Chief Minister honours winners; announces ‘100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run’ from Mana Pass to Auli in the first week of May 2027
Government promoting adventure tourism in border areas to create new employment opportunities for local communities
Rang community welcomes CM in traditional attire
Pithoragarh, October 2026 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2.0, organised in Gunji in Pithoragarh district on Sunday. The Chief Minister felicitated the winners of the 70-km and 42-km races and encouraged runners who had arrived from various states across the country.
Upon his arrival in Gunji, members of the Rang community welcomed Dhami by dressing him in traditional attire, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and distinctive traditions.
The Chief Minister said the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run was not merely a marathon but a test of courage, determination, self-confidence and perseverance. Participating in such a competition in the high Himalayan region, amid difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and low oxygen levels, was a significant achievement in itself.
He appreciated the courage and enthusiasm of all participants and extended his best wishes to them.
CM Appreciates Support of Armed Forces
Dhami appreciated the support extended by the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in successfully organising the event. He also felicitated their officers and personnel.
He said that personnel of the armed forces not only safeguard the country's borders under challenging geographical conditions but also make important contributions to events of this nature.
The Chief Minister noted that more than 700 runners had participated in the inaugural edition of the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run in 2025. The success of the event had brought greater recognition to the potential for adventure tourism in the Adi Kailash region.
He added that the number of Inner Line Permits issued for the Adi Kailash region had increased significantly compared with the previous year, reflecting the growing interest of tourists and pilgrims in the area.
Border Villages Being Developed as Tourism Destinations
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts were being made to develop India's border villages as the country's first villages rather than its last villages.
Along with improving infrastructure in border areas, the government was promoting tourism activities to create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents.
Dhami said events such as the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run were playing an important role in strengthening the local economy in border regions. Homestay operators, local guides, transport providers, hotels and food businesses were among those benefiting from such activities.
The state government's objective was to ensure that tourism development directly benefited local communities and helped curb migration from border villages.
He said the government was continuously working to establish Uttarakhand as a leading destination for adventure tourism. An ultra run had also been successfully organised in the Niti Valley this year.
The state is promoting activities such as trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, kayaking, paragliding, mountain cycling and angling. Dhami said Uttarakhand's diverse geography offered numerous opportunities for adventure tourism, with activities expanding across destinations including Auli, Munsiyari, Rishikesh and Tehri.
‘100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run’ to Be Held in May 2027
On the occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state government would organise the ‘100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run’ in the first week of May 2027.
The race will begin at Mana Pass, located at an altitude of approximately 5,600 metres, and proceed through Badrinath and Joshimath before reaching Auli.
Dhami said the event would give runners from India and abroad an opportunity to experience Uttarakhand's natural beauty, Himalayan terrain and adventure tourism potential.
It would also boost tourism in border areas and create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was committed to developing border regions as important centres of tourism and economic activity. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vibrant Villages Programme, efforts are underway to expand tourism, self-employment opportunities and infrastructure in these areas.
Officials and Dignitaries Attend the Event
Those present included Minister of State and Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council Ashok Singh Nabiyal; Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal; Chief Development Officer Dr Deepak Saini; officers of the Indian Army, ITBP and SSB; local public representatives; and other dignitaries.
