Published on
August 18, 2025
Himachal Pradesh, a state renowned for its natural beauty, is stepping up its efforts to promote eco-tourism with the launch of a new policy aimed at developing 77 eco-tourism sites across its picturesque forest circles. With its snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and vibrant biodiversity, Himachal has always been a haven for nature lovers. The new Eco-Tourism Policy seeks to strike a delicate balance between conservation and tourism, ensuring that the state’s pristine environment is preserved while boosting its economy and providing new opportunities for local communities.
The Rise of Eco-Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
In a bid to attract nature enthusiasts while maintaining sustainable practices, the Himachal Pradesh government is focusing on eco-tourism activities such as trekking, bird watching, jungle walks, forest camping, homestays, and interpretation trails. These activities are designed to allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature while respecting the delicate ecosystems of the region.
The eco-tourism policy is expected to generate a revenue of approximately Rs 200 crore over the next five years, directly benefiting the local economy through the creation of jobs and boosting the rural economy. The initiative aims to create livelihood opportunities, especially in remote areas, while promoting environmental awareness among both tourists and locals.
The state’s Chief Minister emphasized the importance of creating a tourism model that is not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible. The focus is on ensuring that tourism does not overwhelm the region’s natural resources but instead works in harmony with the local ecosystem to foster long-term sustainability.
Key Destinations for Eco-Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh government has already selected several popular destinations for eco-tourism activities. Among the 77 sites identified, some of the most sought-after locations include Shimla, Kullu, Kasol, and Dalhousie—areas that are already well-known among domestic and international travelers. These sites are being developed with eco-tourism operators and are expected to provide a range of environmentally friendly services and experiences.
- Shimla: The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is famous for its colonial charm and scenic landscapes. The newly developed Potter Hill and Shoghi areas offer excellent opportunities for trekking and nature walks, while Shimla’s proximity to other eco-tourism sites makes it an ideal gateway for travelers.
- Kullu: Known for its valleys and pristine rivers, Kullu is another key destination being developed under the new policy. The Solang Nallah, which attracts adventure sports enthusiasts, and the surrounding areas will now feature eco-friendly trekking routes and camping sites for nature lovers.
- Kasol (Parvati Valley): Kasol, a small village in the Parvati Valley, is already a hotspot for backpackers and trekkers. The new eco-tourism initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of this popular destination by providing eco-conscious accommodation and nature trails that highlight the beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
- Dalhousie: Known for its breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range, Dalhousie is being developed as an eco-tourism hub. The area offers opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and environmental education tours, making it a perfect destination for eco-conscious travelers.
These destinations are just the beginning, with more locations being developed in phases across various districts, including Mandi, Bilaspur, Rampur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur, and Rekong Peo. Each of these districts has its own unique natural beauty and biodiversity, making them ideal locations for sustainable tourism activities.
A Comprehensive Approach to Biodiversity Conservation
The eco-tourism policy is not just about developing tourist destinations but also about integrating tourism with biodiversity conservation efforts. Himachal Pradesh has long been a hotspot for biodiversity, and the new policy links eco-tourism with the state’s larger conservation goals.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, the state is planting and maintaining saplings on 1,000 to 1,500 hectares of forest land, with a budget of Rs 20 crore allocated for this year’s efforts. Local groups, including mahila mandals (women’s groups), yuvak mandals (youth groups), and self-help groups, are actively participating in the program, contributing to the planting and maintenance of saplings. The initiative will help increase the state’s forest cover, with a target to reach 30 percent forest cover by 2030.
Additionally, committees have been formed in each forest circle to monitor and oversee eco-tourism projects, ensuring that they meet environmental standards. Over 100 forest rest houses and camping sites can now be booked online, providing easy access to nature enthusiasts looking to explore Himachal Pradesh’s natural beauty in a sustainable manner.
Local Participation and Community Involvement
A key element of the new eco-tourism policy is the involvement of local communities in the development and management of eco-tourism sites. The Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Society has already trained over 70 nature guides and 135 Multi-Purpose Workers, who will be responsible for guiding tourists and maintaining eco-tourism activities across the state.
Local involvement ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are shared by the communities that live in and around the eco-tourism sites. By creating job opportunities, training locals, and involving them in the decision-making process, the government hopes to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the natural resources in these areas. This community-driven approach will help ensure the long-term success of the eco-tourism initiative.
Boosting the Economy Through Sustainable Travel
Himachal Pradesh has seen a steady rise in tourist arrivals in recent years, with over 200,000 visitors recorded in 2024 alone, including 82,000 foreign tourists—a 13.24 percent increase from the previous year. The new eco-tourism policy is expected to give a further boost to the state’s tourism sector, which already contributes 7.78 percent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
By promoting eco-friendly activities, the policy seeks to attract a new generation of tourists who are conscious of the environmental impact of their travels. With the global rise in eco-tourism and responsible travel, Himachal Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism in India.
The state’s focus on nature-based experiences such as trekking, bird watching, and forest camping offers visitors an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world in a way that minimizes their environmental footprint. This model of tourism not only supports the state’s economy but also contributes to the preservation of its rich biodiversity.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the eco-tourism policy holds great potential, there are challenges that must be addressed. Balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation is a delicate task, and the state must ensure that infrastructure development does not undermine the very ecosystems it seeks to protect. It is also crucial that the influx of tourists does not lead to overcrowding in sensitive areas, which could have adverse effects on the local environment.
To mitigate these challenges, the Himachal Pradesh government is focusing on promoting low-impact activities, such as nature walks, bird watching, and educational tours, which are less likely to cause environmental degradation. The introduction of an online booking system for forest rest houses and camping sites will also help manage visitor numbers and prevent overcrowding in popular areas.
Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Growth
Himachal Pradesh’s new eco-tourism policy is an exciting step toward creating a sustainable, environmentally responsible tourism model that benefits both the local economy and the environment. By developing eco-tourism sites in Shimla, Kullu, Kasol, Dalhousie, and other scenic locations, the state is offering travelers a unique opportunity to explore its natural beauty while supporting conservation efforts.
With local communities actively involved, a strong focus on biodiversity conservation, and a commitment to sustainable travel, Himachal Pradesh is poised to set an example for other regions in India and around the world. This new policy not only boosts tourism but also promotes the long-term health of the state’s ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that make Himachal Pradesh a world-renowned destination for nature lovers.
