About Author Karakoram Venture
What to Pack for a High-Altitude Trek in the Karakoram
Packing correctly for a Karakoram trek is one of the most important things you can do before you leave home. Pack too heavily and you will struggle on long glacier days. Leave out a critical layer and a cold night at Concordia becomes miserable. This guide is written by our Skardu-based guides, based on thousands of days spent leading trekkers through the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush.
This list applies to our major high-altitude treks including the K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek, the Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek, and the Four 8,000m Base Camp Trek. Lighter tours such as the Baltistan Cultural Tour require only a subset of this list.
Footwear — The Most Important Decision
Trekking boots: Waterproof, stiff-soled, ankle-supporting boots broken in before you travel. Do not buy new boots immediately before a Karakoram trek — you need at least 50km of walking in them first. We recommend La Sportiva, Scarpa, Salomon, or similar technical mountain footwear. Crampon-compatible boots are required for any trek crossing the Gondogoro La or Hispar La passes.
Camp shoes: Light trainers or sandals for wearing around camp after a long trekking day. Your feet need to breathe after 8 hours in waterproof boots.
Gaiters: Essential for glacier sections — keeps snow, moraine dust, and meltwater out of your boots.
Layering System
Base layer (x2): Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking underlayer. Merino is preferred for longer treks as it manages odour better over multiple days without washing.
Mid layer (x2): Fleece or lightweight insulation jacket. One lighter fleece for active hiking days; one heavier insulation layer for cold evenings at camp.
Down jacket: A high-quality down jacket (600-fill power minimum) is essential at altitude. Nights at Concordia (4,500m) drop below -10°C even in July. Do not compromise on this item.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousers: Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof-breathable material. The Karakoram weather changes rapidly — a dry morning can become a snow squall by afternoon.
Sun hat, warm hat, and buff: All three. The sun at 5,000m is intense; cold wind above treeline is relentless.
Gloves: A lightweight liner glove plus a waterproof outer mitten. Hands are the first thing to get cold on a high pass crossing.
Sleeping
Sleeping bag rated to -15°C minimum: This is non-negotiable for treks to K2 Base Camp and beyond. Down bags are significantly lighter and more compressible than synthetic alternatives for the same temperature rating. We recommend a bag rated to -20°C for the Gondogoro La or Snow Lake crossings. Karakoram Venture provides sleeping mats — you only need your own bag.
Sleeping bag liner: Adds 3 to 5°C of warmth and keeps your bag clean over multi-week expeditions.
Equipment We Provide
All Karakoram Venture packages include: high-altitude 4-season tents, foam sleeping mats, cooking tents, cooking equipment, all food and fuel, and a full kitchen team. You do not need to carry your own camping equipment.
For technical treks involving the Gondogoro La or Hispar La, we provide: fixed rope systems on the pass, crampon training at the high camp, and an experienced rope leader for the crossing itself. You need to bring your own crampons and ice axe (available for rent in Skardu if needed).
Photography Gear
At minimum, bring a camera with a wide-angle lens (for glacier panoramas) and a medium telephoto (for distant peaks and wildlife). A tripod is heavy but invaluable for long-exposure and sunset/sunrise work on high passes. See our dedicated photography guide for full recommendations.
Questions about gear or what to bring? Check our FAQ page or contact our team in Skardu — we are happy to advise on every piece of kit.
