Joshimath (Mohan Bhulanie): In a significant initiative by the Tourism and Rural Development Department, efforts are underway to promote tourism in the Niti Valley and strengthen the local economy. Tourism and Rural Development Secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, visited Niti village, Gamshali, Bampa, and several other villages to review preparations for the Niti Xtreme Ultra Run Marathon.
During the visit, Secretary Garbyal held meetings with local residents and encouraged them to start homestays, undertake organic production, cultivate millets, and establish fruit orchards. He informed the villagers that these tourism-related activities would not only create new sources of income but also lead to overall development of the region.
Niti Valley is a remote Himalayan valley located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, along the India-Tibet border. It forms part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its natural beauty, Bhotia culture, Timmer Sain Mahadev Cave, and high-altitude bugyals (meadows). Niti village is the last village in India, from where the Niti Pass leads towards Tibet. Villages like Gamshali and Bampa, situated at high altitudes, attract tourists seeking both peace and adventure.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given special instructions that tourism development in the area must be sustainable. He emphasized preserving Bhotia culture, traditional attire, handicrafts, and folk songs while offering unique experiences to tourists. Proper waste management, environmental conservation, and respect for local traditions are essential.
Tourist arrivals in Niti Valley have been increasing, with tourism activities gaining momentum in 2024-25. Events like the Ultra Marathon should continue as they will significantly boost tourism in the region.
Reviewing the preparations for the marathon, Secretary Garbyal said that the Niti Extreme Ultra Run, scheduled from 31 May to 2 June 2026, will put this region on the global tourism map. The event is being organized on the lines of the Adi Kailash Parikrama Ultra Marathon.
The event is expected to bring thousands of tourists and athletes to the area, providing a major boost to the local economy. The Secretary urged villagers to develop their ancestral homes under the Tourism Department’s homestay scheme and serve traditional mountain cuisine to attract visitors. This will enhance economic self-reliance.
Secretary Garbyal informed that under the “House of Himalaya” brand of the Rural Development Department, organic products and millets from the mountainous regions are being procured and sold in national and international markets. This brand, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, is empowering women and local artisans. It includes all types of grains, pulses, ghee, honey, and other products from the hills.
The Bhotia community in Niti Valley has traditionally practiced organic farming. The soil and climate here are ideal for millets and medicinal plants. House of Himalaya is selling these products through outlets in five-star hotels, which can significantly increase farmers’ income. This will help reduce unemployment and enable youth to stay in the villages and pursue entrepreneurship.
Niti Valley has a limited population, and during winter, heavy snowfall forces people to migrate to lower areas. Tourism will create seasonal employment opportunities. Attractions such as the Gamshali Bugyal trek, Timmer Sain Mahadev Cave (with its ice Shivling), and the nearby Dronagiri mountain are already drawing tourists.
Secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal told the villagers, “Tourist movement is increasing in this border region. Turn this into an opportunity. Through homestays, organic farming, and orchards, your income will rise and unemployment will end.”
The government’s initiative is expected to drive economic development while preserving the cultural heritage of the region. Villages like Niti, Gamshali, and Bampa have the potential to become important tourism hubs.