"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
23 Aug 2019
In a major boost to tourism, the government has decided to allow access to 137 Himalayan peaks to foreigners who earlier had to seek permission from the ministries of defence and home to ascend these summits. Now, they can directly apply to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for permits.
The Himalayan peaks that have been opened for mountaineering expeditions and trekking include the mighty Kanchenjunga which stands at a height of 8,589 metres. Dunagiri (7,066 m) and Hardeol (7,151 m) in Uttarakhand; Kabru South and North in Sikkim, both of which are at a height of over 7,000 metres; Mount Kailash (6400 m) in Jammu and Kashmir; and Mulkila (6,571 m) in Himachal Pradesh are also in the list of peaks opened to tourists.
The tourism ministry had put this proposal and the government gave its consent. According to the tourism minister, Prahlad Patel this decision is a historic step as it will give a big boost to tourism. There is also a proposal for opening up mountaineering and trekking in all Himalayan states. At present, it has been decided to open 137 mountain peaks.
However, the expedition teams will have to stick to the approved routes. They are not allowed to carry satellite phones unless they take prior permission from the department of telecommunication and are required to share all information gathered with local formations.
