"That’s You": Himachal Pradesh’s New Plan to Make You Fall in Love with the Hills!

Imagine you are standing on a winding mountain road. The air is so fresh it feels like it’s washing your soul, and the only sound you hear is the distant tinkling of cowbells or the rustle of deodar trees. You aren't in a rush to take a selfie and leave. Instead, you are sitting with a local family, sipping hot Chaa, and learning how to weave a traditional shawl.

This isn't just a dream anymore. This is the "That’s You" campaign, a brilliant new initiative launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh!

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu officially pulled back the curtain on this unique project. It is designed to change the way we travel forever. Whether you are a student on a school trip or a family looking for a peaceful holiday, this campaign is all about you and your connection with the mighty Himalayas.

What is the "That’s You" Campaign?

Usually, when we think of tourism, we think of a "checklist."

• Visit Shimla? Check. * Eat a soft-serve ice cream at Mall Road? Check. * Take a photo at Rohtang Pass? Check. But the "That’s You" campaign says: "Wait a minute! Slow down!" The campaign’s name itself is a message. It tells every traveler: "Himachal is not just a place on a map; it is an experience that belongs to YOU."

The Shift to "Slow Tourism"

The heart of this campaign is something called Slow Tourism. Don't worry, it doesn't mean the buses will drive slowly! It means that instead of rushing from one city to another in two days, tourists are encouraged to stay longer, explore deeper, and live like a local.

"In a fast-paced world, the ‘That’s You’ campaign encourages visitors to pause and prolong their stay, intermixing with locals to know more about the culture, customs, and cuisine." — CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Why Did the Government Launch This?

You might wonder, "Why change things? People already love Himachal!" Well, that’s actually the problem. Himachal Pradesh is so popular that sometimes it gets too crowded. This is called overtourism.

In 2024, nearly 18 million people visited the state! While that sounds great, it puts a lot of pressure on the roads, the water supply, and the beautiful environment. The "That’s You" campaign was created to solve three major problems:

1. Crowd Control: By showing tourists beautiful "hidden gems" (lesser-known villages), the crowds in Shimla and Manali can breathe a sigh of relief.

2. Environmental Protection: "Slow Tourism" is eco-friendly. When you stay in one place longer, you use less fuel and create less waste.

3. Helping the Poor: Most tourist money stays in big hotels. This campaign wants that money to go to the villagers, farmers, and local craftsmen in rural areas.

Where Will You See the Campaign?

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, led by Director Vivek Bhatia, has planned to greet you the moment you step into the state. You will see "That’s You" branding and helpful guides at:

• State Borders: Key entry points like the Chandigarh-Shimla route.

• Airports: Gaggal (Kangra) and Bhuntar (Kullu) airports.

• Heritage Railways: The world-famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train route.

The idea is to welcome you with warmth and give you the tools to explore the "Real Himachal" right from the start.

What does this mean for visitors?

• Plan for a longer stay: Try staying 2–4 days in one area, and use public transport or a local guide to visit near villages.
  
  

• Book homestays early: They are small and fill up quickly once a place becomes popular.
  
  

• Bring cash and small gifts: Many small shops and guides prefer cash. Small purchases (local honey, woolen caps) help families directly.
  
  

• Be kind to nature: Carry back your litter, avoid loud music, and follow local rules for fires and trekking.

What exactly will change on the ground?

• Welcome points: The state will place campaign materials and friendly information at arrival points (airports like Gaggal and Bhuntar, road entry points and the Kalka–Shimla toy train stations). This helps tourists learn about quieter places right when they arrive.
  
  

• New push for village stays: The government will promote homestays, village tours, local food experiences and cultural visits so tourists choose them over crowded hotels.
  
  

• Longer visits encouraged: Instead of just a quick 1–2 day stop, the campaign asks visitors to stay 2–5 days in smaller spots. This gives more time for local learning and helps the rural economy.
  
  

• Focus on sustainability: The campaign talks about “slow tourism” — a way of travelling that is gentle on the environment and the local way of life.

Life in a Himalayan Village: What to Expect

If you follow the "That’s You" style of traveling, your holiday will look very different from a standard hotel stay. Here’s a peek into what "Immersive Travel" looks like for a student or a family:

1. Traditional Cuisine (Yum!)

Instead of ordering a burger, you might try Siddu (a local steamed bread) or Dham (a traditional feast served on leaf plates). You might even learn how to cook it over a wood fire!

2. Learning Ancient Crafts

Himachal is famous for its wood carving, metalwork, and wool weaving. Under this campaign, tourists can visit workshops and try their hand at these crafts. Imagine bringing home a scarf that you helped weave!

3. Village Walks and Stories

Every village in Himachal has a "Devta" (Local Deity) and ancient legends. By staying longer, you get to hear these stories from the village elders—stories you won't find in any history book.

Comparison: Fast Tourism vs. The "That’s You" Way

A Greener Future for the Himalayas

One of the coolest things about this campaign is its focus on Environmental Sustainability. The Himalayas are very fragile. Melting glaciers and landslides are real threats. By promoting "Slow Tourism," the government is teaching us to respect nature.

When we stay in homestays instead of giant concrete hotels, we use less electricity and water. We become part of the mountain's rhythm. This is a 100% human-centric approach to saving our planet while having the best time of our lives.

Key Terms You Should Know

To help you understand this news better, here are some "buzzwords" used in the "That’s You" campaign:

• Immersive Travel: When you don't just "see" a place, but you "feel" it by joining in local activities.

• Rural Economy: This refers to the money earned by people living in villages.

• Heritage: The traditions, buildings, and culture passed down through generations.

• Eco-Tourism: Traveling in a way that doesn't hurt the trees, animals, or water.

What Does This Mean for Students?

If you are a student, this campaign is a golden opportunity!

• Better School Trips: Imagine a school trip where you live in a village and learn about organic farming or mountain biology first-hand.

• Social Media Brilliance: Your photos won't look like everyone else's. Instead of the same crowded bridge in Manali, you’ll have photos of hidden waterfalls and ancient temples.

• Character Building: Meeting people from different backgrounds helps you become more empathetic and wise.

The Vision of CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhu has been working hard to make Himachal a "Green State" by 2026. This campaign is a huge piece of that puzzle. By launching "That's You," he is telling the world that Himachal Pradesh is ready to lead the way in responsible and smart tourism.

The government is also working on digital tools to help tourists find these hidden villages easily. They are even training local youths to be "Experience Guides" so they can earn a good living while staying in their own hometowns.

Real examples: what a “slow trip” could look like

Imagine you arrive at Bhuntar airport for a week in Himachal. Instead of going straight to a busy hill station:

1. Spend two nights in a small village near Tirthan Valley — walk by the river, eat home-cooked trout, and sleep in a local homestay.
   
   

2. Head to a village that grows apples or hand-weaves wool for one night — learn a simple craft lesson and buy directly from the maker.
   
   

3. Finish with two nights in Shimla or Manali for shopping and a walk on Mall Road.
   This plan gives you quiet nature, local people’s stories, and the classic town view — but without the big rush.

How will this help local people?

• More jobs close to home: Villagers can earn by hosting guests, selling homemade food, or guiding short nature walks.
  
  

• Less pressure in big markets: If tourists visit many villages, towns like Shimla will be less crowded and local services (like water, transport, shops) will work better.
  
  

• Local culture gets respect: Tourists who stay and learn are more likely to follow local rules and try local food and crafts. That helps small businesses and keeps traditions alive.

Possible challenges and questions

• Can villages handle more tourists? 

The campaign plans to help villages prepare with training and small infrastructure, but change takes time. Local roads, waste management and water supply may need upgrades over months and years.

• Will people still visit Shimla and Manali? 

Yes. The campaign does not ban visitors from big towns. It just asks travellers to mix their trip — spend time in a village or two alongside the famous spots.

• How will tourists find authentic village experiences? 

The government will provide information at entry points and through tourism sites, and local tourism groups will help create trustworthy lists of homestays and guides.

Want to avoid the crowds? Try these nearby offbeat spots

• Shoja — quiet forest walks and river views.
  
  

• Jibhi — calm hamlet in Tirthan Valley with wooden homes and waterfalls.
  
  

• Tirthan Valley — fishing, easy treks and clean rivers.
  These places are great for slow travel and local stay.

The Bucket List: Top 5 Hidden Villages to Visit in 2026

If you want to experience the "That’s You" campaign at its best, skip the big cities and head to these five secret spots: