7-Day Trek Tour in Pakistan through the Old Silk Route to Mintaka Pass

Terms & Conditions:

• An advance payment of 10% must be made on tour confirmation.

• Advance payment of 100% must be made at least 15 days before the tour starts.

• Hotels may be changed; however, any change will be on an equivalent basis.

• The itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other force majeure situations.

• The company will not be liable for any damage caused by force majeure situations.

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

• No cancellation charges apply if the tour is cancelled 15 days before the tour schedule.

• There will be 10% cancellation charges if the tour is cancelled within 15 days of the tour starting date.

• The company will give a 100% refund if the tour is cancelled for a justified reason acceptable to the company.

• Early Booking Advantage: Special 5% discount if the tour is booked 6 months before the tour set-off.

• Gear and clothing list.

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 the trek, bus, or jeep ride.

Luggage

Large duffel bag with 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.

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

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

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

• Packing list for your duffel.

Sleeping bag. As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700 meters, or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5151 meters above sea level, the bag should be rated for 0 degree 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 of 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.

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 vibram or other deep lug sole 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.

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

Crampons. You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. They help provide better grip on hard snow when fitted to your boots. Look for easy-to-fix ones. Check with us for your specific trek if you need crampons or not. From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar, and Wartum Peak.

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 those who are sensitive to wool, synthetic/cotton socks are recommended.

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.

Polyester fleece/pile jacket or pullover. Stays warm even when wet.

Polyester fleece pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above.

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

Wicking long underwear (tops & bottoms). Wicks moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dries quickly. Two suits are a good idea.

Ski hat. Covers your ears properly; use one with a cotton liner. A woolen cap is also good.

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

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

Bathing suit. Men can bathe by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.

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 the precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Clothes 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 evenings in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon as the sun goes down.

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

• Check List

  • Head gear

  • Parka

  • Wool shirt & trousers

  • Sweater

  • Cotton shirt & pants

  • Gloves & mittens

  • Rain/wind suit

  • Cotton & wool undergarments

  • Socks (cotton & wool/synthetic)

  • Boots (trek & camp)

  • Belt

  • Down jacket

  • Shalwar kameez (cotton)

  • Spare laces for boots

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Sunglasses

  • Towel

  • Washcloth

  • Bandanna/scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep.

  • Water bottle, with durable screw top.

  • Sunscreen

  • Headlamp with flashlight, plus extra batteries and bulb

  • Insect repellent

  • Swiss Army knife, or a similar one

  • Nylon cord for a clothesline

  • Personal medical kit

  • Pocket-size sewing kit

  • Lighter or matches for general use

  • Wristwatch

  • Optional items

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

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

  • Toilet paper or a travel pack of tissues.

  • An interesting book.

  • Notebook and pen for journaling.

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

  • Binoculars.

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

  • Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee)

  • Water purification tablets