Uttarakhand has declared 83 of the highest Himalayan peaks to be accessible for climbing expeditions in an effort to increase adventure tourism. Mount Kamet (7,756 m), Nanda Devi East, the Chaukhamba and Trishul groups, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchachuli, and Neelkanth are among the world-famous and difficult summits that are now accessible. The newly opened peaks range in height from 5,700 m to 7,756 m. The stunning natural beauty and monumental depiction of the Himalayas, which are fundamental to the identity, legacy, and power of Uttarakhand, are recognized by these peaks, according to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand, who added that they are celebrated for their technical difficulties.
So, if you are a mountain person, it is time to update your bucket list! Here's everything we know about the new 83 peaks released by the Uttarakhand government. Mountaineering in Uttarakhand has never been so accessible!
Uttarakhand pushes for more adventure tourism in 2026
Famous and difficult summits in this area include Kamet (7,756 m), Nanda Devi East, the Chaukhamba group, the Trishul group, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchachuli, and Neelkanth. The open peaks in this area range in height from 5,700 m to 7,756 m. Not only are these peaks famous for the technical challenges they present, but they are also beautiful and majestic representations of the Himalayas.
Expedition fees (including peak fees, camping fees, environmental taxes, etc.) will not be applicable to the 83 notified peaks anymore for Indian mountaineers. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Forest Department used to collect these fees, but now the state government is going to pay for them. To young dreamers who have been stymied by lack of funds, this is a huge chance. No additional fees are now levied on international mountaineers by the authorities. The only remaining expense will be the ones specified by the IMF, making trekking in Uttarakhand so affordable!
India makes mountaineering in Uttarakhand affordable and accessible
According to NDTV, Chief Minister Dhami added, "The Himalayas are our identity, heritage, and strength. Opening 83 major peaks for mountaineering is a historic step toward giving global recognition to adventure tourism in the state. The objective is to encourage the country's youth to pursue adventurous fields such as mountaineering, create employment for local communities, and ensure balanced development alongside environmental conservation. The state government is fully committed to safe, responsible, and sustainable mountaineering. The main aim of this initiative is to motivate Indian youth toward mountaineering, promote adventure tourism, and strengthen the local economy of border and remote areas.”
This is in continuation of India's efforts to establish itself as a premier location for adventure tourism and trekking, as highlighted by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement in the Union Budget 2026-27: the creation of sustainable mountain trails in the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Excited for trekking in Uttarakhand? Here's what you need to know!
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council has stated that this effort will be a landmark in elevating the adventure legacy of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand to new levels, welcoming mountaineers from India and around the world to these breathtaking Himalayan peaks. So if you are looking forward to trekking in Uttarakhand, here are some important points you need to know!
The Uttarakhand Climbing Permission System (UKMPS) website is now the only place where climbing expedition applications can be made. To avoid any unnecessary holdups in the authorisation procedure, this approach is open, quick, and entirely digital. As a result of this decision, border settlements will see a rise in tourist activities. People from the area will be able to find work as tour guides, porters, homestay hosts, drivers, and in other service-related fields. In addition to bolstering the rural economy, this program will aid in reducing migration.
All expeditions are required by the state government to conform strictly to safety norms and environmental restrictions. In order to preserve the delicate Himalayan ecology, mountaineers must adhere to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. Many districts in Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Rudraprayag, and Tehri Garhwal are home to the freed peaks.
Anyone wishing to climb these peaks can do so without paying the normal expedition expenses, including those for camping, route management, and environmental protection. All additional state-level costs, in addition to the ones listed above, have been eliminated for international mountaineers. Fees set by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation are the only ones that foreign climbers will need to pay. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation and the Forest Department had previously collected these donations. Currently, the state government is responsible for covering these expenses. The Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System is an online platform that all expedition applications must go through. Its purpose is to expedite the clearance procedure for climbers wishing to conquer these peaks.