Ladakh is much more than 3 Idiots; it is also an ecologically sensitive zone

A trip to Ladakh in summers is more of a pilgrimage that I leave on every year, the first time being in 2006. A land of unmatched natural beauty and wonder, it was perfect for a hitchhiker, with no set agenda or a sightseeing list punched in her iPhone. The few cafes that existed were more of restaurants and there was no yellow scooter parked at the bank of Pangong Lake. Those were the days of a Ladakh that was away from the rampant tourism that is the order of the day now.

Ladakh, post 3 Idiots and some other appearances on-screen appearances, has made it to numerous Facebook cover photos and Instagram posts, luring in more tourists than ever. It saw a record footfall of 327000 tourists in 2018, a 30 per cent growth from the last year; needless to mention, the ecologically fragile region needs to be steered to a more balanced model of sustainable travel.
Read more: A week's itinerary for Ladakh

It sees a huge surge in May-June every year; in fact, traffic snarls at Khardung La (5359 m) are not unheard of. The tourism department is now keen to curb the impact by opening newer routes and making it an all-year destination rather than just a summer destination. In fact, five new trekking routes were announced this February. A number of hotels are also leaning towards eco-friendly practices; luxury hotels are keen to host travellers even in winter months, thus trying to curb the tourist exodus in summer.
Read more: How to visit Ladakh in winters?

Travellers, apart from the tourism board and the locals involved, also need to open up to the concepts of zero-waste and going plastic-free. A drive to the sand dunes of Nubra, across Khalsar from Leh, is enough to drive home the point of excessive littering, including plastic. Tiny steps, like refilling water bottles, rather than buying packaged “mountain water” need to be taken at an individual level. And yes, you have all the right to question and stop others from doing so.

This summer, take that pilgrimage in all excitement that Ladakh calls for, but not at the cost of thoughtfulness. And yes, try not to strike a pose with that yellow scooter at Pangong; that really is an eyesore, do not be an ‘idiot’, that will never be a word that people inspire to be.

Make it a summer of sustainable travel.