> Two-day capacity-building programme in Nimoo and Stakmo aims to generate rural livelihoods, revive agriculture, and strengthen traditional village systems
Leh: In a significant step towards promoting responsible tourism and sustainable rural development in Ladakh, the Ladakh Environment and Health Organization (LEHO) successfully conducted a two-day intensive training programme for 27 Model Homestays established in the villages of Nimoo and Stakmo.
Held on June 24 and 25, the programme focused on equipping homestay owners with essential hospitality skills, including cooking, housekeeping, guest relations, and front desk management. The initiative was designed to enhance the quality of visitor experiences while enabling local communities to benefit directly from Ladakh’s growing tourism sector.
The training concluded with the distribution of essential materials required for setting up and operating the model homestays, providing participants with practical support to begin offering professional and comfortable accommodation to visitors.
Certificates were awarded to all participants by Dr. Mohammed Deen, Founder of LEHO, and Sh. Tashi Tsetan, Vice President of LEHO. Addressing the participants, they urged the villagers to work with commitment towards the larger vision of creating sustainable employment opportunities, reviving traditional agricultural practices, and preserving Ladakh’s unique village-based social and cultural systems.
They highlighted that responsible tourism can serve as a powerful catalyst for inclusive economic growth by ensuring that tourism revenues reach local households while encouraging the conservation of Ladakh’s cultural heritage and fragile environment.
The Model Homestay initiative is part of LEHO’s broader efforts to promote community-led tourism that balances economic development with environmental sustainability. By strengthening local capacities and encouraging authentic village experiences, the organisation aims to position rural Ladakh as a model for sustainable and responsible tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both residents and visitors.
