The Gilgit-Baltistan government has rolled out new rules and fees for climbing K2, aiming to make mountaineering more organized and eco-friendly. Starting now, foreign climbers will pay $5,000 to ascend K2 during summer, $2,500 in autumn, and $1,500 in winter.
Pakistani climbers face fees of Rs100,000 for summer, Rs50,000 in autumn, and Rs30,000 in winter.
Additional rules state that climbers can only tackle one peak per permit, and groups are limited to 20 members. High-altitude porters will now have insurance of Rs2 million, while low-altitude porters are insured up to Rs1 million.
Environmental fees collected will go to the GB Adventure Tourism Account.
Expedition briefings and debriefings will take place at tourism offices in the region.
These changes aim to ensure both climbers’ safety and the protection of the environment, while also boosting tourism revenue.