Packing for a Karakoram trek is about layering and about weight, because some of it travels by vehicle, some by animal and some on your back. Use this as a framework and adjust it once your route and season are fixed.

Footwear and packs

  • Broken-in waterproof boots with good ankle support. New boots on a glacier approach is a common and avoidable problem.
  • Trail shoes or sandals for valley days and camp.
  • A day pack of roughly 30 to 40 litres, plus a duffel for gear that can be carried by vehicle or porter.

Clothing: the layer principle

  • Base layer: one per week of trekking, in a material that dries quickly.
  • Mid layer: fleece or light synthetic, for camp and rest stops.
  • Shell: a waterproof jacket with a hood. Rain and wind are the two conditions that end trekking days early.
  • Insulation: a down or synthetic jacket for camp, particularly for glacier and winter-season routes.
  • Trousers: quick-dry trekking trousers, plus warmer layers for high camps.

Sleeping and camp

  • A sleeping bag rated comfortably below the temperatures you will meet, not the ones on the valley forecast.
  • A sleeping liner adds warmth and extends bag life.
  • Earplugs and an eye mask. Camp is rarely silent, particularly near river crossings and prayer times.

Sun, water and health

  • Sunglasses that actually block strong UV, a brimmed hat, and high-factor sunscreen.
  • A 1 to 1.5 litre water carrying system; you will drink more than you expect.
  • Blister care, any personal medication, and a basic first aid kit.
  • A headtorch with spare batteries, for camps without power.

What to carry yourself

Technical climbing equipment for a mountaineering expedition is a separate conversation, because it depends on the route. Tell us the objective and we will tell you what the plan requires from you.

Buying and hiring in Pakistan

Many items are cheaper and easier to replace in Islamabad or Skardu than carried from home, and our team can advise on what is sensible to bring and what is sensible to buy locally once your route is confirmed.

Check the List for Your Route

Send the route and season and we will flag anything the standard list does not cover.

Prefer to talk first? Email info@vepakistan.com, message us on WhatsApp, or call +92 31 555 444 34. Our operations offices are in Skardu and Islamabad.