French non-profit association · Chamonix
Founded in Chamonix by a collective of five passionate members, Marche à l'étoile works to democratize access to astronomy for people living in the world's most remote regions. Our first project now underway: building an open-access astronomical observatory in Mustang, Nepal.
Support the project →Marche à l'étoile is a French non-profit association whose mission is to democratize access to astronomy for people living in the world's most isolated regions. Because gazing at the stars should not be a privilege — it is a universal right that connects human beings to something greater than themselves.
The association grew out of the journey of Stephen Rater, an astronomer-hiker who, since 2018, has travelled through some of the most remote territories — Nepal, France, Kyrgyzstan, and South America — sharing the night sky with the people he met along the way. Documented by Arte and Ushuaïa TV, these expeditions showed the universal power of astronomy to create connection and wonder.
Founded in Chamonix in 2025, the association is now leading a first concrete project: building a permanent astronomical observatory in Nepal, in the Mustang region, freely accessible to local communities. More projects will follow.
“Walk toward the star, even if it is too high.” — Alexandra David-Néel
Stephen Rater and photographer Mathieu Gay set off with a telescope in their backpacks into the Humla region of western Nepal. Along the way, they shared the stars with the local people they met. The journey was featured in GEO Magazine.
A crossing of France between Valence and Pic du Midi with filmmaker Boris Wilmart. The trip was documented in a 52-minute film.
An expedition to the Suusamyr region, supported by two grants (La Guilde and Fodacim). The film was screened at the Les Écrans de l'Aventure festival.
A journey from Chile to French Guiana. The documentary was produced by Mona Lisa and broadcast on Arte and Ushuaïa TV, giving the project wide international visibility.
The project officially took shape with the creation of the non-profit association “Marche à l'étoile”, based in Chamonix, to carry this collective ambition forward.
Launch of the fundraising campaign to build Nepal's first high-altitude astronomical observatory, in the Mustang region, more than 3,800 meters above sea level. Goal: €50,000.
More skies, more horizons…
Project underway — Nepal, Mustang
The association's first concrete project, currently in its fundraising phase, is to build Nepal's first high-altitude astronomical observatory in the Mustang region, at over 3,800 meters above sea level. A permanent place, open to everyone, in the heart of the Himalayas.
Why Mustang? Because it offers exceptional astronomical conditions: a remarkably pure sky, ideal altitude, virtually no light pollution, and access from the Annapurna trek — one of the most travelled routes in the world.
The planned observatory will include a 60 cm telescope under a dome, an educational space with an astronomy library, and autonomous solar power. Access will be completely free for schools, monasteries, and local residents, funded by international scientific tourism.
It will be Nepal's first high-altitude astronomical observatory.
Founder & astronomer-hiker
Social entrepreneur
Journalist
Artist
Entrepreneur
Pokhara Astronomy Society
Pokhara Astronomy Society
Every donation is a new stone added to the structure. Together, let's build this bridge to the stars.
Tax-deductible donations apply under French rules.