Packing for northern Pakistan is not about packing more, it is about packing right. Mountain weather swings from hot afternoons to freezing nights, mobile coverage drops out for hours, and cash is the only currency that always works. This checklist is built from years of guiding travelers through Chitral, Kalash, Hunza, Skardu, Swat and Kashmir with Chaqon Global Tours.
Why packing matters in northern Pakistan
You will likely move between 1,500 m and 4,000+ m on the same trip. Roads are long, services are limited and you cannot easily buy specialist gear in the mountains. Pack a single mid-sized bag and a small day pack rather than two large suitcases.
Clothing checklist
- 2–3 base layer t-shirts (quick-dry preferred).
- 1 long-sleeve shirt for sun and modesty.
- 1 warm fleece or light down jacket.
- 1 windproof / waterproof shell jacket.
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers + 1 pair of warmer trousers.
- Modest evening wear for villages and cultural valleys.
- Beanie or warm hat, sun hat, sunglasses.
- Underwear and socks for 5–6 days; everything else can be washed mid-trip.
Shoes and walking gear
- 1 pair of broken-in walking or light hiking shoes, never brand new.
- 1 pair of comfortable sandals or slip-ons for hotels and short walks.
- 2–3 pairs of warm socks.
Documents and cash
- Original ID / passport + 2 photocopies kept separately.
- Driving license if you might drive (we usually recommend our drivers).
- Cash in Pakistani Rupees. ATMs are limited above Chitral, Gilgit and Skardu.
- A small folder for tickets, hotel vouchers and emergency contacts.
Medicine and health items
- Personal prescription medicines for the full trip + buffer days.
- Paracetamol, ORS sachets, anti-nausea tablets.
- Basic first-aid: plasters, antiseptic, blister pads.
- Hand sanitizer, sunscreen, lip balm.
- Reusable water bottle, we always recommend filtered or boiled water.
Electronics and power
- Phone + charger + universal adapter (Pakistan uses Type C / D sockets).
- Power bank (10,000 mAh or more), load shedding is real in remote areas.
- Camera, extra memory cards, spare batteries.
- Headlamp or small torch, much more useful than a phone flashlight.
Family travel packing
For families with children or elderly travelers, add:
- Child-friendly snacks for long drives.
- Warm blanket or fleece liner for car seats.
- Easy entertainment, books, drawing kit.
- Extra medicine for motion sickness.
- Comfortable cushion for elderly passengers on long jeep days.
See more in our family tours guide.
Trekking and camping additions
If you are planning camping or longer treks, add:
- Sleeping bag rated for the season (we can arrange high-quality ones).
- Trekking poles.
- Water purification tablets or filter bottle.
- Quick-dry towel and small camp soap.
- Buff or scarf for dust and sun.
For details, see trekking adventure tours.
What not to overpack
- Three jackets, one good warm layer + one shell is enough.
- Heavy hardback books, they ruin your back on jeep roads.
- Brand new shoes, blisters will end your trekking days.
- Fancy clothes, the mountains do not care.
FAQs
Do I need cold weather gear in summer?
Yes, for high passes like Shandur, Khunjerab, Deosai and for any camping above 3,000 m.
Can I buy missing items in Chitral or Gilgit?
Basic items yes, but technical gear (good jackets, boots, sleeping bags) is hard to find. Bring it with you.
What size bag should I use?
A 60–70 L duffel or backpack + a 20 L day pack is ideal for most travelers.
Travel with a local team
Tell us your route and group, and we will tell you exactly what to bring. Start with our Pakistan tours or customize your trip.
Plan this trip with our local team
Chaqon Global Tours is based in Lower Chitral and runs custom journeys across Chitral, Kalash, Shandur, Hunza, Skardu and the rest of northern Pakistan. Share your dates and we will design the right route, vehicle and stays for your group.