Although climbing season is just around the corner, borders are still closed to foreign mountaineers and trekkers as the coronavirus continues to spread in Pakistan.

Alpine Club of Pakistan Secretary Karrar Haidri said that around 20 climbing expeditions and 30 trekking groups have applied for permits to travel up north this summer, which is significantly lower than previous years.

“But now, the coronavirus pandemic has hit the adventure tourism sector hard, putting the livelihoods of porters, guides and tour operators and their families at risk,” he said.

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