Uttarakhand CM Dhami proposes high-altitude ultra marathon to boost border tourism

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday directed officials to organise a high-altitude ultra marathon to promote tourism in the remote and scenic regions of the state.

At a high-level meeting held at his official residence, the Chief Minister proposed that the marathon be conducted from Gunji to Adi Kailash in the Kumaon region and from Niti-Mana to Malari in the Garhwal region.

Dhami stressed the importance of institutionalising the event as an annual fixture in the state’s tourism calendar, with a fixed date each year to draw athletes, adventure seekers, and tourists from across the country and abroad. He directed officials to ensure timely implementation and effective branding of the marathon to highlight Uttarakhand’s natural and spiritual assets.

The initiative is aimed at boosting border tourism in high-altitude locations such as Gunji, Adi Kailash, and Niti-Mana—areas known for their strategic significance, cultural relevance, and growing popularity among adventure travellers.

With the onset of monsoon, the Chief Minister also reviewed the state's disaster preparedness. He instructed officials to reinforce relief arrangements and ensure prompt compensation to those impacted. Additionally, he called for a detailed strategy to protect crops in hill and border areas through fencing or solar-powered barriers.

The meeting was attended by principal secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, state home secretary Shailesh Bagauli, and additional secretary Bansidhar Tiwari.