Trekking permit for Gilgit-Baltistan's restricted corridors
If your route crosses into a restricted trekking zone, a permit has to be filed with the GB Council before you fly — unless your e-visa already carries the trekking category. Here's exactly which corridors need it and what the file requires.
Restricted corridors that require a trekking permit
K2 Base Camp approach via Askoli
The most heavily trekked restricted corridor in the Karakoram — permit and liaison arrangements are standard here.
Baltoro-to-Hushe crossing route
A high pass link route; permit covers both the Baltoro and Hushe-side legs of the crossing.
Upper Hunza border corridor
Sits close to the border zone, so clearance timelines can run slightly longer than other corridors.
Wakhan-adjacent trekking route
A quieter, less-trekked restricted corridor still requiring the same permit process.
Hunza, Naltar, Fairy Meadows, Skardu town
Open-zone routes — a valid tourist e-visa is sufficient for these.
What goes into a trekking permit application
01 From the Operator
- Operator letterhead application to the GB Council
- Trekking group route map and camp schedule
- Group member list with passport numbers
- Local guide and porter details
02 Per Trekker
- Passport copy, valid six months beyond return
- Valid e-visa or approval notice
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Signed liability undertaking
How the filing runs
Route confirmed, file compiled
We match your itinerary to the correct restricted-zone classification before submission.
Lodged with the GB Council
Submitted under our operator licence directly to the Secretariat.
Clearance
Border-adjacent corridors like Shimshal can run toward the longer end of this window.
Fee settlement & permit handover
Trekking and environment fees are settled, and your signed permit is issued for the field.
Trekking permit questions we hear most
Yes, if your route enters a restricted zone. The trekking permit is separate from — and does not require — a climbing permit.
The file still has to be lodged by a licensed operator, but group size can be as small as one trekker plus support staff.
Yes, the route map and camp schedule submitted with the application become part of the approved file.