Spiti Eyes the Stars, Himachal Bets on Astro-Tourism
Shimla, Sept 23 – Like Ladakh, Spiti Valley is now staking its claim on India’s Astro-tourism map.
Known for its monasteries, fossils and barren moonscapes, the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh is being reimagined as a stargazer’s paradise, with the government pushing a new model of science-led tourism.
Training begins this week for youth in Kaza, Rangrik and Langza to operate computerized telescopes and host sky-watching sessions for visitors.
Homestays and hotels are being roped in, as officials eye a fresh stream of income for the region where over 1.58 lakh domestic and 4,500 foreign tourists have already arrived this year.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called it a “new beginning in Himachal’s history,” saying the night skies of Spiti can “integrate science with culture while creating jobs for tribal youth.”
He added that the project will strengthen the fragile economy of Kaza and surrounding villages.
Yet, the promise comes with pitfalls. Spiti remains cut off for half the year, and basic infrastructure – from healthcare to waste management – is shaky.
Locals already grapple with water scarcity, fossil thefts and overtourism. More inflows could strain the ecology and disturb Spiti’s monastic calm.
Parallel to the stargazing experiment, the state is also pushing “border tourism.”
Discussions with China are underway to reopen the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La, a move that could revive trade and attract pilgrims but also heighten pressure on fragile border terrain.
Astro-tourism could indeed make Spiti a global niche, blending cosmic wonder with cultural depth.
But without ecological safeguards, Himachal risks turning its sacred silence into just another noisy tourist hotspot.
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