Stars in their eyes: Sissu village prepares for astro-tourism boom

In a visionary effort to blend celestial science with community tourism, the Panchayat Tourism Development Committee (PTDC), guided by People for Himalayan Development and supported by Royal Enfield, is launching a two-day astro-guide training program in the breathtaking village of Sissu, nestled in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti. Scheduled for June 10 and 11, the initiative marks a new chapter in sustainable tourism for the Himalayas.

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Part of the broader People Owned People Governed Tourism (POPGT) initiative, the programme aims to empower locals with basic astronomy knowledge and hands-on guiding skills, enabling them to lead stargazing sessions for curious travellers. The goal: transform the pristine night skies of Lahaul into a living planetarium — guided not by professionals, but by the very people who call these mountains home.

The training is free and open to all local residents, and comprises three immersive sessions: a theory module on the morning of June 10, a practical stargazing experience that same night, and a solar observation workshop on June 11. Participants will learn to decode celestial stories, operate telescopes, and introduce tourists to constellations, planets, and cosmic events visible from Lahaul’s ultra-clear skies.

Leading the sessions is Shweta from Pale Blue Dot, an acclaimed astronomy outreach initiative that demystifies skywatching for rural communities. Armed with telescopes and solar goggles, she will offer participants a window to the universe — and a key to new opportunities.

“Stargazing is emerging as a key component of our tourism offerings,” said a PTDC spokesperson. “It adds soul to the journey and income to the community. This is about looking up — in wonder, and in livelihood.”

The POPGT framework ensures tourism is not only eco-conscious and culturally grounded, but also community-led, offering alternatives to conventional development. With astronomy added to its tourism bouquet, Lahaul is steadily positioning itself as a haven for those seeking cosmic beauty far from the beaten trail.

As Lahaul opens its doors to the world, its sky — once the quiet companion of shepherds and sages — is becoming a canvas of collective dreams, ready to be explored, one star at a time.