Educational Tour Itinerary: Tribal Tourism in Uttarakhand

Theme: “Exploring Indigenous Cultures and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Garhwal Himalaya”
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Ideal for: Students of Tourism, Anthropology, Rural Development & Cultural Studies

Major Tribal Groups Covered:

• Jaunsari Tribe – Chakrata & Jaunsar-Bawar region

• Bhotia Tribe – Uttarkashi (Mana–Nelang–Jadung cultural belt)

Tharu & Buksa Tribes – Rajaji National Park (Terai–Shivalik region)

Day 1 – Arrival at Dehradun

• Arrival: Students arrive in Dehradun (by train/coach).

• Orientation Session:

  • Topic: “Tribal Communities of Uttarakhand: Cultural, Economic, and Ecological Contexts.”

  • Conducted at Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Training & Research (CTHTR), Dehradun.

• Afternoon: Visit Uttarakhand State Museum & Anthropological Gallery for tribal exhibits.

• Evening: Welcome briefing and cultural overview.

• Overnight Stay: Dehradun

Day 2 – Dehradun to Chakrata (Jaunsar–Bawar Tribal Region, 90 km / 3 hrs)

• Morning: Drive to Chakrata, the core region of Jaunsari Tribe.

• En route: Visit Kalsi Rock Edict of Ashoka (3rd century BCE).

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Jaunsari villages – Lakhamandal, Sahiya, and Koti-Kanasar.

  • Observe traditional wooden houses, festivals, and folk attire.

• Evening: Interaction with local youth and cultural program (Barada Nati folk dance).

• Educational Focus: Tribal settlement pattern, clan traditions, and socio-cultural organization.

• Overnight Stay: Chakrata

Day 3 – Field Study in Jaunsar–Bawar Region

• Morning:

  • Visit Lakhamandal Temple Complex, associated with Mahabharata legends.

  • Interact with local artisans practicing wood carving and wool craft.

• Afternoon:

  • Group discussion on tribal livelihoods, forest dependence, and changing traditions.

• Evening: Reflection on “Preserving Tribal Heritage through Community-Based Tourism.”

• Overnight Stay: Chakrata

Day 4 – Chakrata to Uttarkashi (Bhotia Tribal Region, 220 km / 7 hrs)

• Morning: Drive to Uttarkashi, the administrative and cultural hub of Garhwal Himalaya.

• Afternoon: Orientation on Bhotia Tribe of Upper Bhagirathi Valley (Nelang–Jadung area).

• Evening: Visit Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) campus and local museum for Himalayan cultural exhibits.

• Educational Focus: Transhumance (seasonal migration), trade, and adaptation in high-altitude zones.

• Overnight Stay: Uttarkashi

Day 5 – Excursion to Tribal Villages (Harsil–Bagori–Dharali Belt)

• Morning: Drive to Harsil Valley (85 km) – famous for scenic beauty and Bhotia settlements.

• Field Visits:

  • Bagori and Dharali villages – interaction with Bhotia families involved in wool weaving and apple farming.

  • Observe architecture, local governance (Van Panchayat system), and traditional food habits.

• Afternoon: Visit Wilson Cottage and Bhagirathi Riverbank for nature interpretation.

• Evening: Return to Uttarkashi.

• Overnight Stay: Uttarkashi

Day 6 – Uttarkashi to Rajaji National Park (Tharu & Buksa Tribe Region, 230 km / 7 hrs)

• Morning: Drive to Rajaji National Park near Chilla / Haridwar.

• Afternoon: Visit Tharu or Buksa tribal village near Gohri Range / Motichur area.

  • Learn about traditional mud-plastered homes, basket weaving, and folk dances.

  • Interaction with community members about forest dependence and eco-tourism initiatives.

• Evening: Nature walk and short wildlife safari inside Rajaji National Park.

• Educational Focus: Human–wildlife coexistence and indigenous forest management.

• Overnight Stay: Rajaji Eco-lodge / Haridwar

Day 7 – Return Journey / Dehradun

• Morning: Reflection and student presentations on field learnings.

• Visit: Chandi Devi or Bharat Mata Temple (optional short stop).

• Afternoon: Depart for Dehradun or Delhi.

• Evening: End of tour with certificate distribution & group photo.

🎯 Learning Objectives

1. Understand the cultural, social, and ecological diversity of Uttarakhand’s tribal communities.

2. Observe traditional occupations, crafts, and festivals of Jaunsari, Bhotia, Tharu, and Buksa tribes.

3. Learn about community-based tourism and its role in heritage preservation.

4. Analyze human–nature interactions in mountain and forest tribal settings.

5. Promote responsible tribal tourism respecting local values and traditions.

🏕️ Suggested Inclusions

• Transport by AC bus/Tempo Traveller.

• Accommodation in guesthouses, homestays, and eco-lodges.

• All meals (including local cuisine).

• Entry fees, guides, and resource persons.

• Tribal cultural programs and field materials.

• Faculty escort, coordinator, and first aid kit.