Dehradun:In a landmark move to position Uttarakhand as a global hub for adventure and mountaineering tourism, the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led state government has opened 83 major Himalayan peaks for mountaineering expeditions. The decision, taken on the Chief Minister’s directions, has been implemented by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) in coordination with the Forest Department.
The move is being hailed as a historic policy intervention that will significantly enhance the state’s visibility on the international mountaineering map while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in remote Himalayan regions.
World-Famous Peaks Now Open
The newly opened peaks range in altitude from 5,700 metres to 7,756 metres and include some of the most iconic and technically challenging summits of the Indian Himalayas, such as Kamet, Nanda Devi East, the Chaukhamba and Trishul groups, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchchuli and Neelkanth. These peaks are renowned not only for their technical difficulty but also for their exceptional natural beauty.
Fee Waivers to Encourage Indian Mountaineers
In a major relief for Indian climbers, the state government has announced that no peak fee, camping fee or environmental charge will be levied on Indian mountaineering expeditions for these 83 peaks. Earlier, such charges were collected by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Forest Department. The government will now bear these costs, making mountaineering more accessible to young and aspiring climbers.
Relief for Foreign Climbers Too
For foreign mountaineers, the additional state-level fee has been abolished. They will now be required to pay only the standard charges prescribed by the IMF. This move is expected to increase the number of international expeditions and strengthen Uttarakhand’s global appeal.
Online, Transparent Permission System
All mountaineering expedition applications will be processed through the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS) online portal. The system is fully digital, transparent and time-bound, ensuring faster approvals and eliminating bureaucratic delays.
CM Dhami’s Vision
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the Himalayas are the identity, heritage and strength of Uttarakhand. Opening 83 Himalayan peaks for mountaineering is a decisive step towards giving adventure tourism global recognition, he said. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government aims to inspire youth, generate local employment, and ensure balanced development with environmental conservation.
He also reiterated the state’s commitment to safe, responsible and sustainable mountaineering practices.
Boost to Local Economy and Border Villages
The decision is expected to generate significant economic activity in remote and border villages, creating employment opportunities in guiding, portering, homestays, transport and allied services. Officials said this would help curb migration from hill areas and strengthen the rural economy.
Strict Safety and Environmental Norms
The government has made it mandatory for all expeditions to strictly follow safety protocols and environmental guidelines. Mountaineers will be required to adhere to the “Leave No Trace” principle to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Aligned with Union Budget Vision
The initiative also aligns with the Union Budget 2026–27, in which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the development of eco-friendly mountain trails in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir to promote India as a world-class trekking and hiking destination.
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board described the decision as one that will take the adventure legacy of Devbhoomi to new heights, inviting mountaineers from India and across the globe to explore its majestic Himalayan summits.
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