Plan your trip · Guide

Pakistan

What to know before trekking in the Karakoram: getting to Skardu, the e-visa, permits, money and health.

01 · The basics

Before you go

Our treks start in Islamabad and continue to Skardu, the gateway to the Baltoro and the Hushe valley.

At a glance
Getting there	International flight to Islamabad, then a domestic flight to Skardu or two days by road on the Karakoram Highway.
Entry	Most nationalities need an e-visa, applied for online before travelling; we send you the letter of invitation. Check the requirements for your nationality.
Permits	Treks in the Karakoram need trekking permits, which we arrange through a licensed local operator.
Currency	Pakistani rupee. Carry cash: cards only work in the cities.
Weather	In summer, hot in Islamabad and Skardu; on the glaciers, sunny days and cold nights, below freezing at the high camps.
Plugs	Types C and D, 230 V and 50 Hz. If yours are a different type, bring an adapter.

02 · The trips

Best time: June to August.

Nineteen days along the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, among the greatest concentration of high peaks on Earth.

Best time: June to September.

Fifteen days in the Hushe valley below the granite spires of K7 and the Charakusa, one of the least visited corners of the Karakoram.

All dates are in the departure calendar.

03 · Health and insurance

Altitude: our trips are designed to give you proper acclimatisation. Safety comes first, and with altitude we don’t take chances. If you have any questions, just ask us. More in altitude sickness and acclimatisation
Insurance: it’s mandatory. It must cover the activity you’ll be doing, based on the maximum altitude and whether technical gear is involved, as well as helicopter rescue and evacuation and repatriation. Before departure you’ll also sign a waiver
Vaccines: requirements depend on the country you’re travelling from. Check the latest on your country’s official health website or with a travel health clinic, or ask us
Physical preparation: you don’t need to be an athlete, but arriving prepared means you’ll enjoy the trip much more. If you need it, we can help with a training and nutrition plan tailored to you. See how it works

Questions?

If you’re thinking about trekking in Pakistan, write to us and we’ll reply by email.