Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has revealed plans for a 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run, scheduled for the first week of May 2027. The event will commence at Mana Pass, a high-altitude location situated at approximately 5,600 metres, and will traverse through significant landmarks such as Badrinath and Joshimath before concluding at Auli. This announcement was made during Dhami’s participation in the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2.0, held in Gunji, a border area of the Pithoragarh district, on Sunday.

The ultra run aims to attract both domestic and international runners to experience Uttarakhand’s challenging Himalayan terrain. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance adventure tourism in the state’s border regions, which are known for their natural beauty and cultural significance.

During the event, Dhami honoured the winners of the 70-km and 42-km categories, acknowledging their efforts and encouraging participants who had travelled from various states to take part. He emphasised that competing in the high Himalayas requires not only physical stamina but also mental resilience, given the difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions, and low oxygen levels.

Focus on Border Tourism

Chief Minister Dhami highlighted that the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run serves as a platform to promote the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand’s border areas. The inaugural edition of the event in 2023 saw participation from over 700 runners, indicating a growing interest in such activities. Dhami noted that the increase in Inner Line Permits issued for the Adi Kailash region compared to the previous year reflects a rising enthusiasm among tourists and pilgrims.

The state government aims to leverage tourism as a means to bolster local economies and create employment opportunities for youth in remote areas. Dhami pointed out that events like the ultra run can stimulate local businesses, including homestays, transport services, and food establishments, thereby enhancing the economic landscape of these regions.

Additionally, he referred to the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme, which focuses on improving infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in border settlements. This initiative aligns with the state’s objective of promoting sustainable tourism in these areas.

Wider Adventure Tourism Initiatives

Uttarakhand is actively promoting a variety of adventure activities, including trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, kayaking, paragliding, mountain cycling, and angling. Earlier this year, an ultra-running event was also organised in Niti Valley, demonstrating the state’s commitment to expanding adventure tourism. Popular tourist destinations such as Auli, Munsiyari, Rishikesh, and Tehri are being developed to accommodate a wider range of adventure activities.

Dhami stated that the unique Himalayan landscape and rich cultural heritage present significant opportunities for tourism growth while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods. The government’s focus on adventure tourism is intended to attract more visitors, thereby enhancing the overall economic development of the region.

During the event in Gunji, members of the Rang community welcomed the chief minister in traditional attire. Dhami also recognised the contributions of personnel from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Sashastra Seema Bal for their support in organising the event. Among those present were Ashok Singh Nabiyal, vice-chairman of the Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council, tourism secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, chief development officer Dr Deepak Saini, security personnel, local representatives, and various officials.

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