A process for producing readily sinterable aluminum nitride powder, which comprises mixing(i) alumina powder and/or powder of a compound capable of forming alumina by heat treatment,(ii) carbon powder and/or powder of a compound capable of forming carbon by heat treatment, and(iii) powder of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal oxides, compounds capable of forming said alkaline earth metal oxides by heat treatment, rare earth element oxides and compounds capable of forming said rare earth element oxides by heat treatment,and calcining the resulting mixture in a nitrogen-containing non-oxidative atmosphere, provides an aluminum nitride powder which is readily sinterable without further mixing with a sintering aid.