Annapurna Circuit: The Complete Gear List

More critical here than on EBC due to the terrain variety — you'll encounter rocky trails, river crossings, snowfields approaching Thorong La, and muddy subtropical paths. High-cut for ankle support on the descent from the pass. Don't consider trail runners above Manang.

Essential for lodge evenings and showers. At lower elevations the heat makes sandals genuinely necessary after a long day in boots.

Merino manages temperature across the circuit's extreme range better than synthetic. Rotate and hand-wash every 2 days.

Porter hire is common and recommended — carrying a heavy pack accelerates altitude sickness risk crossing Thorong La. If using a porter, a soft duffle is easier to load than a rigid frame pack. If going self-supported, a 60–65L trekking pack with a strong hip belt is essential.

For carrying water, layers, snacks and camera while your main bag goes with a porter. 25L is the sweet spot — large enough for a full day's kit, small enough to not become a burden.

More critical than on EBC in some ways — on Thorong La crossing day you'll start in the dark (typically 4–5am) at below-freezing temperatures. A serious down jacket is non-negotiable. 700+ fill power minimum; 800 fill for comfortable buffer on the pass itself.

Essential — for rain at lower elevations and wind protection crossing the pass. A packable Gore-Tex or equivalent shell that compresses to a daypack pocket. See our waterproof jackets guide for tested picks.

Goes between base layer and shell. A 200-weight fleece or lightweight synthetic insulation jacket. Used constantly on cold mornings, lodge evenings, and on the Thorong La approach.

The temperature variation on the Circuit makes merino wool uniquely suited — it insulates in cold, manages sweat in heat, and resists odour across multiple days of use. Pack 3 sets and rotate.

Convertible zip-off trousers are ideal for the Circuit's temperature swings — trousers in the morning, shorts by midday at lower elevations. Add softshell or waterproof over-trousers for the Thorong La crossing.

The Thorong La crossing in spring or autumn regularly involves sub-zero windchill. A thin merino liner inside a warm insulated outer is the correct system. Don't skip this.

You need both. A wool or fleece hat covering ears for the cold sections, and a wide-brimmed sun hat for the lower subtropical valleys where UV is intense. Don't sacrifice one for the other.

More useful on the Circuit than EBC due to the snowfield sections approaching Thorong La in spring. Lightweight trail gaiters keep snow out of boots on the pass crossing.

Thorong Phedi (the base camp before the pass) sits at 4,450m. Overnight temperatures regularly hit -10°C to -15°C. A bag rated only to 0°C is insufficient. Down is preferable for the weight savings; synthetic is fine if you're on a budget or trekking in wetter conditions. See our sleeping bags guide for tested picks.

Adds 3–5°C of warmth and keeps your bag clean. Essential hygiene layer in teahouse dormitories. Sea to Summit's silk liner is the gold standard.

The Thorong La crossing starts before dawn — typically 4–5am to beat afternoon winds and snowstorms. A reliable headlamp is not optional. Cold temperatures at altitude drain batteries fast; carry spares and keep them warm in your sleeping bag overnight.

More critical on the Annapurna Circuit than EBC due to the steeper, more technical descents — particularly coming off Thorong La and in the Marshyangdi Valley. Flick-lock telescoping poles work better than twist-lock in cold and mud.

Tap water and stream water on the Circuit are not reliably safe to drink without treatment. Boiled water is available at teahouses but expensive. UV purification (SteriPen) or iodine tablets both work. A filter straw (Sawyer Squeeze) is a good backup.

Charging facilities in the upper Circuit villages (Manang, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath) are limited and expensive. A large power bank covers your phone and camera for several days. Keep it in your sleeping bag overnight at altitude — cold kills capacity.

Not optional. Altitude sickness (AMS, HACE, HAPE) can require emergency helicopter evacuation with no warning. Evacuation from altitude costs $3,000–10,000 USD. Ensure your policy explicitly covers trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation. Verify before you travel.

The standard acclimatisation aid. Prescription required in most countries. The Circuit gains altitude quickly above Chame — the jump from Pisang (3,200m) to Manang (3,500m) to Thorong La (5,416m) compressed into a few days is where AMS strikes most trekkers. Discuss with your doctor before departure.

UV at 5,000m is approximately 50% stronger than at sea level. Reflection off snow and glaciers adds further exposure. Apply and reapply constantly — snow blindness and severe sunburn are real risks on the pass crossing.

Compeed plasters, Leukotape, sterile needle, antiseptic. The circuit is long enough that an untreated blister can become a trek-ending problem by day 8.