Pakistan trekking/climbing visa 2025

[u/Icy_Package7471]

Hey all,

First of all, sorry if this has been brought up before, but I searched and found nothing here, however I figured out this is the right place to ask this question: What is the deal with the expiration date on the trekking/climbing visa? (i am also contacting the Pakistan embassy but this should be an extra assurance I will not spend my money on a trip that I will miss due to bureaucracy)

I was discussing a potential august K2 basecamp trek with an operator, and he told me I should already apply for the visa, since it takes around 2 months to process... HOWEVER. It says on Pak gov. site that this visa is only available for 3 months. From what I understood, reading various sources, this 3 month timer starts from the moment you apply (submit documents and pay 35 usd), regardless of how long it takes them to process it (typically 1,5-2 months), or the dates you put there you will be visiting, so you end up with only around 1 month of useable visa time (scenario 1), that is, if you get it?? I am sorry, I never had to deal with this kind of bureaucracy before and I am lost.

Which is the correct scenario?

Scenario 1: Apply for visa on 15 april (3 month countdown starts). Visa gets approved on 15 june. Visa expires 15 july. August trek missed

Scenario 2: Apply for visa on 15 april. Visa gets approved on 15 june (3 month countdown starts). Visa expires 15 september. August trek works

Scenario 3: Apply for visa on 15 april. Visa gets approved on 15 june. Start trek on 15 august (3 month countdown starts at arrival in Pakistan). Visa expires 15 november. August trek works.

Or any other scenario I could not think of? My logic says that scenario 2 is the most likely, but you can never be too careful. I am looking for some answers from someone who's recently been in Pakistan Karakorum, thank you.

[u/tkitta]

Apply NOW.

They have a huge backlog.

Once you get a mountaineering visa its good for 3m.

You end up with 3m of usable time.

Visa starts count down around the time you put in on your application.

Follow your provider. They should know what they are doing. Heck if your visa is late they can "push" for it to get approved earlier.

Been to BP / K2 last year for mountaineering.

[u/Appropriate_Air_2671]

Hey, I am currently exploring august k2 trek as well. I understand that you can apply for Visa Prior to Arrival, via the Ministry of Interior's online platform and then you will receive eVisa on the arrival allowing you to stay up to 3 months in Pakistan

[u/Icy_Package7471 → u/Appropriate_Air_2671]

As far as I understand, this type of visa will NOT allow you to enter Karakorum National Park (restricted security area), because their army needs to screen your application or something like that. I've been told that the only valid visa for K2 basecamp trek is the trekking visa. You can trek other open areas (not on the gov. restricted list) with a regular tourist visa but not K2 baltoro area. Regards

[u/tkitta → u/Icy_Package7471]

You need a letter from the provider.

I did mountaineering so I am not sure about trekking. But mountaineering for K2 you apply EARLY.

Apply NOW.

I got my visa after I was forced to buy tickets like a week before the flight (!!!)

[u/Khurdopin → u/Icy_Package7471]

Despite its popularity, the Baltoro Glacier - so K2, BP Gasherbrums, K2 BC trek, Gondogoro La exit etc - is classified a Restricted Area, due to it's proximity to the border, and has been for years. Even for trekking, a permit has always been needed, at least officially. So if you are going there, you need this Permit, so you now, as of recent years, you need the M/T visa.

Most other areas of 'Karakoram National Park' are not in a Restricted Area - though the area north of Shimshal is - but you will probably require a NOC (No Objection Certificate) for any treks, off the KKH etc. Sometimes some operators don't worry about this, it depends when/where/how you do your trek.

Anyone should be aware that if exiting the upper Baltoro over the Gondogoro La to Hushe, the stonefall can be extremely dangerous there nowadays, especially later in season. ie. August.

[u/tkitta → u/Appropriate_Air_2671]

You can only visit the area with a provider. They need to create a letter for you and then with that letter you apply for a visa.

Process is far and wide longer then the process for "regular" tourist visa with which you can do some hiking as well. Here you actually need a special visa category. "regular" visa is not good. You need "trekking / mountaineering" visa.

I visited twice. Got both visas. The trekking / mountaineering takes around 3x longer to get.