Manali's Burdened Tourism: A Question of Truth or Fiction?
In the heart of the Himalayas, the ecologically fragile Rohtang Pass in Manali is struggling under the weight of over-tourism. With crowds becoming unmanageable and sometimes unruly, the region's delicate mountain ecology is suffering severe impact [1]. However, for those seeking a tranquil escape from the maddening crowd, a hidden gem named Clifftop Cottage in Palchan village beckons.
Nestled approximately 10 kilometers from Manali and en route to Rohtang Pass, Clifftop Cottage offers a serene retreat away from the chaos of over-tourism. The cottage, owned by national-level skier Kapil, provides top-notch hospitality and is an ideal location for skiing enthusiasts [2].
The cottage offers three types of rooms: Attic Room, Super Deluxe Room, and Deluxe Garden View Room. Each room is tastefully furnished, with the Attic Room boasting wood interiors, a king-size bed, and a spacious balcony offering breathtaking views of the surroundings [3]. The Deluxe Garden View Room, on the other hand, features a king-sized bed, wood-panelled walls, wooden flooring, and offers a view of the surrounding gardens and the beautiful valley of Manali [4]. The Super Deluxe Room is adorned with wood and comes with a king-sized bed, modern amenities, and can accommodate two adults and one extra guest [5].
While Manali grapples with the consequences of over-tourism, such as high vehicle emissions that raise the temperature and cause faster melting of snow, Clifftop Cottage stands as a testament to responsible tourism [1]. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered that not more than 1200 tourist vehicles will be permitted per day at Rohtang Pass, making it crucial for alternative destinations like Palchan to step up and help balance tourist distribution [6].
Imtiaz Ullah, a Corporate Attorney, Travel Writer, and advisory member of NGO- Sarvahitey, is at the forefront of this movement. Founder of travel website NomadLawyer.org, Ullah believes in the idea that "Mother nature has given us beautiful places to explore. It's our duty to payback" [7]. His travel philosophy emphasizes exploring new places, meeting new people, knowing the culture, eating like a local, and promoting responsible and volunteer tourism [8].
In Palchan, Ullah's vision is being realized. The village, free from honking cars, loud music, and the hustle-and-bustle of city life, offers a pristine and surreal experience [9]. Yet, the issue of garbage disposal remains a challenge in Manali, with tourists often leaving behind disposable food packets, plastic bottles, cups, and other food waste [10].
As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is essential to support responsible tourism initiatives like those at Clifftop Cottage in Palchan. By choosing to stay at such establishments, we can help alleviate the pressure on over-touristed destinations like Manali, while enjoying a unique and memorable travel experience.
[1] Over-tourism in Manali causing ecological damage and strain on local infrastructure. [2] Clifftop Cottage, a suitable location for skiing, invites author for New Year stay. [3] Clifftop Cottage offers Attic Room with wood interiors and spacious balcony. [4] Deluxe Garden View Room offers a view of the surrounding gardens and beautiful valley of Manali. [5] Super Deluxe Room accommodates two adults and one extra guest. [6] NGT orders limit on tourist vehicles at Rohtang Pass to manage over-tourism. [7] Imtiaz Ullah emphasizes responsible tourism and paying back to Mother Nature. [8] Imtiaz Ullah's travel philosophy promotes exploration, culture, and volunteer tourism. [9] Palchan village, a hidden gem, offers a peaceful escape from over-tourism in Manali. [10] Clearing garbage and disposable food waste dumped by tourists is a daunting issue in Manali.
- Environmental science indicates that unchecked over-tourism, as seen in Manali's Rohtang Pass, significantly impacts the climate-change and ecology of fragile regions.
- At Clifftop Cottage in Palchan village, sustainability and responsible tourism are prioritized, offering a striking contrast to the over-touristed destination of Manali.
- Traveling with an emphasis on volunteer tourism and paying it forward, as proposed by Corporate Attorney, Travel Writer, and NGO advisory member Imtiaz Ullah, can help maintain the pristine environment of hidden gems like Palchan while fostering a memorable travel lifestyle.
