Not sure what gadgets to bring with you to stay in touch with loved ones back home while on vacation in Pakistan far-flung north? Or do you want to share your amazing adventures on your blog right away, but you can’t wait to go to the next internet café?
We are sharing our best advice for interacting in Pakistan’s rural places after having firsthand experience with everything.
Let’s first categorize the frequency of communication into two main groups below before moving on.
- Periodic communication
- 24/7 full-time communication
You have several options to choose from for the two mentioned above!
Periodic Interaction
Telenor SIM card that has been pre-paid (restricted reception access)
I suggest getting a Telenor pre-paid SIM card in Islamabad before traveling to the mountains if you plan to use a phone occasionally.
SIM cards from the local telecom provider Telenor are simple to set up. You can use it in an unlocked iPhone or other comparable smartphone to access phone features (such as calls and data) from any location with cell phone reception. The likelihood that the data will work increases with reception strength. Low reception results in no data.
You should ask to make sure they are on a plan with reduced data and phone costs as Telenor offers a variety of tariffs and packages. When assistance is needed, your tour guide or hosts ought to be willing to provide it.
Obtain a large number of recharge cards.
Invest in plenty of recharge cards (the Rs. 500 or Rs. 1000 cards) so that your vacation lasts the whole time. If you believe you will need a lot of data, buy plenty. Again, ask around in Kathmandu.
Be advised that there won’t always be a reception.
Note that you can only use your unlocked smartphone with a local Telenor SIM card in areas with local cell phone reception. You won’t get any reception while trekking through remote mountainous areas in most of the mountainous regions. While cell phone reception is often available in other towns and cities like Gilgit, Skardu, or Hunza, it is erratic and prone to problems.
Constant Communication (24/7).
For people who desire constant access to the outside world…
We can vouch for the satisfaction of making a call home after several extended travels. With satellite technology so widely accessible these days, it is always feasible. One of these two solutions is the best choice for folks who want to be able to phone their family whenever they want or who are determined to blog.
Get or Hire a Satellite Phone
The coverage of Thuraya phones is good in Pakistan. In your native nation, you can buy them. The purchase and activation process in Pakistan can take two to three days to finish. For recommendations for renting a satellite phone in Islamabad.
Invest in a Thuraya Sat Sleeve.
To convert your iPhone into a satellite phone, get a Thuraya SatSleeve. With this handy gadget, you can use all the features of your iPhone through satellite communication, so you won’t have to wait days to access the internet, update your blog, or make a phone call home.
Invest in a GPS device that can text.
We immediately suggest Garmin devices for this use. The compact and affordably priced Garmin inReach Mini is equipped with a number of potent capabilities. Even when your phone is unusable in the Pakistani mountains, you can still broadcast and receive your GPS location to anyone via text, email, or another inReach Mini.
The ability to receive texts is crucial since it lets you connect with loved ones, friends, and emergency services. With the inReach Mini’s extra functions, you may navigate, map your journey and share it with friends, and obtain weather forecasts. I use and recommend the inReach Mini since it’s a good device overall, despite a few restrictions that I’ll discuss later.
Charging Apps
A solar charger is the only option if you care about charging gadgets. In certain isolated regions of Pakistan, such as the K2 Base Camp Trek, the availability of electricity might be spotty at best. In recent years, portable solar chargers have seen significant price reductions. Goal Zero, which you will witness on significant trips in the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and other regions, is what we advise.
Conclusion
Consider what will be most helpful to you after doing some research. The bottom line is to make sure you bring all the various plugs and adapters required for sustaining their digital gadgets while out on the trail, do your homework, weigh your options, and make sure you are prepared.
