Gilgit: Unprecedented climate disasters, international conflicts, and policy disputes have led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) this year, devastating the local economy and leaving thousands dependent on the sector struggling to make ends meet.
According to officials, tourism in the region has dropped by nearly 90 per cent compared to last year. Only 270 international climbers visited GB this season to attempt peaks such as K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II and Nanga Parbat — a steep fall from the over 2,000 climbers and trekkers recorded last year.
Extreme weather further worsened the situation, with avalanches, rockfalls, and high winds forcing many climbers to abandon expeditions and return from base camps without success. Out of those who attempted the ascents, only 40 summited K2, 25 reached Nanga Parbat, and about a dozen managed Gasherbrum-I.
The number of non-permit foreign tourists and domestic visitors also plummeted. Officials said that in 2023, around one million domestic tourists and 24,000 foreign tourists without permits travelled to GB, while this year the figures have dropped alarmingly.
Local businesses that rely heavily on seasonal tourism are bearing the brunt. Hoteliers, shopkeepers, transporters, porters, and tour operators all reported unprecedented financial losses.
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