Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a complete package of diverse landscapes, beautiful mountain views, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Trekking to the base camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but only if you are prepared for everything that the Himalayas have to offer. To prepare you for your trip, we have made a comprehensive Annapurna Base Camp packing list, including clothing, trekking gear, and other necessary items.

Any brand name that Himalayan Glacier recommends is for suggestions only; you are free to select the brand of your comfort & reliability for your own use for multiple treks for many years.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail is the foremost choice for many first-time trekkers because of its well-groomed itinerary. For those first-time trekkers, traveling brings not only excitement but also packing anxiety. And, that’s where our packing list comes in handy- to ease your packing stress.

Sure, the thought of being out in the wild makes you feel like you need to have everything with you, but the truth is not everything is necessary. So, you need to pack light yet smart and avoid access at all costs.

Most of our treks in the Himalayas offer proper lodging nowadays, which is much more convenient than camping. Because of proper lodging facilities, you have to pack way fewer items for your trips.

For your convenience, we have prepared the ultimate essential packing list of all the things you need for the trek. However, this list is in no way definitive as the final choice entirely depends on your need and judgment. Even though the list is for Annapurna Trek, it applies to trek anywhere else in other Himalayan trails such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Trek, Annapurna Circle Trek, Three Passes Trek to the Everest Region.

From the list mentioned below, Himalayan Glacier will provide the items indicated by an asterisk (*) in the checklist, which is included in the trip cost. Further, you will also receive meals (3 times a day), a sleeping bag, a duffel bag, and a down jacket (for all seasons).

Lots of accessories and small items are locally available once you arrive in Kathmandu to buy; you must be aware of Foot, Body, and Headwear.

1. Documents and Cash

• Passport with a valid visa is the first and foremost thing you will need. We suggest you get at least 6 months validity for your visa.
• Four copies of passport size photos (they will come in handy to get sim cards and to get permits at some trekking trials)

• Cash- the trekking trail goes through the paths in rural areas that are not yet facilitated with ATMs, so we recommend carrying ($200-300) cash with you.
• Any other valid ID in case of loss of passport. We recommend you carry a few copies of your passport to be prepared for any unforeseen events.

The paperwork might vary during and after the coronavirus pandemic. You can visit our blog for Everest Base Camp Trek during the coronavirus for the latest updates. But, with Himalayan Glacier, we ensure you a safe travel experience as our climbers, leaders, Sherpa guides, and porters have already received the COVID – 19 vaccines

2. Insurance Recommendations

Travel Insurance and documents covering medical, health issues, accidents, flight cancellation, trip cancellation, rescue are mandatory for joining trekking trips organized by adventure companies.

In case of any unfortunate events, the cost for emergency services can be huge, so travel insurance does ensure a more relaxed trip. Therefore, we at Himalayan Glacier always recommend travel insurance for travelers who sign up with us. However, it is very important to be careful while choosing the right policy for travel Insurance.

In the past, our clients have bought insurance policies from companies like RBC Travel Insurance, TuGo Travel Insurance, AXA Travel Insurance, InsureandGo Travel Insurance, to name a few.

Himalayan Glacier does not sell or promote the insurance policies of any insurance company. Our recommendations are entirely based on the experiences of our former clients. You can find any insurance company as per your choice that covers the mandatory requirements.

3. Travel Clothing

Head

A proper hat for sun protection

We recommend you carry a wide-brimmed hat or a sun cap to protect yourself from the scorching sun and its strong rays.

It will also protect you from dehydration and heat-induced headache. Moreover, with a brimmed hat over your head, you will also be shielding yourself from getting excessively sunburned.

Warm hat

If you are trekking in cold temperatures, it gets freezing, especially during nights and mornings. Sometimes even the daytime gets chilly when the weather is windy or cloudy. So. we suggest you bring a warm fleece or woolen hat to keep yourself warm.

Balaclava or Buff/ Neck Gaiter

You will need a proper buff to keep your neck warm as well as to cover your mouth and protect lips from the cold. When you are trekking at high altitudes, the air is cold and dry, which causes coughing and other throat issues. So carrying a balaclava or a buff is highly recommended.

Headlamps 

These head accessories come in handy when you are trekking at low visibility, especially during nights. In fact, we suggest you also bring some extra batteries for these headgears as a precaution.

Sunglasses or Goggle 

We recommend you bring dark sunglasses, which can also give protection against harsh UV rays and strong wind. An extra spare pair would be a wise decision.

Body wear – Torso

Full Sleeve Shirt made up of moisture-wicking fabric

We suggest you bring a pair of lightweight shirts, preferably nylon or synthetic fabric.

Short Sleeve Shirt made up of moisture-wicking fabric

We recommend you bring 2 of these, preferably Merino wool or synthetic materials (NO COTTON).

Lightweight thermal tops

Thermal tops are a must for your trip to Annapurna Base Camp. As you go higher up in the trekking trail, the temperature gets chillier, and you need to keep your body warm.

Down jacket (Puffer Jacket) *

Down Jackets are essential for your trip to the mountains in Nepal. If you are a regular hiker, we assume you must have your own Down Jacket. We recommend North Face or any international brand that can keep you warm up to -10 Degree Celsius. If you don’t have or you want to avoid the hassle of carrying it all the way from home, Himalayan Glacier has its certified jackets for use.  You can inform us about your size while you are booking the trek with us.

If you do want to purchase a down jacket, you can always ask us for advice on getting the right down jacket for your adventures.

Waterproof jacket with hood

You need a Jacket made up of waterproofing material as an outerwear jacket. A waterproof jacket will come in handy during those unannounced rainfalls and also help you block the wind.

Hand wear

Gloves

At high altitudes, the temperature gets really chilly. There is a high chance of getting numb hands or even frostbites. So, gloves are a must to keep your hands warm.

We recommend you bring two pairs- a warm fleece one and a waterproof one.

Body wear – beneath the torso

Waterproof Hiking Pants, breathable

Comfortable body wear is a must during these long treks. We recommend bringing one or two pairs of comfortable trekking pants that are quick-drying and made of synthetic material.

Hiking shorts

In case you are traveling in the summer season, bringing hiking shorts will be a wise decision.

Fleece Pant

We recommend bringing a pair of warm fleece pants or comfortable track pants to change when you arrive at your lodging.

Light thermal trouser

Light thermal trousers come in handy for layering. You can also use them for sleeping in. We recommend you bring Merino wool-based ones with moisture reeking fabric.

Fleece Woolen Pants

You will need a pair of warm bottoms to wear under your trekking pants on the final days of the trek. We recommend Merino Wool base layers. However, a synthetic material will work as well. 

Foot wear

Hiking boots

A comfortable pair of shoes is a must for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You’ll be walking for 6-7 hours for days, so you need to bring comfortable pair of waterproof hiking boots.

The hiking boots should fit you perfectly with proper ankle support. We suggest you break into your shoes before the trip. You can try going on short hikes and workout on your boots few days prior to the trip. 

We have used different brands of trekking boots such as Scarpa, Merrell, Berghaus, and Mammut. We can help you pick the proper boots for you.

Trainers or running shoes

You will want to take your hiking boots off when you arrive at the lodge each night. We recommend a light running shoe or trainer (Salomon Brand is ideal).

Socks

You need to bring enough socks with you for these long treks. We suggest packing 3 or 4 pairs of thin liner socks and 2 or 3 pairs of thick socks. For socks, Merino wool or synthetic material will be a wise choice as cotton socks can make your feet dry and uncomfortable.

4. Trekking Equipment

The right kind of trekking gear is as important as the right clothes while trekking. You need to bring the following equipment with you on your trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

Duffel Bag for porters or yaks to carry your belongings*

We recommend bringing a duffle bag around 90/100 liters (20-22 gallons) in size. The porters or yaks will be carrying this duffle bag.

Himalayan Glacier will provide you a standard water-proof duffel bag during your trip, which remains yours even after you return from the trek.

Sleeping Bag*

In lodges, you will be sleeping on a proper bed. Some lodges even provide electric bed topping, and blankets are pretty warm unless you plan on sleeping in tents. If you are a frequent hiker, you must have your own sleeping bag. If you don’t want to bring or don’t have one with you, Himalayan Glacier will provide you with a sleeping bag suitable for all four seasons.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles will be your third leg during these treks, hiking ups & downs in the rocky hills. So, we recommend you bring a trekking pole with you. An adjustable collapsible pole will be perfect for you to carry.

Day pack for your carry

You need to bring a day pack to carry your daily items/personal documents/camera/money. We recommend getting a 30-35 liter (8-gallon) pack with a hip belt and an inner frame for back support.

5. Accessories

Backpack Cover (optional)

In case of rainfall, a backpack cover will keep the contents of your pack dry. And if you are carrying your camera/important documents in your bag, bringing a backpack cover will be a smart decision.

Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)

We recommend you bring two Nalgene or similar bottles. Carrying a bottle with you will give a constant reminder for you to stay hydrated.

Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags, or Ziploc -Type Plastic Bags

These bags will come in handy to keep your gears dry and separate.

6. Medicine

• Antibiotics, two courses as prescribed by your General Physician. One for chest and upper respiratory tract infections and one for abdominal bowel infections. 

Please don’t bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.

• Painkillers, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil
• Cough Lozenges
• 1 – Triangular Bandage
• Foot Powder. Essential for keeping your feet in good condition
• Anti-inflammatory Tablets.
• Skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Altitude sickness Tablets: Diamox or Acetazolamide to prevent AMS
• Water purification tablets or water filters
• Prescriptions, in case you need to purchase your medications.
• Sunscreen– We recommend bringing an SPF 50 + to protect you from the extreme rays at altitude.
• Lip Balm – This is essential to protect you against the fierce sun.
• Insect Repellent, containing DEET
• Hand Sanitizer – This is essential to keep your hands clean on the trail.
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes (recommended)
• Electrolytes, powder, or multivitamin tablets (optional)

Our Trek Leader will be carrying a group medical kit that will contain more of the above plus extensive supplies for a wide range of medical problems and emergencies. But we recommend you bring along the items mentioned above and keep your medical kit with you daily on the trail.

7. Toiletries

Clearly, toiletries refer to everything you need daily for hygiene purposes like toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, etc. We recommend you bring the following items to your toiletry Kit:

• A medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers, Small Mirror (optional)
• Toilet Paper
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene items

8. Packing list for women

In the case of female travelers, there might be a need for few more items. We suggest you bring the following things for a more comfortable trek experience in Annapurna Base Camp.

Sport bras 

Walking the rocky paths of trek trial will be nothing less than a sport. There’s a high possibility of you sweating like an athlete. So, we recommend bringing a comfortable sports bra along with you.

Travel-sized shampoo 

These days’ long trips will make your hair dry and frizzy. So, we suggest bringing shampoo, in case you feel like taking a quick shower in between. Dry shampoo will be a better option.

Skincare items

It is necessary to take care of your skin even during these treks. Because of the weather condition, your skin will get dry very easily. So, we suggest bringing a travel-sized moisturizer, skin cleanser, and sunscreen along with you.

Tampons and Sanitary Pads

If you’re traveling during the time of the month, we recommend bringing some tampons or any sanitary pads with you.

Fleece headband (optional)

Fleece headbands will come in handy during trekking. They not only keep your hair away from your face but also protect you from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy or rent Trekking Gears in the Nepalese market?

If you want to avoid bringing huge luggage with you from home, you can easily find trekking gears and clothes in the Nepalese market. There are many branded stores of The North Face & Mountain Hard Wear and many others in Kathmandu and Pokhara that sell original trekking gears and clothes.

Further, if you are a little bit tight on budget, you can also rent trekking gears like bag packs, trekking poles, and even down jackets.

If you plan on buying gears in Kathmandu or Pokhara, Himalayan Glacier will help you pick the right trekking gears.

Can you get branded trekking gears in the Nepalese Market? Are the knock-offs good enough?

It’s very easy to find knock-offs of well-known brands like The North Face & Mountain Hardwear in the Nepalese market. But, many shops sell first and second copies of branded trekking gears in Thamel and Pokhara.

As for the knock-offs, they are a good option if you don’t want to break the bank. Many travelers complete trek successfully even with the knock-off gears. However, we recommend not buying knock-off jackets & trekking shoes if you want to use the trekking gears for the long term.

Does the packing list apply for all seasons?

Taking seasons into consideration while packing is a wise decision. The packing list mentioned above is made by considering all those factors.

However, if you are traveling in the colder months of December or January, you need to make sure you bring thick down jackets and warm layering pieces with you. Similarly, if you are traveling in the monsoon months of June, July and August, you need to bring more waterproof clothing items along with you.

In the end, it all comes down to being smart while packing.

What vaccines are recommended for Covid-19 to travel in Nepal?

We recommend the vaccine guidelines by the CDC or WHO recommendations for travelers from North America, including the USA and Canada. We also suggest you consult your doctor regarding travel vaccines and your health condition.

What are the suggested international flight carriers to fly to Nepal?

There are many international flight carriers such as Qatar Airways, China Southern, Turkey Airlines, and many more to Nepal. As far as possible, Qatar Airways seems the best airline due to its connectivity and availability. Qatar Airways network is linked with major US & Canadian major cities to Doha, and from Doha, there is a direct flight in the same carrier to Kathmandu.

This Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Essential Packing list will help you pack for your trips to the Himalayas. If you have any other queries or confusion, you can always talk to our experts at Himalayan Glacier, who will provide detailed information.