Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh Opens Observatory

• Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand opens its first Astronomical Observatory.
• Starscapes trains locals as Astro-Guides for night-sky shows.
• The initiative promotes science-led & sustainable tourism.

Located in the hills of Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh is now giving travellers a reason to look up at the night sky. The district has inaugurated its first

Astronomical Observatory, set up by the District Tourism Department, Pithoragarh and executed by Starscapes Experiences. The initiative marks a clear push towards science-led and sustainable tourism in the region. The observatory was formally inaugurated by Satpal Maharaj, with district officials and local representatives in attendance. While the ceremony was official, the vision behind it is simple: turn Pithoragarh’s naturally dark skies into a meaningful travel experience for visitors.

Why Pithoragarh Is Perfect For Stargazing

Thanks to its high altitude and low light pollution, Pithoragarh offers some of the clearest night skies in Uttarakhand. These conditions make it ideal for astronomy sessions, night-sky observations, and educational programs. The observatory, another feather in the cap of Starscapes, an experiential astronomy company focused on building sustainable astro-tourism and science-based celestial experiences across India, is designed to host tourists, students, and locals alike, opening up the universe to anyone curious enough to pause and look up.

Local Guides, Real Experiences

What makes this observatory special is the people running it. Starscapes has trained local residents as Astro-Guides to conduct night-sky shows and operate telescopes. These guides are trained in basic astronomy, telescope handling, and storytelling—so visitors don’t just see stars, they understand what they’re looking at.

This approach links tourism directly with local employment, ensuring that the benefits of increased footfall stay within the community.
Officials say the goal is not just tourism, but responsible tourism. By combining scientific infrastructure with skill development, the district hopes to build a long-term model that promotes learning, protects dark skies, and creates steady livelihoods. There are also plans to explore similar observatories in other suitable parts of Uttarakhand in the future.