NOC permits and restricted zones

Certain areas of Pakistan require foreign nationals to hold a No Objection Certificate — an NOC — issued in advance. It is an administrative permit, not a judgement about danger, and it exists mainly for areas near borders or under military administration.

Where it applies

The requirement moves, which is exactly why we hold it as a field on every destination in our system rather than as a sentence on a page somebody forgets to update. Any destination page on this site that requires an NOC says so at the top of the sidebar.

Broadly, expect one for:

• The Gondogoro La crossing and some upper Baltoro routes
• Areas close to the Line of Control
• Certain valleys near the Afghan border
• Some high-altitude trekking zones above a stated elevation

Hunza, Skardu town, Fairy Meadows, Swat, Lahore and Karachi do not require one.

How long it takes

Two to four weeks is normal. Some zones are faster; expedition permits for the Baltoro peaks are considerably slower and involve a separate process with the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

Tell us early. An NOC applied for three weeks before departure is a different conversation from one applied for three months out.

What we need from you

• A clear scan of your passport photo page
• Two digital passport photographs
• Your full itinerary with dates, which we prepare
• Occupation and employer — this is asked, and answering "journalist" or "researcher" changes the process, so be accurate rather than convenient

What it costs

Permit fees vary by zone and are itemised separately in every quote where they apply. We do not mark them up. Trekking peak fees are a different order of magnitude and are quoted individually.

If it is refused

Rare for standard tourist zones, and usually resolvable. If a permit is refused for a leg of your trip we reroute around it at no charge, and if that is not possible you are covered by the cancellation terms.