Leh, Aug 03: To push sustainable rural tourism and environmental conservation, the Ladakh Environment and Health Organization (LEHO), in collaboration with the Food Craft Institute, organized a three-day intensive training program aimed at enhancing homestay management, cooking skills, and waste disposal techniques.
The program, which concluded recently, brought together 20 homestay owners and village coordinators from the remote villages of Mangu and Khardong, highlighting a grassroots effort to empower rural communities in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The training, held under the Responsible Tourism Project, focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge to run efficient and eco-friendly homestays. Sessions covered key areas such as hygiene in food preparation, guest hospitality, sustainable cooking methods using local produce, and scientific waste segregation and disposal—crucial for preserving Ladakh’s fragile ecology.
The valedictory function of the training program was graced by Gulam Mohammad, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Leh, who attended as the chief guest, and Lobzang Sherab, Councillor of Khaltse constituency, who was the guest of honour. Both dignitaries lauded the initiative and emphasized the importance of community-led tourism in preserving Ladakh’s unique culture and landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mohammed Deen, Founder of LEHO, stated, “Under the Responsible Tourism Project, LEHO has successfully established 178 homestays across various districts of Ladakh. Our aim is to decentralize tourism, reduce the pressure on urban hubs like Leh, and revive traditional agriculture and crafts while ensuring environmental conservation.”
He further noted that the project not only provides economic alternatives to rural households but also encourages travelers to experience the authentic Ladakhi way of life.
At the conclusion of the event, essential homestay materials, including bedding, kitchen kits, hygiene supplies, and waste bins, were distributed to all participants. These materials are expected to immediately uplift the standards of hospitality and cleanliness in participating homestays.
