On February 3, 2026, Uttarakhand announced the opening of 83 major Himalayan peaks for mountaineering. These peaks range from 5,700 to 7,756 metres and include famous summits like Mount Kamet, Nanda Devi East, Chaukhamba, and Trishul. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said these peaks are known for their beauty and challenge. He called this move a 'historic initiative' to promote the state’s adventure tourism. Dhami added, "The government aims to encourage Indian youth to take up mountaineering, generate local employment and ensure balanced development with a strong focus on environmental conservation. The State has reaffirmed its commitment to safe, responsible and sustainable mountaineering." The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDB) has waived all expedition-related fees such as peak, camping, and environmental fees for these peaks. Earlier, these charges were collected by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and the Forest Department. The state government will now cover these costs, removing financial barriers for young Indian climbers. For foreign mountaineers, all additional state fees are canceled; only the IMF fees remain. All applications must be submitted via the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS), an online portal designed for quick and transparent approvals. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced plans to develop eco-friendly mountain trails in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states. This is part of India’s goal to become a top trekking and adventure tourism destination.