The ongoing efforts of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s government to promote tourism and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand are now yielding positive results. Over the past three years, more than 23 crore tourists have visited the state. This growth has provided a livelihood boost to homestay and hotel owners, roadside eatery operators, women self-help groups, and transport businesses.
According to data from the Tourism Department, tourism and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand have seen continuous growth in recent years. A notable trend is that tourism in the state has become diversified — visitors are no longer limited to big cities or popular hill stations but are now exploring remote and lesser-known destinations as well. At the same time, participation in adventure activities such as rafting, trekking, bungee jumping, and mountaineering has increased among both domestic and international tourists. As a result, the benefits of tourism are directly reaching millions of people across the state, including hotel and restaurant operators, transport service providers, and women self-help groups. At present, more than 6,000 homestay operators have emerged as direct beneficiaries of this tourism boom.
Pilgrimage on the Rise
Religious tourism has also seen a significant surge. This year alone, the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham Yatra has reached nearly 50 lakh. More than 4,300 horse and mule operators provided their services on the Kedarnath and Yamunotri trekking routes this season. The state government is now actively promoting winter tourism and pilgrimage as well. The Adikailash Yatra, promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also boosted religious and adventure tourism in the border areas of Pithoragarh district.
Tourism is the backbone of Uttarakhand’s economy. The benefits of tourism and pilgrimage directly reach the local people. Therefore, the government is making efforts to ensure that tourism and pilgrimage activities continue throughout the year. The visits and initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have further strengthened tourism and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand.
— Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
