Uttarakhand plans a 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run from Mana Pass to Auli, highlighting border-region adventure tourism, local employment potential, and sustainable development across districts such as Badrinath and Joshimath.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Uttarakhand is stepping up efforts to establish itself as one of India’s leading adventure tourism destinations. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2.0 in Gunji, a remote border region of Pithoragarh district, on Sunday and announced that the 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run will be organised during the first week of May next year.
The proposed race will begin at Mana Pass, located at an altitude of approximately 5,600 metres, and pass through Badrinath and Joshimath before concluding at Auli. The event is expected to attract runners from across India and abroad, offering them an opportunity to experience the challenging terrain and spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas.
Uttarakhand plans a 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run from Mana Pass to Auli, highlighting border-region adventure tourism, local employment potential, and sustainable development across districts such as Badrinath and Joshimath.
During the event, the Chief Minister felicitated the winners of the 70-km and 42-km races and encouraged participants who had arrived from different states. He said that competing in the high Himalayas, amid difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and low oxygen levels, requires courage, discipline and determination.
The Chief Minister said the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is more than a sporting event. It provides an important platform to showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential of Uttarakhand’s border regions at national and international levels.
More than 700 runners participated in the inaugural edition of the event in 2025, bringing greater recognition to the adventure tourism potential of the Adi Kailash region. Dhami also noted that the number of Inner Line Permits issued for the region has increased significantly compared with the previous year, reflecting growing interest among tourists and pilgrims.
100 Miles Ultra Run to Connect Mana Pass, Badrinath, Joshimath and Auli
The proposed 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run is expected to give a new dimension to long-distance endurance running in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude Himalayan terrain. The Chief Minister said the event would provide runners from India and abroad with an opportunity to experience the region’s distinctive geography and natural landscapes. It is also expected to expand tourism activities in border areas and create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth.
Tourism to Boost Local Employment and Livelihoods
Dhami said tourism can play a vital role in strengthening local economies and addressing migration challenges in Uttarakhand’s border regions. Events such as the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run can generate economic opportunities for homestay operators, local guides, transport service providers, hotels and food businesses. The state government aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local communities and contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, border villages are being developed with the vision of recognising them as the country’s “first villages” rather than its “last villages”. In line with the Vibrant Villages Programme, efforts are being made to improve infrastructure, promote tourism and expand livelihood opportunities in these strategically important regions.
Uttarakhand Expands Its Adventure Tourism Portfolio
The Chief Minister said the state government is promoting a wide range of adventure activities, including trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, kayaking, paragliding, mountain cycling and angling.
An ultra-running event was also successfully organised in Niti Valley this year. Adventure tourism activities are being expanded across several destinations, including Auli, Munsiyari, Rishikesh and Tehri. He said Uttarakhand’s Himalayan geography, scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage give the state a distinctive advantage in adventure tourism. The government is committed to harnessing this potential to boost the state’s economy, generate employment and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Rang Community Welcomes CM Dhami in Traditional Attire
Upon his arrival in Gunji, the Chief Minister was welcomed by members of the Rang community dressed in traditional attire. The welcome highlighted the region’s rich cultural traditions and distinctive heritage.
Dhami also appreciated the contributions of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to the successful organisation of the event. He honoured officers and personnel of the forces for their support and acknowledged their role in safeguarding the nation’s borders under challenging geographical conditions while contributing to community-oriented initiatives.
Among those present were Ashok Singh Nabiyal, Minister of State and Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council; Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary, Tourism; Dr Deepak Saini, Chief Development Officer; officers of the Indian Army, ITBP and SSB; local public representatives; and other dignitaries.
