In a landmark move aimed at strengthening adventure tourism and empowering local communities, the Uttarakhand government has announced the opening of 83 major Himalayan peaks for mountaineering expeditions. The decision, taken under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, marks one of the most significant policy shifts in the state’s adventure tourism sector.
Implemented through the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDB) in coordination with the Forest Department, the initiative opens peaks across the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayan regions, reinforcing Uttarakhand’s status as a premier global destination for mountaineering.
Iconic Himalayan Summits Now Open for Expeditions
The newly opened peaks range in altitude from 5,700 metres to 7,756 metres, featuring some of the most technically challenging and revered mountains in the Indian Himalayas.
In a statement to The New Indian Express, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj confirmed the inclusion of several world-renowned summits.
Major Peaks Opened for Mountaineering
| Peak Name | Height | Region/District |
| Kamet | 7,756 m | Chamoli |
| Nanda Devi East | 7,434 m | Chamoli |
| Chaukhamba Group | Up to 7,138 m | Uttarkashi |
| Trishul Group | Up to 7,120 m | Bageshwar |
| Shivling | 6,543 m | Uttarkashi |
| Satopanth | 7,075 m | Chamoli |
| Changabang | 6,864 m | Chamoli |
| Panchachuli Group | Up to 6,904 m | Pithoragarh |
| Neelkanth | 6,597 m | Garhwal Region |
These peaks span districts including Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Rudraprayag, and Tehri Garhwal, each known for its dramatic landscapes and mountaineering legacy.
According to tourism officials, climbers admire the open summits not only for their technical difficulty and scenic beauty but also revere them as symbols of the Himalayas’ cultural and natural heritage.
Note: The reference is to Nanda Devi East (7,434 m); access to the main Nanda Devi summit (7,816 m) remains subject to longstanding restrictions and official permissions.
No Expedition Fees for Indian Mountaineers: A Major Relief
One of the most impactful aspects of the decision is the complete removal of expedition-related fees for Indian mountaineers on all 83 notified peaks.
Earlier, climbers paid multiple fees imposed by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Forest Department. These included peak fees, camping fees, trail management charges, and environmental fees.
Under the new policy:
- Indian mountaineers will pay zero expedition fees
- Key expedition-related fees will be borne by the Uttarakhand government
- Financial barriers for young aspirants are significantly reduced
This measure is expected to democratise access to high-altitude mountaineering, especially for aspiring climbers who were previously deterred by high costs.
Simplified Rules for Foreign Climbers and Digital Permissions
To enhance Uttarakhand’s international appeal, the state has also abolished all additional state-level fees for foreign mountaineers. International expeditions will now be subject only to the standard fees set by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
Authorities will also route all expedition applications through the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS), a fully digital portal.
Key Features of UKMPS Portal
| Feature | Description |
| Application Mode | Fully online |
| Transparency | Real-time tracking and status updates |
| Processing Time | Faster approvals |
| Accessibility | Open to Indian and foreign expeditions |
Officials say the digital system will eliminate delays, reduce paperwork, and ensure transparency in permissions, making Uttarakhand one of the most climber-friendly destinations in Asia.
Employment Boost for Border Villages and Rural Economy
By opening 83 Himalayan peaks, the state aims to increase tourism activity in remote and border villages and expand livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Residents are likely to benefit through employment as:
- Trekking guides and mountaineering assistants
- Porters and logistics staff
- Homestay and guesthouse operators
- Transport and supply providers
The state government believes this initiative will help curb migration from hill regions, strengthen rural economies, and promote sustainable development in some of Uttarakhand’s most isolated areas.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasised that adventure tourism must become a vehicle for inclusive growth, ensuring that benefits reach local populations while preserving cultural and environmental integrity.
Safety, Sustainability, and Environmental Responsibility at the Core
The government has made it clear that strict safety protocols and environmental regulations will be mandatory for all expeditions.
Authorities will require mountaineers to follow internationally accepted standards, including the “Leave No Trace” principle.
Key environmental safeguards include:
- Mandatory waste management protocols
- Protection of wildlife and alpine vegetation
- Restrictions on camping zones
- Compliance with forest and conservation laws
“The Himalayas are our identity, heritage, and strength,” the Chief Minister said, adding that responsible mountaineering is essential to preserve the fragile ecosystem for future generations.
Union Budget 2026-27 Strengthens Adventure Tourism Push
The state’s decision aligns with the broader national focus on tourism development outlined in the Union Budget 2026–27. Presenting the budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the development of eco-friendly mountain trails in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
This initiative aims to position India as a world-class trekking and hiking destination, while generating local employment and promoting sustainable tourism infrastructure across hill states.
A Milestone for Devbhoomi Uttarakhand
Welcoming mountaineers from India and abroad, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council described the opening of 83 Himalayan peaks as a milestone in elevating the adventure heritage of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
With iconic summits now accessible, reduced financial barriers, streamlined digital permissions, and sustainability at the forefront, Uttarakhand is poised to emerge as a global hub for mountaineering and high-altitude adventure tourism.
By opening the Himalayas wider than ever before, the state aims to inspire a new generation of climbers while ensuring that exploration goes hand in hand with conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Uttarakhand opened 83 peaks to promote adventure tourism, encourage Indian youth to pursue mountaineering, create local employment, and position the state as a global mountaineering destination.
The list includes iconic peaks like Kamet, Nanda Devi East, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchachuli, and Neelkanth across the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
Yes, Indian mountaineers will not pay any expedition-related fees for the 83 peaks, as the Uttarakhand government will bear costs previously charged by the IMF and Forest Department.
Mountaineers must submit all expedition applications through the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS), a fully digital portal that ensures faster, transparent, and hassle-free approvals.
Most peaks are technically demanding and suited for experienced mountaineers. Beginners should first complete basic mountaineering courses and gain high-altitude trekking experience before attempting these expeditions.
