Dehradun: In a landmark move to bolster adventure tourism, the Uttarakhand government has officially opened 83 prominent Himalayan peaks across the Garhwal and Kumaon regions for mountaineering expeditions. Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), in coordination with the Forest Department, announced the decision to establish the state as a premier global hub for high-altitude climbing.
The newly opened peaks range in altitude from 5,700 metres to 7,756 metres. The list includes world-renowned and technically challenging summits such as Mt. Kamet (7,756m), Nanda Devi East, Chaukhamba Group, Trishul Group, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchachuli, and Neelkanth.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the Himalayas as the state’s “identity and heritage,” stating that this initiative aims to encourage Indian youth to take up adventure sports. “Our objective is to empower the local economy in border areas and ensure balanced development alongside environmental conservation. The state is committed to safe, responsible, and sustainable mountaineering,” the CM added.
Key Policy Highlights
1. Major Relief for Indian Mountaineers
In a significant boost for domestic climbers, the state has waived all expedition fees—including peak fees, camping charges, and environmental levies—for Indian nationals. Previously collected by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Forest Department, these costs will now be borne by the State Government to remove financial barriers for aspiring climbers.
2. Streamlined Norms for International Climbers
State-level additional surcharges for foreign expeditions have been completely abolished. International climbers will now only be required to pay the standard fees prescribed by the IMF, significantly enhancing Uttarakhand’s appeal to the global climbing community.
3. Digital Single-Window System
All applications will now be processed through the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS) online portal. This digital transition ensures a transparent, time-bound, and paperless approval process for expedition teams.
4. Boosting Local Livelihoods
The move is expected to curb migration by creating jobs in remote border villages. Increased footfall will generate direct employment for local guides, porters, homestay owners, and transport operators.
5. Strict Safety and ‘Leave No Trace’ Protocols
The government has mandated strict adherence to safety standards and environmental regulations. All expeditions must follow the “Leave No Trace” principle to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecology.
Complementing the state’s efforts, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Union Budget 2026-27, announced a dedicated project to develop eco-friendly mountain trails across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. This central initiative aims to transform the Indian Himalayas into a world-class trekking and hiking destination.
