Eco-Friendly Tourism in Kashmir: Sustainable Travel Journey

Best Practices and Initiatives


Blog Home | Haveed Hilal | 02-05-2024


What is Eco-Tourism?

Eco-tourism describes travel strategies that guarantee a secure and environmentally friendly experience. The goal of Eco-Friendly Tourism Kashmir is to protect the natural surroundings from overtourism, deforestation, and other factors that have the potential to cause significant environmental harm.

Why do we need eco-friendly travel in Kashmir?

Kashmir makes a wonderful destination in the Himalayas, having numerous natural treasures including, dense forests, lush pastures, waterfalls, streams, glacial lakes and perennial rivers. In between the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir lie fragile ecosystems, hosting a large variety of flora and fauna.

With increasing tourism in the Kashmir Valley, famous destinations have started to show signs of environmental damage. There is a strong need to cater to this problem before serious damage appears. Deforestation, plastics, construction, and noise are some elements to deal with.

Pahalgam Valley
A beautiful view of the landscape in the Pahalgam Valley. Source: Times Of India

Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism Kashmir

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has prepared plans to save the beautiful but fragile environment of the Valley. Some initiatives for sustainable tourism Kashmir include the promotion of homestay convertion, construction of eco-parks, proper waste collection and disposal, and afforestation. Let us look at how you as a traveller can practice responsible tourism Kashmir Valley.

Do Not Litter / Segregate The Waste

The most basic and effective way to save the environment happens to be waste management. The plastics and other waste should be dumped into dustbins. If separate bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes are provided, it is best to use these. This small step leads to proper eco-friendly travel in Kashmir.

Sagg Eco-Village
Mud houses at the “Sagg Eco-Village” in Ganderbal, Kashmir. Source: Tripadvisor

Promote Eco Parks and Villages

Visit eco-parks and villages to witness raw nature and promote these locations. “Sagg eco-village” in Ganderbal is one example. Visiting these locations will generate revenue for the further improvement of the eco-parks and villages. It will also promote sustainable tourism Kashmir.

Have Homestays / Stay in a Dhok

After the promotion of homestay conversions by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, homestays have increased manifold in Kashmir. Besides promoting responsible tourism tourism Kashmir Valley, these also provide a close experience of the Kashmiri culture. You can also have a Dhok Stay (Dhok is a mudhouse, built by the tribals in Kashmir), providing you with a unique experience of Kashmiri culture and natural beauty in mesmerizing locations.

Take Part in Afforestation Workshops

Being a part of afforestation workshops and other such events promotes eco-friendly travel in Kashmir to another level. Afforestation improves the degraded locations of the environment and promotes a stand against deforestation.

Indian Army
Indian Army conducts an afforestation drive in Baramulla. Source: Scoopnest

Say No To Deforestation

If you witness deforestation at any place in Kashmir, report it to the forest department as soon as possible. Also, take part in events that say “NO” to deforestation. Cutting trees is a major cause of climate change, destruction of habitats and degrading ecosystems. Let’s make our journey in Kashmir a sustainable one and promote responsible tourism Kashmir Valley.

Kashmir Online

Greetings from Kashmir Online. We are a strong promoter of eco-tourism in Kashmir. Besides providing all kinds of amazing packages to Kashmir at genuine prices, we make efforts to promote sustainable tourism Kashmir. This is the only thing that will keep the beauty of the valley intact. You may check our website and other information here.

FAQs

Which form the best practices for responsible travel Kashmir Valley?

The best practices to implement for sustainable travel in Kashmir include: dumping waste in dustbins, visiting eco-parks and villages, having homestays, taking part in afforestation and saying no to deforestation.

Which are the most affected destinations in Kashmir because of over-tourism?

The most affected destinations in Kashmir include Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Doodhpathri.

Which is the best season to visit Kashmir for a crowd-free experience?

The best season to visit Kashmir for a crowd-free time is Autumn (September to November).

Which activities in Kashmir should be reported to the authorities?

To protect tourism and the environment in Kashmir, one should report poaching, deforestation, scamming of tourists, and other harmful practices.

Author Profile

Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.