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 efforts to streamline mountaineering and promote sustainable tourism.
According to a notification from the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology, and Museum Department, international climbers will now pay $5,000 for a permit during the summer season (April-September), $2,500 for autumn (October-November), and $1,500 for winter (December-March).
Pakistani climbers will be charged Rs100,000 for the summer season, Rs50,000 for autumn, and Rs30,000 for winter.
The notification also details new regulations, including the requirement that each permit covers only one peak. Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 members. High-altitude porters must be insured for up to Rs2 million, while low-altitude porters will be insured for up to Rs1 million.
Environmental fees are to be deposited into the GB Adventure Tourism Account, and all expedition briefings and debriefings will take place at tourism offices in Gilgit-Baltistan.
These changes, effective immediately, are expected to enhance revenue and encourage responsible mountaineering.
