Revised K2 Permit and Trekking Fees (5th Sep 2024)
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) administration has introduced new permit fees for K2, effective immediately, with varying rates depending on the climbing season:
- Summer Season (April-September): $5,000
- Autumn Season (October-November): $2,500
- Winter Season (December-March): $1,500
For Pakistani climbers, the fees have been set as follows:
- Summer: Rs. 100,000
- Autumn: Rs. 50,000
- Winter: Rs. 30,000
Increase in Trekking Fees
The notification also outlines a rise in trekking fees for foreign climbers:
- Summer: $300
- Autumn: $200
- Winter: $100
New Regulations and Insurance Requirements
Several new regulations are being enforced alongside the revised fee structure:
- Single-Peak Permit: Each permit now allows climbers to ascend only one peak.
- Expedition Size Limit: Each expedition group is restricted to a maximum of 20 members.
- Insurance Requirements: High-altitude porters must be insured for up to Rs. 2 million, while low-altitude porters require insurance coverage of up to Rs. 1 million.
- Environmental Fee: Environmental fees will be deposited into the GB Adventure Tourism Account.
- Briefing and Debriefing Locations: All expedition briefings and debriefings will be conducted at the tourism offices in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Reasons for the Fee Hike
The GB administration cited the following reasons for the increase:
- Enhanced Infrastructure and Services: The additional revenue will be used to improve infrastructure at base camps and trekking routes, with upgraded facilities, better waste management, and increased safety measures.
- Environmental Protection: Funds will support conservation projects to protect the fragile K2 ecosystem.
- Boosting Local Economy: The fee increase aims to generate more revenue for reinvestment in local communities, promoting businesses and creating job opportunities.
Impact on Climbing Expeditions
This new fee structure significantly changes the cost for climbing K2. Previously, a collective permit fee of $12,000 covered a group of seven climbers, with additional members costing $3,000 each. Now, each climber must pay an individual fee of $5,000, resulting in a total of $35,000 for a group of seven—an almost 200% increase compared to the earlier system.
