Pakistan Packing List
What to pack for Pakistan depends heavily on your destination and season. This comprehensive checklist covers city visits, mountain trekking, and everything in between.
Key rule: Dress modestly. Both men and women should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in public, especially outside major cities. Loose, lightweight, breathable clothing works best.
Essential Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months) with printed e-visa
- Photocopies of passport and visa (stored separately)
- Travel insurance documents (printed and digital)
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever if applicable)
- NOC/permits for restricted areas (Gilgit-Baltistan trekking)
- Emergency contact list (embassy numbers, insurance hotline)
Clothing — City Visits
Men
- Lightweight long trousers (3-4 pairs)
- Long-sleeve shirts (cotton/linen)
- Shalwar kameez (buy locally — fits in perfectly)
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for casual wear
Women
- Loose-fitting long trousers or skirts
- Long-sleeve tunics/tops covering hips
- Dupatta/large scarf (multi-purpose)
- Shalwar kameez (highly recommended)
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Headscarf for mosque visits
Clothing — Mountain & Trekking
- Thermal base layers (merino wool recommended)
- Fleece mid-layer
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Down jacket (for altitude above 3,500m)
- Trekking trousers (zip-off legs useful)
- Sturdy trekking boots (broken-in)
- Warm hat, gloves, and buff/neck gaiter
- Sunglasses with UV protection (glacier glare)
- Gaiters for snow/scree
Electronics & Gadgets
- Universal power adapter (Pakistan uses Type C, D, G — 230V/50Hz)
- Power bank (20,000mAh+ for mountain trips)
- Unlocked phone (buy local SIM at airport)
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them fast)
- Headlamp/torch (power cuts occur in rural areas)
- Offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps downloaded)
Health & Toiletries
- Prescription medications (with doctor's letter)
- Basic first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)
- Diamox for altitude sickness (prescription)
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets (Imodium)
- Water purification tablets or SteriPen
- Insect repellent (DEET-based for malaria areas)
- High-SPF sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitiser
- Reusable water bottle with filter
Luggage Tips
- City trips: Standard suitcase or backpack (20-30L daypack useful for sightseeing)
- Mountain trips: 50-65L trekking backpack + dry bags for valuables. Porters carry loads on major treks.
- Domestic flights: PIA allows 23kg checked + 7kg cabin. Airblue similar. Check current limits.
- Pack light: You can buy excellent shalwar kameez, shawls, and basic items cheaply throughout Pakistan