The Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is set to emerge as a major attraction for adventure tourism in Uttarakhand, with approximately 1,100 runners expected to participate in this year’s event in the high-altitude Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district. The initiative aims to promote winter tourism, generate employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy in the state’s border villages. Moving beyond the traditional focus on the Char Dham Yatra and summer tourism, the Uttarakhand government is working to establish the Himalayan region as a year-round tourist destination. As part of this strategy, the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run has been included in the Tourism Department’s annual calendar as a regular event. Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal said that, following the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, ultra-marathons in the Adi Kailash and Niti Valley regions, which were organized last year, will now be held annually. The government aims to give these events international recognition and position Uttarakhand’s border regions as prominent destinations for adventure tourism. Officials believe the initiative will increase tourist arrivals while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. However, the number of participants will be expanded gradually, keeping in mind the availability of accommodation, food and other essential facilities. The current participation target has been set according to the capacity of existing homestays, hotels and guesthouses. High-Altitude Challenge at 4,500 Metres Scheduled from October 23 to 26, the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run will take place in a challenging Himalayan landscape at an altitude of approximately 4,500 metres. The event will feature multiple running categories, including a 70-kilometre ultra-marathon, a 42-kilometre marathon, a 21-kilometre half-marathon, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races, along with mountain biking competitions. The combination of high altitude, low temperatures and rugged terrain is expected to test participants’ physical endurance and mental resilience, making the event a significant addition to Uttarakhand’s adventure sports calendar. Four-Day Schedule of Events According to the Tourism Department’s schedule, the inaugural ceremony will be held in Gunji on October 23 at 5 PM. On October 24, the 70-kilometre ultra-marathon will begin from Jolingkong at 6 AM, while the 42-kilometre marathon will start from Gunji. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is scheduled to inaugurate the marathon that day. A cultural programme will also be organized in Gunji in the evening. On October 25, the 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races will begin at 7 AM, followed by the distribution of awards to the running event winners at 11 AM. Cultural programmes are also planned for the evening. The final day, October 26, will feature mountain biking competitions over 50-kilometre and 25-kilometre routes, starting at 7 AM. Awards for the mountain biking events will be presented at 11 AM. Focus on Border Development and Adventure Tourism The event is being organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in collaboration with the Pithoragarh District Administration, with support from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army. Recognition from the Athletics Federation of India further strengthens the event’s sporting credentials. Through the annual marathon, the state government aims to promote the natural beauty of the Himalayan border region, encourage tourism during the winter season and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents. With improved tourism infrastructure and growing participation, the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is expected to play an important role in placing Uttarakhand on the international adventure tourism map.
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