Every trip we run gets the same question: what should I pack? Here's the short version, based on hundreds of trips.
Clothing
Bring layers, not bulk. A base layer, a fleece, and a windproof shell will cover you from Islamabad's heat to Khunjerab's cold far better than one heavy jacket. Pack a warm hat and light gloves even in summer: at altitude, mornings and evenings are cold whatever the daytime temperature.
Quick-drying trousers and t-shirts are more useful than jeans, which stay wet and heavy after rain. Add a pair of long, loose trousers and a scarf or shawl for villages and religious sites, where modest dress is appreciated, and this goes for both men and women.
Footwear
A good pair of broken-in hiking shoes matters more than anything else on this list. Do not bring brand-new boots on a trek. Add a pair of sandals or light shoes for the evenings, and three or four pairs of proper socks.
Sun, skin and health
The sun is strong at altitude even when the air is cool. Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and lip balm are essential. Bring a basic first-aid kit with plasters, blister dressings, rehydration salts, pain relief and any personal medication, plus a little more than you think you need. Roadside pharmacies can be a long way apart.
Gear
A headlamp, a refillable bottle, a small day pack and a rain cover are worth the weight. A power bank is very useful: electricity can be unreliable in the mountains, and phone signal is patchy, so download maps before you leave. Pack in a soft duffel or backpack rather than a hard suitcase, which is awkward on jeeps and in small guesthouses.
Documents and money
Keep your passport or ID, any permits, and printed copies of your bookings in a waterproof pouch. Carry cash in small notes: cards and ATMs are rare outside the larger towns, and change for small purchases is not always available.
What to leave at home
Leave the heavy jacket, the second pair of jeans, expensive jewellery and anything you would hate to lose. You can buy snacks, water and basic supplies in most towns along the way.
Permits and group gear are handled by us. Full gear checklists are included with every package once you book, and our guides for Hunza, Skardu and Fairy Meadows have route-specific advice.