Pakistan to Establish World-Class Mountaineering School in Gilgit-Baltistan

Romina Khurshid Alam, the coordinator to the prime minister on climate change and environmental coordination, announced on Sunday that the government will establish a world-class mountaineering school in Gilgit-Baltistan. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and environment-friendly climbing in the country’s northern regions.

The institution will offer structured training and educational facilities tailored to mountaineering, Sherpa training, and sustainable tourism practices. This initiative seeks to equip aspiring mountaineers and climbers with the skills and knowledge needed to safely enjoy the mountains while respecting the local environment, values, and cultures of the communities living in the area.

“This initiative also seeks to create new employment opportunities for local communities and promote sustainable mountaineering and climbing,” Ms. Alam said. The school is being implemented in close coordination with the Gilgit-Baltistan government and will be located in Skardu. Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its scenic towering peaks including K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, has long attracted adventurers and explorers from around the globe. The region’s untapped potential for promoting mountaineering and climbing can be realized through the provision of skill development training and facilities.

“By equipping local and international participants with necessary skills and knowledge at the proposed mountaineering school in Skardu, we aim to foster a new generation of mountaineers and tourism professionals committed to preserving the natural and cultural integrity of Gilgit-Baltistan,” Ms. Alam added.

The meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee to Establish the Mountaineering School in Gilgit-Baltistan also discussed the curriculum for mountaineering and climbing, skill development modules, rescue training, site identification for the school, training programs for local tour guides, and potential funding and collaboration opportunities for the school’s establishment and management. The meeting was attended by officials of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, the GB Planning and Development Department, and members representing the mountaineering community. This landmark initiative is expected to significantly boost sustainable tourism and create numerous opportunities for local and international climbers.