Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan has taken a severe hit this year, with arrivals dropping by 90%, according to a report submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office. Both domestic and foreign visitors declined sharply—last year, over 20,000 foreign and one million domestic tourists visited, whereas this year only around 270 foreign climbers reached the region.
The report, shared with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cites harsh weather, rockfalls, and avalanches as major challenges that forced many climbers to abandon expeditions. Only a few dozen successfully scaled peaks like K2, Nanga Parbat, and Gasherbrum I.
Other factors contributing to the decline include disputes over permit fees, regional tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as Pakistan and India, and cancellation of tourism campaigns due to unexpected weather conditions.
Authorities warn that the tourism sector needs immediate support to recover from this unprecedented slump
Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism | Tourist Arrivals Drop | K2 Climbers | Nanga Parbat | Gasherbrum I | Tourism Decline 2025 | Extreme Weather | Pakistan Tourism | PMO Report | Adventure Tourism |