The Plan — Pakistan (Karakoram)

Before you go

Emergency

Mountain rescue

Rescue 1122 1122

Rescue is billed

⚠ Rescue cover is legally required to enter or climb here.

In the Karakoram there is no free rescue for climbers. Rescue 1122 (dial 1122) handles road, medical and disaster emergencies at valley level, but high-altitude helicopter rescue is flown by army pilots through Askari Aviation and is strictly pay-upfront: you must be a pre-registered client with a refundable security deposit, or hold cover (e.g.

Two things must be in place BEFORE you fly: (1) high-altitude insurance that explicitly covers search-and-rescue and medical repatriation up to your objective's altitude — up to 8,611 m for K2 — and (2) either a refundable Askari Aviation security deposit (about USD 10,000–12,000, or a bank guarantee) or Global Rescue membership that Askari accepts in lieu of the deposit. Your registered Pakistani tour operator arranges the deposit and liaison officer and is the party that actually calls in the helicopter.

SOS and rescue →When to turn back →Gilgit-Baltistan Emergency Service Rescue 1122 — official; scope & 1122 number

Essential safety guides

SOS & rescue When to turn back Reading the weather Altitude illness Comms & beacons All guides →

from synapse to summit