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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. Written by our Pokhara-based guides.
- 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 (down jacket, sleeping bag) in Pokhara, or add it to your booking.
- Keep your porter bag under 12–15 kg.
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek climbs from subtropical Pokhara to a glacial amphitheatre at 4,130 m in under a week — so one backpack has to handle 20°C afternoons and nights below −10°C. Get it right and ABC is one of the most comfortable teahouse treks in Nepal.
This is the exact list our Pokhara guides give every ABC trekker. For the full route, read our Ultimate Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide; to walk it with us, the 6-day Annapurna Base Camp trek includes permits, a licensed guide and teahouses.
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 −10°C. Teahouse blankets aren’t enough at Deurali and base camp.
Windproof, breathable (10,000 mm+) and hooded. Mountain weather turns in minutes.
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 cold mornings.
- Shell: waterproof jacket + over-trousers.
The full checklist
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
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof boots
- 4–5 pairs merino trekking socks + 1 for sleeping
- Camp shoes/sandals for teahouses
- Gaiters (spring snow / monsoon mud)
Head, hands & sun
- Liner + insulated gloves
- Category 3–4 sunglasses (snow glare)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen & lip balm
- Headlamp + spare batteries
Pack & sleep
- 50–60 L duffel (porter carries) + rain cover
- 20–30 L daypack
- −10°C sleeping bag + silk liner
- Dry-bags for valuables
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
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
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. Standard policies often don’t — check the wording before you fly.
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.
| Season | What to add |
|---|---|
| Spring & Autumn (prime) | Standard layering — warm days, cold nights. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Warmer down jacket, thicker gloves, warmer bag — base camp is snowy. |
| Monsoon (Jun–Aug) | Full waterproofing, gaiters, quick-dry everything, leech socks low down. |
Rent in Pokhara — save weight and money
You don’t need to fly in with everything. Lakeside Pokhara has excellent gear shops, and bulky cold-weather kit is cheap to rent by the day.
Add the gear-rental option when you book the trek — a clean, right-sized down jacket and sleeping bag are waiting when you arrive.
Weight, daypack & porters
On a guided trek a porter carries one bag (up to ~15 kg) while you walk with a light daypack. Pack a 50–60 L duffel for the porter; keep water, snacks, a warm layer, your shell and valuables in a 20–30 L daypack. Keep the porter bag under 12–15 kg — you’ll both be grateful on the steep days.
Frequently asked questions
How cold does Annapurna Base Camp get?
Lower-valley days reach about 20°C, but nights at Deurali and base camp fall to −10°C or colder in winter. A −10°C bag and a down jacket are non-negotiable.
Do I really need trekking poles?
Yes — ABC is famous for its endless stone steps. Poles cut the strain on your knees on the long descents and add stability on wet or snowy ground.
Can I do laundry on the trek?
Basic laundry exists low down, but nothing dries reliably at altitude. Pack quick-dry fabrics and rotate two base layers.
How heavy should my bag be?
Keep the porter duffel under 12–15 kg and your daypack 5–7 kg. Renting bulky items in Pokhara is the easiest way to stay light.
Is travel insurance really required?
Essential. Make sure it covers trekking to at least 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation — standard travel insurance often doesn’t.
We’ve guided 5,000+ treks with zero fatalities since 1998. Tell us your dates and fitness level — we’ll sort the permits, guide, teahouses and gear.
See the 6-day ABC trek →Featured image: Carsten.nebel via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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