After years of guiding travellers across Northern Pakistan, we have seen every packing mistake imaginable. This list is what we actually tell our clients, not what every generic travel blog copies.
Documents & Essentials
- Passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your return date
- Pakistan tourist visa or e-visa printout
- Travel insurance documents — emergency evacuation cover is essential at altitude
- Trekking permits if applicable (we arrange and provide these)
- Printed itinerary and hotel confirmations
- Emergency contact list including Ahmad's WhatsApp number
- USD or GBP cash for exchange in Islamabad — carry enough Rupees before heading north
Clothing — The Layering System
Northern Pakistan has dramatic temperature swings. A summer day in Hunza can be 28C in the valley and 5C at night at higher camps. Layering is everything.
Base Layer
Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms. Merino wool controls odour over multiple days better than synthetic.
Mid Layer
Fleece jacket or down vest. A 200-weight fleece is the most versatile option for the range of temperatures you will encounter.
Outer Layer
Waterproof, windproof shell jacket. Weather changes fast at altitude. A packable rain jacket takes almost no space.
Insulation
Down jacket (700 fill or higher) for evenings, high passes and camping nights. Non-negotiable for Deosai or Fairy Meadows.
- Lightweight hiking trousers x2 — avoid jeans on long drives
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts x3-4
- Warm hat, buff and lightweight gloves
- Sun hat with a brim — UV is intense at altitude
- Thick hiking socks x3-4 pairs (wool blend)
💡 For Women
A lightweight salwar kameez bought in Islamabad on arrival is ideal for cultural sites and villages — comfortable, modest and costs Rs 800-1,500 from any local market.
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — broken in before arrival, not brand new
- Lightweight trail runners for driving days and town walking
- Sandals or flip-flops for guesthouses and evenings
⚠ Important
Never arrive with new, unbroken hiking boots. Blisters at altitude with no pharmacy nearby are genuinely miserable. Wear your boots for at least 4-6 full hiking days before your trip.
Trekking Gear
- Daypack 20-30L with rain cover
- Trekking poles — reduces knee strain significantly on descents
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential for pre-dawn starts
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection — critical at altitude
- Dry bags for waterproofing electronics
- Lightweight travel towel
Note: Sleeping bags, tents and camping equipment are included in all Union Treks camping tours.
Health & Medical Kit
- Diamox for altitude sickness prevention — consult your doctor before travel
- Ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Imodium and rehydration sachets (ORS)
- Antiseptic cream and blister patches (Compeed)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen — apply far more often than you think you need to
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Water purification tablets as a backup
- Personal prescription medications with extra supply
Electronics
- Universal power adapter (Pakistan uses Type C, D and G sockets)
- Power bank 10,000-20,000mAh — electricity in remote guesthouses is unreliable
- Offline maps downloaded before departure — no signal in remote valleys
- Extra memory cards for your camera
What to Leave at Home
- Heavy jeans — slow to dry, uncomfortable on long drives
- Excessive valuables — leave the expensive jewellery
- More than one pair of smart shoes — you will not need them
💡 Local Tip
Islamabad has decent outdoor gear shops where you can buy items you forgot at reasonable prices. Packages can be stored at your Islamabad hotel while you head north.
