Uttarakhand to launch ‘Snow Leopard Tour’ to boost winter tourism – all you need to know

Uttarakhand prepares to launch its Snow Leopard Tour, opening high Himalayan regions like Gangotri to controlled winter wildlife tourism. (Representative Image: Canva)

In a major push to reposition Uttarakhand as a year-round travel destination, the state government is set to launch a ‘Snow Leopard Tour’, aimed at giving fresh momentum to winter tourism in the high Himalayan regions.

State Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal confirmed that the initiative will be rolled out soon, following directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who recently chaired a late-night review meeting with senior officials and district magistrates to fast-track winter tourism plans.

Pilot Wildlife Experience in Gangotri National Park

The Snow Leopard Tour will be introduced on a pilot basis in Uttarkashi’s Gangotri National Park, with tourist access permitted in a strictly controlled manner during winter months. Remote high-altitude areas such as Gangotri will be selectively opened, balancing tourism promotion with ecological protection.

Officials say the initiative is designed to showcase Uttarakhand’s rare winter wildlife while maintaining strict conservation protocols to protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

A New Direction for Winter and Border-Area Tourism

According to Garbyal, the Snow Leopard Tour aims to strengthen winter tourism, encourage homestays, promote local guides, and expand adventure and wildlife-based experiences, particularly in border and high-altitude regions. The move is expected to generate livelihood opportunities for local communities and boost the rural mountain economy during the off-season.

Part of a Larger Winter Tourism Action Plan

The Snow Leopard Tour forms part of a comprehensive winter tourism action plan that includes:

• Char Dham winter travel initiatives.
• Adventure sports such as skiing, trekking, paragliding and rappelling in Auli, Khalia Top and Bednidhar.
• Wildlife tourism in Jim Corbett, Nandaur and Gangotri regions.
• Winter carnivals in Mussoorie, Nainital and Uttarkashi.
• International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh.

The government’s broader goal is to establish Uttarakhand as a 12-month tourism destination, reducing dependence on seasonal travel peaks.

Snow Leopard Tourism and Conservation Focus

Often called the “Ghost of the Mountains,” the snow leopard is one of the Himalayas’ most elusive predators. By centring tourism around this iconic species, the state aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation while ensuring tourism revenue supports habitat protection and scientific management.

Officials emphasised that sightings and tours will be carefully regulated to avoid disturbing wildlife and to maintain ecological balance.

Infrastructure Push Ahead of Winter Season

Chief Minister Dhami has directed officials to ensure that all facilities of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam are fully operational by December 20. He also ordered meetings with hoteliers and tourism stakeholders, including a proposed consultation in Delhi.

District magistrates have been instructed to restore roads, hotels and key tourism infrastructure, with the chief minister set to personally inspect arrangements by road.

Festivals, Cultural Identity and Destination Development

To further enrich the winter travel experience, the state will host district-level celebrations under the “One District–One Festival” initiative, alongside plans for a grand international festival at the state level.

Development work has also been fast-tracked at key heritage and pilgrimage sites, including the Saryu Corridor in Bageshwar, Rahu Temple in Paithani, and Lakhamandal Temple, along with plans for grand aartis at river confluences such as Devprayag.

A Step Towards Year-Round Tourism

With the launch of the Snow Leopard Tour, Uttarakhand is betting on wildlife-led winter tourism to transform travel patterns, support conservation, and deliver sustainable economic benefits to mountain communities—marking a strategic shift in the state’s tourism vision.