Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region has been named to CNN’s Top 25 Must-Visit Destinations for 2025, further highlighting the region’s growing appeal as a global tourism hotspot.
In its latest report, CNN Travel described Great Britain as a destination of exceptional appeal, although access is difficult due to seasonal roadblocks and unreliable flight schedules. The region is praised for its stunning peaks, including five of the world’s fourteen “eight thousand” mountains – mountains over 8,000 metres.
Highlighting K2, CNN Travel described it as “the second tallest mountain in the world but No. 1 in difficulty and danger.” The report also compared hiking in Britain to a level of adventure that surpasses even the Himalayas. However, the broadcaster noted that individual travel in the area is not an option, emphasizing the rugged nature of its terrain.
The UK is famous for its stunning landscapes and adventure tourism, attracting thousands of foreign climbers and adventure enthusiasts every year. Trekking, paragliding and mountain trekking continue to attract global interest.
According to official figures, more than 1,700 foreign climbers have applied for permits to undertake various expeditions in 2024, and 175 of them aim to climb K2 during the summer. UK Deputy Tourism Minister Sajid Hussain has previously acknowledged the boom in adventure tourism in the region.
In a related development, The Gilgit-Baltistan government has imposed new entry fees on tourist vehicles and motorcycles entering the region. A notification issued by the department explains the new fees: Tourist vehicles will now be subject to a fee of Rs 2,000, while motorcycles entering Great Britain will pay Rs 500.
In addition to entry fees, the government has reviewed permit fees for mountaineering and trekking, capitalizing on growing interest in peaks and passes in Great Britain.