In a confidence building measure spelling normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India (GoI) has given its nod for opening 104 peaks for expeditions. The peaks — located in the Leh-Ladakh area — along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC) were so far 'restricted'. The peaks that have been given clearance include Lingsarmo (6955 metres), Rungofarka (6395 metres), Techafarka (6495 metres), Pt 6148, Shafat-I (6800 metres), Photoksar (6080 metres), Shafat-II (6302 metres), Shafat-III (6155 metres), Chiling-I (6349 metres), Chiling-II (6253 metres), Hagshu-I (6515 metres), Kangyarrag (6210 metres), Kangyassay I (6401 metres), Lalung-I (6243 metres), Lalung-II (6157 metres) and Lalung-III (6126 metres).

According to a report in Times of India, the move, mooted by Ministry of Tourism (MoT), was cleared by the Defense and Home Ministries. Expeditions will now only require clearance from the Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF). The decision will make India a more competitive Adventure Tourism destination in comparison to neighbours like Pakistan and Nepal. At present, while Nepal offers over 100 mountaineering expeditions, Pakistan has about 60, while India can only muster about 30 odd expeditions for tourists. Tejbir Singh, President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) said, "Unknown peaks draw attention and we hope that this will be good for the industry." He added that the process of getting clearances could also be shortened with this decision. At present, IMF has to be contacted three months before an expedition for security clearances.

Clearance by the Ministry of Defense has been given with certain conditions. It wants expeditions to follow only those routes to approach the peaks that have been approved by the Army. It also said filming and installation of equipment can be done only after prior permission from the Army. The expedition team is expected to carry Global Positioning System (GPS) and will be accompanied by a liaison officer either from government organisation or from a panel cleared by the government. It will also have to get clearances from the state government. An official from the Indian government said that the decision will help boost flagging foreign tourist arrivals and improve India's branding as an Adventure Tourism destination. GoI had in the last year's budget exempted adventure equipment like skis from custom duty. This, along with exemption of protected area permit for areas in Arunachal Pradesh, is likely to give foreign tourist arrivals a major boost.