Nestled in the northern part of India, Kashmir is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty. Its snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and serene lakes have captivated tourists from across the globe, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and diverse flora and fauna make it an ideal location for sustainable tourism experiences. Eco-tourism in Kashmir can not only promote the region’s unique natural heritage but also create job opportunities for local communities and promote conservation efforts. Here are some of the key eco-tourism activities and destinations in Kashmir. Kashmir is home to several species of wildlife, including the endangered Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and brown bear. The Dachigam National Park and the Hemis National Park are popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. Kashmir is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds found in the region. Wetlands such as the Hokersar Bird Reserve and the Manasbal Lake are popular bird watching destinations. The region’s rugged terrain and stunning landscapes make it a perfect destination for trekking. Some of the popular trekking routes in Kashmir include the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and the Kolahoi Glacier Trek.
Several eco-friendly accommodations such as treehouses, camping, and homestays are available in Kashmir that offer sustainable tourism experiences. These accommodations are built using local materials and practices and promote responsible tourism practices. Eco-tourism in Kashmir also promote sustainable adventure sports such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and white-water rafting. These activities are conducted keeping in view the sensitivity to the region’s fragile ecosystem. Eco-tourism in Kashmir can promote sustainable transport practices such as cycling and electric vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism activities. According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, the region received 12.4 million domestic and international tourists in 2019. Post Covid in 2022, for the first time in history of Kashmir 20 million tourists visited. The study also estimated that eco-tourism has the potential to generate over 3 million jobs in the region. How ever this has seen a phenomenal change in year 2021 & 2022.
One of the key challenges of eco-tourism in Kashmir is the lack of infrastructure and amenities. Many of the popular eco-tourism destinations in the region are located in remote areas that are difficult to access, and there are limited accommodation options for tourists. Another challenge is the lack of awareness and education among tourists about sustainable tourism practices, which can lead to environmental degradation and exploitation of local communities. The region’s fragile ecosystem is also a challenge for eco-tourism development. According to a study by the Wildlife Institute of India, the Himalayan region is highly sensitive to climate change, and the melting of glaciers and changes in weather patterns are affecting the region’s biodiversity. Additionally, the region has been affected by political unrest in recent years, which has led to a decline in tourism. According to a report by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the number of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir decreased by 87% in 2019 compared to the previous year. The political instability has created a sense of uncertainty among tourists, which has led to a decline in demand for eco-tourism activities.
To address these challenges, there needs to be a concerted effort by the government, local communities, and tourism industry stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism practices and develop the necessary infrastructure. This can be achieved in the following manners are identification of suitable sites within the protected areas that are rich in biodiversity through participatory process involving local communities, capacity building. Local communities can act as guides and provide hospitality management services. Carrying capacities of visitors and vehicles must be decided, incorporating a feasible revenue sharing mechanism for the stakeholders.
Partnering with NGOs and other organizations that have expertise in sustainable tourism practices can provide the tourism industry with resources and support. Educating and sensitising of visitors on the significance of conservation and expected behavioural requirements. Establishment of eco-tourism department for overseeing the implementation of the policy. Developing eco-tourism in Jammu and Kashmir requires a concerted effort by the government, local communities, and tourism industry stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism practices, develop necessary infrastructure, and protect the region’s natural heritage. With the right approach, eco-tourism can bring significant economic and environmental benefits to the region while providing tourists with unforgettable experiences.