Uttarakhand to host 100-mile Himalayan endurance run from Mana Pass to Auli next May: CM Dhami
Uttarakhand is stepping up efforts to establish itself as one of India’s leading adventure tourism destinations. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday participated in the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2.0 in Gunji, a remote border area of ​​Pithoragarh district, and announced that a ‘100-mile Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run’ would be held during the first week of May next year.
The proposed race will start from Mana Pass, located at an altitude of around 5,600 meters, and will pass through Badrinath and Joshimath before ending at Auli.
The Chief Minister thanked the winners of the 70 km and 42 km races and encouraged the runners who had come from various states across the country. He said participating in such competitions in the high Himalayas, amid challenging terrain, extreme weather conditions and low oxygen levels, reflects exceptional courage, discipline and determination.
We will take the border regions of Uttarakhand on the global adventure tourism map
The Chief Minister said that the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is much more than just a sporting event. It is an important platform to showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential of the border regions of Uttarakhand both nationally and internationally.
More than 700 runners participated in the inaugural edition of the event in 2025, re-appreciating the adventure tourism potential of the Adi Kailash region.
Dhami noted that the number of inner line permits issued for the Adi Kailash region has increased significantly compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing interest of tourists and pilgrims in the region.
100 Miles Ultra Run 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 the high altitude Himalayan terrain of Uttarakhand. The planned route will start at Mana Pass and continue through Badrinath and Joshimath before reaching Auli.
The Chief Minister said that the event will provide runners from India and abroad an opportunity to experience the distinctive geography of the Himalayas and the spectacular natural landscape of Uttarakhand. It is also expected to boost tourism in border areas and create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth.
Tourism to strengthen local economies and livelihoods
The Chief Minister said that tourism can play a vital role in strengthening local economies and solving migration problems in the border regions of Uttarakhand.
Events like the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run create economic opportunities for homestay operators, local guides, transport service providers, hotels and food businesses. The 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, the development approach to border villages is shifting from seeing them as the last villages in the country to recognizing them as the first 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.
*Expanding Uttarakhand’s Adventure Tourism Portfolio*
The Chief Minister said that the state government promotes a wide range of adventure activities, including trekking, mountain climbing, rafting, kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking and fishing.
An ultra-running event was also organized in the Niti valley this year. Adventure tourism activities are expanding to several destinations including Auli, Munsiyari, Rishikesh and Tehri.
He said Uttarakhand’s Himalayan geography, picturesque landscape and rich cultural heritage give the state a distinct advantage in adventure tourism. Government is committed to harnessing this potential to boost the state’s economy, create jobs and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Rang Community welcomes the Chief Minister in traditional attire
On arrival at Gunji, the Chief Minister was welcomed by members of the Rang community in traditional dress. The welcome showcased the rich cultural traditions and distinctive heritage of the region.
Dhami also appreciated the contribution of Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in successfully organizing the event. He commended the force’s officers and personnel for their support, noting that they play a vital role in protecting national borders in challenging geographical conditions while contributing to community-based initiatives.
Among those present were Ashok Singh Nabiyal, Secretary of State and Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council; Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary, Tourism; Dr. Deepak Saini, Director of Development; Indian Army, ITBP and SSB officers; representatives of the local public; and other dignitaries.
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