Since they establish the parameters for the adventure activity, climbing rules. And regulations are important to both climbers and tour operators. Only tour operators approved by the government may apply to climb in Pakistan (e.g., Jangoo Adventures, Apricot Tours, etc.). Nonetheless, the full set of guidelines is available below for informational purposes.
How to Apply for Permission in 2024–2025
Should a foreign mountaineering expedition wish to climb a peak in Pakistan. They must apply using the application form (Annexure A). And provide an additional copy to the closest Pakistani Embassy or Consulate. Send a copy to the Gilgit Baltistan Council Secretariat. Provident Fund Building Zero Point G-7/1, Islamabad. Along with a photocopy of the royalty receipt.
- A Pakistani Embassy or Consulate should accept application forms for peak allocation.
- The aforementioned Embassy/Consulate would then promptly forward such an application. To the Tourism Division, where it would be handled on a “First-come, First-served basis”.
- Applications that are incomplete or that are received before or after the deadlines. May not be considered.
If one of the parties does not know the exact makeup of the team. It must declare this on the application form and not include member information. Peaks will be provisionally booked in such cases. Only after receiving the information in Annexure-B at Gilgit Baltistan Council Secretariat. Provident Fund Building Zero Point G-7/1, Islamabad. Will a formal permission letter be issued. three months or more before the party’s scheduled arrival in Pakistan. The party’s departure to the mountains may be delayed. Until the new members’ clearance is received, which should happen in about a week. If the details of the new members are not received within the allotted time. After the party arrives in Pakistan. A party may not depart for Pakistan under this procedure. Unless it receives the official letter of authorization. A mountaineer would never participate in multiple expeditions in a single season.
A party must list at least three to four peaks in order of preference so that available peaks can be assigned. With special permission from the Joint Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Council Secretariat. Provident Fund Building Zero Point G-7/1, Islamabad, a party may ascend more than one 8,000-meter peak.
Following receipt of the application form in the tourism division. The Gilgit Baltistan Council Secretariat will make an effort. To issue the mountaineering permit. To the interested party within sixty days. Upon receipt of the completed application. The Tourism Division will send provisional bookings of the peak. Subject to the peak’s availability during the choice period.
In the same season, the government retains the right to assign multiple parties. To a specific peak via any route.
Refunds
The allocation of a peak may be revoked by the government at any time and for any reason. In these situations, the royalty deposit amount will be reimbursed.
However, if a party decides to postpone or cancel its mountaineering plan. For personal reasons, it must notify the Tourism Division as soon as possible. In this situation, the royalty deposit is not refundable and cannot be used. Toward future mountaineering trips in Pakistan. It is possible to modify the booking period within the same mountaineering season. Provided that the peaks and route are still accessible for the new date.
Preparing and Discharging
After reaching Rawalpindi or Islamabad. The expedition should speak with the relevant Tourism Division officer. To set up a meeting with the liaison officer and get assistance with related issues. Such as insurance, ration purchases, and other related matters. Once these formalities are finished. The expedition leader will request a formal briefing date. He must provide at least 24 hours’ notice for this purpose, excluding Friday and holidays. Four to five days would be needed. To complete the preparatory work in Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
Upon returning from the mountains, the party leader. Is required to notify the relevant Tourism Division officer. And secure a date for a debriefing. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice, excluding Fridays and holidays, must be given.
Note: No party will depart the nation without receiving a formal debriefing. Or head for the mountains without one.
Officer of Liaison (L.O.)
A party must have a member on L.O. at minimum for the expedition. to be specified in detail by the Pakistani government.
A participant is responsible for covering the cost of his meals, lodging. And transportation to and from the mountains. From the expedition’s reporting date in Islamabad. Until the time of the participant’s debriefing.
When a party visits Rawalpindi or Islamabad, the L.O. shall receive a daily allowance of $30 USD per day. The L.O. in a city in a northern area (like Skardu, Gilgit, etc.) is to be compensated with lodging and $15/-per day.
An L.O. will bring his own gear, just like any other party member.
An L.O. will be consulted regarding routes, regional customs. And, if preferred, issues like lodging, transportation, and rations. But if a leader doesn’t agree with L.O. He will provide him. With the written justification for this disagreement.
An L.O. will give a party the best possible assistance when making purchases. However, he is not allowed to handle money. Or conduct financial transactions on a leader’s or party’s behalf.
Outfit and Tools
For the Liaison Officer
An L.O. shall, with the leader’s permission, accompany a party to the highest point. They can reach, or else remain at the base camp until the party descends. And then return to Islamabad with the party for a debriefing. For this reason, a party shall give him the free kit. And equipment listed in Annexure-C so. That he can carry out his duties without putting his safety in danger.
Equipment/kit for the L.O. ought to be measured and sent ahead of time to a party. A party may bring standard-sized equipment and kit. If measurements are not obtained prior to the party’s departure for Pakistan. To avoid size issues, shirts and jeans can be bought in Pakistan.
For Porters at Low Altitudes
A party must be escorted up to the base camp by a low altitude porter (maximum height 5,500 meters). A party shall furnish him with standard kit and equipment. As listed in Annexure-D at no cost for this purpose.
If the party wishes to use a low altitude porter to travel higher than 5,500 meters (excluding passes en route). He is entitled to the same supplies and food as high altitude porters, as listed in Annexure E.
The high altitude porter’s gear, with the exception of climbing tools, will be given to the cook.
For Porters at High Altitudes
In order to enable a high altitude porter to carry out his duties. A party shall make arrangements to furnish him with standard kit and equipment. As specified at Annexure – E, at no cost.
In order to communicate with district headquarters from mountains. A party must have a walkie-talkie, a radio/transistor set. And a powerful transmitter (optional frequencies allocated are 5201 KHZ, 6996-KHZ, 10282-KHZ. 15951-KHZ, and 16411-KHZ).
Overall
In front of L.O., porters will receive their kit and equipment. before the caravan actually started.
If the kit or equipment that it provided to L.O. is damaged, no party will be permitted to continue to its destination. Porters is judged to be lacking or of poor quality. Prior to departing Islamabad/Rawalpindi, an L.O. must ensure that the kit. Or equipment is complete and meets the necessary standards. L.O. received the equipment and kit. is returnable; however, the liaison officer will keep the personal items and apparel. Such as jackets, pants, shirts, gloves, socks, caps, approach march boots. Pullovers, rucksacks, and sleeping bags.
Utilizing a communication network. A party will be able to carry out an appropriate communication system. The L.O. will additionally receive the necessary communication tools. It is imperative that the party obtain clearance before using any communication system. And that clearance be communicated promptly using the prescribed form (Annexure-K).
Import/Export of Kits and Equipment
Imported machinery, consumables, and non-consumable goods. Into Pakistan are subject to the following regulations:
Subject to an undertaking (Annexure-F) provided by an expedition leader stating. That the equipment, etc., will be re-exported out of Pakistan. Upon mission completion and that no part of it will be sold. Or otherwise disposed of in Pakistan. Failing which duty and sales tax leviable thereon will be paid, equipment. And non-consumable stores will be allowed temporary entry free of customs duty. And sales tax leviable thereon.
Provisions regarding exemption from customs duty and sales tax apply. To consumable stores and medicines. These exemptions are contingent upon the expedition leader. Providing an undertaking (Annexure – F) stating that the goods will be used. For their intended purpose and will not be sold or otherwise disposed of in Pakistan. Failing which the applicable customs duty and sales tax will be paid. After the mission is completed. The portion that has not been consumed will be exported again from Pakistan.
When donations of consumables, medications, and other items are made in Pakistan. With the government’s prior approval and an official receipt is provided. The aforementioned requirements do not apply.
A party must submit an application in triplicate. In accordance with the aforementioned Annexure-F, to the Tourism Division. Along with three copies of the equipment list. The cost price of each item must also be displayed on the aforementioned list. Once the party has signed and sealed the document, the Tourism Division will return one copy to them. When the equipment arrives with a party, another copy must be sent. To the customs authorities at the point of entry so they can clear it.
if some equipment needs to be shipped ahead of time to Pakistan. The Tourism Division will be notified of this. In that instance, a clearing and forwarding agent designated. By a party for that purpose will receive a copy of the application. At the aforementioned Annexure-F along with its enclosures. At the point of entry, a second copy must be delivered to the customs authorities.
Following the equipment’s clearance, the local agency will need to make arrangements. For its transportation, storage, and security until the party receiving it on arrival. If any local octroi duty is due, he must also pay it. In the event of trouble, he will be instructed to get in touch with a Tourism Division representative.
Porters’ Pay and Transportation Fees
Together with the official letter of authorization. The party will receive a general idea of the wages and fees associated. With both mechanical and animal transport.
Porters will receive payment for their wages at the time of their discharge. But if a porter needs payment in advance, it can be made with L.O. present. / Received receipt and guide.
A party shall give a low altitude porter. Free rations in accordance with Annexure-G Or cash in lieu of rations. As determined by the Government, in addition to his daily wages. From the time of his engagement until his discharge.
Similar to this, high altitude porters will receive free rations. In accordance with Annexure-H starting the day they ascend above 5,500 meters.
Except in cases of illness or injury, a porter is not entitled to pay for a day when he is not at work. However, porters will receive their full pay and benefits if a party requests a day of rest.
A party must give the porter their entire daily salary and rations. In case of forced stops due to inclement weather. A leader’s decision regarding movement on these days is final. But if L.O. thinks the weather is too awful to march, he might ask the party’s leader to call off the celebration. In case of disagreement. With the advice of L.O. The reason for this disagreement should be documented in writing by the leader.
Every seventh day is a holiday for a porter who has been marching. With a party for more than seven days, and they are entitled to their full daily wages, etc.
Protection
An insurance policy worth Rs. 300,000/- (Rupees three thousand) is required for a liaison officer. If a competent authority declares a partial disablement. The amount of compensation will be commensurate with the percentage of disablement.
An insurance policy covering Rs. 200,000 (Rupees two hundred thousand only) must be obtained for a high altitude porter. If a civil surgeon declares a partial disability. The amount of compensation will be commensurate with the percentage of disablement.
An insurance policy covering Rs. 100,000/- (Rupees one hundred thousand only) must be obtained for a low altitude porter. If a civil surgeon declares a partial disability. The amount of compensation will be commensurate with the percentage of disablement.
If requested, the government will assist a party in obtaining insurance coverage. In Pakistan through a Pakistani company.
Medical Care
The party in question shall pay for the helicopter or other means of evacuating a sick. Or injured porter from the mountain to a hospital. In the district headquarters, such as Gilgit, Skardu, or Chitral, if a doctor. Or first aid specialist deems it necessary. Should an L.O. feels that the porter is not being evacuated despite being extremely ill. He will ask the leader to make arrangements for his departure. If the boss doesn’t agree with L.O. He will provide him with the written justification. For this disagreement. The expedition’s physician and first-aid specialist would also have. To countersign the aforementioned statement.
A party shall not be liable for the cost of an injured or ill L.O.’s medical care or evacuation. because his detailing/recommending authority will bear the cost of the same.
A party agrees to pay a porter half of their daily wages while they are ill. Injured, or hospitalized in the mountains, up until the point at which. They depart for Rawalpindi or Islamabad from the district headquarters.
In Pakistani hospitals, medical services, such as surgery, are typically rendered without charge. In the event that a porter becomes ill. Or sustains an injury, one of the parties is responsible for covering the costs. Should a porter, cook, or other hired individual pass away. The expedition would be in charge of moving the deceased person’s body. From the scene of the accident to the hiring location.
Pictures
Photographing from Above
Photographing mountain peaks from the air while traveling to Chitral. Or the Northern Areas is permitted as long as the liaison officer or the aircraft’s pilot is informed.
Still Life Photographs
During its visit to Pakistan, a party is prohibited. From taking pictures of the following items:
- any locations owned by the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
- any military hardware, including weapons, tanks, vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other establishments.
- any aerodromes in Pakistan or the structures and facilities connected to them.
- Any female tribal member.
- any other location that has been informed as prohibited.
- Commercial film production, including television.
Subject to the aforementioned, a party seeking to reach a peak located. In a closed zone (the Pakistani border’s 10- and 30-mile belts) may take pictures. Or record videos while being closely supervised by an L.O.
A party designates one member of its team as the photographer. For the purpose of filming an academically interesting film. However, if a party wishes to add professional photographers. To the team for the purpose of shooting a professional film. The professional photographer(s) in that instance must be accompanied. By an additional L.O. that is subject to the same terms and conditions. As the original L.O. Professional photographers are not permitted. To break into units under this arrangement.
Such films may only be exported from Pakistan following the L.O. has attested to the fact. That no photos were taken of defense installations or forbidden locations.
An L.O. shall disclose to a party the items that are appropriate for filming or photography. He is entitled to prohibit the photographer from taking such pictures. Or creating awful films if he believes that defense. Or important installations are being documented. If a photographer disregards his advice, the police will be notified and. They will take legal action against the photographer. Under the Official Secrets Act of 1923.
With the exception of those listed in paragraphs 54 and 58, still photos, commercial films. And academically interesting films shot. Or produced in the remainder of Pakistan shall not be subject to these restrictions.
The right to take pictures is contingent upon the party supplying one copy. Or print of a commercial film or a work of academic interest. Along with one set of photos, to the Government of Pakistan at no cost or freight.
Combined Expedition Teams
Pakistan-foreign-Cum-party:
A party that adopts the format of a joint expedition. One in which Pakistanis would participate as climbers. Will receive a 50% royalty discount. In this instance. The proportion of Pakistani climbers in a party, including the leader. Must not be less than half of the total number of foreign members. The Tourism Division may reduce the proportion of Pakistanis. To one-third of foreign visitors in exceptional circumstances.
A Pakistani party and a foreign party cannot work together, nevertheless. If the aforementioned one-third majority cannot be achieved.
A foreign party may request five copies. Of the Pakistani climbers’ details on a proforma basis. At Annex I. The Pakistani Alpine Club will make sure. That experienced climbers are nominated for the purpose across the country. The application form will then have these details attached to it.
As per these arrangements, the deputy leader will be a Pakistani. And the leader will be a foreign national.
Foreign party-Pakistan-Cum
A Pakistani party agrees to pay half of the royalty fees associated with a proposed peak attempt. And may include foreign nationals in its expedition. In this instance, the proportion of foreign climbers must. Not fall below one-third of all Pakistani climbers. Or surpass that of Pakistani climbers. A party with just one foreign national, however. Will not be subject to this paragraph’s provisions.
At least four months prior to their arrival, a Pakistani party must. Obtain the personal information of any foreign climbers on a proforma. At Annexure-B and provide it to the Tourism Division in five copies. Along with an application form at Annexure-A.
A Pakistani leader will preside over these arrangements. While a foreigner may serve as deputy leader.
An expedition party comprising Pakistanis and foreigners. Or foreigners and Pakistanis must have an L.O.
However, a group of climbers from Pakistan alone will not be required to pay royalties. However, it must deposit the leader’s details along with those of every member on a proforma. To the Tourism Division at Annexure “I” (Pakistani expeditions do not require L.O.s).
When climbing peaks under these arrangements. Foreign nationals and Pakistanis will be bound by the applicable terms and conditions.
Every year, only two joint expeditions—which are recommended by a club. That is registered with the Pakistan Sports Board. Or associated with the UIAA—will be permitted (first-cum-first).
Mishaps
Should an accident occur or a party member pass away. The leader is responsible for informing the L.O. who will notify the closest police station. About the situation and contact the local deputy commissioner. For any assistance that may be deemed necessary.
In the event that the Pakistan Army is required to assist, the L.O. shall. Notify the Deputy Commissioner of this, who will make arrangements for the assistance.
Should a helicopter be required, FCNA/Local Administration would. Make the necessary arrangements, subject to payment. Mountaineering expeditions will receive a guarantee of US$4,000 for rescue operations. A guarantee from their respective diplomatic mission in Pakistan, or an undertaking. From government-approved tour operators, in the event that. They are unable to reach Pakistan’s highest peaks.
Should a member pass away, an L.O. must get the required death certificate. From the local deputy commissioner prior to departing the region.
If a low- or high-altitude porter is involved in an accident or dies. The following procedures must be followed. Furthermore, an L.O. shall, for insurance purposes. Obtain a certificate of his or her death or disability from the relevant Civil Surgeon.
If something were to happen to L.O. The leader will notify the local Deputy Commissioner. Who will then notify the Tourism Division and army authorities.
Foreign Currency
Foreign exchange from an authorized bank or money changer must always be cashed by the party. A certificate regarding the quantity of foreign exchange surrendered must be obtained. For this purpose from the aforementioned bank or authorized money changer.
At the exit points, exchange booths operated by banks that are authorized. To deal in foreign exchange are permitted to convert up to Rs. 500/-per person from the unspent balance of Pakistan. Rupees acquired through foreign currency encashment. A bank that is authorized to deal in foreign exchange must connect. With an office of the State Bank of Pakistan to request the reconversion. Of any amount that exceeds the aforementioned limit.
One party must exchange its foreign money for Pakistani rupees. Rupee in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, which will subsequently be transported to Chitral, Gilgit/Skardu. However. Before heading for the mountains, a party may deposit the excess/reserve amount. In a bank at the aforementioned locations.
According to the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act of 1947, it is illegal. To cash foreign exchange from anyone other than a bank or a licensed money changer.
- Respect for Security and Requirements for Material Publication
- A party must limit its actions to the goals specified in the application form.
- A party is not allowed to engage in any activities that could offend the locals’ moral. Social, or religious beliefs or customs.
- A party is not allowed to operate in more than one area or reach more than one peak at any point.
- A party is not permitted to ascend a peak via a path that passes through another peak.
It is forbidden for a party to divide into smaller groups when in the mountains. When an emergency arises, an L.O. has the power to approve a party’s split.
A party may only stray from the designated path in an emergency or with an L.O.’s approval.
If a party requests and receives maps or other materials. They must return them to the Pakistani government. Via L.O. prior to an expedition leaving Pakistan. To use these maps, you might also need to deposit a small amount. Of money with the government that isn’t refundable.
L.O. will receive duplicate copies of all photographic. Data taken during mountain climbing, etc.
If a group is exclusively mountaineering and scientific in nature. The leader must present to the relevant Pakistani authorities so that all information. Specimens, collections, etc., can be inspected.
It is forbidden to export any such collection without. The Pakistani government’s prior consent.
A leader must also give the Pakistani government a set of all these examples.
Research papers and other prepared documents must also. Be sent in duplicate to the Pakistani government.
Code of Environmental Care
Maintaining the cleanliness of the mountains is crucial. The following paragraphs’ instructions on the matter must be closely followed.
All mountaineering parties, regardless of size, are required to contribute $200 USD. Or the equivalent amount in Pakistani rupees to the Environment Protection Fund. The contribution should be deposited. With “Receipt of Tourism Division 130000-139000” as the Head of Account. Expeditions may deposit this in the State Bank of Pakistan or the designated. Branch of the National Bank of Pakistan upon their arrival in Pakistan.
Additionally, mountaineering groups must deposit a refundable sum in US dollars ($1000). Or its equivalent in Pakistani currency at an authorized bank in Pakistan. If the trip or any of its participants harms the environment. The entire amount could be forfeited or only a portion of it.
- A camping site must be cleaned up after by a party. Upon arrival, an L.O. shall provide a certificate attesting. To a party’s complete compliance with this condition.
- A party or its porters are not allowed to harm the local wildlife or forest. Upon arrival, an L.O. shall provide a certificate attesting. To a party’s complete compliance with this requirement.
If it is determined that a particular liaison officer provided a false certificate. The matter will be brought to the attention of his detailing authority. Who will take appropriate action against. The officer in accordance with the established protocols. A Civilian Liaison Officer or guide’s registration would be canceled. And they would lose their eligibility to serve as guides for a four-year period.
A party or all of its members will be ineligible for a four-year period to participate. In any future mountaineering expedition. To Pakistan if these rules (paragraph 1-101) are broken. Furthermore, they might also face legal action under applicable laws.
Other
Porters will be hired by a party via the local government.
A low-altitude porter is only allowed to carry a maximum of 25 kg. He will travel a minimum of 10 kilometers and a maximum of 13 kilometers each day. Stopping for appropriate rest intervals of five to ten minutes every hour. A porter may spend the night at one of the designated night stops along the route. If it is less than the aforementioned 10–13 kilometers. The following day, he will need to make up the lost mileage.
The following scale should be used to determine the maximum weight. That a high altitude porter can carry:
- 20 kg at a height of 5,001 to 6,000 meters.
- 17 kg at a height of between 6,001 and 7,000 meters.
- elevation ranging from 7,001 to 8,000 meters. 14 pounds.
- above 8,000 meters. 12 pounds.
A porter is only allowed to travel from one camp to another once while carrying this load outside of a base camp. There would be ups and downs during this journey. When establishing a camp farther than the designated base camp. The party leader may exercise his or her discretion and take. Into account nearby mountains. Undulating terrain, and areas with avalanches.
An undertaking of good behavior in accordance with Annexure “J” must be signed by a porter. A copy of the aforementioned undertaking must. Be deposited with a local government official. There will be another copy given to the leader. The porter will receive the third copy.
A party will make an effort to adhere to the government-fixed arrival date. In order to relieve pressure on lodging and transportation.
As soon as a party receives the letter of authorization, it must contact the closest PIA office. Or an office of another airline to make reservations for seats. And equipment from Rawalpindi to the Northern Area/Chitral. The party must provide the following information:
The quantity of people.
Total weight of the aircraft to be transported.
Dates of departure from Northern Areas of Rawalpindi, Chitral, most likely.
Due to weather, neither PIA nor any other airline is able. To guarantee specific dates of booking for flights to N.A.S. or Chitral. In these situations, a party would have to ask the PIA or any other airline. To forward the aforementioned data to the officer. In charge of the Northern Areas at the PIA Office located at The Mall in Rawalpindi.
If the weather suddenly turns bad, a party should travel prepared. To spend two to three weeks in Rawalpindi or N.A.S./Chitral, respectively.
Before departing for the mountains, a party must register. With the Foreigners Registration Officer at the Rawalpindi. Office of the Senior Superintendent of Police. Similar to this, a party departing from Pakistan must notify the aforementioned. Foreign Registration officer prior to departing Rawalpindi or Islamabad.
- A party traveling from a non-English speaking nation must always. Include an English-speaking member on their expedition to avoid any language barriers.
- No party may serve L.O. any prohibited food, such as pork, etc. porters.
- Terms and Conditions for Pakistan-based winter mountaineering trips
Officer of Liaison
With the following exception, the terms and conditions. For the liaison officer would stay the same as stated in item IV above:
Kit and Equipment: The kit and equipment should be of a type and caliber. That can endure temperatures ranging from -35°C to -40°B.
The Porters
With the following exception, the terms and conditions. For porters (both high and low altitude) would stay the same as stated under item VII above:
Rations: As stated in Annex-H of the Mountaineering Rules and Regulations. The ration scale would be the same for porters working at both low and high altitudes.
Kit & The following items in the kit and equipment would not change for either low or equipment:
elevated altitude porters, as indicated in Annex-E. The equipment needs to be of a caliber. That can withstand temperatures between –35 and –40 degrees Celsius.
Salary:
- Low altitude porter: Rs. 50 per day in lieu of rations, plus double the typical summer salary.
- Salary for working at altitude plus Rs. 50 per day in place of rations.
- Other
- A low altitude porter is only allowed to transport up to 20 kg of weight to base camp.
- A porter working at a high altitude may only carry a maximum of 12 kg.
