Dehradun: In a historic step to strengthen Uttarakhand’s identity on the global adventure tourism map, the state government has opened 83 Himalayan peaks
for mountaineering expeditions.
On the instructions of Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Tourism Development Council, in coordination with the Forest Department, has notified peaks ranging from 5,700 to 7,756 meters for climbing.
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड ने साहसिक पर्यटन के क्षेत्र में ऐतिहासिक कदम उठाते हुए पर्वतारोहण को नई ऊंचाइयों पर पहुंचाने की दिशा में बड़ा फैसला किया है। मुख्यमंत्री श्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी के निर्देश पर उत्तराखण्ड पर्यटन विकास परिषद (UTDB) ने वन विभाग के समन्वय से गढ़वाल और कुमाऊं हिमालय…
— Uttarakhand DIPR (@DIPR_UK) February 3, 2026
Major boost for Indian mountaineers
This decision is a major boost for Indian mountaineers. Until now, climbers had to pay expedition fees such as peak fees, camping fees, and environmental charges, which cost thousands of rupees. Now, Indian climbers will not have to pay any fees to the state government for climbing these 83 peaks.
Among the notified peaks are some of the most iconic names in the Himalayas: Kamet, Nanda Devi (East), the Chaukhamba Group, Trishul Group, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchachuli, and Neelkanth. These peaks have long been magnets for mountaineers from around the world, and the new policy makes them more accessible to Indian climbers.
Foreign climbers have to pay charges set by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation
Foreign climbers have also received relief. The Forest Department fee has been completely eliminated for them. They will only need to pay the charges set by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) in New Delhi. This simplifies the process and reduces costs for international expeditions.
Online system will provide speedy approvals
To ensure transparency and efficiency, all applications for mountaineering expeditions will now be processed through the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS). This online system will provide speedy approvals and better coordination between departments. It will also help regulate expeditions in sensitive border and remote areas.
New employment opportunities for locals
The initiative is expected to create new employment opportunities for local communities. Homestays, guides, porters, transport services, and other tourism-related activities will benefit directly. By encouraging eco-friendly adventure tourism, the government hopes to strengthen the rural economy while promoting Uttarakhand as a global mountaineering destination.
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal said, “The Uttarakhand Himalayas are not only a symbol of natural beauty, but also a vibrant hub of adventure, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Opening 83 peaks for mountaineering will give the state’s adventure tourism a new global identity. This initiative will inspire youth, strengthen the local economy, and promote sustainable tourism.”
Climbers to strictly follow safety standards, environmental rules, and local traditions
The government has also appealed to climbers to strictly follow safety standards, environmental rules, and local traditions while undertaking expeditions. Officials believe this landmark decision will give new impetus to adventure tourism, mountaineering activities, and the local economy, while establishing Uttarakhand as an international hub for mountaineering.
