Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the second edition of the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run held in Gunji, Pithoragarh district, on Sunday. During the event, he felicitated the winners of the 70-kilometer and 42-kilometer races and encouraged runners who arrived from various states across the country. Upon reaching Gunji, members of the Rang community welcomed the Chief Minister in traditional attire, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The Chief Minister stated that the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is not merely a competition, but a test of courage, resolve, self-confidence, and sheer willpower. Completing a run amidst difficult trails, hostile weather, and low oxygen levels in a high- Himalayan region is a major achievement in itself. He praised the courage and enthusiasm of the participants and commended the officers and jawans of the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) for their support in making the event a success.
100-Mile Ultra Run from Mana Pass to Auli
The Chief Minister announced that the ‘100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run’ will be organized in the first week of May next year. This run will commence from Mana Pass—situated at an altitude of approximately 5,600 meters—and pass through Badrinath and Joshimath to reach Auli. He stated that this event will provide runners from India and abroad an opportunity to experience Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and the adventure tourism potential of the Himalayan region. Furthermore, it will boost tourism activities in border regions and create new employment opportunities for local youth.
Adventure Tourism Gaining a New Identity
Dhami noted that over 700 runners participated in the first edition of the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run held in 2025. The success of the event has given the Adi Kailash region a new identity on the adventure tourism map. He mentioned that compared to last year, there has been a notable increase in the number of Inner Line Permits issued for the Adi Kailash region this year, reflecting the growing appeal of the area among tourists and pilgrims.
The Chief Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, work is underway to develop border villages not as the country’s last villages, but as its first villages. The state government is also expanding basic infrastructure and promoting tourism activities in these regions to provide employment and self-employment opportunities to local residents.
He added that events like the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run strengthen the local economy, benefiting homestay operators, local guides, transport business owners, and those associated with the hotel and food sectors. The government endeavors to ensure that the direct benefits of tourism development reach local communities and help curb migration from border villages.
Promoting Activities Ranging from Trekking to Mountaineering
The Chief Minister stated that continuous efforts are being made to establish Uttarakhand as a premier center for adventure tourism. This year, an ultra-run was also organized in the Niti Valley. Activities such as trekking, mountaineering, white-water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking, and angling are being encouraged across the state. Adventure tourism is being expanded in various regions, including Auli, Munsyari, Rishikesh, and Tehri.
The event was attended by Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council Vice-Chairman Ashok Singh Nabiyal, Secretary of Tourism Dheeraj Singh Garbyal, Chief Development Officer Dr. Deepak Saini, officials from the Indian Army, ITBP, and SSB, local public representatives, and other dignitaries.
