Trek Guide

What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Complete 2026 Packing List

The complete Annapurna Base Camp packing list for 2026 — the 'big three', a full layering system, season-by-season gear, and what to rent in Pokhara…

By Travel Himalaya Nepal · Jun 5, 2026

Read the full story

The big three — broken-in waterproof boots, a −10°C sleeping bag and a waterproof shell — matter more than everything else. Pack a layering system , never cotton: days hit 20°C, base-camp nights drop below −10°C. Rent the bulky kit…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

The big three: get these right first

Obsess over three items — together they affect your safety and comfort more than everything else combined. Waterproof, ankle-supporting and broken in . The descent is thousands of stone steps — new boots mean blisters. Three-season, rated to at least…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Best overall

The shoe most people on a teahouse trek should actually be wearing

Merrell Moab 3 (low)

Wide enough for feet that swell over a fortnight and comfortable from day one — the sole is soft, so it is the wrong shoe the moment you carry your own heavy pack.

↑ Swipe up

Merrell Moab 3 (low)

Wide enough for feet that swell over a fortnight and comfortable from day one — the sole is soft, so it is the wrong shoe the moment you carry your own heavy pack.

Not for: You are carrying 15 kg yourself, or you have rolled an ankle before. Take the boot.

Check price on Amazon Read the full review

If you buy through that link we earn a commission. It costs you nothing and it does not change what we recommend — the rental and advice-only entries in our gear guide earn us nothing at all.

The layering system

You stay warm by trapping air in layers you add or shed as you climb. The one rule: no cotton — it holds sweat and chills you. Base: merino or synthetic thermals, two sets. Mid: a 200-weight fleece or light down sweater. Insulation: a packable down jacket for…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

The full checklist

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Clothing

2 base-layer tops & bottoms 1 fleece / soft-shell mid layer 1 packable down jacket Waterproof shell jacket + over-trousers 2—3 quick-dry trekking tops 2 trekking trousers (zip-offs are ideal) Warm hat, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Footwear

Broken-in waterproof boots 4—5 pairs merino trekking socks + 1 for sleeping Camp shoes/sandals for teahouses Gaiters (spring snow / monsoon mud)

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Head, hands & sun

Liner + insulated gloves Category 3—4 sunglasses (snow glare) SPF 50+ sunscreen & lip balm Headlamp + spare batteries

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Pack & sleep

50—60 L duffel (porter carries) + rain cover 20—30 L daypack −10°C sleeping bag + silk liner Dry-bags for valuables

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Documents & money

Passport + 2 photos Insurance certificate (4,500 m + heli evac) ACAP permit & TIMS card — see our Annapurna permits guide (we arrange both) Nepali rupees — no ATMs above Pokhara

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Health & toiletries

First-aid: blister plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts, personal meds Altitude advice — read preventing altitude sickness Water purification + 2 L bottles/bladder Quick-dry towel, biodegradable soap, sanitiser, wipes

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Electronics & extras

Power bank (charging is paid & slow up high) Phone/camera + universal adapter Trekking poles — your knees will thank you Electrolytes, snacks, a book for teahouse evenings Your travel insurance must cover trekking to 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Season-by-season adjustments

Your core kit stays the same; just tune the warm layers. For timing, see the best time to trek in Nepal .

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Plan your trek

Trek Nepal with local guides

NMA-certified guides · permits sorted · 5,000+ treks since 1998.

Plan this trek

Free guide

Get the free Nepal Trek Insider Guide

Permits, costs, seasons and routes — the essentials we send every traveller, plus a free, no-obligation trip quote.

↑ Swipe up

Your free Nepal trek kit

Read the full report and grab the free Nepal Trek Insider Guide — or ask our Pokhara team for a tailored, no-obligation quote.

Read more & get the free guide Plan my trip — free quote