Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday participated in the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run-2.0 at Gunji in Pithoragarh district and felicitated the winners of the 70-km and 42-km races. He also encouraged runners who had arrived from different parts of the country to participate in the high-altitude endurance event.
The Chief Minister was accorded a traditional welcome by members of the Rang community, who greeted him in their traditional attire. The occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and unique traditions of the border community.
Addressing the participants, Dhami said the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run was not merely a marathon but a test of courage, determination, confidence and willpower. Participating in such an event amid difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and low oxygen levels in the high Himalayas was itself a major achievement, he said.
The Chief Minister appreciated the support extended by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in successfully conducting the event. He also honoured officers and personnel of the security forces, saying that the troops not only safeguard the country’s borders under challenging geographical conditions but also make valuable contributions to such events.
Dhami said more than 700 runners participated in the first edition of the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run in 2025, helping highlight the potential of the Adi Kailash region for adventure tourism. He added that the number of Inner Line Permits issued for the Adi Kailash area has increased significantly compared to last year, reflecting growing interest among tourists and pilgrims.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are being made to develop border villages as “first villages” rather than “last villages.” Along with improving infrastructure in border areas, tourism activities are being promoted to create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents.
According to the Chief Minister, events such as the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run are strengthening the local economy of border regions. Homestay operators, local guides, transporters, hotels and food-service providers are among those benefiting from the growing tourism activity.
The state government, he said, is working to establish Uttarakhand as a leading destination for adventure tourism. An ultra run was also successfully organised in the Niti Valley this year. The government is promoting activities such as trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, kayaking, paragliding, mountain cycling and angling across the state.
100-Mile Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run in May 2027
The Chief Minister announced that the state government will organise the “100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run” in the first week of May 2027.
The ultra run will begin from Mana Pass, located at an altitude of around 5,600 metres, and pass through Badrinath and Joshimath before finishing at Auli.
Dhami said the event would provide runners from India and abroad an opportunity to experience Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, Himalayan geography and immense potential for adventure tourism. The event is also expected to boost tourism in border areas and create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth.
He reiterated that the state government is committed to developing border regions as major centres of tourism and economic activity. In line with Prime Minister Modi’s Vibrant Villages Programme, efforts are being made to expand tourism, self-employment opportunities and infrastructure in these areas.
Among those present at the event were 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.
