A Call for Immediate Action

Kashmir, often hailed as paradise on earth, is a land of awe-inspiring beauty. Its towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush valleys have captivated the hearts of travelers from around the globe for centuries. Among the many wonders that Kashmir has to offer, the Great Lakes Trek from Sonamarg stands out as one of the most breathtaking experiences a nature enthusiast can undertake.

This trek, winding through some of the most scenic and unspoiled regions of the Himalayas, has long been a favorite among those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. However, the serenity and splendor of this trek have come under severe threat in recent years—not just from natural disasters, but also from the very tourism industry that once celebrated its untouched beauty.

In the past, the Great Lakes Trek was a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Foreign tourists would come to Kashmir specifically to lose themselves in the solitude of these majestic landscapes. The experience of trekking in Kashmir was defined by its remoteness and the rare opportunity to commune with nature in its purest form.

When I used to go for the trek in the early 2000s, the trail was often empty, the silence broken only by the sounds of nature, and the sense of being one with the environment was profound. This was the Kashmir that trekkers fell in love with—untamed, unspoiled, and unparalleled.

However, in recent years, the situation has changed dramatically. The Great Lakes Trek, which begins in the picturesque town of Sonmarg and ends at Naranag, has seen an explosion in popularity. Once a hidden gem known for its peace and tranquility, it has now become a hotspot for trekkers from all over the country.

This surge in popularity has come at a steep cost. The number of trekkers on the trail has skyrocketed, leading to the establishment of makeshift camping colonies that have drastically altered the landscape. The influx of visitors, often numbering in the thousands each season, has transformed this natural haven into a crowded, noisy, and polluted mess.

The environmental impact of this overcrowding is alarming. The Great Lakes region is a fragile ecosystem, one that was never meant to accommodate such large numbers of visitors. The once-pristine trails are now littered with waste, the lakes are polluted, and the flora and fauna that once thrived here are under threat.

The sheer volume of trekkers has left a significant carbon footprint, eroding the very environment that people come to experience. The unregulated growth of trekking companies, some of which reportedly send approximately a thousand trekkers each season, has only exacerbated the problem. What was once a trekker’s paradise is now in danger of being lost forever.

Beyond the immediate environmental degradation, the overcrowding has also increased the risk of natural disasters. The Great Lakes region, like much of the Himalayas, is prone to landslides, floods, and other natural calamities.

The increased human activity, coupled with the impact of climate change, has made these disasters more frequent and severe. The unchecked development along trekking routes, including the setup of makeshift camps and trails, has destabilized the delicate balance of the region. The risk of a major disaster looms large, threatening not just the environment but also the lives of those who venture into these areas.

Given the dire situation, it is clear that immediate and decisive action is needed to protect Kashmir’s trekking destinations. One of the most effective measures that can be implemented is a temporary ban on trekking permits for the Great Lakes Trek, as well as other heavily trafficked treks.

A moratorium of three to five years would give the region the time it needs to recover and regenerate naturally, without the pressures of human activity. During this period, efforts should be made to restore the environment, clean up pollution, and ensure that the natural processes of healing can take place.

In addition to the temporary ban, it is crucial to develop a sustainable tourism strategy for the future. New trekking routes should be explored and opened as alternatives, but with strict regulations in place to prevent the same issues from arising.

Carrying capacity studies must be conducted to determine the number of visitors that each route can sustainably handle, and carbon footprint assessments should guide the development of tourism infrastructure. Sustainable practices, such as waste management systems, eco-friendly accommodations, and regulated trekking groups, should be mandatory for all operators. By focusing on sustainability, we can ensure that the beauty of Kashmir’s trekking destinations is preserved for future generations.

Moreover, there is a need for greater awareness and education among tourists and trekking companies. Visitors must be made aware of the impact of their activities on the environment and encouraged to adopt responsible practices. Trekking companies should be held accountable for the environmental impact of their operations, with strict penalties for those who fail to comply with regulations.

Trekking companies should also participate and contribute under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards saving business destinations. Community involvement is also essential; local communities must be empowered to take an active role in protecting the environment and managing tourism in a way that benefits both nature and the people who live there.

The beauty of Kashmir’s trekking destinations is a priceless treasure, one that has captivated the hearts of countless adventurers. However, this beauty is also fragile, and without proper care and management, it could be lost forever.

The time has come for all stakeholders—government authorities, trekking companies, tourists, and local communities—to come together and take decisive action. By implementing a temporary ban on trekking, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and raising awareness, we can protect and preserve the Great Lakes Trek and other iconic destinations in Kashmir. The stakes are high, but with the right approach, we can ensure that these natural wonders continue to inspire and enchant for generations to come.

by: Sameer Baktoo, Convenor Ecotourism Society of Kashmir