Ecotourism

SAHARA was one of the first platform to initiate ecotourism and related activities around GHNP, and today we try to shape sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism in Banjar area with Panchayats and other stakeholders

Towards a culturally and naturally rich and sustaining tourism in our sacred land !!
Youth training camps

For youth of Banjar, Pangi valley in the beginning

Women fair

To showcase culture and meet and greet among women SHGs of the valley

Soft adventure camp

TransHimalaya Adventure camp was set-up and still running

Homestays promotion activities

Local food, culture and day-to-day management

Nature based tourism

Bird watching and forest walk exploration and training camps using local knowledge

Cultural exchange

Talks and discussion among village folks with guests from outside

Ecotourism in the GHNP UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sahara NGO promotes community-led ecotourism in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), creating sustainable livelihoods while conserving nature and local culture. Our initiatives include birding and wildlife tours, trekking, soft adventure activities such as rock climbing and river crossing, mountaineering, fishing, student educational tours, ecozone cultural experiences, and wellness programs like yoga and meditation.

Sahara’s strategy focuses on training local communities, developing responsible tourism products, creating eco-friendly campsites, and raising awareness about positive tourism impacts. Through support from Women Saving and Credit Groups, government collaboration, and ethical marketing, we work to ensure tourism benefits both people and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Initiative with NSS–DTU

SAHARA as collaborate with the National Service Scheme Delhi Technological University to promote youth engagement in rural development, environmental conservation, and cultural exchange. Through this initiative, NSS volunteers participate in short-term rural immersion programs in villages around the eco-zone of the Great Himalayan National Park, gaining hands-on experience in community interaction, biodiversity conservation, plantation drives, and awareness activities. The collaboration aims to sensitize students to grassroots realities while contributing meaningfully to sustainable development efforts in the Himalayan region.

What we started with & Where we are …

SAHARA partnered with GHNP to initiate trainings around ecotourism for local young men. Mahila Mela was started on selected dates during wildlife week, to showcase local cultural, products and get together for various women SHG groups across the valley

Currently, we work only with local tourism association and panchayats towards a vision for sustainable and dev culture sensitive direction for tourism in the valley

Check out our homestay cum camps @Transhimalaya Adventure Camps

Our little happy place amongst nature, apple gardens and a warm family welcome!!!