14/06/2026
If you forget your sunscreen while trekking in the Karakoram, nature offers an interesting alternative. Sea buckthorn is a hardy mountain shrub that grows widely across the Karakoram and Himalayas. Its bright orange berries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial oils, making them highly valued by local communities for both nutrition and skincare.
In this video, our guest from Switzerland 🇨🇭 applies crushed sea buckthorn berries to her face and arms during our trek to K2 Base Camp. While sea buckthorn has traditionally been used for skin care, it should not be considered a replacement for proper sunscreen, especially at high altitudes where UV exposure is intense. Still, it is a fascinating example of how mountain people have used local plants for generations. 🍊🏔️
