A snow leopard tour will be launched in Uttarakhand based on the Ladakh model, and work will also be done on heli-skiing. Learn more about the plan

To promote winter tourism in Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister has issued instructions for the immediate launch of snow leopard sighting tours, heli-skiing, and a Himalayan car rally. The Chief Minister also directed that all arrangements and facilities of KMVN and GMVN be improved by December 20th in view of winter tourism, and that a meeting be held with hotel owners.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a review meeting late Saturday night at the Chief Minister’s residence with senior government officials and District Magistrates of all districts regarding the promotion of winter tourism. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the development of the Saryu Corridor in Bageshwar. He also instructed the development of a religious and spiritual site at the origin of the Saryu River, similar to Gangotri. Considering the vast potential for trout fish, kiwi, and red rice production in Bageshwar, he directed that serious efforts be made to promote these. He also instructed that the state government, in collaboration with private institutions, social and religious organizations, organize a grand international-level yoga festival.

CM Dhami directed that the feedback of tourists, tour operators, hotel owners, and other stakeholders be included in the work plans related to the development of tourist destinations in the state. This will ensure that facilities are developed according to the needs of the tourists. In the meeting, the Chief Minister directed that the work plan for the beautification of the Rahu Temple in Paithani, Pauri, and the Lakhamandal Temple be implemented quickly and effectively. He also took note of the aarti (religious ceremony) held at various confluences and ghats (riverbanks) in the state, including Devprayag.

CM Dhami directed that one grand festival be organized in each district of the state under the ‘One District-One Festival’ initiative. During the meeting, the Tourism Secretary informed that, on the instructions of the Chief Minister, the state government is going to launch a snow leopard tour on the lines of the Ladakh model to give a new direction to winter tourism in Uttarakhand. Under this, high-altitude Himalayan regions like Gangotri will be opened to tourists in a controlled manner during the winter. Snow leopard tourism will be operated on a pilot basis in the Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi. The aim of this initiative is to promote winter tourism and create new employment opportunities at the local level. The Snow Leopard Tour will encourage homestays, local guides, adventure tourism, and other activities, thereby strengthening the economy of the border regions.

The Tourism Secretary stated that a comprehensive action plan is being implemented in the state to promote winter tourism, encompassing the Winter Char Dham Yatra, adventure tourism, cultural festivals, and wildlife tourism. This plan includes roadshows in major cities across the country, digital and print media campaigns, live broadcasts of evening aarti (religious ceremonies) from pilgrimage sites, special tour packages, and discounted rates at hotels and resorts during the winter season.

Under this action plan, adventure activities such as skiing, trekking, paragliding, and rappelling will be organized in various areas, including Auli, Khaliya Top, and Bednidhar. Winter carnivals will be held in Mussoorie, Nainital, and Uttarkashi, an international yoga festival in Rishikesh, and wildlife and snow leopard tourism activities will be organized in Jim Corbett National Park, Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Gangotri region.