Batura Muztagh from the north. Lindsay Griffin
As in 2008, all peaks below 6,501m will be free of royalty.
Apart from the popular 7,027m Spantik, a 90% royalty reduction will be granted on any peak in Chitral and Gilgit districts.
In an attempt to encourage the little-practiced, masochistic art of winter climbing in the country, a 95% royalty reduction will be given on all peaks attempted during the December-February winter season.
Peak that do not fall into the above categories will have royalty charges as follows (50% of the old peak fees)
6,501-7,000m: $750 for an expedition up to seven members, then $100 per extra member
7,001-7,500m: $1,250 for an expedition up to seven members, then $150 per extra member
7,501-8,000m: $2,000 for an expedition up to seven members, then $250 per extra member
8,001-8,500m: $4,500 for an expedition up to seven members, then $750 per extra member
K2: $6,000 for a team of seven with $1,000 per extra member
What does this mean for mountaineers?
The mountains of Pakistan - the Karakoram, Western Himalaya, and Hindu Kush and its sub ranges - span two regions; the North West Frontier Province, and what was until recently known as the Northern Areas.
Chitral is the most northerly district of the North West Frontier, while of the former Northern Areas are now referred to as Gilgit-Baltistan. The Divisions of Gilgit and Baltistan are themselves subdivided into seven districts. Baltistan comprises Skardu and, to the east, Ghangche Districts. Gilgit comprises Astor, Diamir, Ghizer, Gilgit (town) and Hunza-Nagar.
The nowadays little-visited peaks of the Hindu Kush lie in Chitral, while Gilgit Division holds the peaks of the Western Himalaya (Astor - Diamir), Hindu Raj (Ghizer) and Western Karakoram.
Therefore any mountains outside the Baltoro and Hushe, which lie in Baltistan, have a 90° discounted royalty (Spantik, in Hunza-Nagar, excepted). Even better news is that outside of Baltistan there is no need for the customary liaison officer, though there maybe exceptions to this rule if a mountain lies in a delicate area or on the border.
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, this means that Nanga Parbat is the only 8,000m peak in the world that theorectically can be attempted by expeditions without need of a Liaison Officer.
Currently, the Ministry of Tourism should respond rapidly to applications for peaks outside Baltistan. But expeditions are granted permits to popular peaks on a first-come first-served basis: for those, getting the application completed well in advance is still advisable.
The photograph shows the tops of the distant Batura peaks from the north. These challenging high peaks, rising to 7,700m north of the Hunza Valley, can now be attempted with no liaison officer and for a peak fee of only $2,000.