Dehradun 13 Dec 2025 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a comprehensive push to transform the state into a year-round tourism destination, unveiling a series of initiatives ranging from snow leopard sighting tours to district-level cultural festivals. The directives were issued during a late-night review meeting with senior officials and district magistrates.

Snow Leopard Sighting, Heli-Skiing and Himalayan Car Rally to Begin Immediately

CM Dhami instructed officials to immediately roll out snow leopard sighting tours, heli-skiing activities, and the Himalayan Car Rally to boost winter tourism. He also ordered the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) to upgrade all facilities by 20 December. 

‘One District–One Festival’ to Showcase Local Identity

Under a new initiative titled “One District–One Festival”, each district will host a grand festival highlighting its unique cultural identity. Dhami also directed officials to organize an international-level state festival, inviting distinguished personalities and NRIs from India and abroad. Public participation will be a key focus of all events.

Major Religious and Cultural Development Projects Approved

The Chief Minister approved the development of the Saryu Corridor in Bageshwar and instructed officials to create a spiritual site at the river’s origin, similar to the model used in Gangotri. He also emphasized promoting the region’s potential in trout fishery, kiwi cultivation, and red rice production.

Dhami further ordered the beautification of the Rahu Temple in Paithani and the Lakhamandal Temple, along with grand evening aartis and the development of new ghats at Devprayag and other major confluences.

Ladakh-Style Snow Leopard Tour to Begin in Gangotri Region

Tourism Secretary informed that Uttarakhand will soon launch a Ladakh-model Snow Leopard Tour, opening select high-altitude areas like Gangotri during winter in a controlled manner. A pilot snow leopard tourism project will be initiated in the Gangotri National Park.

The initiative aims to generate local employment by boosting homestays, guiding services, adventure tourism, and wildlife activities.

Comprehensive Winter Tourism Plan Rolled Out

A statewide winter tourism strategy will include:

• Winter Char Dham Yatra

• Adventure sports

• Cultural festivals

• Wildlife and snow leopard tourism

Promotional activities will feature roadshows in major Indian cities, digital and print campaigns, live telecasts of evening aartis, special tour packages, and discounted winter tariffs for hotels and resorts.

Adventure events such as skiing, trekking, paragliding, and rappelling will be organized in Auli, Khaliya Top, Bedni Dhar, and other locations. Winter carnivals will be held in Mussoorie, Nainital, and Uttarkashi, while Rishikesh will host an international yoga festival.

Uttarakhand as a Year-Round Tourism Destination: The government’s overarching goal is to position Uttarakhand as a premier tourism destination throughout the year by integrating adventure, spirituality, culture, and wildlife experiences.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.