Shimla– The picturesque valley of Bagha-Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh, often compared to Kashmir’s Pahalgam, is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government’s flagship outreach initiative, ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’, has brought fresh hope to this long-overlooked destination.
The Chief Minister’s recent visit to Bagha-Sarahan has not only reenergized administrative focus but also unlocked discussions around the region’s immense tourism potential. For the first time, government presence has triggered serious conversations around infrastructure, access, and long-term development planning in this stunning valley.
Despite its natural grandeur, Bagha-Sarahan remains largely inaccessible to tourists. The current routes—from Rampur Bushahr and Nirmand—are difficult and time-consuming. A direct road connecting Kullu to Bagha-Sarahan, just 30 kilometers away, could open up the region to a broader audience and significantly reduce travel time. Experts believe such a route would rival the charm and popularity of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir.
Tourism Planning Needs a Strategic Shift
Tourism analysts argue that Himachal Pradesh must identify and develop select destinations with a clear, sustainable model. Past efforts—such as the initiative to develop Khajjiar into the ‘Switzerland of India’—have failed to deliver on promises, mostly due to poor planning and lack of follow-through.
Further, projects encouraged under international funding agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have often resulted in overspending without concrete outcomes. Many potential tourism zones have been lost to political favoritism or lack of vision.
With Bagha-Sarahan, the government has an opportunity to avoid repeating those mistakes.
Preservation Over Commercialization
Officials and tourism advocates are now calling for Bagha-Sarahan to be brought under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) and for the enforcement of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. Doing so would allow the region to be developed thoughtfully, with a long-term blueprint that protects its ecological and cultural identity.
The proposal includes limiting concrete construction and promoting traditional Himalayan architectural styles to preserve the area’s unique charm. The memory of Manali’s unchecked urban sprawl and the shelving of the ambitious Ski Village project continue to serve as warnings.
CM Sukhu’s Announcements
Chief Minister Sukhu has already announced a road survey to explore the Kullu-Bagha-Sarahan link. In addition, the state government will provide a 50% subsidy for electric cart purchases in the region, aiming to promote sustainable transportation and reduce vehicular pollution.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of designing tourism models based on the unique characteristics of each region. Proposals include developing Palampur as a highway tourism hub complete with amusement parks, tea tourism, and food marts; establishing science parks, student tourism zones, and senior citizen wellness destinations; and promoting heritage and film tourism in areas like Garli-Paragpur and the Bogdhar Valley in Sirmaur.
A Destination Waiting for Its Turn
Bagha-Sarahan’s potential as a high-value tourism destination is undeniable. With proper planning, sustainable practices, and timely infrastructure, it could easily become one of India’s most sought-after mountain retreats.
To make that a reality, experts stress the urgency of establishing a dedicated Tourism Development Board for the region and implementing preservation laws without delay.
Bagha-Sarahan may still be off the tourist map—but if vision meets action, Himachal Pradesh could soon unveil its own version of Pahalgam, this time without the pitfalls of overdevelopment.