning starts cold. Climbing makes you sweat. Lunch stops chill you fast. Evenings drop below freezing. 

Layers let you adjust quickly at high altitude. You keep getting  comfortable all day.

Base Layer

The base  layer touches your skin. It soaks  sweat away from your body.

Bring two sets of your base layer. You can wash one while wearing the other. Tea houses offer laundry service. But clothes dry slowly at altitude. 

Long-sleeve tops work better than t-shirts. Remember you are at height so don’t take risks. The sun burns hard at high elevation. Your arms need protection.

Merino wool might costs more. But it handles multiple days without washing. This matters when water is scarce. Also it prevents from smelling.

Mid Layer

Your mid  layer traps warm air. It insulates your body heat.

Options:

• Fleece jacket (breathes well)

• Light down jacket (packs small)

• Synthetic insulated jacket (works when damp)

You can carry  one thick mid layer for Annapurna trek. You wear it during rest stops and evenings. A lighter fleece helps during cool mornings.

Zip-up styles work best. You can ventilate without removing the whole jacket. This prevents overheating on climbs. 

Outer Layer

This outer layer helps the trekkers to  block wind and rain. It protects all your other layers. 

What are the requirements?

Outer layer should be:

• Waterproof and breathable

• Hood that fits over a hat

• Pit zips for ventilation

• Durable fabric (rocks tear thin shells)

A good rain jacket does the  double duty.  Meaning to say, It blocks monsoon rain in lower regions and It also cuts wind at high passes. Isn’t it worth a carry?

Gore-Tex remains the gold standard. But modern alternatives work well too. Maker sure you test your jacket before you start your  trek. You can stand under a shower and check if it is waterproof or not. Mainly, check for leaks.

Trekking Pants

At least carry  two pairs minimum of your trekking pants.

You can carry:

• Convertible zip-off pants (it adapts to temperature)

• Lightweight trekking pants (it dries  quickly)

• Water-resistant fabric (helps with light rain protection)

Note: You have to avoid  jeans completely. Denim absorbs water. It becomes heavy when wet. The fabric restricts your  movement  while you are climbing upward.

You can carry one pair of thermal leggings. It really helps on your trip. Wear them under your pants at high altitude. They add warmth without making you heavy.

Down Jacket

You might not believe if we say, down jacket does wonders. It  saves lives at altitude. Temperatures drop to -10°C at Thorong La Pass. It gets colder than you can imagine.

You can carry if it has:

• 600+ fill power down

• Hood included

• Stuff sack for compression

• Weight under 500 grams

Most trekkers rent down jackets. Kathmandu rental shops stock offers you quality brands. The cost runs $1-2 daily. 

If you buy, choose a jacket that fits over your mid layer. You wear multiple layers together at high camps. If it fits your mid-layer, you are good to go.

Footwear and Extremities

Sock System

Most of the trekkers are worried about altitude sickness. But, there are other things too they need to be worried about. Blisters end more treks than altitude sickness. This is why, your sock choice matters completely.

The two-sock method:

• Thin liner sock (it reduces friction)

• Thick wool outer sock (cushions and insulates)

Bring four pairs of each socks. Rotate them daily. Wet socks cause blisters and cold feet. Wear the dry ones.

Wool or synthetic only. Cotton socks guarantee blisters. They hold moisture against your skin. The dampness softens skin. Friction creates wounds.

Change socks at lunch. Your feet sweat during morning climbs. Fresh socks prevent afternoon blisters. Hang used socks on your backpack. They dry while you walk.

Gloves

Your hands lose heat fast at altitude. Getting cold at high altitude is a risk in itself. Bring two pairs of gloves.

You can carry:

• Thin liner gloves (for photography and snacks)

• Thick insulated gloves (for warmth)

Waterproof outer gloves helps you in snow. But they aren't always necessary. Most days stay dry above the tree line.

You can keep spare gloves in your backpack. Sometimes the gloves might get wet and wet gloves are always  useless. But, if you have  a backup pair , it prevents you from getting frozen fingers.

Hats

Hats are mandatory. You can bring two hats minimum. 

You can bring:

• Warm beanie (for sleeping and early mornings)

• Sun hat with brim (for lower elevations)

A buff or neck gaiter adds good option. It works as a hat, scarf, or face mask. This single item serves multiple purposes. It is worth.

Sunburn happens fast at 4,000 m. But if you carry, a wide-brimmed hat , it protects your face and neck. Choose one that won't blow off in wind.

Toiletries and First Aid

Tea house bathrooms vary widely at altitude. Hot showers cost extra. Water runs cold very often.

First Aid Essentials

If you are on Annapurna trek, safety always comes first. You have to make sure you have most important items as a first aid like:

• Ibuprofen (headache relief at altitude)

• Imodium (emergency diarrhea control)

• Electrolyte packets (rehydration salts)

• Blister bandages (friction prevention)

• Antibacterial ointment (wound care)

• Personal medications (full trek supply plus extra)

Diamox helps trekkers prevent altitude sickness. You can talk to your doctor before leaving home. Get a prescription. Start taking it one day before ascending.

Altitude affects everyone differently. Headaches are common. Nausea happens often.  Ibuprofen manages minor symptoms. But if the symptoms worsen descent, immediately.

Pack medications in clear bags. Keep them in your daypack. Keep it in a place where you can have  quick access during emergencies.

Hygiene Kit

For your own hygiene safety, you can carry:

• Hand sanitizer (large bottle)

• Biodegradable wet wipes (shower alternatives)

• Toilet paper (tea houses run out)

• Quick-dry towel (compact size)

• Toothbrush and paste (travel size)

• Lip balm with SPF (prevents cracking)

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply often)

Water for washing becomes scarce above 3,500 m. Wet wipes help you clean your body between showers. Always choose biodegradable options. They cause less environmental harm.

Remember, if you harm the environment, the loss is on us. It repays one way or another in a bad way.

Paid showers cost around  $2-5 at high altitude. Hot water isn't guaranteed. Many trekkers skip showers for 3-4 days because of water problem. Thats where you can use hand sanitize and wipes. Hand sanitizer and wipes keep you fresh enough.

If you are a woman, you should bring extra supplies. Tea houses sell  only basic items. Selection is limited. Prices increase at altitude. So, carry your most necessary essentials along with you.

Tech and Electronics

Electricity is very  expensive at altitude. Charging your phone costs $2-5 per hour above 4,000 m. Plan accordingly. You can carry the following items for your comfort:

Power Bank

• 20,000 mAh capacity

• Multiple USB ports

• Fully charged before starting

You have to charge completely in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This gives you 4-6 phone charges. Most trekkers finish the circuit without paying for charging. 

At high altitude, the environment gets very cold. Cold temperatures drain batteries  very fast. So, keep your power bank inside your jacket during the day. Sleep with it in your sleeping bag at night. This preserves charge and helps you to not run out of your battery.

Phone and Camera

Phone and camera is mandatory for your Annapurna trek. Your phone has multiple purposes. It not only takes photos but also tracks your route. You can also listen your favourite songs along the route.

For your phone safety you need:

• Waterproof case (rain protection)

• Screen protector (prevents cracks)

• Offline maps downloaded (no signal at altitude)

Your offline maps helps you prevent trouble if you get problems on your route. Download apps like Maps.me or a similar app. Load the Annapurna trail before leaving for trek. GPS works without cell signal so it helps you locate the routes.

Note: Take extra photos of your permits. You can also store copies in email. Incase if you lose  permits, it  cause problems at checkpoints.

Headlamp

You need hands-free light. Most of the times tea houses experience power cuts. Early morning starts happen in darkness. It is better if you carry headlanp which has features like:

• LED bulb (battery efficient)

• Red light mode (preserves night vision)

• Spare batteries (cold drains power)

Make sure you keep spare batteries warm.  Cold batteries lose 50% capacity. So, it is best if you store them in an inner pocket.

Charge your headlamp before leaving for the trek. Bring a USB rechargeable model. This eliminates battery waste on the trek.

Documents and Money

You cannot trek Annapurna base camp if you lose your  permits. It  ends your trek immediately. So, double-check everything.

Required Permits

For Annapurna Trek you must have:

• TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)

• ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

• Passport (original, not copy)

• Passport photos (4 copies minimum)

• Travel insurance (with helicopter evacuation)

You can get these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The process takes at least  1-2 hours. Bring the exact documents. 

Note: Offices close on Saturdays and holidays.

Store permits in a waterproof bag. You have to  show them at multiple checkpoints. Lost permits require returning to the start.

You can keep digital copies in your email. Take photos of all documents. This helps on the way if originals are lost.

Money Strategy

ATMs stop working after Chame on the Annapurna Circuit. After Ghorepani on the Annapryna Base Camp trail.

For safe cash planning trekkers have to 

• Withdraw maximum in Kathmandu

• Carry small notes (100 and 500 rupee notes)

• Budget $30-40 daily (food, lodging, extras)

• Emergency reserve ($200 minimum)

You need to know that tea houses only accept cash. Credit cards don't work as there are no ATM machine once you reach the height. Bring enough for the entire trek so that you won’t be in trouble.

Room costs stay low ($2-5 per night). But food prices increase with altitude and options decrease slowly. A meal costs $3 at low elevation. The same meal costs $8 at high camps. It is because of several factors like transportation, availability.

Split your money. Keep some in your daypack. Hide more in your main bag. This protects against loss or theft on the Annapurna journey. The journey is amazing but it has multiple risks and not just about altitude sickness or blisters.

What NOT to Bring on this trek?

Every extra gram hurts when you are trekking upwards. There are certain things that you might thing you need to carry but your shouldn’t.

You can ditch these items at your home  like:

• Jeans (heavy and stay wet)

• Cotton anything (dries slowly)n 

• Hair dryer (no reliable electricity)

• Heavy books (bring a Kindle)

• Full toiletry bottles (use travel sizes)

• Multiple shoes (boots plus camp shoes only)

Your porter carries 15 kg  maximum. Respect this limit. Extra weight costs more. Overpacking always creates troubles.  It also slows the walk and might trigger you.

You also don’t need to carry unnecessary electronics like :

• Laptop ( your phones handle everything)

• Bluetooth speaker (it disturbs others)

• Hair styling tools (vanity ends at altitude)

The  Annapurna trek focuses on nature. You won't need entertainment devices. Evenings are for rest and meals.

You also don’t need to carry :

• Formal clothes 

• Excessive first aid 

• Camping gear

Many trekkers pack for imagined emergencies. Most of the people carry unwanted stuffed without trusting the list. Annapurna is not just a day or two day hike, it requires most of the stamina that you have. It requires proper planning.  Trust the list. 

Consult with your guide about the trekking gears or the important items to carry.

Buy vs Rent in Kathmandu

 Thamel is a lively city in Kathmandu. You will find many agencies that support your trekking. Likewise, you will also find dozens of rental shops. Quality gear costs a fraction of buying new.

You can rent most of the items that are required for the trek:

Some of the best items to rent are:

• Down jacket ($1-2 daily)

• Sleeping bag ($1-2 daily)

• Trekking poles ($1 daily)

• Duffel bag ($1 daily)

Rental gear suits local conditions. Shop owners know what works. Equipment gets used constantly. This proves durability.

Inspect items before renting. Check zippers. Look for tears. Smell sleeping bags. Choose clean gear.

Leave a deposit or passport copy. You get it back when returning gear. Most shops have Pokhara branches. You can rent in Kathmandu and return in Pokhara.

You can purchase some items from home too like:

• Trekking boots (fit is personal)

• Base layers (because hygiene matters)

• Socks (it prevent blisters)

• Underwear (this is the main hygiene)

• Prescription medications (might not be available)

Boots need breaking in. You can't rent boots that fit perfectly. Blisters from ill-fitting rentals ruin treks.

Base layers touch your skin. Rental items get washed. But sharing intimate clothing feels quite dirty  for many people.

You will find good local purchases in Kathmandu like:

• Trekking pants ($15-30)

• Fleece jackets ($20-40)

• Gloves and hats ($5-15)

• Rain covers ($5-10)

• Backpacks ($30-60)

Kathmandu sells both genuine and counterfeit gear. North Face copies look real. They cost 10% of originals. Quality varies significantly.

For a short trek, counterfeits work fine. For serious mountain use, buy genuine gear. Check carefully before purchasing.

Conclusion

Check  your bag before leaving. Most airlines limit checked bags to 20-23 kg. Your trek gear should stay under 15 kg. This leaves room for your gifts and all .

Pack your  items in waterproof stuff sacks. You can use different colors which gets easy to find. You can group similar items together.

Likewise, wear your heaviest items on travel days. Boots, jacket, and fleece don't count toward baggage weight when you have worn them.

Test everything at home. Set up your sleeping bag. Try on all layers together. Walk with your loaded daypack. Fix problems before you start your journey to Annapurna.

The Annapurna trek challenges you. But proper gear makes it more easy . Thousands of trekkers have used these exact recommendations. So, follow the list and avoid problems.

Pack smart. Trek light. Enjoy every moment.

Your adventure awaits.