Do Foreigners Need a Permit for Gilgit-Baltistan? Visas, NOCs and Trekking Permits

For most visitors, travelling in Gilgit-Baltistan needs nothing more than a valid Pakistani visa. The old requirement for foreigners to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the region was lifted, and the main tourist areas are open.

Quick answer: foreign tourists need a Pakistani visa (usually applied for online) and their passport, but no special permit for Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, Fairy Meadows or Deosai. Areas close to the borders are restricted, treks into the Baltoro and K2 area need a trekking permit through a licensed operator, and mountaineering expeditions need a climbing permit. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.

What you need, by trip type

Sightseeing in Hunza, Skardu and Gilgit

• A valid Pakistani visa and your passport.
• Your passport details are registered at police check posts along the roads; keep copies handy.
• No NOC is needed for the main tourist valleys.

The Khunjerab Pass

Visitors can drive to the Pakistani side of the Khunjerab Pass. Expect extra checks near the border. Crossing into China needs a Chinese visa and an open crossing.

Restricted zones

Foreigners may not enter certain zones close to the borders, such as strips along the Line of Control and the border with China, without special permission. Your operator will plan routes that stay within the open areas.

Trekking in the Baltoro and K2 area

Treks to K2 Base Camp, Concordia and Gondogoro La are in a restricted zone. Foreign trekkers need a trekking permit arranged by a licensed Pakistani operator and must walk with a licensed guide. Most other popular treks, such as Fairy Meadows to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, need no special permit.

Mountaineering

Climbing peaks in Gilgit-Baltistan requires a climbing permit, applied for through a licensed operator, with a royalty fee that depends on the peak. See Pakistan's 8,000-metre peaks.

Pakistani citizens

Pakistani citizens need only their CNIC for sightseeing. For treks and climbs in restricted areas they should still book through an operator for permits and logistics.

Practical tips

• Apply for your visa well before you travel, and carry printed copies.
• Keep several photocopies of your passport and visa for check posts.
• Ask your operator to confirm the latest rules for your exact route; regulations change.
• Do not fly drones near borders, military areas or bridges.

Frequently asked questions

Do foreigners need an NOC to visit Gilgit-Baltistan?

No NOC is needed for the main tourist areas such as Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, Fairy Meadows and Deosai. Restricted border zones and some treks and climbs need permits through a licensed operator.

Do I need a permit to visit Hunza?

No. A valid Pakistani visa and your passport are enough to visit Hunza as a tourist.

Do I need a permit for the K2 Base Camp trek?

Yes. Foreign trekkers need a trekking permit through a licensed Pakistani operator and must trek with a licensed guide.

Can foreigners visit the Khunjerab Pass?

Yes, foreigners can visit the Pakistani side of the Khunjerab Pass with their passport and visa; expect extra checks near the border.

Let us handle the paperwork

We arrange permits, guides and routes for treks, expeditions and international visitors. Send us your plan.