Hundreds of climbers are flocking to Gilgit-Baltistan to scale K2 and other mountains

As the climbing season kicks off, hundreds of local and international climbers are converging on Gilgit-Baltistan to tackle the region’s eight-thousanders, including the formidable K2. The Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department has issued over 1,700 permits to foreign tourists for scaling peaks, with 175 specifically designated for K2, towering at 8,611 meters. Among those preparing for the challenge is Sajid Ali Sadpara, son of the legendary climber Mohammad Ali Sadpara, who aims to summit K2 without supplemental oxygen and also plans an ascent of Broad Peak (8,051 meters) this season.

In discussions with Dawn, Mr. Sadpara highlighted the arrival of numerous expedition groups, including female teams, at the K2 base camp. Some groups have already established their base camps, while others are en route from Skardu and Shigar districts. According to a base camp staffer interviewed by Dawn, local porters are currently transporting supplies to support various expedition teams at their base camps. Summit attempts are anticipated to commence post-July 20.

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Noteworthy is the presence of two all-female expedition teams heading towards Skardu for their K2 summit bids. One team comprises a joint Pakistan-Italy expedition, while the other consists of six Pakistani women climbers. Additionally, individual Pakistani and Saudi female climbers are also geared up to conquer K2 this season. Last year, the Gilgit-Baltistan government generated Rs450 million in permit fees from mountaineers, underscoring the region’s growing appeal among global climbers and the economic impact of high-altitude tourism.