As the climbing season commences, Gilgit-Baltistan is witnessing an influx of both local and international climbers eager to conquer the region’s towering peaks, including the formidable K2.
According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department, more than 1,700 permits have been issued to foreign climbers for various peaks, with 175 permits specifically for K2 (8,611 meters), the world’s second highest mountain.
Base camps are bustling with activity as climbers have already established themselves at K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I, and Gasherbrum-II. Among them is Sajid Ali Sadpara, son of the renowned high-altitude climber Mohammad Ali Sadpara, who aims to summit K2 without supplemental oxygen and also has plans to climb Broad Peak (8,051 meters) this season.
Speaking to Dawn, Mr. Sadpara highlighted the diverse groups present at K2 base camp, including several female expedition teams. These teams are not only making preparations but also receiving essential supplies delivered by local porters from Skardu and Shigar districts.
Preparations are intensifying as teams gear up for summit attempts expected after July 20. Notably, two expedition teams entirely composed of women are en route to Skardu, one comprising a Pakistan-Italy joint venture and the other consisting of six Pakistani women.
Adding to the diversity of climbers, a Pakistani female and a Saudi Arabian female climber are also aiming for the summit of K2 this season. Last year, the Gilgit-Baltistan government collected Rs450 million in permit fees from mountaineers, underscoring the economic significance of mountaineering tourism in the region.
