Not sure what gadgets to use to communicate with friends and family back home while on vacation in Pakistan's remote northern regions? Or perhaps you want to blog about your experience right away but don't want to wait till you get to the next internet café to do so?
We are providing our top advice for interacting in secluded parts of Pakistan after having firsthand experience with everything.
Let's separate the frequency of communication into the two broad groups listed below before moving on.
Periodic contact
24/7/365 full-time contact
You can choose from a variety of options for both of the aforementioned!
Pre-Paid Telenor SIM card (limited access to reception)
I advise buying a Telenor pre-paid SIM card in Islamabad for people who plan to use their phones occasionally before hiking in the highlands.
SIM Cards from Telenor, a local telecommunications provider, are simple to set up. It can be used in an unlocked iPhone or other smartphone to provide you access to calls and data wherever there is cell phone reception. The chances of data working increase with stronger reception. No data if reception is poor.
You should inquire to make sure they are on a bundle with cheaper data and phone costs as Telenor offers a variety of tariffs and packages. When you need assistance, your tour operator or hosts should be there to help.
Buy plenty of recharge cards
For the duration of your vacation, buy enough recharge cards (either the Rs. 500 or Rs. If you anticipate using a lot of data, buy a lot. Once more, ask around in Kathmandu.
Be aware that reception will not always be available
Be warned that your unlocked smartphone will only function in areas with local mobile phone reception when using a Telenor SIM card from that region. There won't be any reception when travelling across remote alpine regions in many mountainous areas. Other towns and cities, including Gilgit, Skardu, or Hunza, have widespread but patchy cell phone reception.
2: Full Time Contact (24/7)
Whoever desires constant access to the outer world...
We can speak to how satisfying it is to make a call home after being on several lengthy travels. That is always conceivable in the modern era with the availability of satellite technology. One of these two choices is the best alternative for folks who wish to blog or who just want to be able to phone their family whenever they want.
A: Purchase or Rent a satellite phone
Thuraya phones have decent coverage in Pakistan. They are available for purchase in your home nation. In Pakistan, the procedure for purchase and activation can occasionally take two to three days. Send us an email if you'd like suggestions for satellite phone rental companies in Islamabad. Additionally, you can get satellite phone rentals from regional tour companies (such Apricot Tours, Jangoo Adventures, etc.).
B: Purchase a Thuraya SatSleeve
Get a Thuraya SatSleeve to convert your iPhone to a satellite phone. You may use this wonderful device to surf the internet, update your blog, and make phone calls back home without having to wait for the next hamlet along the trail, which could be days away.
Explore the process for making your iPhone a satellite.
C: Purchase a messaging-enabled GPS Device
We immediately suggest Garmin products for this use. The Garmin inReach Mini is a little device with a number of effective functions. From the Pakistani mountains where your cell phone doesn't operate, you may text, email, or use another inReach Mini to send and receive your GPS location to anyone.
The ability to receive messages is crucial since it enables you to contact loved ones, friends, and emergency services. You can obtain weather updates, track your trip and share it with friends, and navigate using extra capabilities on the inReach Mini. The inReach Mini is a reliable device that I use and recommend, although there are some restrictions, which I'll discuss later.
Bring your own solar charger, just in case.
Charging Devices
There is no substitute for a solar charger if you value being able to power your electronics. In secluded areas of Pakistan, electricity supply can be unpredictable and is frequently unavailable for treks like the K2 Base Camp Trek. Portable solar charger costs have significantly decreased in recent years. Goal Zero, which you will see on significant excursions throughout the Karakoram, Himalayas, and elsewhere, is what we advise.
Conclusion
Research your options and decide what will suit you the best.
The bottom line is to do your research, weigh your alternatives, and pack all the various plugs and adapters you'll need for charging your digital gadgets while out hiking.
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