Shimla:
In a move that could change how women experience travel in the hills, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to introduce a SheTravel Tourism Policy focused entirely on women who travel alone.
The policy, rolled out by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Himachal Pradesh, aims to make solo travel safer, easier and more comfortable for women — whether they are visiting Shimla for a weekend, trekking in Spiti, or staying in a village homestay in Chamba.
Officials say many women already feel welcome in Himachal, but the new policy is meant to make that sense of safety more reliable and organised. The state plans to improve lighting and safety at tourist spots, promote verified women-friendly stays, and introduce a digital safety support system that connects travellers with police and local help when needed.
The policy also looks inward — helping local women earn from tourism. Thousands of women will be trained as guides, homestay owners and tourism workers, so that visitors meet more women running businesses on the ground, not just behind the scenes.
“Women should be able to travel without fear or constant worry. This policy is about making sure safety and respect are built into the system, not left to luck,” a senior tourism department official said.
The government hopes the policy will encourage more women to plan solo trips to Himachal and help the state emerge as the most trusted mountain destination for women travellers in the country.
