With the snow-laden peaks of Garhwal as a majestic backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Harsil in March 2025 marked more than just a ceremonial appearance—it signalled a decisive shift in Uttarakhand’s tourism vision. Participating in the newly launched Winter Tourism Program, the Prime Minister not only offered prayers at Mukhba, the winter seat of Maa Ganga, but also laid out an ambitious, multi-pronged roadmap to transform Uttarakhand into a year-round destination for pilgrims, adventurers, and wellness seekers alike.
“This decade is becoming the decade of Uttarakhand,” the Prime Minister declared, underscoring the state’s growing role in India’s developmental journey. The Winter Tourism initiative, flagged off with a symbolic trek and bike rally, is central to that vision—aimed at breaking the seasonal nature of travel in the hills and unlocking economic opportunities for locals even in the traditionally lean winter months.
Turning the Off-Season Into High Season
Currently, tourism in Uttarakhand peaks between March and June, leaving hotels and homestays empty and economies stagnant during the rest of the year. PM Modi stressed that Uttarakhand must become a destination “in every season,” not just for a few months. He emphasized that winter travel offers a unique experience—whether it’s the snow-draped landscapes of Gangotri, the serenity of Mukhba’s religious rituals, or the thrill of trekking and skiing.
To fuel this transformation, the state has launched major infrastructure projects including the Kedarnath and Hemkund ropeways—set to drastically cut travel time and open pilgrimage access to older and less mobile travellers. Further developments include expressways, expanded railway and air connectivity, eco-log huts, convention centers, and new helipads in high-altitude villages like Mana and Jadung.
Revival of Border Villages
A striking feature of this renewed tourism push is the revival of abandoned frontier villages. Once considered “last villages,” settlements like Jadung and Nelong are being rebranded as “first villages” of India. Under the Vibrant Village Programme, these communities are seeing the return of residents, the birth of homestay ventures, and a rise in footfall from curious travellers and patriotic trekkers alike.
Empowering Locals, Celebrating Culture
Tourism in Uttarakhand is no longer just about vistas; it’s about livelihoods. The government is actively encouraging locals to start homestays, with financial aid offered under the Mudra Yojana. The growth of homestays is creating income for households that once saw their younger generations migrate to the plains.
PM Modi also called on the state to embrace its cultural heritage—promoting Garhwali music, dance, and food as part of the tourist experience. He spoke of the potential for yoga retreats in snowbound areas, hot spring wellness spas, winter wildlife safaris, and local art festivals that can elevate the region’s allure beyond its natural beauty.
Gham Tapo Tourism & The Rise of Winter Weddings
In a light-hearted but visionary moment, the Prime Minister coined a new concept—“Gham Tapo Tourism”—inviting people from foggy metros to soak in the Himalayan sun during winters. He urged corporations to hold meetings and retreats in the hills, expanding the scope for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.
Winter weddings also featured in his pitch. With India’s booming wedding economy, Modi suggested that couples consider tying the knot in Uttarakhand, thus tapping into the burgeoning destination wedding market. His appeal to the Indian film industry to utilize Uttarakhand’s cinematic landscapes, backed by its “Most Film-Friendly State” title, reflects a broader effort to diversify the tourist base.
Content Creators and The New Tourism Vanguard
Recognizing the influence of social media, the Prime Minister made a direct appeal to content creators. He called on influencers, vloggers, and filmmakers to document their travels in Uttarakhand and share stories of little-known destinations. He even suggested that the state hold short-film competitions to further amplify its tourism message.
A Year-Round Devbhoomi
From spiritual seekers to skiers, birders to bikers, wellness tourists to wedding planners—Uttarakhand is being positioned as an all-season, all-purpose travel destination. Backed by both the Centre and State governments, and reinforced by PM Modi’s personal connect to the land and its people, the region’s tourism strategy is shifting from reactive to proactive, seasonal to sustainable.
As pilgrims once again trek to the winter Char Dham shrines, as young entrepreneurs in remote villages open their doors to the world, and as new infrastructure knits the mountains closer to the plains, it’s clear that Uttarakhand’s next chapter is not just being written—it’s being lived, season after season.
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