Dehradun: In line with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s vision to promote adventure tourism in Uttarakhand, the remote mountainous region of Kapkot is now firmly emerging on the national map of adventure tourism.
The five-day National Accuracy Paragliding Competition, held in Bageshwar district on February 5th, has transformed this tranquil rural region into a major center of attraction for adventure enthusiasts from across the country.
The skies of Kapkot, adorned with colorful paragliders soaring from the hills of Jalekh, maintained a festive atmosphere throughout the event. Ninety-two pilots from various states registered for the competition, of which 78 participants demonstrated their skills. The presence of thousands of local spectators and tourists confirmed the tremendous enthusiasm for adventure sports in Kapkot.
The competition was inaugurated by District Magistrate Akanksha Konde and local MLA Suresh Gadiya. The District Magistrate described it as a historic initiative for Bageshwar, stating that such events not only promote tourism but also strengthen the local economy and create new employment opportunities for the youth.
The excitement of the competition remained high from the first day until the end. According to experts, Kapkot’s geographical environment is highly conducive to paragliding, trekking, and other adventure sports. Technical training and safety sessions were also organized for participants during the event, further professionalizing the competition.
At the closing ceremony, District Magistrate Akanksha Konde personally experienced the thrill of flying from Jalekh and said, “Kapkot-Bageshwar has now established itself as a new destination for adventure tourism. In the future, continuous efforts will be made to achieve international recognition.”
Manish Upreti, who won first place in the competition, was awarded a prize of ₹100,000, Manish Bhandari, who won second place, received ₹50,000, and Pankaj Kumar, who won third place, received ₹30,000. The women pilots were also honored with special incentives.
The success of this event has sent a clear message—Kapkot, once considered a quiet rural area, is no longer just a rural area but has become an emerging adventure tourism hub in the country. Natural beauty, favorable geographical conditions, and proactive initiatives by the local administration are rapidly moving it towards becoming a major adventure destination of the future. Kapkot has truly taken off—in tourism, recognition, and potential.
