Gilgit-Baltistan's revised mountaineering and trekking fees for 2024-25

Gilgit-Baltistan Revises Mountaineering & Trekking Fees for 2024-25

Breaking News: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has officially revised the royalty fees for mountaineering and trekking expeditions in its territory for the current fiscal year 2024-25. These changes, approved by the GB Cabinet on May 13, 2025, take immediate effect under Section-11(2) of GB Finance Act, 2024.

What's Changed in the New Fee Structure?

The new notification brings significant changes to the cost of climbing some of the world's most spectacular mountains, including the mighty K2. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

For Foreign Climbers (Fees in USD)

Mountain Height	Season	Previous Fee	New Fee	Change
K2 (8611m)	Summer (Apr-Sep)	$5,000	$3,500	↓ $1,500 (30% decrease)
8001-8500m	Summer (Apr-Sep)	$4,000	$2,500	↓ $1,500 (37.5% decrease)
7501-8000m	Summer (Apr-Sep)	$2,800	$700	↓ $2,100 (75% decrease)
Trekking Fee	Summer (Apr-Sep)	$300	$150	↓ $150 (50% decrease)

For Pakistani Nationals (Fees in PKR)

Mountain Height	Season	Previous Fee	New Fee	Change
K2 (8611m)	Summer (Apr-Sep)	PKR 100,000	PKR 100,000	No change
7501-8000m	Summer (Apr-Sep)	PKR 30,000	PKR 40,000	↑ PKR 10,000 (33% increase)
6501-7000m	Winter (Dec-Mar)	PKR 3,000	PKR 10,000	↑ PKR 7,000 (233% increase)
Trekking Fee	Summer (Apr-Sep)	PKR 10,000	PKR 15,000	↑ PKR 5,000 (50% increase)

Key Takeaways:

• Foreign climbers get significant discounts on most peaks, especially in the 7501-8000m range (75% reduction)
• K2 climbing fee reduced by $1,500 for foreigners in summer season
• Trekking fees halved for international visitors
• Pakistani nationals see increases on mid-range peaks and trekking permits
• Winter climbing remains most affordable for both foreign and local climbers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why has GB government revised these mountaineering fees?

A: The revision appears aimed at making Pakistan more competitive in the international mountaineering tourism market, especially for mid-range peaks. The dramatic reductions for foreign climbers suggest a strategy to attract more international expeditions.

Q: When do these new fees take effect?

A: The notification states the revised fees are effective immediately from May 21, 2025.

Q: How do Pakistan's climbing fees now compare to Nepal?

A: With these reductions, Pakistan becomes significantly more affordable than Nepal for most peaks. For example, Nepal charges $11,000 for Everest (similar height to K2) in spring season, while K2 is now $3,500 in summer.

Q: What's the best season for budget climbing in GB now?

A: Winter (December-March) remains the most affordable season, with K2 fees at just $1,000 for foreigners. However, consider that winter climbing is significantly more challenging technically.

Q: Are there any peaks that became more expensive?

A: For Pakistani nationals, most categories saw increases, particularly in the 6501-7500m range where fees doubled or tripled in some seasons.

What This Means for Adventure Travelers

These fee changes present exciting opportunities for mountaineers and trekkers worldwide:

1. More affordable access to K2: The $1,500 reduction makes the "Savage Mountain" more accessible while still ensuring revenue for conservation and local communities.
2. Mid-range peaks become bargain adventures: The 75% reduction on 7501-8000m peaks opens new possibilities for climbers who found these mountains previously overpriced.
3. Trekking becomes more competitive: At just $150 in summer, GB's world-class treks like K2 Base Camp or Snow Lake become extremely attractive compared to similar Himalayan treks.
4. Winter climbing incentives remain: The maintained low winter fees encourage the growing trend of winter mountaineering in the Karakoram.

Final Thoughts

Gilgit-Baltistan's revised mountaineering fees represent a strategic shift to position Pakistan as a more competitive destination in the global adventure tourism market. The significant reductions for foreign climbers, especially on mid-range peaks, may lead to increased expedition traffic in coming seasons.

For Pakistani mountaineers, the increased fees on domestic peaks reflect growing interest in local mountaineering and the need to manage increasing pressure on these fragile mountain environments.

Whether you're planning to conquer K2 or trek through the breathtaking landscapes of the Karakoram, these changes make 2024-25 an excellent year to experience the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Have questions about climbing or trekking in Gilgit-Baltistan? Leave a comment below or contact us for personalized advice on planning your adventure under these new regulations!