Mystic village: Himachal’s ‘Switzerland’ shines in community-driven tourism

Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan lauded the scenic beauty and grassroots tourism efforts of Mystic village and Khajjiar, likening them to Switzerland during his visit under the “Chalo Chamba” campaign. He praised the region’s community-based and responsible tourism model, calling it an example for the rest of the country.

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Warmly welcomed by villagers, Paswan engaged with members of the Mystic village tourism development committee — a collective of residents from nine nearby villages working together to build a sustainable tourism ecosystem. He commended the initiative for linking tourism with local livelihoods, stating, “This model of community-led tourism empowers youth and promotes self-reliance.”

The minister also acknowledged the innovative efforts of Not On Map, an organisation supporting Mystic village’s development and emphasised the need to uncover India’s lesser-known destinations. He noted that the “Chalo Chamba” campaign aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to spotlight hidden tourism gems across the country.

Residents took the opportunity to voice local concerns about road infrastructure and ambulance services, which the minister assured would receive due attention.

The visit also featured vibrant cultural performances by local artistes. Paswan praised their talent and highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting local culture through tourism.

During his stay, the minister savoured traditional Himachali dishes such as saag, babru and madhra, expressing gratitude for the villagers’ warm hospitality.

Mystic village, the region’s first tribal-led tourism model, thrives through the efforts of local self-help groups like Gabdika and Pehchaan, with support from Not On Map and ACT. These groups are fostering a vision of responsible tourism rooted in cultural preservation and sustainable development.

Manuj Sharma, co-founder of Not On Map, shared that Mystic village has received multiple awards for its pioneering work and continues to serve as a beacon of rural tourism success in India.