The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) has proposed the opening of 405 new peaks in the Himalayan area to the government to boost tourism opportunities and promote mountaineering, the tourism ministry said on Wednesday.

This was conveyed to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel during a review meeting with nodal institutions of mountaineering and adventure tourism, a statement from the ministry said.

The meeting had representatives from the IMF, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, National Institute of Water Sports, Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering and Adventure Tour Operators” Association of India.

“The IMF said recently the government has opened 137 new peaks for mountaineering, which is a welcome step, now we have sent proposals for the opening of 405 new peaks in the Himalayan area so that mountaineering may be promoted in full spirit,” the statement said.

Last year, the government opened 137 Himalayan peaks for foreigners, including the 8,589-metre tall Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, for mountaineering expeditions and trekking in a major boost to tourism.