‘Mystic Village’, run by Gaddi community in Chamba, gets Responsible Tourism award

Our Correspondent

Chamba, February 25

Bhaloli — popularly known as the ‘Not on Map Mystic Village’— is a quaint hamlet located near the globally renowned tourist resort at Khajjiar in Chamba district. The village was recently awarded Silver in the Indian Responsible Tourism category by Outlook Traveller.

MANAGED BY SHG

A 2-km trek away from Khajjiar, the village is inhabited by the Gaddi tribe and has five homestays. The homestays are managed by Gabdika, a self-help group.

The village was conferred with the award at a ceremony held in Delhi last Friday. The award was received by Manuj Sharma, Renu Sharma, Shankar, Anoop, Magandeep, Tanvinder Singh and Jivesh on behalf of ‘Not On Map’. Located in the Singi gram panchayat, Mystic Village is the first tourism-based community village of the Gaddi tribe.

The picturesque destination — situated at an altitude of about 2100 meters above sea level — is 25 km from the district headquarters of Chamba, and 20 from the tourist town of Dalhousie. A 2-km trek away from Khajjiar, the village is inhabited by the Gaddi tribe and has five homestays.

The homestays are managed by Gabdika, a self-help group. ‘Not on Map’ co-founder Manuj Sharma said the recognition came as a testament to Mystic Village's commitment to cultural preservation, responsible tourism, and sustainable practices.

‘Not on Map’ founder Kumar Anubhav said the achievement highlighted the village's dedication towards fostering an environment where guests could immerse themselves in cultural experiences of the Gaddi tribes of Chamba while contributing to the preservation of the local ecosystem.

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