The central government has announced that it will open 137 Himalayan peaks for foreigners including Kanchenjunga located at the height of 8,589 metre for trekking.
The decision will give a major boost to the tourism industry in Himalayan states. Thereby form now onwards the foreigners will directly apply to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for permits instead of the Ministry of Defence. Out of the 137 peaks, 51 are in Uttarakhand, 24 in Sikkim, 15 in Jammu and Kashmir, and 47 in Himachal Pradesh.
However, prior permissions from the department of telecommunication are required for carrying satellite phones. all information gathered has to be shared with locals formations.