Trek Facts; 

Range:             Himalaya

Altitude:          Min: 600m - Max: 3967m

Zone:               Open

Duration:         14 Days

Best Time:       Mid May - End August

On this tour, we will travel almost all of the Western Himalayan and driving along with some splendid areas of Karakoram. We also have magnificent views of the naked mountain " Nanga Parbat (8125m), Rakaposhi (7788m) , Diran (7266m), Golden Peak (7027m), Ultra (7388m), Passu peak (7278m), Domani (6134m) and Trichmir (7706m) the highest of Hindukush. Traveling along the Karakoram Highway is an experience that will not fail to captivate and enthrall you.  This famous highway twists through three great mountain ranges - the Himalaya, Karakoram and Pamirs - and follows one of the ancient Silk routes along the valleys of the Indus, Gilgit and Hunza rivers. The landscape is striking. Terraced villages are dotted around this monumental terrain, supported by traditional farming methods and lifestyles that have seen little change over the centuries.

Each day provides a new and exciting scene. There are many things to see and experience en route, and you have a lot of days to take in the expansive history, culture, and landscapes of the region.

 GEAR & Clothing  

While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as carry-on to keep items that you will use during while on the trek, bus or jeep.

Luggage

n Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended. 

n Day Pack. Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket and other items you may like to use while on the trek. 

n Extra carry-on. For storing city clothes in Skardu.

n Money Belt. A small fanny pack, money belt or around the neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents and money.

Packing list for your Duffel.

n Sleeping Bag. As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degree C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy-bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth. 

n Trekking Boots. The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes.

n Camp Shoes. Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls. 

n Crampons You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. ( Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for : Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar and Wartum Peak

n Thermal socks. The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions cotton socks are best. For hose who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended. 

n Liner Socks. A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above.

n Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet.

n Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above.

n Rain gear. A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants.

n Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea.

n Ski Hat. Covers your ears properly, use one with cotton liner. Woolen cap is also good.

n Mittens or Gloves. Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions, when temperature drops quickly.

n Brimmed Sun Hat. Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as sun is low and hits your eyes.

n Bathing Suit. Men can take bath by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.

n Toiletries. Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chap stick /lip balm, skin lotion and laundry soap.

CLOTHING

With your knowledge of Pakistani culture you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable and easy to wash and dry. In good weather you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon the sun goes down. 

Men could wear shorts once we are through the populated areas, that means from the third day of trek. Women are advise to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals.

Check List

n Head gear

n Parka

n Wool shirt & trousers

n Sweater

n Cotton shirt & pants

n Gloves & Mittens

n Rain/wind suit

n Cotton & Wool undergarments

n Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic)

n Boots (Trek & Camp)

n Belt !

n Down Jacket

n Shalwar Kameez (Cotton)

n Spare laces for boots

Miscellaneous Items

n Sunglasses

n Towel

n Washcloth

n Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep.

n Water bottle, with durable screw top.

n Sunscreen

n Headlamp with flash light + extra batteries and bulb

n Insect repellent

n Swiss Army knife, or a similar one

n Nylon cord for a clothes line

n Personal Medical kit

n Pocket size sewing kit

n Lighter or matches for general use

n Wrist Watch

Optional Items

n Thermarest. We provide close-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort.

n Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing of your used clothes.

n Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues.

n An interesting book.

n Notebook and pen for a journal.

n Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars.

n Binoculars.

n Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies and extra lenses.

n Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee)

n Water purification tablets