Most young travelers in India, at some point, find themselves scrolling through dreamy landscapes on Instagram reels and consecutively planning a weekend getaway to the hills. It’s a rite of passage, almost a cultural phenomenon, that thrives year after year. According to Future Market Insights Inc., the Himalayan tourism industry was worth 2 million USD in 2022 with steady expected growth over the coming years.
But here’s the twist that no one saw coming— an increasing number of these trip-planning conversations have begun to feature an important question: How can we make our trips more sustainable and responsible? And if you’ve been asking yourself the same, welcome to the club of travelers who care about what they leave behind
Why Responsible Tourism Matters/ The Problem
Most of us consider travel a short-term escape from our otherwise serious life and fairly so. However, while exciting, this temporary change of place can often leave a lasting impact on the local life in these areas we love. Think overfilled campsites, plastic wrappers on breathtaking trails, and overcrowded roads in small mountain towns. Now think of every trip you ever took: think of every water bottle, chips packet, soap bar, and beer bottle you purchased. Now imagine a trail of non-disposable waste behind you whenever you travel somewhere. Doesn’t seem that romantic anymore right? The good news? We can be a part of the solution by adopting simple and convenient practices.
Growing Tourism in the Himalayas : Explore the rise of tourism in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Responsible tourism and sustainable practices are vital to preserving the beauty of the Indian Himalayas for future generations.
The NITI Ayog’s report examines the best practices of eight global tourist destinations, including Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, etc. If you’re not a fan of reading big lengthy reports- we’ve got your back. Here’s a summary of what goes behind the scenes of sustainable tourism and responsible tourism.
Embrace Eco-Tourism Principles The report emphasizes promoting eco-tourism by respecting the delicate ecosystems of the Himalayas. Encouraging visitors to choose accommodations that adhere to green building standards renewable energy, and have proper waste management systems in place can reduce their environmental footprint.
Community-Centric Tourism Sustainable tourism should prioritize local communities. Participating in homestays or purchasing locally-made products ensures tourists contribute directly to the local economy. Additionally, respecting indigenous cultures and traditions fosters meaningful cultural exchanges.
Responsible Trekking and Waste Management The IHR faces significant waste management challenges due to the increasing tourist influx. Travelers can practice responsible trekking by carrying reusable items, avoiding plastic waste, and adhering to “leave no trace” principles. Waste Warriors’ initiative called Eco-Daan motivates tourists to not only take anti-littering pledges but also inspires them to participate in clean-up drives and visit waste processing facilities for awareness.
Seasonal and Offbeat Travel With destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Spiti driving the growth of tourism in Himachal Pradesh, it’s crucial to adopt sustainable and responsible tourism practices to preserve these iconic locations. The report suggests promoting offbeat destinations and offseason travel to distribute tourist pressure more evenly and sustain local economies year-round.
Participate in Local Conservation Efforts Encourage tourists to volunteer with organizations focused on environmental conservation in the region, like forest restoration or clean-up drives.
Policy Backing for Tourists The government and local authorities are working towards sustainable infrastructure, such as eco-friendly public transportation and capacity-building programs for stakeholders. Support such initiatives by opting for eco-certified services and packages.
Clean-Up Drive by Waste Warriors in the Himalayas Waste Warriors volunteers lead a clean-up drive in the Renuka Wetland Ramsar site, promoting responsible tourism and sustainable practices in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Be part of the mission for sustainability in India!
While the above recommendations serve as a great starting point towards responsible tourism, the harsh reality also stands that tourism in the Inidan Himalayan Region is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.9% from 2013 to 2023 (ref: WWF report), and fairly so. So, if you’ve reached this far in the article, that means a part of you cares. What can you do to be a wind of change in this hurricane of growing tourism?
Plan Wisely, Travel Light
Packing light isn’t just about convenience—it reduces the energy your transport uses, especially on flights. Bonus tip: ditch single-use plastic items and carry reusables like water bottles, cutlery, and cloth bags.
Stay Local, Shop Local
Instead of booking big hotel chains, opt for homestays or eco-resorts that support local communities. And when you shop, go for handmade crafts, local snacks, or farmer’s market produce—it’s a win-win for you and the local economy.
Respect the Space You Visit
Whether it’s a bustling marketplace or a secluded trek, remember that the place you’re visiting is home to someone else. Be mindful of local customs, keep noise levels down, and always clean up after yourself.
Say No to Plastic
Carry a reusable bottle to avoid buying bottled water, which contributes heavily to waste. Many destinations now have refill stations, so make the most of them.
Travel in the Off-Season
Off-season travel not only saves you money but also eases the pressure on destinations struggling with overcrowding during peak times. You’ll also get to enjoy a quieter, more serene experience.
Join or Support Local Clean-Up Drives
If you’re visiting the hills, why not give back to the community while you’re there? Many organizations run clean-up drives, and a few hours of your time can make a big difference.
Sustainable tourism isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every small step matters when it comes to protecting the places we love to visit. So, the next time you’re debating where to go, also think about how you’ll go. Traveling responsibly doesn’t just make you a better traveler—it ensures that future generations will also get to enjoy these incredible places. By adopting these simple changes, we contribute to the broader movement for sustainability in India
Are you ready to make your next trip your most meaningful one yet? Share this post with all your travel-enthusiast friends and get the conversation going.
Waste Warriors is on an ambitious journey to make the Indian Himalayan region clean – one mountain at a time. Join Waste Warriors in their mission for sustainability in India and help protect the natural beauty of the Indian Himalayan region. Read more about our work here and be a supporter of this systemic battle,
