In short. The policy most people already have will not cover a trek in the Karakoram. Here is what to look for. What your travel insurance needs to cover for trekking in Pakistan: altitude limits, helicopter evacuation, medical costs, cancellation and delay.
What your policy must cover
- Trekking to the altitude of your route. Many standard policies stop at 3,000 or 4,000 metres. K2 Base Camp is at 5,150 metres. Check the limit, and check that it is the height you walk to, not the height you sleep at.
- Emergency evacuation, including by helicopter. This is the cover that matters most and the one most often missing.
- Emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
- Cancellation and curtailment, from the day you book.
- Travel delay and missed connections, given how often mountain flights are cancelled.
- Baggage and equipment, including anything you hire.
Three checks before you buy
- Activity. Trekking must be named as a covered activity. If your route crosses a glacier or a technical pass, ask the insurer in writing whether that is included.
- Destination. Ask whether the policy is valid for Pakistan, and for the specific regions you will visit. Some insurers exclude areas that their government advises against.
- Evacuation. Ask how a rescue is authorised and paid for. A policy that reimburses you afterwards is of limited use if a deposit is needed before a helicopter will fly.
Helicopter rescue in Pakistan
Helicopter evacuation in the northern mountains is flown by Askari Aviation using military aircraft. It depends on weather and on aircraft availability, and it generally requires a financial guarantee to be in place before a flight is authorised. It is a last resort and never a certainty. Ask us how this is arranged for your route when you book.
What our destination guides say
From our destination guides. Select a place to read the full story.
- K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek
- Get insurance that covers high altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
- Paragliding at Khanpur Lake
- Fly only with qualified, insured pilots using inspected equipment.
- Ratti Gali Lake in Winter
- Winter programs need qualified instructors, avalanche assessment, communications and evacuation plans.
What to send us
- The name of your insurer and your policy number.
- The insurer's 24 hour emergency assistance number.
- The name and number of someone at home we can contact.
Carry a printed copy of your certificate in your daypack as well. There is no signal on most of our trekking routes.
Please note. We are not insurance advisers and cannot recommend a specific policy. Read the policy wording yourself, and get any answer that matters from your insurer in writing.
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.