Uttarakhand: In a major move to promote tourism during the winter season, the Uttarakhand Hotel and Restaurant Association has announced up to 50% discount on hotel stays for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Winter Char Dham circuit. This initiative aims to strengthen the state government’s efforts to encourage all-season tourism and enhance local business opportunities.
Encouraging Pilgrims to Visit During Winter Months
To attract visitors even after the closure of the summer Char Dham temples, the association has decided to extend this special offer to devotees visiting Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli districts. Announcing the decision during a press conference held in Mussoorie, the Association’s State President Sandeep Sahni stated that the step aligns with the government’s vision to make tourism in Uttarakhand a year-round activity.
He emphasized that such incentives would not only attract more visitors during the off-season but also provide a much-needed boost to local hoteliers, transporters, and businesses dependent on the tourism sector.
Support to Chief Minister’s Directive
During the media interaction, Sahni also appreciated Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s recent directive to the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), which offered a 50% concession on travel and accommodation for devotees participating in the winter pilgrimage.
After the closure of the main Char Dhams — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri — their deities are worshipped at designated winter shrines. The joint efforts of the state government and private sector aim to establish these shrines as major religious and cultural destinations, thereby contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
Government Ready for Winter Char Dham Yatra
The Uttarakhand government has nearly completed preparations for the Winter Char Dham Yatra, which is set to commence on October 24. Authorities are optimistic that the initiative will attract a large number of devotees, similar to the summer pilgrimage season.
Officials believe that the winter yatra will not only create local employment opportunities but also help reduce migration from the hill regions by providing sustainable livelihood options. With the active participation of both the government and the hospitality sector, Uttarakhand is set to redefine spiritual tourism in the Himalayan region.
