GB Govt Increases K2 Permit Fees, Introduces New Regulations

Sultan Shoaib

Gilgit: In an effort to enhance mountaineering operations and promote sustainable tourism, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has announced a significant hike in permit fees and new regulations for climbing K2, the world’s second-highest peak.

As per the notification issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology, and Museum Department, the permit fee for foreign climbers has been set at $5,000 for the summer season (April-September), $2,500 for autumn (October-November), and $1,500 for the winter season (December-March).

For Pakistani climbers, the fee structure is Rs100,000 for summer, Rs50,000 for autumn, and Rs30,000 for winter.

The notification also introduces the following key regulations:

Climbers are permitted to scale only one peak per permit.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 members.

High-altitude porters must be insured for up to Rs2 million, while low-altitude porters must be insured for up to Rs1 million.

Environmental fees will be deposited into the GB Adventure Tourism Account.

All expedition briefings and debriefings will be conducted at tourism offices in Gilgit-Baltistan.

These changes are effective immediately, and climbers are advised to contact the Gilgit-Baltistan Council for further details.

The revised fees and regulations are expected to increase revenue for the region while promoting responsible and sustainable mountaineering practices.