The Gilgit-Baltistan government has announced a significant hike in the K2 Climbing Permit Fee, alongside new mountaineering and trekking fees, sparking discussion within the adventure tourism community. One of the most notable changes is the increased K2 climbing permit fee, which now reflects a significant hike for both foreign and local climbers.
For international climbers, the K2 climbing permit fee for the summer season (April-September) is now set at $5,000, while autumn permits (October-November) will cost $2,500, and winter (December-March) permits are priced at $1,500. Pakistani climbers will also see a rise, with the new permit fees set at Rs 100,000 for the summer season, Rs 50,000 for autumn, and Rs 30,000 for winter.
In addition to the changes in the K2 climbing permit fee, the notification from the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department outlines updated fees for trekking. Foreign trekkers will now pay $300 for the summer season, $200 for autumn, and $100 for winter. These revised charges aim to regulate tourism activity while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the local support teams. High-altitude porters are now insured for up to Rs2 million, while low-altitude porters will receive Rs1 million in coverage.
The changes come after the introduction of group permits for K2 climbing in 2023 and 2024, where a collective fee of $12,000 covered seven climbers. Starting in 2025, this system will be replaced by an individual royalty fee of $5,000 per climber, effectively increasing the cost for larger groups. A team of seven climbers, for example, will now pay $35,000, reflecting a nearly 200% increase.
These fee adjustments, especially the revised K2 climbing permit fee, are part of a broader effort to enhance the mountaineering experience while ensuring sustainable tourism practices in Gilgit-Baltistan. The new regulations are effective immediately.
