Uttarakhand to host 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run from Mana Pass to Auli in first week of May, CM Dhami says
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Sunday in Gunji, during the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2.0, that the state will organise the "100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run" during the first week of May next year, with the route planned from Mana Pass to Auli. Dhami made the announcement after participating in the event and felicitating winners of the 70-km and 42-km races.
The Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2.0 took place in Gunji, a remote border area of Pithoragarh district, and is part of Uttarakhand’s push to expand adventure tourism. Dhami described participation in high-Himalaya competitions, amid difficult terrain, extreme weather and low oxygen, as demonstrating exceptional courage, discipline and determination. He also welcomed runners who had travelled from different states to compete.
Organisers say the proposed 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run will begin at Mana Pass, located at an altitude of approximately 5,600 metres, and will pass through Badrinath and Joshimath before concluding at Auli. The state government intends the event to offer runners from India and abroad an opportunity to experience the Himalayas’ geography and Uttarakhand’s natural landscapes. Officials expect the race to encourage tourism in border areas and to create employment and self-employment options for local youth.
Dhami characterised the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run as more than a sporting contest, calling it an important platform to showcase the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential at national and international levels. He noted that more than 700 runners took part in the inaugural edition of the event in 2025. The Chief Minister also pointed to a significant rise in the number of Inner Line Permits issued for the Adi Kailash region compared with the previous year as evidence of growing interest.
Addressing economic impacts, Dhami said tourism events generate work for homestay operators, local guides, transport service providers, hotels and food businesses, and that the government aims to ensure benefits reach local communities and support sustainable livelihoods. He linked the development approach for border villages to central government policy, stating that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi the perspective is shifting "from viewing them as the country’s last villages to recognising them as its first villages." He added that, in line with the Vibrant Villages Programme, efforts are being made to improve infrastructure, promote tourism and expand livelihood opportunities.
The state government is promoting a range of adventure activities alongside ultra-running, including trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, kayaking, paragliding, mountain cycling and angling. Dhami mentioned that an ultra-running event was organised in the Niti Valley this year and said adventure tourism activities are being expanded at destinations such as Auli, Munsiyari, Rishikesh and Tehri. He stated the government is committed to harnessing Uttarakhand’s Himalayan geography and cultural assets to boost the state economy and generate employment.
On arrival in Gunji, Dhami was welcomed by members of the Rang community in traditional attire, and he acknowledged the support of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Sashastra Seema Bal in organising the event. He honoured officers and personnel for their assistance and for their role in safeguarding the nation’s borders under challenging geographical conditions while contributing to community initiatives. Those present included Ashok Singh Nabiyal, Minister of State and Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Tribal Advisory Council; Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary, Tourism; Dr Deepak Saini, Chief Development Officer; officers of the Indian Army, ITBP and SSB; local public representatives; and other dignitaries.
The immediate next step confirmed by the state government is the staging of the 100 Miles Himalayan Endurance Ultra Run in the first week of May next year, with the course set to start at Mana Pass (approximate altitude 5,600 metres) and proceed via Badrinath and Joshimath before finishing at Auli.