The trek runs from warm, humid forest to a cold basin at 4,130 m, so you need layers for both. Pack light: a porter’s load or your own pack should stay small.
Clothing (layers)
- Base layers: two sets, merino or synthetic, no cotton
- Fleece or light insulated jacket
- Down jacket for evenings and the early morning at Annapurna Base Camp
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (rain is common lower down, even in season)
- Trekking trousers, two pairs, and a pair of shorts for the lower trail
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff, liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks, four pairs
Footwear
- Broken-in trekking boots with good grip for wet stone steps
- Light shoes or sandals for teahouse evenings
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag rated to about −10 °C, since teahouse rooms are unheated (see the weather tables)
Health and other kit
- Trekking poles, which help a lot on the stone steps
- Personal medicines, blister kit, sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Water bottles, plus purification tablets or a filter
- Headtorch, power bank and sunglasses with UV protection
- Cash in Nepali rupees for the trail
You can rent or buy most gear in Lakeside, Pokhara, before you set off.
