EvK2CNR’s 20 Years of Training and Sustainable Initiatives


Gilgit-Baltistan, home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes—including K2 and Nanga Parbat—has long been a magnet for mountaineers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. Yet, despite its immense potential, the region has lagged behind other Himalayan destinations like Nepal in terms of professional training and tourism services.

For over two decades, EvK2CNR has worked alongside the Gilgit-Baltistan Government and Italian Cooperation to promote sustainable ecotourism, professional training, and environmental conservationin this extraordinary mountain region.

Adventure Tourism in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities

Pakistan’s mountains offer unparalleled trekking, climbing, and outdoor sports opportunities—from high-altitude expeditions to mountain biking, rafting, and skiing. However, the growth of tourism has not been matched by the professional development of local guides, porters, and tour operators.

While international expeditions increasingly rely on Nepali Sherpas, Pakistani high-altitude porters (HAPs) and guides often lack formal training and international recognition. This gap limits local employment opportunities and prevents Pakistan from fully capitalizing on its adventure tourism potential.

EvK2CNR’s Key Initiatives: Training, Rescue, and Environmental Protection

Since the late 1980s, EvK2CNR has supported scientific research, environmental conservation, and community development in Gilgit-Baltistan. Key milestones include:

  • Management Plans for National Parks (K2, Deosai, and others), establishing rules for trekking, waste management, and sustainable tourism.
  • Training programs for tour operators, trekking guides, porters, cooks, and rescue teams.
  • The Concordia Rescue Team (2010-2014), a high-altitude rescue unit trained in collaboration with the Italian Alpine Rescue Corps.
  • Clean-up expeditions removing nearly 2 tons of waste from 8,000-meter peaks and 100 tons from glaciers.

A landmark achievement was the 2014 K2 60th Anniversary Expedition, where an all-Pakistani team summited without supplemental oxygen—proving local climbers’ potential.

The Next Step: Professionalizing Mountain Guides and Tour Operators

To elevate Pakistan’s adventure tourism sector, the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department launched a three-year training program (2023-2025) in partnership with EvK2CNR. The goal? To create internationally certified mountain guides and professional tour operators.

Key Training Objectives:

  1. Professionalizing Guides & Porters – Teaching technical climbing, glacier travel, rescue techniques, and client safety.
  2. Improving Service Standards – Enhancing communication (English proficiency), cultural heritage knowledge, and sustainable tourism practices.
  3. Environmental Stewardship – Training in waste management, eco-friendly trekking, and conservation.
  4. International Certification – Aligning with UIAGM (International Union of Mountain Guides Associations) standards for global recognition.

Future Vision: A Mountaineering Institute in Shigar

The Federal Goverment, established at the Prime Minister's direction,  has approved plans for a Mountaineering and Hospitality School in Shigar, with EvK2CNR providing consultancy. This institute will:

  • Train future instructors, ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Serve as a hub for international mountaineering collaboration.
  • Strengthen Pakistan’s position in global adventure tourism.

A New Association for Adventure Tourism Professionals

To unify the sector, EvK2CNR is supporting the creation of a Professional Association for Adventure Tourism, which will:

  • Represent guides, tour operators, and porters.
  • Work with the GB Tourism Department for policy development.
  • Seek recognition from UIMLA and UIAGM to integrate Pakistani professionals into the global guiding community.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Gilgit-Baltistan’s Tourism

EvK2CNR’s 20-year commitment to Gilgit-Baltistan has laid the foundation for professional, sustainable, and eco-friendly tourism. By training local guides, promoting environmental protection, and establishing international standards, Pakistan’s mountain tourism sector is poised for a transformative leap—one that benefits both adventurers and the communities who call these peaks home.

The journey has just begun.