Community tourism breathes life into Himalayan villages

Kathdhara village is a riot of colour as evening light turns clouds the rosy hue of Himalayan salt. Bright chillies dry on doorsteps painted cornflower blue, saris and marigolds pop against terraced fields, and 22 families tend gardens framed by views of the snow-capped Panchachuli peaks.

I walk with Deepak, a local guide, amid Diwali lights and warm welcomes; Village Ways, a pioneer of community-based tourism now celebrating its 21st anniversary, was created by Manisha and Himanshu Pande to curb urban migration and support traditional rural life.

The project began in 2005 with five villages in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and has grown to involve more than 30 communities across the country. Most visitors stay in village-built guesthouses that sleep up to eight, rather than formal homestays, and income is shared across roles from cleaners to porters, with committees making joint decisions.

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