The uprising of the Pakistani tourism industry has been at least partially successful. The regional government of the Gilgit-Baltistan province has slightly reduced the higher prices for climbing permits for Pakistan’s highest mountains that were decided for this summer.
The Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) had filed a complaint against the original price increase. The PATO had argued that this was severely damaging mountain tourism in the country. The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court initially put the decision on hold. The new revised price list is now available.
Around double the previous prices
A permit for K2, the second highest mountain on earth, will now cost 3500 dollars per climber from abroad. Originally, a fee of 5000 dollars per person had been planned, which would have meant a tripling of the price. Previously, the Pakistani authorities had demanded 12,000 dollars for a team of seven (plus 3000 dollars for each additional member). According to the revised list, the price for a team of this size now rises to 24,500 dollars (7 x 3,500 dollars), around double the previous amount.

The price increase for the four other eight-thousanders in Pakistan is also in this order of magnitude. Here, too, is the model calculation for a team of seven: instead of the 9500 dollars per team previously due, it now costs 2500 dollars per climber in the summer, making 17,500 dollars (7 x 2500 dollars) for the entire team. Initially, the regional government of Gilgit-Baltistan had wanted to charge 4000 dollars per person for Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II.
Almost a bargain compared to Nepal
Foreign expedition operators had reacted cautiously in view of the unresolved price situation with a view to the upcoming summer season in the Karakoram. Now the new fees are on the table.

Compared to the permit prices in Nepal, they are still significantly lower. An ascent of Mount Everest this spring for a team of seven cost 77,000 dollars (7 x 11,000 dollars), next year the price will rise to 105,000 dollars (7 x 15,000 dollars). That is more than four times as much as K2 will cost this summer for a team of this size.