GILGIT: In the summer season of 2023, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) witnessed a notable influx of over 2,050 foreign climbers and trekkers, apart from around 9,000 foreign tourists.
The GB government collected Rs40.5 million in permit fees for climbing peaks during this period.
The tourism department reported that over 9,000 foreign tourists, including paragliders and trekkers in open zones, explored GB in 2023.
Among the visitors, 2,050 foreign climbers and trekkers endeavoured to ascend various peaks, including the renowned five eight-thousanders: K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II, and Broad Peak. This marked the highest number of foreign tourists visiting the region in the past two decades.
Tour operators suggested that implementing specific measures could further attract a greater number of foreign tourists, while simultaneously criticising the role of the tourism department.
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Numerous…