Stargazing meets storytelling: Lahaul locals trained to turn skies into tourist attraction

The two-day astro-guide training workshop at Sissu concluded on a high note, leaving the local community inspired and enthusiastic about integrating stargazing into Lahaul’s tourism landscape. Organised by the Panchayat Tourism Development Committee (PTDC) with support from People for Himalayan Development, the workshop was part of the ongoing People Owned People Governed Tourism (POPGT) project, backed by Royal Enfield.

Leading the sessions were Dr Vivek Gupta and Shweta from Pale Blue Dot, who brought not only their astronomical expertise but also professional telescopes and solar goggles for hands-on learning. Day one featured a detailed theory session, covering three core topics — an introduction to the Moon, constellations and astrophotography.

What made the session especially engaging was the active involvement of local residents, who enriched discussions by sharing traditional folklore and age-old knowledge about the Pole Star and Himalayan constellations. These stories, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, were explored alongside methods to curate and present them to visitors — promising a rich, immersive experience for future tourists.

As night descended, excitement mounted. The telescope setup offered participants a breathtaking view of the Moon in stunning detail, followed by glimpses of Mars, radiant stars and distant celestial clusters. The session naturally evolved into a lively storytelling circle, with locals using newly introduced mobile apps to map constellations in real-time, blending ancient narratives with modern technology.

The excitement continued on the second day with a rare solar observation session. Using solar goggles and telescopes, participants observed sunspots on the solar surface, igniting fresh curiosity about the Sun’s features and behaviour. The awe-inspiring experience brought the workshop to a memorable close.

PTDC members emphasised that the workshop was more than just an introduction to astronomy — it laid the groundwork for a broader vision. Locals expressed strong interest in making stargazing a regular feature of Lahaul’s tourism calendar. Discussions are already underway on how to weave this unique experience into the region’s offerings, combining Lahaul’s natural beauty with celestial exploration and traditional storytelling.

The success of this initiative reflects PTDC’s commitment to nurturing a tourism model that is truly people-owned and people-governed — one where visitors can marvel not only at Lahaul’s breathtaking landscapes but also its clear Himalayan skies, illuminated by the pride, knowledge and stories of its people.