This section lists tour operators that appear on the registered tour operator list published by the Directorate of Tourist Services (DTS) Gilgit-Baltistan. Each entry records two facts from that list: the operator’s name and its licence reference in the DTS-GB format. Each operator has its own page — those same facts, plus links to the rules, permits and destinations a traveller is likely to need.
This isn’t a ranking, a recommendation or a booking service. The official list doesn’t describe what an operator offers, where it works, what it charges or how past clients rated it — so the operator records here don’t add those things either. Use this directory to start a shortlist, then check each operator’s current status and services with the operator and the official DTS directories before you pay anything.
The operators on this list
The site currently holds records for fifteen licence references, shown in licence order. The official numbers aren’t continuous — a missing number tells you nothing about any company not shown.
| Licence reference | Operator |
|---|---|
| DTS-GB-001 | World Travel & Tours (Pvt) Ltd |
| DTS-GB-002 | Tour De Rakaposhi (Pvt) Ltd |
| DTS-GB-003 | Baltoro Adventures Pakistan |
| DTS-GB-004 | Ultimate Adventure Tours (Pvt) Ltd |
| DTS-GB-005 | Mountain Journeys (SMC-Pvt) Ltd |
| DTS-GB-006 | Karakurum Magic Mountain |
| DTS-GB-007 | GB Rovers |
| DTS-GB-008 | Sky Adventures Treks, Tours & Expeditions |
| DTS-GB-009 | Shigar Treks & Expeditions |
| DTS-GB-011 | Snowline Nature Tours (Pvt) Ltd |
| DTS-GB-013 | Hunza Royal Tours (SMC-Private) Ltd |
| DTS-GB-016 | GB Mountaineer Adventure |
| DTS-GB-017 | Mazeno Adventures (SMC-Private) Ltd |
| DTS-GB-018 | Lela Peak Expedition Trek & Tours |
| DTS-GB-028 | KKH Travel & Tours (SMC-Private) Ltd |
Names are shown as published, including spellings such as “Karakurum” and “Lela Peak”. Our operator records use the source label “Registered Tour Operators (Directorate of Tourists Services, Gilgit-Baltistan)”, accessed 27 August 2026.
What an operator record confirms, and what it doesn’t
- It confirms: that the operator’s name and licence reference appeared on the published registered list when we accessed it.
- It doesn’t confirm: that the licence is still current, what services the operator offers, which districts or routes it covers, its prices, its staff, its office location or its reviews.
- It isn’t: an endorsement. Our obtaining DTS licences guide is clear on this. A licence tells you a business has been through the official process for its category — not that it’s the best, the cheapest or right for your trip.
Names are only names, too. An operator called after a mountain, a valley or a highway isn’t necessarily based there or specialised in it. Ask each operator where it works and what it runs.
How to use this directory
- Define the trip first. Our hiring a tour operator guide suggests deciding your destinations, days, group size, accommodation standard and interests before you talk to anyone. A short Hunza trip and a multi-district journey through Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang and Ghanche need very different plans.
- Find out whether a permit applies. If your plan includes trekking or climbing, read applying for trekking and mountaineering permits before you shortlist.
- Shortlist from this list and other official sources. International visitors should also read hiring registered operators for international visits.
- Check current status. Use the official DTS directories and ask to see the operator’s current licence certificate.
- Ask the same questions of each operator. Compare the answers, not just the totals.
- Get everything in writing before paying a deposit.
Two registration routes
The tourism department FAQ explains that operators registered with DTS Islamabad — the federal side — are listed through the NADRA operators list. Operators registered with the tourism department in Gilgit-Baltistan are listed on the official Gilgit-Baltistan tourism website. The operators on this page come from the Gilgit-Baltistan list. If you’re working with an operator for an international trekking or expedition trip, ask which registrations apply to its work.
What the rules say about operators
These rules come from the tourism department FAQ, as recorded on our knowledge pages.
- Tour operators must obtain a tourism department licence, comply with safety standards, provide trained and licensed guides and follow department guidelines; see tour operator regulations.
- Tour guides must hold a tourism department licence, comply with safety standards and know the region’s history, culture and geography; see tour guide regulations.
- Adventure sports operators need a licence, must meet safety standards, provide trained and licensed guides and use quality equipment; see adventure sports operator regulations.
- Porters and mule owners for trekking and mountaineering must be licensed, with welfare guidelines such as not overloading animals; see porter and mule hiring regulations.
The Directorate works under three 2020 Acts covering hotels and restaurants, tour guides, and travel agencies and tour operators. Our tourism sector acts and regulations page lists them.
Operators, permits and restricted areas
For many mountain trips, an operator isn’t just convenient. Our trekking and mountaineering regulations page records the FAQ rule: trekking and mountaineering must be registered with the tourism department, restricted areas need a permit before the activity starts, and a licensed guide and porter are mandatory there.
Our permits guide adds three points from the department’s published process:
- The application’s supporting documents include tour operator application materials, a route map, passport copies and receipts.
- Climbing expeditions must be associated with a registered tour company.
- Insurance requirements apply to relevant expeditions.
Our K2 Base Camp page notes that foreigners on the Baltoro need a restricted-zone trekking permit through a licensed operator, while Pakistanis register and pay a park fee. Other permissions can apply on the same trip. National park visitors need a Wildlife Department permit (national park visit regulations), and camping needs a tourism department permit in designated areas (camping regulations).
Operators and guides are listed separately
Our registering as a tour guide guide explains that DTS keeps separate directories for licensed tour operators and licensed tour guides. Use the right one for the service you’re booking. If an operator assigns you a guide, it’s reasonable to ask whether that guide is licensed and what experience they have on your route.
Questions to ask any operator
Drawn from our hiring and permits guides:
- Are you currently licensed, and can you show the licence certificate or the official directory entry?
- Which districts and routes do you work on regularly?
- What exactly is included: vehicle, driver, fuel, accommodation, meals, entry fees, guide, permits?
- What will I pay separately during the trip?
- Which hotels or guest houses will you use, or at least which category?
- What vehicle will you provide, and is it suited to the roads on my route?
- Does my route fall in a restricted area, and which permit applies?
- What insurance is required, for whom, and who arranges it?
- What happens if weather, a road closure or a cancelled flight changes the plan?
- What are your cancellation and refund terms?
The hiring guide also suggests reading recent reviews carefully and in context, and discussing the itinerary directly with the operator. The way a company answers practical questions tells you a lot about how it will handle the trip.
Planning context
- Seasons: our best time to visit guide explains that seasons depend on whether you’re staying in a valley town or crossing a high pass. The hiring guide advises against choosing dates from photographs taken in another season.
- Distances: the region’s ten districts are Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang and Ghanche; see districts. The hiring guide warns against itineraries that treat them as close together.
- Getting there: see getting to Gilgit-Baltistan and Skardu International Airport.
- Safety: the FAQ advises hiring a local guide or joining a reputable tour operator; see travel safety guidance and contacting the tourist police.
- Cash: carry cash, because cards aren’t widely accepted; see local currency and cash.
Responsible travel with an operator
Our hiring guide asks travellers to choose services that respect local communities, protect natural areas and avoid unnecessary waste, and to support local businesses where possible. On treks, that includes the porter and mule welfare rules above and packing out your rubbish. A good operator should put safety ahead of the original schedule when conditions change.
Frequently asked questions
Where does this list come from?
From the registered tour operator list published by the Directorate of Tourist Services Gilgit-Baltistan, accessed 27 August 2026.
How many operators are listed here?
Fifteen, with licence references from DTS-GB-001 to DTS-GB-028. The numbers aren’t continuous.
Is this a complete list of licensed operators?
No. It holds the records this site has added. Check the official DTS operator directory for the current list.
Does a listing mean an operator is currently licensed?
Not necessarily. Licences can lapse or change. Ask to see the current certificate and check the official directory close to your booking date.
Do the operator pages describe services or prices?
The official list doesn’t, so the records are limited to name and licence reference. Ask each operator directly.
Do I need an operator to trek in Gilgit-Baltistan?
It depends on the route. The FAQ says restricted areas need a permit and a licensed guide and porter, and the published process includes operator materials.
What’s the difference between DTS Islamabad and DTS Gilgit-Baltistan registration?
The FAQ says federal registrations are listed through the NADRA operators list, and Gilgit-Baltistan registrations on the official GB tourism website.
Are tour guides listed here?
No. Guides have a separate official directory. See our registering as a tour guide guide.
Can I book a tour through this website?
No. Contact operators directly and agree everything in writing.
Why is one operator listed with a spelling I don’t recognise?
Names are shown exactly as published on the official list. Confirm the spelling with the operator.
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Source: Registered Tour Operators (Directorate of Tourists Services, Gilgit-Baltistan), Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museums Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Accessed 27 August 2026. Rules, permits and planning details are from this site’s own guide and knowledge pages. Confirm current status with each operator and the official directories before you book.