Adventure, Borders and Stars: Himachal Charts New Tourism Future

Shimla Jan 04, 2026

From river rapids to open skies and silent Himalayan borders, Himachal Pradesh is steadily redefining its tourism identity—one that blends adventure, sustainability and livelihood creation.

Adventure tourism has gained fresh momentum with the successful Rafting Championship–2024 held on the Sutlej River in Shimla, while Bir-Billing in Kangra, already a global paragliding hub, hosted the Accuracy Paragliding Pre-World Cup in 2023. Expanding this horizon further, the Paragliding World Cup–2024 was organised at Junga in Shimla district, reflecting the State’s intent to take adventure sports beyond established destinations.

Recognising the ecological and economic potential of tourism, the State Government has implemented a new Eco-Tourism Policy aimed at generating employment and self-employment opportunities for youth at the grassroots level. In a pioneering move, border tourism has been launched from Shipki-La, leading to a threefold increase in tourist footfall, with over 7,400 visitors exploring the scenic valleys near the India–China border. Adding a new dimension to niche tourism, a star-gazing facility has been launched at Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti, positioning Himachal on the astro-tourism map.

Tourism infrastructure is also witnessing major expansion. Kangra has been declared the tourism capital of the State, with work underway on the expansion of Kangra Airport. Of the ₹595.92 crore released for land acquisition, ₹460 crore has already been disbursed. Construction of heliports at all district headquarters is in progress, while the ₹619-crore Durgesh Aranya Wildlife Park at Bankhandi in Dehra subdivision is expected to emerge as a landmark attraction.

Complementing infrastructure growth, the Chief Minister Tourism Start-up Scheme is opening new self-employment avenues for youth by offering interest subsidies on loans for new tourism units and homestay expansion—up to 3 percent in urban areas, 4 percent in rural regions and 5 percent in tribal belts.

Under the leadership of Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is moving towards inclusive development by harnessing its natural beauty, cultural heritage and emerging tourism niches—crafting a future where growth, sustainability and opportunity travel together.