Winter Tourism Gets a Major Push in Uttarakhand: CM Dhami Orders Launch of Snow Leopard Tours, Heli-Skiing & Himalayan Car Rally
KMVN-GMVN arrangements to be finalized by December 20; CM to inspect preparations on ground
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand’s winter tourism is set to receive a significant boost as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the immediate launch of new and high-impact initiatives including snow leopard sighting tours, heli-skiing, and a Himalayan car rally. The directions were issued during a late-night high-level review meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence with senior government officials and District Magistrates from across the state.
To ensure seamless arrangements for the winter season, the Chief Minister instructed that all facilities and preparations of KMVN and GMVN be completed by December 20, and that a meeting with hotel owners and tourism stakeholders be convened at the earliest. He also directed all District Magistrates to ensure that roads, hotels, and essential amenities at major tourist destinations remain fully functional. CM Dhami announced that he would personally travel by road to inspect winter tourism arrangements on the ground.
An important stakeholders’ meeting will also be organized in Delhi to further strengthen promotion and participation in winter tourism.
‘One District – One Festival’ Initiative
Under the ‘One District – One Festival’ concept, the Chief Minister directed that a grand, signature festival be organized in every district, reflecting its unique cultural identity. Participation of prominent personalities, non-resident citizens, village heads, and senior officials from respective districts will be ensured. Additionally, a mega international-level festival will be organized at the state level, inviting eminent personalities and expatriates from India and abroad, with a focus on maximum public participation.
Saryu Corridor, Religious Tourism & Local Produce Promotion
The Chief Minister approved the development of the Saryu Corridor in Bageshwar and directed the development of a religious and spiritual site at the source of the Saryu River, on the lines of Gangotri. Highlighting the region’s potential, he emphasized focused efforts to promote trout fish, kiwi, and red rice production in Bageshwar.
He also instructed for the expedited beautification and development of the Rahu Temple in Paithani (Pauri) and Lakhamandal Temple, and directed that grand aarti ceremonies be organized at Devprayag and all major river confluences, along with the development of new ghats across the state.
Snow Leopard Tour on Ladakh Model
The Tourism Secretary informed that, as per the Chief Minister’s directions, Uttarakhand will soon launch a ‘Snow Leopard Tour’ on the lines of the Ladakh model. As part of this initiative, high-altitude Himalayan regions—particularly the Gangotri region—will be opened for winter tourism in a controlled manner. A pilot snow leopard tourism project will be conducted in the Gangotri National Park, Uttarkashi.
The initiative aims to boost winter tourism, generate local employment, and promote homestays, local guides, adventure tourism, and allied activities, thereby strengthening the economy of border areas.
Comprehensive Winter Tourism Action Plan
A comprehensive action plan is being implemented to position Uttarakhand as a year-round tourism destination. Key components include:
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Winter Char Dham Yatra
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Adventure tourism and cultural festivals
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Wildlife and snow leopard tourism
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Roadshows in major cities across India
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Digital and print media campaigns
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Live telecast of evening aartis from pilgrimage sites
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Special winter tour packages and discounted hotel rates
Adventure activities such as skiing, trekking, paragliding, and rappelling will be promoted in areas like Auli, Khaliya Top, and Bednidhar. Winter carnivals will be organized in Mussoorie, Nainital, and Uttarkashi, an international yoga festival in Rishikesh, and wildlife tourism activities in Jim Corbett, Nandhaur, and the Gangotri region.
The Chief Minister also emphasized incorporating feedback from tourists, tour operators, and hotel owners into future planning to ensure world-class facilities aligned with visitor expectations.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretaries R.K. Sudhanshu, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Shailesh Bagoli, Sachin Kurve, Dheeraj Gabryal, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, and other senior officials. District Magistrates from all districts participated virtually.
