Uncharted peaks and trails to explore, non-biodegradable waste management, livelihoods for locals — Uttarakhand’s new ventures are bringing a lot to the table.
Uttarakhand is home to some of the highest mountaineering peaks including Nanda Devi, Kamet, Trisul I, and Trisul ll. In its recent attempt to further promote adventure tourism in the state, the Uttarakhand government has introduced spanking new ventures, with 30 new unscaled peaks and 10 new high-altitude trekking routes.
Especially launched for trekkers and mountaineers, the list includes some unexplored peaks like Bhirgu Parbat (6,041 m), Kali Dhang (6,373 m), Rishi Kot (6,236 m), Avalanche (6,443 m), Manda III (6,510 m), Manda II (6,529 m), Garur Parbat (6,504 m), Devtoli (6,788 m), and Rishi Pahar (6,992 m). On the other hand, the 10 new hiking trails disclosed are Narayan Parbat, Nar Parbat, Lamchir South, Lamchir, Bhagnyu, Pawagarh, Mahalay Parbat, Yan Buk, Ratnagiri, and Nanda Lapak.
Initially, 51 ventures were proposed to be launched in Uttarakhand, but 11 were left out by the state government after a detailed analysis of the security and peaks’ criticality to the ecosystem and security. As per the report, the interested climbers will have to submit a total amount of INR10,000 per team, and, on their return, show them the waste for the money to be returned. This move was introduced to deal with littering and other environmental issues in high-altitude regions.
Mountaineering and trekking activities will be done with the help of local eco-development committees, and these new ventures will also offer fresh modes of livelihood to local people, while spreading a positive message across different borders. However, do keep in mind that only 12 teams with 10 members each can scale a peak twice a year. All the norms laid down by the Forest Department and Uttarakhand Mountaineering Association are also needed to be strictly followed.
Principal Secretary (Forests) R K Sudhansu said the forest department will no more levy separate fees on expedition groups. Hailing the state government’s move, the industry body for adventure tourism, the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) said it is a ‘huge milestone achieved’.
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Trek to the offbeat Kuari Pass for mountain views and forest trails