Jalekh Hills Emerge as a New Identity for Adventure Enthusiasts
Bageshwar, 11 February 2026: In a landmark step toward giving adventure tourism a new identity in Uttarakhand, the remote mountainous region of Kapkot has achieved a historic milestone. In line with the vision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a five-day National Accuracy Paragliding Championship has firmly placed Kapkot on India’s tourism map.
Held from February 5 in Bageshwar district, the prestigious competition transformed the region into a festive spectacle as colorful paragliders took off from the hills of Jalekh. A total of 92 pilots from different states of the country registered for the event, out of which 78 actively showcased their skills. The presence of thousands of local spectators and tourists clearly reflected the growing enthusiasm for adventure sports in Kapkot.
The championship was inaugurated by District Magistrate Akanksha Konde and local MLA Suresh Gariya. Calling it a historic initiative for the district, the District Magistrate said such events not only promote tourism but also strengthen the local economy and create new employment opportunities for the youth.
Thrill remained at its peak throughout the event. Experts described Kapkot’s geographical landscape as extremely suitable for paragliding, trekking, and other adventure activities. To ensure a fully professional setup, technical training and safety sessions were organized for the participants.
At the closing ceremony, District Magistrate Akanksha Konde herself took a paragliding flight from Jalekh, sharing the experience and stating that the Kapkot–Bageshwar region has now emerged as a new hub for adventure tourism. In the competition, Manish Upreti secured first place, Manish Bhandari stood second, and Pankaj Kumar finished third, while women pilots were honored with special incentive awards.
The event sends a clear message that Kapkot is no longer just a rural region, but is fast emerging as one of Uttarakhand’s promising adventure destinations.
