Shimla, Sept. 24 -- To promote astro-tourism in the state for community empowerment in the high-altitude cold desert of Himachal Pradesh, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had formally launched the stargazing facility at Kaza for the local tribal community as part of an entrepreneurship programme. This programme was a first-of-its-kind effort in the region to harness Spiti's pristine night skies, minimal light pollution and high-altitude clarity for astro-tourism and stargazing activities. "It is a new beginning in the history of the state and will strengthen the local economy by attracting more tourists in the area," Sukhu said in a statement issued from Shimla on Tuesday. High-end computerised telescopes (Sky-Watchers) were also provided to local beneficiaries. These telescopes would be used to conduct night sky observations for tourists, thereby establishing Spiti as a unique destination for astro-tourism via-a-vis providing employment opportunities to the local youth of Kaza, Rangrik and Langza who will be provided training to handle telescopes. A training schedule has been fixed for this Wednesday for the beneficiaries to handle telescopes. Perched at over 14,500 feet, Langza is widely known as the "fossil village" due to the abundant marine fossils found in its surrounding areas dating back millions of years are abundant in the area, offering a glimpse into a time when the Himalayas were formed. Known for its pristine environment and near-zero night pollution, Langza is the perfect destination for astronomers, researchers and sky gazers besides its green pastures, snow-clad mountains and barren landscapes offer a lot for visitors. Villagers also believe that Langza is a house to all deities of the valley. Spokesperson stated that the efforts to promote sky gazing will also rope in local homestays and hotel owners to take benefit of this project. As per data received, around 1,58,580 Indian and 4,570 foreign tourists have visited Spiti and Langza till July 2025, thereby adding to the economy of the region. Similarly, the state government is making all out efforts to open border tourism....