Beyond The Sacred Peaks: SMA draws attention towards Sikkim’s Untapped Mountains

ISABELLA GURUNG

Association appeals for opening non-sacred peaks to boost adventure tourism, local livelihoods, and mountaineering heritage of Sikkim

GANGTOK, : The Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) has appealed to the State government to open additional mountain peaks for expedition, emphasizing the potential for economic growth, sustainable tourism and revival of Sikkim’s mountaineering legacy.

In a statement titled ‘Appeal to Open Peaks for Sikkim’s Future’, SMA president and Everester Kunzang Gyatso Bhutia expressed concern that Sikkim, despite being home to over 325 identified mountain peaks, has yet to fully return to the mountaineering field.

“As a mountaineer, I believe that Sikkim is yet to fully return to the mountaineering field,” Bhutia stated, adding that mountaineering, though a challenging and risky adventure sport, continues to inspire climbers because of the extraordinary bonds it creates with the mountains.

The SMA president acknowledged the sanctity of 12 permanently closed peaks, which remain off-limits out of respect for local religious sentiments. However, Bhutia noted that despite six years of continuous dialogue with the government and meetings across the tenure of four chief secretaries, the association’s proposal to open additional peaks remains unaddressed.

“The primary obstacle is the deeply rooted religious and cultural sentiments of the Sikkimese people, who view the mountains as sacred deities. Mountaineering is often seen as an act of desecration. The State government faces a delicate balancing act between fostering the economic potential of adventure tourism and respecting the strong opposition from locals, which is often backed by laws like the Places of Worship Act, which bans climbing on sacred peaks. When the Centre proposed opening 14 peaks in 2019, local protests forced a policy reversal, showing how sensitive this issue is,” expressed Bhutia to SIKKIM EXPRESS.

“The SMA fully supports and respects the ban on scaling the 12 sacred peaks, including the main summits of Mt. Khangchendzonga. Our approach is to advocate for opening non-sacred peaks for mountaineering expeditions while respecting local traditions. We believe that by focusing on non-sacred mountains, we can develop a sustainable mountaineering industry that aligns with the cultural values of Sikkim,” he added.

The association has proposed that around 87 peaks ranging between 6,000 and 7,999 meters be opened for expeditions.

Bhutia said that other Indian States such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have already taken similar steps to promote mountain tourism, with Ladakh alone opening 115 peaks in 2018 around the Kargil range.

“Sikkim stands to gain immensely once its peaks are opened,” he said, adding that mountain tourism can bring new visitors, new income, and new opportunities to regions like Lachen, Lachung, and Yuksam.

Drawing parallels with Nepal’s successful model of mountain tourism, Bhutia said that Sikkim too can significantly boost government revenue and ensure better livelihoods for those working in the tourism sector i.e. from guides and porters to homestay owners and transport providers.

There are several lessons Sikkim can learn from Nepal, it was shared.

On infrastructure development, Nepal has invested heavily in local guiding, rescue, and tourism infrastructure. Sikkim could do the same to better serve international climbers.

Modernizing and streamlining the permit process for international expeditions would make Sikkim more attractive to global mountaineers, believes the SMA.

The community benefits also as Nepal has ensured that a significant portion of tourism revenue directly benefits local communities. Sikkim should adopt a similar model.

On sustainable tourism, it was emphasized that Sikkim must avoid the mistakes made by Nepal in terms of overcrowding and environmental degradation, focusing instead on low-impact, high-value tourism.

Nepal has also opened previously restricted peaks and is offering free permits for many lesser-known peaks to decentralize tourism, a move that could be beneficial for Sikkim too, elaborated Kunzang.

Nepal has launched a free climbing tourism initiative for 97 new peaks in its remote Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, waiving climbing royalties for the next two years to boost tourism in these areas. These mountains range from approximately 5,870 to 7,132 meters in altitude and aim to draw visitors to lesser-known regions, create jobs, and generate income for local communities.

“To the esteemed State government, I urge you to view our mountains not only as sacred deities to be revered but also as potential engines for sustainable economic growth and pride for our youth. By carefully opening a select number of non-sacred peaks and empowering local mountaineering professionals, we can create a world-class adventure tourism destination. The SMA is ready to implement a responsible and respectful "Sikkim Model" that balances tradition, ecology, and economy for the lasting prosperity of Sikkim and its people,” added SMA.

Bhutia added that opening more peaks would not only reinforce Sikkim’s identity as a mountaineering State but also help create a modern, sustainable tourism model for generations to come.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview with SIKKIM EXPRESS

As the president of Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA), what inspired you to make this appeal, to open more mountain peaks in Sikkim?

Kunzang: My inspiration comes from two key factors -

Economic Opportunity: Sikkim boasts incredible natural assets with over 86 peaks above 7999 m. If we open a regulated number of these peaks, it could offer a significant boost to the local economy by creating professional opportunities for local guides, porters, and tourism operators.

Nurturing Local Talent: As an Everester, I see immense untapped potential in our youth. Allowing more peaks to be opened would provide a legitimate platform for them to hone their mountaineering skills, building a world-class professional profile, something which is currently impossible due to the severe restrictions. The "Sikkim Model" is about pioneering a respectful, high-standard form of mountaineering.

As an Everester, how do you view the current state of mountaineering in Sikkim?

Kunzang: I see it as a paradoxical paradise. Sikkim has some of the most beautiful, challenging, and pristine terrain in the world, yet it remains severely underutilized. With only five "Alpine Peaks" open for climbing, we’re missing out on the potential of high-altitude expeditions, world-class guiding expertise, and substantial revenue generation. Our neighboring regions are thriving, while we are held back by restrictive policies.

Officially, only five peaks are designated as "Alpine Peaks" and are open for climbing expeditions with permits from the State Government: Mt. Thinchenkhang (6,010m), Mt. Jopuno (5,936m), Frey Peak (5,830m), Mt. Lama Wangden (5,868m) and Mt. Brumkhangse (5,635m)

With only five "Alpine Peaks" (below 7,000m) currently open, we limit the scope of our adventure tourism industry. We are missing out on developing world-class guiding expertise and the substantial revenue from high-altitude expeditions, all while our neighbouring regions thrive.

What do you think are the main reasons cited for not opening more peaks in Sikkim?

Kunzang: The main reasons cited are -

Religious Sanctity: Many peaks in Sikkim, like Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Pandim are worshipped as sacred deities and are protected by the Places of Worship Act. This is the primary barrier to opening these peaks for climbing.

Environmental Protection: There are concerns about potential ecological damage, pollution, and littering in fragile, high-altitude areas.

Security Issues: Due to Sikkim's proximity to international borders with China and Nepal, there are also security concerns regarding the opening of high-altitude regions. But if we look at places like Ladakh, which has similar challenges with its proximity to international borders, they have been able to manage these concerns and open certain peaks for climbing.

Would you share details on the 87 peaks the Association has proposed to open?

Kunzang: The SMA has proposed a list of 87 peaks, focusing specifically on non-sacred mountains within the 5,580m to 7,999m range. These peaks are situated away from the main Khangchendzonga massif and other sacred peaks; ideal for technical climbing, alpine-style expeditions, and scientific exploration; and located in overlooked valleys, ensuring tourism benefits are spread across multiple local communities.

This proposal is based on extensive mapping to respect sacred zones while opening up viable, world-class adventure sports options. With a growing number of climbers looking for new destinations, this is the right time to introduce these peaks.

About SMA:

The Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) is dedicated to the ethical promotion of mountaineering, trekking, and adventure tourism within Sikkim. Its core activities include:

Promoting Local Talent: Training and certifying Sikkimese youth in high-altitude guiding and rescue operations.

Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with the State and Central Governments to establish progressive, safe, and culturally sensitive mountaineering policies.

Safety & Standards: Ensuring high standards of safety and professional rescue operations.

Environmental Stewardship: Advocating for responsible trekking and a strict "Leave No Trace" policy to protect Sikkim’s fragile ecosystem.

Marketing & Publicity: If given the nod, the SMA will monitor the opening of peaks and oversee the promotion of sustainable mountaineering tourism.