Annapurna circuit trek - do we need Down jackets in Sept?

I am always amazed at people whose country is "Thorn Tree World" who ask for advice on how to dress for the weather. The advice I would give to someone from Australia and someone from Norway would be completely different. Help us to help you!

That being said it is very cold and windy on the approach to Thorong La and over to Muktinath. When the sun goes down and you're above 4000m, it's gonna be cold any time of year. I have trekked Nepal 3 times with fleece layers and a gortex windshell quite comfortably and done Annapurna in late November. All the Aussies I met froze their balls off even wearing down.I have never taken down on treks to Nepal.

I have also hiked at night in -45c at home in Canada and I did wear down for that!

When you are at elevations as high as you'll reach on the circuit you can have storms, snow and cold at any time of the year. It is best to be prepared. I don't think you will need down but definately take plenty of warm clothes and include a good outer shell that is weatherproof wind and rain). Layers are best for hiking anyway so that you can adjust to changing conditions. Heavy jackets are best for cold nights in guest houses and though nice at times on the circuit not really necessary. But having one would be good insurance.

Namaste!!!
It is not so much cold in throngla this time, it is about 5degree by the night. You most need to have Sleeping bag and warm jacket, it is over 4000m so need to prepare all. Please just visit our site: www.treksinepal.com , please write me if you need any info about trekking.which is tourntrek@yahoo.com
Ramiro de people

OP, remember most Canadians like Bill have been exposed to cold for so long their nerve endings have migrated deep into their skin, making them immune to cold :) that being said he did have a point, if you get cold easily....
Use a layering system that works, have decent clothes, thermals, woolen caps, gloves, good socks etc... A down jacket that is lightweight combined with a good thermal layer and possibly a light fleece will offer protection if you need it.
Bill was also right about he OZzies, ,my friend from New Zealand kept stealing my down vest all the way...
Decide how cold you want to get, down packs into small spaces and weighs not a lot.....

cheers!

A down jacket is not a miracle cure for the cold, especially worn with shorts...

People unfamiliar with arctic conditions forget that all parts of the body should be evenly protected; long underwear, maybe fleece pants, trekking pants, 2 pairs of (wool) socks and boots large enough for that, thin fleece, thick fleece, light shell, balaclava or woolen cap, thin fleece gloves, wool mittens. If that is not enough, only then comes out the down jacket.

Which might be nice to throw over your shoulders on one or two chilly evenings at above 4000m, but not worth buying only for that. A second fleece and fleece pants are cheaper.

Forget the down, too bulky, expensive and not necessary at these hights and temperatures. Good layering with fleeces is more flexible and more than adequate. As noted above good gloves and headgear should not be forgotten.