Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan is experiencing a robust recovery, defying earlier concerns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising fuel prices would negatively impact the region’s travel and hospitality sectors. Contrary to initial fears, both international and domestic tourist arrivals have risen significantly.
Officials from the Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department report that applications for trekking and climbing permits from foreign adventure travelers have already surpassed last year’s figures. Although the peak tourist season usually starts in May, visitors are arriving earlier to enjoy the spring blossom season, which reaches its height in late April.
Despite geopolitical tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict involving Iran and the increase in fuel costs, tourist activity in Skardu has notably increased since Eidul Fitr. A large influx of both local and international visitors is currently exploring popular destinations throughout the region.
While foreign tourists visiting open areas do not require permits, those intending to trek or climb in restricted zones must secure prior approval from the tourism department. Visitors from countries such as Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia are particularly attracted to the region during the spring months.
Access to Skardu remains convenient, with regular flights operating from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, alongside well-maintained road travel via the Karakoram Highway.
Pakistan boasts five of the world’s fourteen peaks exceeding 8,000 meters, including K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II, making Gilgit-Baltistan a premier destination for mountaineers.
In the summer of 2024, the region welcomed approximately 2,200 foreign adventure tourists, 24,000 other foreign visitors, and nearly one million domestic tourists. Last year, numbers declined due to climate-related disasters and tensions along the Pakistan-India border, with around 2,000 climbing and trekking permits issued.
Officials note that over 1,000 permit applications have been submitted so far this year, compared to 850 during the same period last year, with expectations for further increases in the coming months. Local authorities and business owners have also confirmed the rise in tourism activity.
Earlier, industry experts had expressed concerns that the Middle East conflict would deter travelers, especially after some countries, including the UK, issued travel advisories against visiting the region. Tensions escalated following the US-Israel attack on Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, which sparked protests and security incidents in Gilgit and Skardu, resulting in over 20 fatalities.
