In a landmark move that could reshape adventure tourism in India, Uttarakhand is preparing to reopen Nanda Devi — the nation’s second-highest peak to climbers after more than four decades of restricted access.
Closed since 1983 due to environmental concerns and geopolitical sensitivities, the majestic Himalayan summit, towering at 7,816 meters, is set to once again draw mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. This initiative is part of a broader eco-tourism push by the state government, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Forest and Tourism Departments of Uttarakhand.
Once shrouded in secrecy and reverence, Nanda Devi has long captured the imagination of adventurers and conservationists alike. The ban on expeditions, enforced for environmental preservation and following a Cold War-era incident involving a failed nuclear surveillance device, has made the peak one of the most enigmatic in the world. 
Now, with controlled expeditions under consideration, the IMF has proposed reopening the peak to promote responsible tourism and revive the spirit of Himalayan exploration. While official clearance is still pending, the proposal reflects growing momentum toward making these remote landscapes more accessible — but on sustainable terms.
Beyond Nanda Devi, other peaks in the region such as Baljuri, Laspadhura, Bhanolti (Bageshwar district), and Rudragaira (Uttarkashi) are also being evaluated for similar revival efforts, signaling a larger strategy to tap into the adventure tourism potential of Uttarakhand’s lesser-known heights.
For thrill-seekers, climbers, and lovers of the Himalayas, this could mark the beginning of a new chapter — one where the grandeur of the mountains is met with care, caution, and curiosity.
