Good gear makes the K2 Base Camp trek safe and enjoyable. You will walk on hot dusty trails near Askole, sleep on glacier ice at Concordia at about 4,600 m, and cross Gondogoro La (5,585 m) in the cold of the night. ThisK2 Base Camp trek packing list is the same list we send to our own clients.
How your luggage is carried
Porters carry your main bag, a soft duffel bag with alimit of 20 kg. You carry only a day pack with water, snacks, a warm layer, rain jacket, camera and sun protection. Extra luggage can stay at our hotel in Skardu until you return.
Technical gear for Gondogoro La
- Crampons that fit your boots (12 point or trekking crampons, ask us if unsure)
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet
- Jumar (ascender)
- Two locking carabiners and a short sling
- Ice axe or trekking poles (we advise you on this for your date)
Read ourGondogoro La crossing guide to see how this gear is used.
Clothing
- Thermal base layers, top and bottom (2 sets)
- Trekking shirts, quick dry (2 to 3)
- Fleece jacket or warm mid layer
- Down jacket, warm enough for nights around minus 10 °C
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof over trousers
- Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves, warm gloves and mittens
- Trekking socks (4 to 5 pairs) and warm socks for camp
- Gaiters for snow on the pass
Footwear
- Stiff, waterproof mountain boots that take crampons, worn in before the trip
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Light trekking shoes for the first days below the glacier (optional)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag rated to about minus 15 °C comfort
- Sleeping bag liner
- Inflatable or foam sleeping mat (we provide a foam mattress, many people bring an extra mat)
- Small pillow or stuff sack
Day pack and small items
- Day pack of 30 to 40 litres with rain cover
- Water bottles or bladder for 2 to 3 litres
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Headlamp with spare batteries (very important for Gondogoro La night)
- Glacier sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sun cream SPF 50 and lip balm
- Trekking poles
- Power bank and solar charger, there is no electricity on the trek
- Snacks and energy bars you like
Personal first aid and health
- Your personal medicines
- Plasters and blister care
- Pain relief and rehydration salts
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Talk to your doctor about altitude medicine before you travel
Documents
- Passport with Pakistan visa
- Copies of passport and visa
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter rescue
- Cash in US dollars or euros for tips and extras
Packing FAQ
How much luggage can I take on the K2 Base Camp trek?
Your porter duffel bag has a limit of 20 kg. You carry a small day pack yourself. Extra luggage can stay at the hotel in Skardu.
Do I need crampons for the K2 Base Camp trek?
Yes, if you cross Gondogoro La. You need crampons, a harness, a helmet, a jumar and locking carabiners for the fixed ropes on the pass.
How cold is it at K2 Base Camp?
Days can be warm in the sun, but nights on the glacier often drop below freezing, and on the Gondogoro La night it can be around minus 10 °C or colder with wind.
Can I rent gear in Skardu?
Some basic gear can be found in Skardu, but quality and sizes are limited. We advise bringing your own boots, sleeping bag and technical gear. Ask us before you travel.
Plan your trek
See the full19 day K2 Base Camp trek itinerary, ourK2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La trek guide and ourK2 Base Camp trek FAQ. Bookings are open for 2027, prices on request.Contact us for a quote.
