Gilgit-Baltistan Raises K2 Permit Fees and Introduces New Regulations for Climbers

Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has announced an increase in permit fees for climbers aiming to scale K2, the world’s second-highest peak, as part of its efforts to streamline mountaineering and promote sustainable tourism in the region. The updated fees structure and new regulations are set to enhance revenue while encouraging responsible climbing practices.

As per a notification from the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology, and Museum Department, the new fees and regulations are effective immediately. These changes are designed to support environmental conservation and ensure the safety and management of climbing expeditions.

Fees Structure:

International Climbers:

• Summer Season (April-September): $5,000
• Autumn Season (October-November): $2,500
• Winter Season (December-March): $1,500

Pakistani Climbers:

• Summer Season (April-September): PKR 100,000
• Autumn Season (October-November): PKR 50,000
• Winter Season (December-March): PKR 30,000

Trekking Fees for Foreign Climbers:

• Summer Season: $300
• Autumn Season: $200
• Winter Season: $100

Trekking Fees for Pakistani Climbers:

• Summer Season: PKR 10,000
• Autumn Season: PKR 5,000
• Winter Season: PKR 2,500

Along with the revised permit fees, the government has also introduced new regulations. 

New Regulations:

Permit Restrictions:

• Each permit covers only one peak.
• Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 members.

Porter Insurance:

• High-altitude porters must be insured for up to PKR 2 million.
• Low-altitude porters must be insured for up to PKR 1 million.

Environmental Fees:

• Fees are to be deposited into the GB Adventure Tourism Account.

Expedition Briefings:

• All briefings and debriefings must take place at tourism offices in Gilgit-Baltistan.

These changes, effective immediately, are expected to enhance revenue and encourage responsible mountaineering. The Gilgit-Baltistan government aims to boost the region's revenue while promoting sustainable practices among climbers.

K2, located in the Baltistan Region of Pakistan and administered by Gilgit-Baltistan, is the highest point of the Karakoram Range and the highest point in Pakistan. The peak stands at an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).