Everything you should know about Annapurna Circuit Trek
Essential Packing Guide
Smart packing is key for successful and comfortable trek to Annapurna Circuit trek. Packing essential but light can help trekkers to trek lightly without burden. Essential trekking clothing and accessories ensure comfort and support during the trek to high-altitude locations in the Himalayas.
Clothing: Bring layered clothing to keep yourself comfortable and warm during the trek. Pack insulated high quality jackets, pants, and midlayer with fleece. You should also bring multiple pairs of moisture wicking tops and bottoms. Also, a windproof and waterproof jacket helps to keep yourself safe from wet and windy weather conditions on the trail.
Footwears: Make sure you take water proof trekking boots, slippers, camp wears, or trail runners along with multiple pairs of trekking socks. A proper foot wear makes your walk comfortable while navigating in diverse terrain and trail conditions.
Gears and Equipments: Essential gears and equipment are key for successful and safe trekking in the Annapurna Circuit. Trekking gears and equipment like trekking poles, sleeping bags, headlamp, and backpack can be helpful to aid you during the trek.
Personal care accessories and toiletries: Take personal care accessories such as altitude medication, personal medication(if any), water purifying tablets, sunscreens, quick dry towel, and wet wipes to aid you during the trek. Carrying blister treatments, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers might be helpful.
Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous items and accessories like camera, powerbank, maps and compass, plug converter, and light snacks can be helpful during the trek. If you have enough space, make sure to pack such items for support and assistance during the trek.
Currency
Nepali Currency: Bring enough Nepali currency for payment in local stores and accommodation during the trek. As ATMs are not available in high altitude regions, we recommend you to bring extra cash for expenses during the trek.
Tips and donation: If you wish to donate and offer tips to your guide, accommodation service provider, or porter, make sure you carry enough cash.
Online payment: Some accommodation facilities in urban areas offer online or payment through mobile banking. If you have Nepali bank account or access to online payment service, you can also pay for the service using an online wallet or bank account.
Visa and Permit Requirements
Visa: You require a valid Nepal visa (exception to Indian nationals) to enter and trek to major trekking destinations of Nepal. You may get a Nepal visa on your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or via land border( refer to visa guidelines from official site).
Permit: To trek in Annapurna Circuit Trek, you require to obtain Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) cards. These permits are included in your trek package with Trekkers Nepal.
Mandatory requirement 2026: If you are trekking to Annapurna Circuit of Nepal, you require trekking with a licensed trekking guide. You also require a valid identity document with a detailed itinerary.
Sim and Internet Requirement
Sim and Network: NTC and Ncell are primary network providers in Nepal. You can obtain these Sim cards to aid communication coverage in the region. You can also use mobile data to access the internet. In high altitude and remote areas, the strength of the signal may be unreliable due to weather and traffic.
Wifi network: Most accommodation facilities in the route have wifi connectivity however their strength and speed might be unreliable in high altitude regions.
Electricity and infrastructure
Electricity/ Power: Electricity or power is available in most locations and accommodation in the route. In higher altitude the supply of electricity might be inconsistent as they depend upon solar energy and can be impacted by weather. So it is better to carry powerbackups like powerbanks and extra batteries to charge your device during power cuts.
Infrastructures: You get modern infrastructure and facilities in urban and accessible areas. Meanwhile, in higher elevations, these infrastructure are limited to basic accommodation and teahouses.
Accommodation and meals
Tea house accommodation: You get access to many tea houses and accommodation to spend night and rest during the trek. You get the warm hospitality of Thakali and Gurung communities while also getting the opportunity to enjoy their delicacies during the trek.
Comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara: Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are comfortable and give a warm experience during your stay. Your hotels are mostly in urban areas where you can explore local areas quickly.
Meals: You get breakfast, lunch, and dinner facilities during the trek in the remote Annapurna Himalayas. You get to taste local authentic dishes like Dal Bhat, Dhindo, Selroti, and seasonal delicacies during your journey.
