Packing list and tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit

Here are my suggestions for a packing list and other tips if you plan to go.

Personal Trekking gear for Nepal

1  pr quick dry pants w/zip off legs
1 pr heavy wind proof pants
2 pr hiking socks
2 tec t-shirts
2 pr quick dry underwear
2 warm long sleeve tec/ski shirts w/zip
Columbia button fishing shirt
Down jacket
Rain jacket
Light baseball/running hat w/brim
2 warm thin Hats
Liner gloves
Outer gloves
Running shorts/swim suit (for hot pools)
Hiking shoes
Chacos (or lighter slip on sandals that you can wear with socks)



WalkingPoles
Binocs
Water purifier (steripen and tablets)
1st aid kit
1.5 liter Camelbak bladder ( Emergen-C electrolyte packets-1/day)
1 Liter nalgene bottle
*Small thermos
Knife (I brought a leatherman)
GPS  with maps
Map
* compass
Chargers
*small solar battery and iPhone charger
Mobile Phone w/Nepali SIM card
iPad (mini*)
iPod (shuffle)
Headlamp
AAA and AA batteries (extra for torch, steripen, GPS)
*2cameras with spare battery
*Zip ties
*Duct tape
*Hand warmers
Candle and lighter/matches
Watch (*an altimeter/thermometer would be nice)


Meds (include Diamox for altitude and probiotics-no idea if it did anything but I have taken 2/day-1 in morning and one at night- and except for a minor bout, have had no stomach issues)
Toiletries (TP and baby wipes)
Earplugs (walls of lodges are thin and people tend to snore more at high altitude!)
Quick dry campTowel
Sleeping bag (warm!)
Sleeping bag liner
Day pack
Sunscreen
Glasses
Contact stuff
Sunglasses (I only brought dark lenses, but would add *amber or yellow so you can see going in and out of shade and still have UV protection)
Food/snack stuff- gels, shots, justins maple almond butter packets, etc: you can buy candy bars, cookies, etc along trail
Survival stuff: space blanket, matches, lighter, candles
*Tea bags and Starbucks instant coffee
Passport
permit
Money/wallet

Budget: NPR 2500/day x 20= NPR 50,000 (~$600)- gives some emergency padding

* big supply of cheap "school pens" or maybe toothbrushes to give to the kids asking for pens and "sweets" along the trail.

*= things I would add next time

Thoughts for anyone planning to to "the Circuit"

1. Book: Lonely Planet: Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya
This is a great book with great advice about trails, and alternative routes, but the 2009 version is a bit outdated and many of the alternate trails that were just being developed to avoid the road are now continuous. There is supposed to be a new edition in 2014.

The trekking times he gives for going from one place to another were perfect for me, but  seem fast and overly optimistic for the average trekker.

2. Bring a GPS with open source maps for Nepal. I have I clouded a number of the village waypoints ( but not tracks)  for coming down the east side from Muktinath and can share.

3. Start walking at Besi Shahar- the start. DO NOT take a bus or jeep up the road.

4. DO NOT take a jeep or bus from Muktinath or Jomson- walk the east side trails. It may be the best part!

5. If you are at all fit and can find your way in the mountains/forests of the US and can carry 30 lbs on your back-DO NOT hire a guide or porter. No need, and you are not tied down to another person and what they think you should do or where to stay. Of course, use good sense and you can hire a guide or porter as needed (see day 20!)

6. DO NOT go with an organized (by a company) group of people you do not know well! I have seen to many arguments and conflicts in groups like this and it would not be fun. The biggest issue seems to be differences in fitness and experience.

7. Travel Insurance: be sure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation- it costs about $20K and they only will accept MC. If you do fall, get injured or have altitude problems getting out or, helped could be a problem!

8. Stay away from RUDE French groups!

9. Bistare Bistare! (Slowly, slowly) as they say- or at least at your own appropriate pace

10. Do it And enjoy!