English
English
English
The Uttarakhand government is set to introduce a Snow Leopard Tour to promote winter tourism, opening select high altitude regions under controlled conditions while encouraging local livelihoods, adventure activities, wildlife experiences, and year round tourism across the state.
Pilot project planned in Gangotri National Park.
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government is preparing to launch a Snow Leopard Tour as part of a broader effort to give fresh momentum to winter tourism in the hill state. The initiative is aimed at showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife of the high Himalayan regions while ensuring sustainable and regulated tourist movement during the colder months. Senior officials said the tour will be introduced soon to diversify tourism beyond the traditional summer and pilgrimage seasons.
Under the proposed Snow Leopard Tour, tourists will be allowed to visit select high altitude areas such as Gangotri during winter in a carefully monitored manner. The pilot phase of the initiative will be conducted in Gangotri National Park located in Uttarkashi district. Authorities plan to balance tourism promotion with environmental protection, ensuring that wildlife habitats remain undisturbed while offering visitors a unique winter experience.
The Snow Leopard Tour is designed not only as a wildlife experience but also as an economic booster for remote and border areas. The program aims to generate employment opportunities by promoting homestays, local guides, adventure tourism operators, and small businesses. Officials believe that winter tourism can provide a stable income source for residents who otherwise depend on seasonal travel.
Tourism projected to grow at 25% CAGR; Is the boom sustainable?
Alongside the Snow Leopard Tour, the state government has rolled out a comprehensive winter tourism action plan. This includes continued promotion of the Char Dham Yatra during suitable winter windows, expansion of adventure tourism, cultural celebrations, and wildlife focused travel experiences. The objective is to distribute tourist inflow across seasons and regions, reducing pressure on peak periods.
Adventure tourism forms a key pillar of the winter strategy. Activities such as skiing, trekking, paragliding, and rappelling will be organised at popular destinations including Auli, Khalia Top, and Bednidhar. These initiatives are expected to attract adventure enthusiasts from across the country and abroad, positioning Uttarakhand as a preferred destination for winter sports and outdoor exploration.
Unique Rituals and Spiritual Wonders: 5 temples every devotee should visit
To add vibrancy to the winter season, the government plans to host winter carnivals in Mussoorie, Nainital, and Uttarkashi. An International Yoga Festival will also be organised in Rishikesh, blending wellness tourism with cultural appeal. Wildlife tourism activities are planned in Jim Corbett, Nandaur, and Gangotri regions, offering visitors diverse experiences beyond adventure sports.
The chief minister has instructed officials to ensure that tourism infrastructure is fully prepared ahead of the winter rush. Facilities managed by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam are to be made operational by December twentieth. Meetings with hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are being planned to coordinate services and address logistical challenges.
As part of creating a distinct identity for each district, the government has directed the organisation of grand festivals under the One District One Festival initiative. Public representatives and local communities will be involved to highlight regional culture and traditions. Additionally, development projects such as the Saryu Corridor in Bageshwar, beautification of the Rahu Temple in Paithani and the Lakhamandal Temple are being fast tracked. Grand aartis will also be organised at major river confluences and ghats, including Devprayag.
The government aims to establish Uttarakhand as a year round tourism destination by combining nature, culture, adventure, spirituality, and wildlife. By introducing innovative initiatives like the Snow Leopard Tour and strengthening winter offerings, the state hopes to attract sustained tourist interest while preserving its fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
