Uttarakhand Opens 83 Himalayan Peaks, Including Nanda Devi, to Boost Mountaineering and Adventure Tourism

In a major push to promote adventure tourism, the Uttarakhand government has announced the opening of 83 prominent Himalayan peaks for mountaineering expeditions. The decision, announced on Tuesday (February 3, 2026), is aimed at attracting both domestic and international climbers to the state’s high-altitude regions.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the move reflects the government’s commitment to establishing Uttarakhand as a global hub for adventure sports and eco-tourism.

Peaks of Global Repute Now Open

The newly opened peaks range in altitude from 5,700 metres to 7,756 metres, offering routes for both seasoned mountaineers and experienced expedition teams. Among the most notable summits included in the list are:

• Mount Kamet (7,756 m) – India’s second-highest peak

• Nanda Devi East

• Chaukhamba group

• Trishul group

• Shivling

• Satopanth

• Changabang

• Panchachuli group

• Neelkanth

These mountains are internationally recognised not only for their technical difficulty but also for their breathtaking landscapes and challenging climbing routes.

Boost to Adventure Tourism

Chief Minister Dhami highlighted that the initiative is expected to significantly boost the state’s adventure tourism sector, create employment opportunities for local youth, and strengthen the rural economy in remote Himalayan districts.

“These peaks are celebrated not only for their technical difficulty but also for their unmatched natural beauty. By opening them for mountaineering, we are inviting the world to experience Uttarakhand’s majestic Himalayas,” Dhami said.

The government believes that increased mountaineering activity will benefit local guides, porters, homestay operators, transport providers, and other tourism-linked services.

Safety and Environmental Focus

Officials clarified that while the peaks have been opened, expeditions will be subject to strict safety guidelines and environmental regulations. Climbers will be required to obtain necessary permits and adhere to sustainability norms to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The state government is also expected to coordinate with mountaineering institutes and rescue teams to ensure proper infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms are in place.

Strengthening Uttarakhand’s Tourism Profile

Uttarakhand, often referred to as “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods), is already known for its pilgrimage circuits, trekking trails, and wildlife tourism. The opening of these 83 peaks is seen as a strategic step to diversify tourism offerings beyond religious travel and position the state as a premier destination for high-altitude adventure sports.

The move is likely to draw climbers from across the globe in the upcoming mountaineering seasons, further enhancing Uttarakhand’s reputation on the international adventure tourism map.