You may be wondering what to pack for your Trek to Annapurna Base Camp. You may have already scorched through the internet and the information may be giving you mixed information. Fret not! We have prepared an Annapurna Base Camp Equipment and Packing list specifically to ease up your burden. Whether you are traveling solo, in a group or via a tour operator, this list will help you with your packing.

If you are traveling via a tour operator to the base camp, they will provide one porter for every two trekkers. The porters have a weight limit of about 20kgs for two people. Thus, you got to pack accordingly!

What things you need to pack also depends on the season you will be trekking. If you trek during spring, in March, April and May, you may not have to carry extra layers of clothing because the weather is warm. Similarly, for your Autumn trek to the base camp in September, October and November, you may pack a bit heavy because it can get a lot colder than spring. Similarly, the monsoon and winter trek is a whole different story.

The clothing you wear on your trek will also depend on the altitude. At lower altitudes, the weather might not be as cold as in the higher altitudes.

When you are on a trek to Annapurna base camp, the highest altitude you reach is around 4130m while you also go as low as 800m. Thus, the variation in altitude also counts for what you will wear during your trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Temperature

What kind of clothing you need also depends on the time of the year you traverse the base camp. During spring seasons, the temperature can go as high as 14 degrees Celsius while it can go as low as -8 degrees Celsius. Similarly, in the summer season, the temperature at the base camp ranges between 3 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius. While, in autumn, the temperature lies between -10 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius in the Annapurna region. Likewise, in winter, the temperature can go as low as -20 degrees Celsius and as high as 9 degrees Celsius.

PS: We have prepared this list following our Annapurna Base Camp 14days Itinerary. Depending on the number of trekking days as well as your personal preference, you can pack accordingly. This is the sample equipment and packing list.

Basic Essentials

  • Trekking boots: Carry a durable pair of trekking boots. A pair of good-quality trekking boots will go a long way. Make sure you break your boots if it’s brand new.
  • Comfortable daypack/backpack: If you are hiring a porter, you can get yourself a comfortable backpack you can carry during the trek. You can keep your essential things which you might need when you are trekking.
  • Duffel bag: If you are going via a tour operator, they provide one porter for every two trekkers. So, get a duffle bag where you can keep all your clothing and equipment.

Trekking Equipment

  • Trekking poles: Trekking poles help you anchor yourself on sloppy terrain, muddy slopes and even snowy ground. They will act like your extended appendage on your trekking!
  • Swiss knife: It is extremely practical and is multipurpose.

Clothing when on a Trek

  • Trekking shirts: Make sure you get breathable, quick-to-dry shirts that are light and durable.
  • Windproof Jacket: At a higher altitude, it will be windy. Having a windproof jacket on the person will help you protect yourself from the harsh wind.
  • Trekking shorts: Warm trousers may not be a viable option when it is sunny high up in the Himalayas. Thus, carry some trekking shorts as well.
  • Raincoat and rain trousers: You will traverse Nepal’s rainy district Kaski. Thus, no matter what season, carry a raincoat with you!
  • Insulating Jacket: A warm jacket will protect you from cold in the higher altitudes.
  • Gloves: Depending on the season, carry at least a pair of gloves to protect your hands from cold. During winter trek, carry two while you may only need a pair during spring or autumn.
  • Hiking socks: Carry thick as well as thin trekking socks. You will need them. It’s never harmful to carry as many as you like.
  • Ear muffs: They help keep your ears warm.
  • Undergarments: Carry sweat-proof and breathable undergarments.
  • Sun hat: The sun can be extremely harsh. Carry a sun hat for you.
  • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays.

Clothing when in your Accommodation

  • Fleece-lined t-shirt: Pack warm and cozy t-shirts.
  • Fleece-lined trousers: Warm and cozy trousers protect you from catching a cold.
  • Basic t-shirts: Both full sleeves and half sleeves
  • Thermals: An inner layer of thermal wear will help you in cold conditions.
  • Socks: You can wear a separate pair only for sleeping.
  • Fleece-lined jacket: This will help you with cold.
  • Slippers: You can use a pair to roam around after you reach your accommodation.

Toiletries

  • Toilet paper: Carry for your convenience since some tea-houses do not offer toilet paper.
  • Wet wipes: For places where water is cold or inaccessible.
  • Hand Sanitizer: For times when water is too cold for you to touch.
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste: This goes without saying!
  • Lip balm: To prevent your lips from chapping
  • Sunscreen: With SPF over 50, protect yourself from the harsh sun at high altitudes!
  • Towel: For your personal use
  • Deodorant: At times you cannot bath as the water might be too cold.

Sleeping Essentials

  • Ear plugs and Eye Mask: For sleeping better.
  • Sleeping Bag: The bag ought to be warm and comfortable because you'll be using it frequently along the trek.

Food Items

You can carry some food times for the times when you cannot locate teahouses nearby. Here’s a list of a few food items you can carry:

  • Trail Mix
  • Granola Bars
  • Chocolate Bars
  • Biscuits
  • Dry Fruits

Medicine and First Aid

  • Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • 1 skin-blister repair kit
  • Anti-diarrhoea pills
  • Anti-headache pills
  • Cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin or something similar. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
  • Water purification tablets or the water filter
  • 1 set of earplugs
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Extras:

  • Reading book
  • Trail map/guide book
  • Journal and pen
  • iPod
  • Travel games i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
  • modest swim suit
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)

Some tips you can follow before your Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

  • Check all your trekking equipment and clothing beforehand.
  • Inform your guide if you have any medical conditions.
  • Layer your clothing.
  • Break your trekking boots while wearing hiking socks before your trek.

We hope that we were able to provide you with all the necessary information for your trek to the Annapurna Base Camp! Happy trekking!