GILGIT: The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has announced significant changes to permit fees and regulations for climbing K2, the second-highest peak in the world.
The decision was taken to streamline mountaineering operations and promote sustainable tourism.
According to a notification issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology, and Museum Department, the permit fee for foreign mountaineers to climb K2 has been fixed at $5,000 for the summer season (April-September), $2,500 for autumn (October-November), and $1,500 for the winter season (December-March).
Under new regulations, Pakistani climbers will pay Rs100,000 for the summer season, Rs50,000 for autumn, and Rs30,000 for winter.
According to the notification, mountaineers can only climb one peak per permit and the groups are limited to a maximum of 20 members. It said that high-altitude porters must be insured for up to Rs 2 million, while low-altitude porters will be insured for up to Rs 1 million.
The notification further said environmental fees will be deposited into the GB Adventure Tourism Account. All expedition briefings and debriefings will be held at the tourism offices in Gilgit-Baltistan.
It is pertinent to mention that the changes are effective immediately, and climbers are asked to contact the Gilgit-Baltistan Council for more information.
The revised fees and regulations are expected to increase revenue for the region and promote responsible mountaineering.
