Adventure Tourism in the Himalayas

The types of adventure tourism in the Himalayas are discussed and the numbers taking part estimated. The development of mountaineering and trekking is outlined and examples of the growth of river activities discussed. Religious and cultural tourism is the most important category, but it is debatable if this is adventure tourism. The impact of the 2015 earthquakes on Nepalese tourism is discussed and the environmental impacts related to adventure tourism are detailed, such as trail erosion, the introduction of non-native plants, rubbish disposal issues, the disposal of human waste, deteriorating water quality, the impacts of recreational fishing and ski developments. Ways of counteracting impacts are outlined and attempts to manage tourism are discussed, such as the banning of tourism, the development of Eco Development Committees and the Mountain Shepherds Initiative in Nanda Devi Reserve, the Khanchendzonga Conservation Committee, Bhutan’s tourism policy, the Annapurna Conservation Project and the development of codes of conduct, ethical codes and minimum-impact codes.