Uttarakhand Unveils 83 Himalayan Peaks for Global Climbers, Boosts Adventure Tourism
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In a historic move, the government of Uttarakhand has opened 83 major Himalayan peaks, including the iconic Nanda Devi, to international mountaineers. This decision aims to establish the state as a premier global destination for climbers and adventurers. The peaks range from 5,700 to 7,756 meters in height and feature some of the most challenging and scenic summits in the Indian Himalayas. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is expected to boost high-altitude tourism and generate employment opportunities for local communities. The state government has waived expedition-related fees, including peak fees and environmental charges, for Indian mountaineers, making it more accessible for young climbers to pursue their passion. To attract international climbers, the state has abolished additional fees imposed on foreign mountaineers, aligning with the fees set by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF). This move is expected to enhance Uttarakhand's global appeal and attract more international mountaineering teams. To streamline the process, the government has introduced the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS), a digital online portal that ensures transparency, time-bound processing, and eliminates procedural delays. The decision is expected to have a positive socio-economic impact on border and remote villages, increasing tourism activity and creating new livelihood opportunities for local residents. However, the government has also made strict safety and environmental compliance mandatory for all expeditions, emphasizing the importance of protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. This initiative is a milestone in promoting Uttarakhand's adventure heritage and takes the state's mountaineering and adventure tourism potential to new heights. As part of the Union Budget 2026-27, the development of eco-friendly mountain trails in Uttarakhand and other neighboring states is also underway to strengthen adventure tourism in the region.
