Women of Matholi: Pioneers of Women-Led Tourism in Uttarakhand

The women of Matholi Village in Uttarkashi have become trailblazers in sustainable tourism and rural entrepreneurship. In a powerful shift from traditional roles, they have taken charge of managing the entire village, offering a holistic travel experience rooted in eco-tourism, community engagement, and agro-tourism.

Through their efforts, Matholi has evolved into a model village for women-led tourism in the Himalayan region. These inspiring women not only open their homes and hearts to visitors, but also share their deep knowledge of local traditions, farming practices, and sustainable living.

Travelers are consistently moved by the warmth, hospitality, and entrepreneurial spirit of these women — who embody resilience, wisdom, and a collective vision for a self-reliant and sustainable future.

Matholi Village in Uttarkashi Emerges as a Beacon of Women Empowerment and Rural Tourism

Matholi Village

Nestled in the Chinyalisaur block of Uttarkashi district, Matholi village is fast becoming a model for women empowerment and sustainable tourism. The women of this remote mountain village are taking the lead — from hosting guests in cozy homestays to guiding village tours, they are redefining the concept of rural hospitality.

Transformation Story

The transformation of Matholi into a thriving tourist destination is largely credited to Pradeep Panwar, a local youth who returned to his roots during the COVID-19 lockdown. With a background in the tourism industry, Panwar saw potential in his village. He began by converting his family’s cowshed into a functional homestay, offering a genuine Himalayan experience to visitors.

Understanding the importance of community involvement, he trained local women in various skills like hospitality, traditional cooking, trekking guidance, and organizing village experiences.

To reinforce the spirit of women-led tourism, he rebranded the village as “Bwari Village” — where “Bwari” means daughter-in-law in the local dialect, symbolizing the strength and grace of women at the heart of this initiative.

Events like the “Ghasyari Competition”, where tourists witness traditional grass-cutting contests, have been a hit, offering a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle of the region.

Inspired by this success, more women in Matholi are now stepping forward to convert their own ‘chhanis’ (seasonal huts) into welcoming homestays, further boosting the village’s tourism potential and empowering the community economically.

Matholi, Uttarakhand: A Women-Led Himalayan Experience

Immerse yourself in the inspiring, women-led village of Matholi, nestled in the majestic Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. This 4-day experiential journey offers an unforgettable blend of cultural immersion, nature exploration, and community engagement.

Explore the soul of the mountains as you:

Trek through breathtaking landscapes, guided by local women who know every trail and tale.
Learn traditional Garhwali crafts and cooking, passed down through generations.
Participate in sustainable tourism initiatives, supporting rural development and women’s empowerment.
Stay in cozy homestays, lovingly maintained by local women entrepreneurs who manage every aspect of the village’s hospitality.

Enjoy organic farm-to-table meals, evening bonfires with Garhwali storytelling, and the warmth of Garhwali hospitality that turns strangers into family.

Matholi isn’t just a destination — it’s a movement. Come be a part of it.

4-Day Women-Led Village Experience in Matholi, Uttarakhand

Discover the charm of Matholi, a women-led Himalayan village in Uttarkashi, through an unforgettable journey filled with cultural connection, nature exploration, and community empowerment.

Day 1: Arrival & Village Immersion

Arrival at Matholi Village

Scenic drive through the lush Himalayan landscapes (from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar)
Warm Garhwali welcome by the women’s collective
Check-in at your eco-friendly homestay
Enjoy a farm-to-table welcome meal made with love

Afternoon Experiences

Guided village walk to discover the sustainable lifestyle and community initiatives
Meet the women entrepreneurs running tourism, farming, and local crafts
Visit an organic farm and try your hand at traditional farming practices

Evening

Cultural storytelling and music by the bonfire
Live Garhwali folk music performance
Dinner with traditional local cuisine

Day 2: Nature Exploration & Community Engagement

Morning

Sunrise yoga and meditation session with a local instructor
Hearty Garhwali breakfast
Trek to Kandak Top (moderate, 2–3 hours) with panoramic Himalayan views
Picnic lunch in nature’s embrace

Afternoon

Join a community-led project (choose from eco-tourism, crafts, or sustainable farming workshops)
Participate in a traditional Garhwali cooking session with local women

Evening

Bonfire storytelling with herbal tea
Optional: Village camping experience under the stars

Day 3: Adventure & Local Economy Engagement

Morning

Optional sunrise trek to hidden waterfalls
Scenic breakfast on the trail
Engage in village life: milking cows, wool-crafting, or waste management activities

Afternoon

Visit the local market for handmade Garhwali products
Free time to unwind and explore at your own pace

Evening

Farewell gathering with vibrant cultural performances
Final bonfire session and reflection circle

Day 4: Departure

Morning

Peaceful village walk and closing meditation
Breakfast and packing
Goodbye ceremony with the community
Departure back to Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar with memories that stay forever

Government support

Currently, over 5,300 homestays — precisely 5,331 — are officially registered with the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, with the majority being managed by women in rural areas. This impressive number reflects the growing role of women-led tourism in the state’s economy.

Supporting this movement, the government has launched the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Homestay Scheme, which offers financial subsidies to promote local entrepreneurship. Under this scheme, beneficiaries can receive up to 25% subsidy in the plains and 33% in hilly regions towards the cost of setting up a homestay, making it easier for villagers — especially women — to enter the tourism sector and generate a sustainable livelihood.