Were you aware that Himachal Pradesh is being visited by over 16 million people every year? However, tourism growth has become rapid which in turn has led to deforestation, waste pollution, and water scarcity. The state has Top Eco-Tourism Schemes in Himachal Pradesh to counter these obstacles & supply responsible travel.
This book is about Himachal Pradesh’s leading eco-tourism programs, what they mean for nature and local communities, and what you can do to be a part of eco-friendly tourism.
1. Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Policy (Revised 2025)
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department renews the Ecotourism Policy for increased low carbon, clean transportation. The following are the highlights:
- Developing eco-friendly tourism hubs like Great Himalayan National Park, Kaisdhar, and Kasol
- Building of nature trails, jungle lodges, and adventure camps for the promotion of eco-tourism
- Local participation in homestays, handicraft markets, and guided tours
How to Experience It: Attend eco-parks in Kufri, Kanlog, and Glen where you will have a chance to observe wildlife, walk in the natural environment, and take part in wildlife conservation conferences.
Read more about Top 5 Must-Visit Travel Destinations in Himachal Pradesh
2. Nai Raahein Nai Manzilien Scheme
The scheme was started with a ₹50 crore budget with the aim of developing the offbeat travel destinations and rural tourism.
Key Benefits:
- Proposes the use of other locations such as Jibhi, Shoja, and Chitkul
- Encourages the use of residential homes over hotels for one to be part of the local day-to-day that are all immersive
- Allows adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, and river rafting flourish there.
How to Participate: Select certify homestays in remote villages and find out the local traditions for yourself
3. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model for Eco-Tourism
The government along with private investors in the eco-tourism sector aims to come up with sustainable development of the sites. These locations are as follows:
- Suma Ropa (near Kasol) – Sustainable jungle lodges
- Solang Nala (Manali) – Eco-friendly adventure sports
- Bindravani (Kullu) – Riverfront eco-resorts.
What Is the Point: It is executed like zero-waste tourism that comes with the adoption of solar power, rainwater harvesting, and compostable materials.
4. Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Initiatives
Programs like the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Himachal plays a vital role not only in empowering local people to operate the tourism but also in providing visitors with the real experiences of the surrounding community.
- Magnificent CBT Experiences:
- Malana Village Trek – Discover the oldest democratic country in the world
- Spiti Valley Homestays – Live with the Buddhist monks and feel the spiritual environment REDUNDANCY
- Banjar Trails – Forests Trekking Routes in the middle of nowhere managed by shepherd tribes
How to Join: You must be accompanied by tour operators who exclusively operate with eco-certified tourism companies that have as their mission to help local communities.
5. Wildlife Conservation & Eco-Tourism Parks
Himachal Pradesh, where the state administers 5 national parks and 32 wildlife sanctuaries, is one of the biggest eco-tourism zones. Meant to conserve the rare species like:
- Himalayan Musk Deer
- Snow Leopard
- Black Bear
Most Eco-Tourism Parks:
- Great Himalayan National Park – The hotspot for biodiversity is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pin Valley National Park – Snow leopard conservation hub
- Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary – Species-laden Alpine meadows and bird specials
Travel Responsibly: Moreover, visitors should only embark on such excursions with nature guides who are gold certified for minimally-invasive experiences of the animals.
Step by Step Guide to Eco-Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
- Step 1: Eco-retreats for serene and natural getaways
- Step 2: The best way to live, therefore, is to book it through homestays and eco-lodges only
- Step 3: Ecotourism should be promoted through participation in non-invasive activities such as trekking and birdwatching
- Step 4: Taking a complete “Leave No Trace” approach in which you carry out zero waste-do not litter at all AND recycling of materials should be done in a correct way without hampering the environment
- Step 5: Besides cleaning the environment, you can also buy handmade products to support local people.
Travel Responsibly
Eco-tourism in Himachal Pradesh is not simply a fad. It is a necessary step towards sustainable travel. You are helping to preserve the Himalayas for the benefit of future generations by opting for eco-friendly stays, patronizing local businesses, and cutting waste.
Are you prepared to plan your eco-tourism adventure? Himachal Pradesh’s official eco-tourism portal is your best bet. By offering the latest schemes and sustainable travel options.
