Kullu Manali is one of the most popular vacation destinations in India. It hosts approximately 30 lakh tourists from India and the world. Decorated with majestic snow-capped Himalayas, apple orchards, deciduous and coniferous forests, and Buddhist monasteries, this breathtaking destination offers a diverse range of activities to all kinds of travelers.
Despite its popularity among tourists, we must not forget that Kullu and Manali are located in geographically fragile and delicate regions of the North Western Himalayas. On one hand, the exponential rise of tourism has been beneficial to the tourism industry. However, the environmentalists have now begun to perceive the dangers and threats that rapid development poses on the delicate and vulnerable ecosystem of Kullu Manali.

Kullu Manali is currently exposed to the following prominent environmental issues:

• Increased air pollution due to rapid construction of guest houses and hotels.
• Increased deforestation due to this construction to accommodate and attract tourists
• Soil erosion due to deforestation
• Increased waste generation due to increased tourist activities
• Water pollution

Evidently, eco-tourism in Kullu Manali was never as important and required as it is today. In the blog, we will list the places you can visit to appreciate nature better, and visit Manali as a responsible tourist without damaging its delicate ecosystem.

What is Ecotourism?

Practicing ecotourism includes three main components:

• Responsible and sustainable travel. For instance avoiding traveling by flight wherever possible, and preferring public transport.
• Traveling to places that are endowed with rich flora, fauna and cultural heritage. This helps us to first-hand understand the importance of ecosystems and become more aware and sensible towards them.
• Appreciation of natural habitats

Top 3 places for eco-tourism in Kullu and Manali

Almost all of the Kullu Manali is nestled in a rich, lush green natural environment and is home to a diverse wildlife. Below is the list of the places you can visit to appreciate the intricate natural ecosystem and breathtaking landscape of Kullu Manali.

1.The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)

Location: Banjaar sub-division of Kullu, 50 km from Manali

Trip duration: At Least 4-5 hours

The Great Himalayan National Park or GHNP is located in Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its high alpine peaks, meadows, and riverine forests. This spectacular destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The moment you set foot in this national park, you cannot help but marvel at the crystal clear rivers that are fed by the glaciers, diverse wildlife, and pristine trekking trails.

This National Park is a top destination for eco-tourism in Kullu Manali as it protects and conserves over 1000 plant species, 31 mammal species and 209 species of birds. One gets to understand how everything is completely interdependent on each other and how damaging excessive human interaction can be for a delicate environment.The GHNP offers various trekking trails such as:
Shrikhand Mahadev Trek
Raktisar Trek in Sainj Valley
Neuli to Homkhani Trek in Neuli Valley
At KulluManali Travel, we are sensitive to the frail ecological conditions of Kullu and Manali and guarantee you a vacation that is environmentally friendly and as low impact as possible.

2.Tirthan wildlife Sanctuary 

The Tirthan valley is situated in Kullu and is well connected with the Great Himalayan National Park. It is partially a World Heritage site and is adorned with exceptionally beautiful valley and mountainous landscape, and pristine walking trails. Located 70 kms from Kullu, the Tirthan valley is home to rare pheasants and snow leopards. Tirthan valley is the perfect place if you want to go on a peaceful trek away from the crowd, and appreciate the breathtaking scenic beauty that nature has to offer. The treks you can enjoy in this valley are:

• Morahani Trek
• Tirath trek
• Gushani to Rakhundi Trek
• Sainj to Tirthan Valley trek

  3.Manali Wildlife Sanctuary

The Manali Wildlife Sanctuary begins 2 km from Manali and is adorned with dense Maple, Horse Chestnut, Walnut, and Deodar forests. Popular wildlife belonging to this sanctuary are snow leopards, brown bears, musk deer, monal, and leopards. Ibex are also seen migrating to the glacier zones during summer time. The Sanctuary covers 31.8 square km of area.You can lose yourself in the blissful tranquility where nature with all its flora and fauna is in complete harmony.

Tips to travel Kullu Manali more responsibly

Adopt the following practices to become an environmentally sensitive and responsible tourist.

• Minimize the use of packaged foods
• Do not carry plastic bags
• If you are camping or are on a trek, do not leave behind any trash. Carry all the trash with you. Additionally, pick up any trash you see on the way.
• Never wash your clothes in rivers or streams using detergents as they pollute the water sources
• Never leave behind any garments as the dye and fabric might be hazardous to the wildlife and the environment.

Kullu Manali serves as a rejuvenating refuge from the noisy and busy city life. As tourists, it is our conscious duty to protect the place that offers us so much ethereal beauty and peace, and is home to rare wildlife, flora and fauna.