Two years ago, we reported that royalty fees to climb K2 had increased for the first time in 20 years. At the time, it was good news. However, the whopping new increase announced for 2025 may have gone too far.
No more group fees
During 2023 and 2024, K2 climbing permits were granted collectively to groups of seven climbers at $12,000. Each additional climber cost an extra $3,000. For 2025, Gilgit-Baltistan authorities have got rid of the collective fee and established an individual royalty of $5,000 per climber. A group of seven climbers that paid $12,000 this year will therefore pay $35,000 in 2025. That’s nearly a 200% increase.
Likewise, the fee required for the country’s other 8,000’ers (Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and Nanga Parbat) will increase too. In 2025 it will change from a collective fee for seven at $9,500 to an individual fee of $4,000, meaning seven climbers going for any of these peaks will pay $28,000.
The document detailing new royalty fees issued by Gilgit-Baltistan authorities.
The document is confusing and includes some errors. The fee for trekkers is noted as $100 for 2024, when in fact it was just $50. Interestingly, the trekking fee is valid for climbers aiming for any peak below 6,500m, from unclimbed snowy mountains to rock spires such as the Trango Towers. Pakistan still offers a world of low-cost possibilities for mountaineers ready to turn their attention away from the highest peaks.
According to the document, the trekking fee will be $300 next year, six times the 2024 rate.
Climbing Trango Towers only requires a trekking fee. Photo: Jasmine Tours
Might authorities reconsider?
Local operators are not happy with the price hikes and have requested that local authorities reconsider the increase.
“This is not good for promoting adventure tourism in Pakistan,” Ali Porik of Jasmine Tours told ExplorersWeb.
“This year the number of climbers in Pakistan dropped…and it will definitely be less next year [if the new prices are confirmed],” Mingma G Sherpa, owner of Imagine Nepal posted on social media. “We have our reservations for next year but it could be our last season in Pakistan.”
Other outfitters noted that the prices listed on Sept. 5 may not be final because of the strong reaction from operators.
