In this article, we are going to discuss the Annapurna Base Camp Trek packing list.
What to carry is always a big concern when it comes to planning a trip. When the trip is trumping the Annapurna Base Camp, concerns do multiply. As mentioned below, the Annapurna Base Camp also sees four seasons and the equipment lists too vary as per the season you intend to choose.
This list is, however, a basic guideline to what might be essential but it is definitely not a strict rule to follow the list. You will need to personalize it as per your need. Also, the list could be including almost everything that you might need in all four seasons or adjust to the season you are trekking in. Below are some of the items to be included in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing List.
Headwear:
- Sunglasses
- Warm Hat (season specials)
- Cap
Footwear:
- Lightweight hiking boots
- Lightweight rubber sole sandals
- Hiking socks
- Warm and thick socks (winters)
- Inner insulating socks (winters)
- Waterproof socks(season specials)
- Crampons (season specials)
Clothing:
- Long sleeve cotton t-shirts
- Thermals ( season specials)
- Thermal inner wear (season specials)
- Trekking pants
- Convertible trekking pants (season specials)
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking jackets
- Lightweight rain jackets
- Softshell jackets
- Windproof jacket
Accessories and Equipment:
- Sunscreen
- Sleeping bag Liner
- Thermal gloves/ mittens
- Quick drying towel
- Bungee cords
- Carabiners
- Water purification tablets
- Dry bag
- First aid kit
- Head Torch
- Laundry bag
- Tissue paper/ toilet paper
- Map
- Trekking Poles
- Sleeping bag (season specials, (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees/F)
- Female Hygiene Products
- Moisturizer (as required)
- Anti Bacterial hand wash
Extras (optional)
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Pillow cover
- Book
- Journal
- Swimsuit
- Earplugs
- Extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts
What don’t you need in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing list?
Be sure you do not over-pack your backpack. You might end up getting drained by the weight of the bag. This will not only make your trek bulky but also unorganized. Carrying things that you will need is the key to a well-organized trip. Also, when you find things exactly where you had kept them, it is less stressful.
This way you won’t tangle yourself with things that you don’t need.
You can be sure to keep away some items that will drain you more than do any good. The following could be a list of things that you may not need to carry in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing List.
- Laptops
- Makeup
- Perfume
- Aftershave
- Gas stove
- Solar showers
- Hair dryer
- Hair-curler or straightener
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a popular trekking destination for both national and international tourists. It is the beauty of this particular mountain that draws everyone to witness it. The peak is named after a goddess Annapurna or the goddess who bestows ever-growing and rich greenery. Well, apart from the legend, it is also the first ever climbed peak that, above 8000 m. You can expect a 360 view of the mountain vistas from the base camp here.
A walk through the mountain vistas, diverse landscape, terraced fields, the culturally rich village is amazing. And the sunrise and the sunsets are spectacular.
You can experience the beauty of the mountains Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South Machhapuchhre (6998m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7041m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6441 m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6986 m) from this base camp.
The trek to the Annapurna Base Camp starts from Pokhara. You will reach Pokhara after about a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu. Pokhara is a popular tourist destination which has made it well facilitated and tourist-friendly.
After reaching Pokhara, you will drive to Nayapul and then trek to Jhinu Dada, along the Modi River. Walking through this whimsical route, you will definitely be engaged in taking pictures, exploring the local culture, and enjoying your trek more.
If your body is not acclimated properly, the trail from Dovan to Deurali is a bit troublesome. You might be bothered by altitude and might suffer from altitude sickness. Be cautious and take slow yet steady pace, eat nutritional food, and keep yourself hydrated.
This trek also passes the Ghorepani Poon Hill, popular for being a perfect stop to witness the sunrise as well as the mountain vistas. It is a short trek that you can take if you wish to get a closer view of the mountains. And it is definitely a popular trek for short holidays.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek not only about the glorious mountain, in fact, it has a lot to do with exploring the culture, biodiversity, the ethnic group, the spiritual monasteries and chortens, colorful prayer flags that flutter to compete with the wind, and the socio-cultural lifestyle of the people there.
Highlights of the trek
- Pokhara, the city of lakes
- World’s 10th highest mountain
- Best Sunrise and Sunset view
- Culture of Magar and Gurung community
- Diversity of flora and fauna
- Highest Point Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
- Very popular Gurung village Ghandruk and Chhomrong
- Jhinu Natural Hot Spring
- Himchuli, Annapurna South, Barahi Shikhar, Annapurna I, Glacier Dom, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre
- Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP)
- Visit Annapurna and Machhapuchhre base camp
- Scenic hike across typical Gurung villages
- Hot bath in natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda
- Adventure lodge to lodge trek to Annapurna region
- Splendid views of Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Mt Fishtail. and Annapurna I
- Spectacular glacier and mountain views from Annapurna Base Camp
- Sightseeing tour around the historical UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley.
Weather at Annapurna Base Camp
Weather in the mountains can be a lot unpredictable. It is due to the altitude. After you cross about 4000m, with every 50 m increase in the altitude, the temperature decreases by 5 degrees. For the obvious reasons, the temperature is definitely a bit higher during summer but it is a lot chilly and freezing during winters.
Spring is definitely one of the best time to trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. Spring is warm and colorful because of the flowers and the greenery. The warmth is just right and you will find it a lot comfortable than in the summers.
Trekking in Nepal in March has its perks. Spring begins in March and if you get here early, will enjoy the weather of spring and the facilities of winter. A win-win.
The day temperature is around 15-18 degrees and the nights are a bit colder, at about 7-8 degrees.
Summer is definitely bright and sunny but you should be prepared for the rain as well. It could be humid and hazy too. But since you are at an altitude where it will definitely be cold, it can’t be compared to the temperature in the capital. The northern part receives less than 10% of rain because it lies in the rain shadow. During summer, the day is around 18 degrees hot and the nights are about 12 degrees.
Autumn must be the best season to trek the Annapurna Base Camp. The weather is a lot stable and the with the clear blue sky above you, the view is picturesque. As you tend to ascend, the temperature definitely decreases. During the day, the temperature is around 14 degrees while the nights are a lot colder, at about 5-8 degrees. The clarity of the sky is amazing. By late autumn, it does become a lot colder. This season is also the Best Time to go trekking in Nepal.
Winters are the most difficult times to trek the Himalayas if you are a summer person. The temperature drops dramatically to around 8 degrees during the day and reaches freezing point during the night. But, looking back, you will be walking during the day, this will obviously get your body heated and at night you will be in one of the tea houses. Most tea houses prepare a fire, if not you can always find your way to the kitchen and warm yourself near the kitchen stove. Don’t be surprised if you already see many trekkers around the fire.
Again, during winters, the mountains are at their best and the traffic is extremely low. This way you can enjoy the peace and the trip. Trekking Nepal in February is truly satisfying.
Best Season to trek Annapurna Base Camp
Definitely, Autumn is the best season to trek the Annapurna Base Camp if you are a first-time explorer and want to be within your comfort limits. After autumn, spring is another welcoming and comfortable season. These two seasons are great, both temperature and weather-wise. Of course, you will enjoy the views, the culture, and the surrounding. However, as the time is perfect for trekking, it could be a lot crowded and you might struggle to get proper accommodation. You might well have to wait in long queues before your meal is finally served. The Tea Houses Trekking Nepal Prices too might scare you during the peak seasons. Also, make sure to learn about the different accommodations. Plan well!
Contrasting spring and autumn, winter is another great season to trek the Himalayas. The temperature is certainly challenging but the facilities and discounts you will enjoy are worth all the stories you will tell, back home.
Summer and the twin monsoon are a lot more challenging than the winters. Because the roads could get slippery and the weather is soggy too. Then again, if you are into the flora and the biodiversity of the place, when better than during summer?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing List – Conclusion
Trekking or touring, a well-planned trek not only begets good memories, but it also makes you feel accomplished. Yes, the mountains of Nepal are tempting and you will find yourself coming to Nepal again and again. The satisfying adrenaline rush will call you for more.
Well, not to be partial, most mountain ranges have that effect on trekkers. It is a different sense of joy and accomplishment that you will feel. Annapurna Base Camp is no different.
When planning your trek, if you keep your head straight and stick to getting it right, you will have to prepare it well. Research well! And, maintain a swift Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing List.
All-in-all, we are in for making the best of the trek, but when the trek and the weather are in your favor, why not enjoy it to the fullest?
