In 1974 the region was opened to international tourism and the last 30 years have seen a vigorous program of development tourism in Ladakh. But after 2007 the number of tourists visiting every year grown beyond expectation. The growing tourism influx every year caused several issues pertaining to environment, culture, and tradition.

Eco-tourism is a form of sustainable travel that supports the local environment instead of putting more pressure on it and exploiting its resources. Tourism has had a direct negative impact on Ladakh’s environment so it is time to develop more Eco friendly tourism.

The first thing it implies is a level of awareness from the tourist, they should be aware of their impact both on the local environment and on the local community. The next steps to doing something is by understanding what you should be doing. Minimize impact, you can’t do mass-ecotourism, ecotourism has to be done in small or medium groups. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.

To reach the goal to develop ecotourism in Ladakh is to create Eco friendly tourist accommodations, Eco friendly activities, and attractions that benefit everyone involved– the local flora/fauna, the local people, travel industry and travelers a like.

Once the travelers as well as travel operators understand the seriousness of the importance of natural balance and its preservation for the forthcoming generation there remains the hope of sustainable tourism practice.

One of my ideas for promoting ecotourism in Ladakh is to treat nature as valuable part of human survival. One option many tourists come to Ladakh to go trekking but on the other side they also tend to be a bit uninformed about the history and culture of Ladakh. By using home stays wherever possible, trekkers can minimize the environmental impact of their treks and learn more about Ladakhi culture at the same time.

On the other hand Eco tourism may also generate income opportunities for local people like Ice climbing and some more.

Furthermore another aspect, tourist should buy Souvenirs direct from the original craftsmen so that middlemen do not eat away a sizable portion of the money they pay. Another point you shouldn’t forget, water! Water is very scarce in Ladakh owing to erratic rainfall. Do’s for tourist should be buy drinks in glass bottle- they should use also refillable water bottles. Last but not least, use dry composting toilet.

Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves education of both communities and tourists. So in my opinion the world absolutely needs more ecotourism.

Author

Rigzin Angdu

The post How Ladakh Eco-Tourism Industry should develop in Future appeared first on Golden Eagle Expedition.

Nevertheless , has anyone truly lived an adventure? Done something extraordinary? Something one will talk about for their days to come?

Has anyone ever done that ?

Chadar trek- seldom talked about and moreover experienced . There’s a high chance that people even heard of something like that other than locals here. 

This is something to be remembered for the rest of someone’s life. 

To give you little facts on it (rest you can google of course)

It is a trek over Zanskar river on ice.

Distance will be around 100 kms to be covered.

Best time will be in Jan- Feb.

Although it sounds exciting , it is not for the faint heart. Temperature drop to -30 degree celsius. It gets freezing.

With right guidance , good gear and a little help, an adventurer can actually have the experience of his/her/their lives. 

Any company could offer help, but if you get a chance to interact with a locally based company- now wouldn’t that be a treat?! Here at GOLDEN EAGLE EXPEDITION , we offer the help and guidance – equipped with experienced and local staffs, one wouldn’t be disappointed . 

As H.H Dalai Lama has said  “once a place go somewhere you’ve never been before” . 

Anyone can come to ladakh, take a few pics on certain famous sites, create few reels with #wanderlust. To experience the real adventure, be a true traveller, one must experience CHADAR TREK. Let your soul actually ignite and adrenaline rush through your body. 

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