In short. A small, well chosen personal kit, and a conversation with your doctor before you go. A recommended personal medical kit for trekking and travel in Pakistan, covering first aid, stomach, altitude, sun and prescription medication.
See a doctor first. This is a packing guide, not medical advice. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you leave to discuss vaccinations, altitude and any medication listed here.
Your own medication
- Enough of any regular prescription for the whole trip, plus a week's spare.
- Keep it in the original packaging, with a copy of the prescription, in your hand luggage.
- If you carry an inhaler, an adrenaline pen or insulin, tell us before departure and tell your guide on day one.
First aid
- Plasters in assorted sizes
- Blister plasters and zinc oxide tape
- Sterile dressings and a crepe bandage
- Antiseptic wipes or cream
- Small scissors and tweezers
- Disposable gloves
Pain, fever and allergy
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Antihistamine tablets
- Throat lozenges
Stomach
- Oral rehydration salts
- Loperamide, for travel days
- Antacid tablets
- Hand sanitiser
- Water purification tablets
- An antibiotic for traveller's diarrhoea, if your doctor prescribes one
Altitude
If your trek goes above 3,000 metres, talk to your doctor about altitude illness and about acetazolamide (Diamox). It is a prescription medicine, it does not suit everyone, and it is not a substitute for gaining height slowly. Never use medication to keep climbing with symptoms that are getting worse.
Sun, skin and eyes
- Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser, for dry mountain air
- Eye drops
- Insect repellent, for the lower valleys and the south
- Spare glasses or contact lenses
Before you leave
- Check that your routine vaccinations are up to date and ask about any recommended for Pakistan.
- See a dentist if you have not been recently. The Baltoro is a poor place to find out about a tooth.
- Tell us about any medical condition, allergy or recent surgery when you book. It stays confidential, and it lets us plan properly.
For everything else to pack, see the Essential Packing & Equipment Checklist.
General guidance for planning. Rules, schedules and conditions change, so confirm the details that matter with official sources and with your XPITUDE planner before you book.