A circular route
A trek to K2 base camp in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, aptly called the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, is in the world’s most spectacular mountain region. The fabled expedition and walking route up the Baltoro Glacier to K2 offers truly one of the world’s greatest treks, and justifiably so. Surrounded by six peaks over 25,919feet / 7,900meters and crowned by the massif of K2, this is without question one of the most magnificent places on the planet. The list of peaks along the way is extensive and each holds asignificant place in climbing history. Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, Paiyu Peak, Broad Peak and K2 form agallery of the most beautiful, and most dangerous places onearth.
With the circular trek that includes going over the pass and descending into the beautiful Hushe Valley before returning to the trek’s starting point at Skardu, you’ll enjoy one the most incredible treks on the planet, the friendly people of the Karakoram, and the intriguing culture of Pakistan — atrue journey for the soul, mind, andbody.
Want to make sure you are ready for this difficult trek- check out Peru’s Ultimate Blanca Trek and Climb for the perfect training trip and an incredible journey on itsown.
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Trip Perks
If you’re not aspiritual person, this place might just change that for you. Just being here will prompt you to redefine our planet and our place in the cosmos — it’s just that powerful! And like the Everest region, you will be walking where mountaineering legends test their limits, some successfully and others falling to the overwhelming power of the place perishing in huge Karakoram storms, being buried in avalanches that constantly roar off the high slopes, and others succumbing to the thin air. This is the greatest range in world on so many levels.
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Description
Starting in the village of Askole, where the stark landscape is countered by the lush and brilliant greens of orchards and fields in the valley floor, you follow aroute taken by some of the greatest climbers in history into the heart of the Karakoram Range. As you ascend into the mountains, the Baltoro becomes the path leading to Concordia, the junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers.
This trek adds an extra dimension by adding acrossing of 18,537foot / 5650meter Gondogoro Pass, making it possible to return via the beautiful Hushe Valley. With alittle weather luck, the view from the Pass is sublime and only equaled by the view at Concordia. From no other place on earth can you see such incredible views of K2 (28,2868ft / 8616m) the second highest peak in the world, and the world’s most beautiful high pyramid, Broad Peak (26,404 / 8048m), Gasherbrum Ito 6, Golden Throne (23,753 / 7240m), Chogolisa (25,148ft / 7665m), and the entire upper Baltoro Massif. The K2 circular trek requires agood degree of physical fitness, and the variable weather conditions can make the crossing of Gondogoro Pass quite challenging, but very rewarding.
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Visas
For this trek, aPakistan Trekking Visa will need to be obtained prior to the departure. Although this is arelatively simple process that can typically be done online, it will take some time to finalize (typically 4working weeks). The required documents are listedbelow.
- Passport
- Photograph
- Trekking ApplicationForm
- Sponsor letter/Agreement with designated tour operator by Department of Tourist Services (provided by Mountain Madness)
- List of any members who are accompanying the applicant during thetrek
A more detailed description of this process will be provided with the trip welcome packet. If you do need additional help going through the application process, feel free to give us acall at 800−328−5925.
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Iqra Fund school supplies
We are pleased to be working with the Iqra Fund to deliver school supplies to schools in the Karakoram region. Trekkers are able to contribute supplies while on their trip and visit the schools in the region. The Iqra Fund is aU.S. based nonprofit organization committed to serving girls in remote regions faced with economic, social, and political barriers to education.
For more details email Mark at markg@mountainmadness.com
Have a Question? Contact Us!
- (800) 328-5925
- info@mountainmadness.com
- Contact us
Price
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K2 Base CampTrek
$9,100 – 25 Days / Includes traveltime
5 Person Minimum
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Single Supplement (I want my ownroom) – $550
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Price Includes
- Visa support letter
- Liaison officer
- Trekking fee $50 per person, CKNP fee $50 per person and permit process.
- Airport/hotel transfers in ACcoach
- Hotel accommodation and three meals at Hill View Hotel in Islamabad, Concordia Hotel at Skardu and Shangri-La Indus View in Chilas (in case of road journey due to flight cancellation.)
- Domestic airfare for ISB/KDU/ISB in economy class at US$270 per person (subject to change without advance notice by the airline). Surface transfers in case of flight cancellation for Islamabad/Skardu/Islamabad against the airfare as per following detail.
- Road transfers in 4WD jeeps to the start/from the end of thetrek
- All meals duringtrek.
- Tents, mattresses, kitchen tent, toilet tent, mess tent with tables/chairs and campingfees.
- Kitchen equipment, crockery, fuel and related campinggear.
- Services of English-speaking guide, cook, assistant cook, porters sirdar and low altitude porters.
- 33 lb / 15kg of personal baggage duringtrek.
- Wages of guide, cook, assistant (s), sirdar and porters as per government guidelines
- Food and fuel for crew and porters according to the govt. guidelines
- Equipment for crew and porters as per government guidelines
- Insurance coverage of field staff and porters in case of death/serious injury
- (insurance policies in Pakistan does not include helicopter evacuation for localcrew)
- Porterage at airport and hotels, toll taxes and parking feeetc.
- Gondogoro La crossing fee to the local rescueteam.
- Coordination for land/helicopter evacuation in case of emergency (cost not included)
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Price Does Not Include
- International airfare and airport tax. Excess weight on domestic flights/during thetrek
- Extra nights in Kathmandu above the standard itinerary (see inclusionsabove)
- Extras at hotels, drinks, laundry and personal phonebills
- Insurance liability and other under Force Majeure conditions, medical aid, and helicopter rescue coverage,etc.
- Expenses related to self- change of plan or early departure of trekking members
- Personal clothing/equipment
- Any other services not mentioned above
- Gratuities (customary, but not mandatory in Pakistan for local staff, porters and drivers)
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registrationfee
- Balance due 120days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a3% convenience fee
Dates
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K2 Base Camp Trek 2024
- Jun 12, 2024 — Jul 6, 2024
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of thetrip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and soforth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121days or more before the departuredate
- No refunds will be provided 120days or less before the departuredate
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break abone, have afamily emergency or get assigned to alast-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue &evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care,etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of amedical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making adeposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For aquote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with asingle point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, andmore
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with your departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan on Day 3of the itinerary. You will cross the date line in mid-flight to Asia, thus losing aday. If you are traveling from outside the U.S. your itinerary may require less time to reach Islamabad, so all that is required is that you arrive on Day 3of the itinerary, where Mountain Madness services begin. If you arrive early, we can assist with extra hotel arrangements and activities. Otherwise, you can arrive at any time on Day 3. You will be met at the airport by aMountain Madness representative and transferred to yourhotel.
Your return flight home should be scheduled for the second to last day of the itinerary.
Please contact our office for any help needed with your flight schedule.
K2 Base Camp Trek Day by Day
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Day 1-2
Travel
Travel to Pakistan takes several days coming from the US In order to provide you with the exact number of days needed for this excursion, we have included travel time in the itinerary. You will depart from the US on Day 1and, by crossing the international date line, arrive in Islamabad on Day 3, where Mountain Madness services begin. If you are travelling from somewhere other than the US, travel time may vary, however Mountain Madness services still begin on Day3.
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Day 3
Islamabad
Arrive Islamabad. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
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Day 4
Skardu / Chilas
a) Fly to Skardu (flight is subject to weather). Upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.
b) In case of cancellation of flight, drive by coach to Chilas (300miles / 480km) on the Karakoram Highway. Overnight athotel.
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Day 5
Skardu / Chilas
a) Free day at Skardu. Welcome reception and briefing with the Tourism Department of Gilgit Baltistan.
b) If you are driving, complete the road journey from Chilas to Skardu (10 – 12hrs) (170miles / 275km) The route has agood view of Nanga Parbat 26,657ft / (8125m) along theway.
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Day 6
Askole
Elevation: 9,843ft / 3000m
Drive to Askole by jeep (7 — 8hours). The last village with about 50 houses. The villagers grow their own grain, vegetables and fruit and own large herds of sheep, goats, yaks and dzos. Overnight intent.
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Day 7
Jola
Elevation: 10,500ft / 3200m
Start on arelatively easy trail (3 — 4hrs). After alunch break continue toward Paiyu for another 2 — 3hours. The trail climbs to avantage point providing aview of the snout of Baltoro glacier. In the far distance is amagnificent panorama of Cathedral Towers and the triangle of K2 to the left for the first time. Paiyu campsite. Overnight intent.
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Day 8
Paiyu
Elevation: 11,811ft / 3600m
Start on arelatively easy trail (3 — 4hrs). After alunch break continue toward Paiyu for another 2 — 3hours. The trail climbs to avantage point providing aview of the snout of Baltoro glacier. In the far distance is amagnificent panorama of Cathedral Towers and the triangle of K2 to the left for the first time. Paiyu campsite. Overnight intent.
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Day 9
Paiyu
Elevation: 11,811ft / 3600m
Today we’ll rest and acclimatize for the remainder of our trek. We’ll likely stretch our legs with ashort local hike to aid in the acclimatization.
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Day 10
Khuburtze
Elevation: 13,123ft / 4000m
Gradual climb up Baltoro Glacier along the southern edge. After about two hours, the path divides at the snout of Baltoro glacier where the left branch goes to the BC of Trango Tower and the Sarpo Lago pass. Continue to the right, climbing up on the glacier that stretches up the valley 39miles / 62km with awidth of 1.2miles / 2km. Another steady 2 — 3hour climb on along diagonal to the other side. Follow the southern edge to Liliwa and onward to Khuburtze for about 90minutes to the campsite. Overnight intent.
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Day 11
Urdukas
Elevation: 13,780ft / 4200m
A 3‑hour walk mostly along the crest of alateral moraine with stunning views of Paiyu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Trango Towers, etc. Urdukas is aspectacular campsite. The following day we’ll enjoy arest/acclimatization day. Overnight intent.
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Day 12
Goro II
Elevation: 14,764ft / 4500m
Today’s 3 — 4‑hour walk is across difficult side crevasses, however the way is smoother and easier in the center. Continue to Goro‑I opposite of Yermanendo Glacier cascading down from Masherbrum pass. For the next 2 — 3hours continue east up the Baltoro glacier. Goro-II campsite is pitched on the rough stones and ice in the center of the Baltoro glacier with water from the glacier melt. Day 12 is built into the itinerary as acontingency day to be used as/if needed. Overnight intent.
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Day 13
Concordia
Elevation: 15,420ft / 4700m
A 5 — 6hour slightly easy walk, with spectacular views and gigantic mountain panoramas, including Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak and the mighty K2. Camp at Concordia named by Martin Conway after the place De La Concordia in Paris. Overnight intent.
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Day 14-15
Concordia/Optional K2 Base CampVisit
Elevation: 15,420 / 4700m
Two days free for local explorations and an optional excursion to K2 base camp. Overnight intent.
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Day 16
Vigne Glacier / AliCamp
Elevation: 16,732ft / 5100m
A 5 — 6hour walk on Vigne Glacier, with superb views of Chogolisa, and Mitre Peak. Arare mountain panorama and camp just belowpass.
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Day 17
Gondogoro La / Khuspang
Elevation: 18,537ft / 5650m
Elevation: 15,354ft / 4680m
Start very early in the morning for the strenuous and steep 8 — 10-hour day. Ascend to Gondogoro La high pass (18,537ft / 5650m), descend to Khuspang high camp (15,354ft / 4680m) on the other side. Overnight intent.
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Day 18
Khuspang / Shaieshcho
Elevation: 15,354ft / 4680m
Elevation: 8,530ft / 3600m
A 2 — 3‑hour easy descent on the glacier to the beautiful campsite of Dalzampa (14,108ft / 4300m) “field of flowers”. Aclimb to the lateral moraine provides spectacular views of the glacier and jagged spires. Another 3‑hour walk on the lateral moraine through wild roses, gooseberry cedar and Tamarisk bushes. The Charksa valley joins the Gondogoro at Shaieshcho and the route leads toward the base camp of K6 and K7. Overnight intent.
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Day 19
Hushe
Elevation: 10,827ft / 3300m
The last day of the trek follows the east bank of Hushe River for 3 — 4hours on an easy path through afield and camp outside the village of Hushe. Overnight inlodge.
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Day 20
Skardu
Elevation: 7,677ft / 2340m
Take ajeep back to Skardu via Khaplu 5 — 6hours. The second largest kingdom in old Baltistan guarding the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. Overnight athotel.
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Day 21
Skardu
Farewell meeting and debriefing at the Tourism Department of Gilgit Baltistan. Overnight athotel.
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Day 22
Islamabad / Chilas
a) Fly to Islamabad. (Subject to weather). Upon arrival transfer tohotel.
b) In case of flight cancellation, drive to Chilas. Overnight athotel.
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Day 23
Islamabad
a) Leisure day in Islamabad
b) In case of driving, complete the road journey from Chilas to Islamabad. Overnight athotel.
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Day 24-25
Fly Home
Depart Islamabad and fly home on Day 26. Arrive home on Day 26 or 27 depending your flight route and destination.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for K2 Base Camp Trek
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Carrying Gear
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Day pack (30-45L)
With padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 10 and 20 pounds. A pack with a volume between 1800-2500 cu. in. (30-45 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Stratos
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Pack cover
Waterproof cover
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Large duffel bag (100L capacity)
Your mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel cannot exceed 20 kgs (44lbs) Approximate size: 28”x16”x16” No wheels or hard sides, please
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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Large Duffel (90-125L)
made from water proof nylon
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Sleeping Gear
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (0F)
Zero-degree F (Minus eighteen-degree C) sleeping bag and stuff sack. Night-time temperatures can be as low as 0°F (-18°C) so bring a warm enough bag
Examples:
Marmot Never Summer, Feathered Friends Snow Bunting
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Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed cell foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental pad is recommended. This can be an inflatable or closed cell foam pad. Make sure to purchase a pad rated for cold conditions.
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
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Sleeping pad (foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental sleeping pad is advised for warmth and comfort. Closed cell foam 3/4 or full length. This pad is used in conjunction with the first pad
Examples:
Therm-a-rest Ridgerest
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Climbing Gear
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Aluminum Crampons
lightweight aluminum crampons
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Ascender (single)
One full-sized ascender with handle for fixed lines (left handed for right handed climbers, or vice-versa)
Examples:
Petzl Ascension
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Locking carabiners (3)
Three large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Alpine climbing harness
Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing
Examples:
Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Mountaineering ice axe
under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”-6’2” use 60 or 65cm, over 6’2” use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
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2 Double length nylon runners (48" or 120cm)
2 nylon runners. Be sure to get nylon not dyneema (18mm width)
Examples:
Black Diamond Nylon Slings
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Sunglasses or Glacier glasses (w/hard case)
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water. Sun glare off the snow can be intense so polarized 100% UVA/UVB glasses work best. Consider bringing a spare pair
Examples:
Julbo
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Head Scarf for Women
cultural attire while in cities
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Hands
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Fleece gloves
Lightweight gloves to use while trekking and hanging around camp
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Climbing gloves
A shell system of a fleece liner and waterproof shell that handles cold
Examples:
Outdoor Research Arete
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Leather work gloves
One pair lightweight to spare your climbing while doing camp chores
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Feet
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Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
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Hiking boots
One pair medium-weight hiking/backpacking boots, waterproof, large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one thick sock
Examples:
Salomon Quest 4D
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Tennis shoes or sandals
Lightweight to wear in camp after a long day of hiking
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Lightweight mountaineering boot
waterproof and crampon compatible
Examples:
La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX, Scarpa Charmoz, Salewa Crow GTX
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Water Bottles/Water System (Trekking)
Two one-liter, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, bring at least one hard plastic bottle.
Examples:
Nalgene
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Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Umbrella (optional)
Protection from rain and sun; compact and light weight
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Snacks (trek)
Trail snacks are important. Bring some power/energy/candy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking. You will be fed well throughout the trek, so this is just something extra
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Poncho
A poncho is great for lower down on the mountain when it is raining. Rather than having to wear your hard-shell jacket and overheat, just throw the poncho over yourself and your pack and you will stay dry as a bone
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Spare bottle for a pee bottle, and a pee funnel (Lady J or Freshette) for women
It can be a cold walk to the toilet at night
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Small Solar Panel
for charging phones and accessories
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