Dehradun | February 3, 2026
In a major push to promote adventure tourism, the Uttarakhand government’s Forest and Tourism Departments have opened 83 Himalayan peaks across the Garhwal and Kumaon regions for mountaineering activities.
Under the new policy, no forest department fee will be charged for climbing the notified peaks. However, foreign mountaineers will be required to pay fees as prescribed by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
Major Himalayan Peaks Included in the List
The newly opened peaks range from 5,700 meters to 7,756 meters above sea level and include some of the most iconic mountains of the Indian Himalayas. Prominent peaks now open for mountaineering include Kamet, Nanda Devi East, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchchuli, and Neelkanth.
Big Relief for Indian Mountaineers
According to the mountaineering guidelines, Indian climbers will not have to pay peak fees, camping charges, or environmental fees to the state government for expeditions on the notified peaks.
Foreign mountaineers, who earlier paid expedition fees to the Forest Department, have also been granted relief. They will now only need to pay the IMF-prescribed charges.
All mountaineering applications will be processed through the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System, ensuring transparency and streamlined approvals.
Aimed at Youth, Employment, and Border Tourism
Officials said the decision is aimed at encouraging young Indian mountaineers and adventure sports enthusiasts. By promoting mountaineering activities, the government expects to generate employment opportunities in border and remote regions, including jobs for guides, porters, and support staff.
The initiative is also expected to position Uttarakhand more prominently on the global adventure tourism map, attracting climbers from across the world.
A Milestone for Sustainable Adventure Tourism
The Himalayan region is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its spiritual and cultural heritage. Opening 83 peaks for regulated mountaineering is seen as a balanced step toward environmentally responsible adventure tourism.
Tourism officials believe the move will strengthen the local economy, inspire youth participation in mountaineering, and establish Uttarakhand as a leading destination for high-altitude adventure sports.
