Annapurna packing list

Packing philosophy for teahouse treks

On an Annapurna teahouse trek, lodges provide a bed and blankets, and meals are available on the trail. You are not carrying a tent, stove, or days of food. The goal is a lean, layered system: enough to stay warm and dry, without duplicating what you can reasonably buy or rent locally.

Pack for your specific route, season, and whether you are carrying your own pack or using a porter.

Documents and money

Keep these accessible in your day pack, not buried in your main bag:

• Passport: required for permits and identification
• Trekking permits: arranged before or at the start of your trek
• Travel insurance details: policy number, emergency contact, and coverage summary including evacuation
• Cash: ATMs are limited on most routes; carry enough Nepali rupees for the trail section you are walking
• Printed itinerary and emergency contacts: useful when connectivity is poor

Footwear

Your footwear choice affects comfort more than almost anything else you pack.

• Broken-in trekking boots or shoes: tested on hills before Nepal, with the socks you will actually wear
• Camp shoes or sandals: for evenings in teahouses; lightweight and packable
• Gaiters (optional): useful in mud, snow, or dusty conditions depending on season and route

Avoid buying boots in Nepal the day before you start unless you have several days to break them in around Pokhara.

Clothing layers

Dress in layers rather than one heavy item. Teahouse rooms are unheated; mornings and evenings at higher elevation can be cold even in spring and autumn.

Base layers

• Moisture-wicking tops and underwear
• One or two long-sleeve base layers for sun and cool mornings

Mid layers

• Fleece or lightweight insulated jacket
• Trekking trousers (quick-dry; avoid cotton jeans)

Outer layers

• Waterproof and windproof jacket: essential, not optional
• Waterproof trousers or a rain skirt (optional but useful in monsoon or wet shoulder seasons)

Head and hands

• Sun hat and warm hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Lightweight gloves: heavier gloves for higher routes or winter trekking

Day pack essentials

Keep these with you while walking:

• Water bottles or hydration system (minimum 1–2 litres capacity)
• Water purification tablets or filter (optional but useful)
• Snacks for between teahouses
• Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Basic first aid: blister care, pain relief, personal medications
• Hand sanitiser and toilet paper
• Phone, power bank, and charging cable

Sleeping and comfort

• Sleeping bag: rated for your route’s maximum elevation and season; teahouse blankets supplement but do not replace this on cold nights
• Sleeping bag liner (optional): adds warmth and keeps the bag clean
• Earplugs: teahouse walls are thin and shared spaces can be noisy
• Quick-dry towel: small and lightweight

Toiletries and health

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap where possible
• Personal medications and a copy of prescriptions
• Rehydration salts
• Insect repellent: more relevant at lower elevations and in warmer months

Seasonal adjustments

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)

Peak trekking seasons. Layers for warm days and cold mornings; reliable rain protection still recommended.

Monsoon (June–August)

Rain is the main challenge. Prioritize waterproof outer layers, pack cover, quick-dry clothing, and leech precautions at lower elevations. Some routes and views are affected by cloud.

Winter (December–February)

Colder, especially at elevation. Heavier insulation, warmer sleeping bag, and careful route selection. Some high passes and sections may be impractical or closed.

See Best time to trek Annapurna when published for detailed seasonal trade-offs.

What to leave at home

Avoid overpacking items that add weight without clear benefit on a teahouse trek:

• Multiple heavy cotton items
• Full-size toiletries
• Hardcover books (e-reader or one paperback)
• Excessive electronics
• Camping gear you will not use (tent, stove, full cookware)

What you can buy locally

Pokhara and larger trail villages often stock:

• Snacks, batteries, and basic toiletries
• Simple rain ponchos and gloves
• SIM cards and top-up credit (where signal exists)

Do not rely on the trail for critical gear replacements, especially footwear and quality rain protection.

Packing with a porter

If you hire a porter, pack your main bag to a agreed weight limit, typically around 15–20 kg depending on the arrangement. Keep valuables, documents, water, layers, and anything you need during the day in your own day pack.

See Annapurna trekking costs for porter cost context.