In a major push to strengthen Uttarakhand’s emerging astro-tourism sector, more than 200 local youths have been trained and certified as astro-tourism guides under a statewide skill development programme. The initiative is being implemented by Starscapes in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).
Starscapes founder Ramashish Ray said the programme is part of a larger plan to train over 500 youths in professional astro-tourism skills within six months. He added that the initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while promoting responsible night-sky tourism.
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Poonam Chand, Additional Director at the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, described the programme as a dual-impact initiative that supports economic development while encouraging environmental conservation, particularly dark-sky preservation. The programme is being run with the support of the Uttarakhand government and focuses on sustainable and community-led tourism models.
The training curriculum includes basic astronomy and night-sky knowledge, telescope handling, guided stargazing techniques, and introductory astrophotography using mobile phones and entry-level cameras. Participants are also trained in hospitality skills, storytelling, responsible tourism practices, and dark-sky conservation, enabling them to conduct astro-tourism experiences independently.
Monika Rawat, a certified astro-tourism guide from Rishikesh, said the training has helped her gain confidence to organise stargazing sessions and earn additional income through her homestay.
So far, training sessions have been conducted in Munsyari, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Ramnagar, Lohaghat and Pithoragarh. In the coming months, workshops will be organised in Lansdowne, Karnaprayag, Almora, Nainital, Chopta and other identified dark-sky locations.
The initiative primarily targets local youths and homestay operators, allowing them to supplement their income by integrating stargazing experiences into tourism activities while ensuring the conservation of Uttarakhand’s natural night skies.
The programme, which began in October 2025, will continue until March 2026. Participants who complete the training will receive a government-recognised certification from the THSC, enabling better employment prospects in the tourism and hospitality sector and participation in future community-based astro-tourism projects.