The golden rule for Northern Pakistan: pack layers, whatever the season. Days at the valley floor can be warm, but you'll gain altitude fast — and nights, high passes and lakes are cold year-round. Here's a practical checklist.
The essentials (every season)
- Warm jacket or fleece — even in July, nights at altitude are cold
- Comfortable walking shoes (trainers for tours; boots for treks)
- Sun protection — sunglasses, sunscreen, cap/hat (the high-altitude sun is fierce)
- Power bank + charging cable (power can be intermittent)
- Refillable water bottle
- CNIC / passport (checkpoints) + digital copies
- Personal medicines + a small first-aid kit
- Cash — ATMs are scarce outside main towns
Season-by-season
| Season | Add these |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Light rain jacket, warm mid-layer |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Light clothes for day + one warm layer for nights/high passes |
| Autumn (Oct) | Down jacket, gloves, beanie |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Heavy down jacket, thermals, gloves, waterproof boots |
Heading high? (Deosai, Khunjerab, treks)
Spots above 4,000 m — the Deosai plains, the Khunjerab Pass, and most treks — are cold and exposed even in midsummer. Add:
- A proper down jacket, gloves and a warm hat
- Hiking boots with grip
- A headlamp/torch
- Lip balm and extra sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude)
Handy extras
- Offline maps downloaded in advance (signal is patchy)
- A daypack for jeep-and-hike days (Saif-ul-Malook, Jahaz Banda, Fairy Meadows)
- Wet wipes / hand sanitiser
- A reusable bag for litter — help keep the valleys clean
- Modest clothing out of respect for local customs
Ready to go?
Our guided tours handle transport, hotels and the tricky logistics — so you can focus on packing light and enjoying the mountains. Browse all group tours or start with the classic Hunza Valley & Naltar.