Travelling light and right in Dharamsala
Being a responsible tourist, and minimising your carbon footprint, is a great way to give back to this mountain city
Shikha Tripathi
18-Feb-2017
Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags in Dharamkot • Getty Images
When picturesque Dharamsala hosts its first Test, many fans will want to make a short holiday of the event. However, being in the middle Himalayas, the settlement is an ecologically sensitive place, and the onus is on every cricket aficionado heading there to be a responsible one. Going carbon-neutral today is virtually impossible, but minimising your carbon footprint is definitely doable. By observing some basic green travel etiquette not only will you help curb environmental damage created by the sudden influx of cricket fans, you will also help the town with the world's highest-altitude cricket stadium be an example for future fans.
Leave no trace
The number one rule of responsible tourism. This is equally applicable to both virgin hiking trails and populated places that are already under the burden of humanity. No matter what waste you create, clean up after yourself. Dispose of glass and other durable waste properly. Trash being biodegradable does not make it okay to fling it just about anywhere; make sure it goes into a dustbin and is not an eyesore in a beautiful place.
The number one rule of responsible tourism. This is equally applicable to both virgin hiking trails and populated places that are already under the burden of humanity. No matter what waste you create, clean up after yourself. Dispose of glass and other durable waste properly. Trash being biodegradable does not make it okay to fling it just about anywhere; make sure it goes into a dustbin and is not an eyesore in a beautiful place.
Carry plastic out
Plastic remains one of the biggest pollutants, yet it's still widely used for its convenience. Himachal Pradesh has a statewide ban on plastic, so help them continue their fight against pollution by taking back all the plastic that you carry in. A great way to do this is to rid ourselves of the fixation with bottled mineral water - most of which is simply distilled water sold in the guise of mineral-rich water. It's better to carry your own reusable bottle instead and fill it up with filtered/RO water at restaurants or at your hotel.
Plastic remains one of the biggest pollutants, yet it's still widely used for its convenience. Himachal Pradesh has a statewide ban on plastic, so help them continue their fight against pollution by taking back all the plastic that you carry in. A great way to do this is to rid ourselves of the fixation with bottled mineral water - most of which is simply distilled water sold in the guise of mineral-rich water. It's better to carry your own reusable bottle instead and fill it up with filtered/RO water at restaurants or at your hotel.
Say no to campfires
A fire on a chilly evening in a hill station is irresistible, but think of the ecological impact before you indulge yourself. Campfires use firewood, produce smoke and other pollutants, and destroy tiny flora and wild grass. Even if you do decide to pamper yourself with one, make sure it's away from not just physical structures that could catch fire but also from natural woodlands, and ensure that it is extinguished completely when you're done. Try and find a spot meant for campfires so you don't create one on a fresh patch of flora and soil.
A fire on a chilly evening in a hill station is irresistible, but think of the ecological impact before you indulge yourself. Campfires use firewood, produce smoke and other pollutants, and destroy tiny flora and wild grass. Even if you do decide to pamper yourself with one, make sure it's away from not just physical structures that could catch fire but also from natural woodlands, and ensure that it is extinguished completely when you're done. Try and find a spot meant for campfires so you don't create one on a fresh patch of flora and soil.
Keep water resources clean
For travellers in Dharamsala, the breathtaking Triund makes for a popular day hike, and also an overnight camping spot. If Triund or other hiking spots are on your outdoor getaway list for after the match, safeguard their beauty and ecology by keeping them clean, especially the water. Camp away from water bodies and keep a distance of at least 100 feet for laundry or for cleaning camping vessels. Avoid detergents, as they seep through permeable ground and contaminate the water table. By doing so, not only are you ensuring clean water for other trekkers and wild animals but also for yourself.
For travellers in Dharamsala, the breathtaking Triund makes for a popular day hike, and also an overnight camping spot. If Triund or other hiking spots are on your outdoor getaway list for after the match, safeguard their beauty and ecology by keeping them clean, especially the water. Camp away from water bodies and keep a distance of at least 100 feet for laundry or for cleaning camping vessels. Avoid detergents, as they seep through permeable ground and contaminate the water table. By doing so, not only are you ensuring clean water for other trekkers and wild animals but also for yourself.
Speak easy
While cheering on your favourite team is only understandable, restrict the enthusiasm to the stadium alone. When out, avoid creating a ruckus in this largely peaceful mountain town. And while you're at it, keep it sober too. Winning a match is cause for celebration, but remember that a pint too many also usually makes you unnecessarily loud.
While cheering on your favourite team is only understandable, restrict the enthusiasm to the stadium alone. When out, avoid creating a ruckus in this largely peaceful mountain town. And while you're at it, keep it sober too. Winning a match is cause for celebration, but remember that a pint too many also usually makes you unnecessarily loud.
Be mindful of local culture
Over half a century ago, the 14th Dalai Lama made Dharamsala his home in India after being forced to flee Tibet to avoid persecution. His presence has turned the place into a stronghold of the Buddhist community, which is a peace-loving, affable one. Show respect by following simple unspoken rules such as speaking softly when in monasteries, taking off your shoes before entering them, and refraining from unruly behaviour.
Over half a century ago, the 14th Dalai Lama made Dharamsala his home in India after being forced to flee Tibet to avoid persecution. His presence has turned the place into a stronghold of the Buddhist community, which is a peace-loving, affable one. Show respect by following simple unspoken rules such as speaking softly when in monasteries, taking off your shoes before entering them, and refraining from unruly behaviour.
Blend in
While in Dharamsala, do like the mountain folk. Blending in is perhaps the best way of showing respect towards a culture, and this includes being sensitive to local sentiments and avoiding standing out in terms of clothing and behaviour. Avoid garish city fashion, and ask people for permission before photographing them. Dress sensibly and be polite; it goes a long way.
While in Dharamsala, do like the mountain folk. Blending in is perhaps the best way of showing respect towards a culture, and this includes being sensitive to local sentiments and avoiding standing out in terms of clothing and behaviour. Avoid garish city fashion, and ask people for permission before photographing them. Dress sensibly and be polite; it goes a long way.
Leave behind what you find
Often in stunning settings, it's tough to resist pocketing beautiful ferns, pebbles and quills that are part of that landscape, as souvenirs. However, these form an essential part of the ecology of a region, and are best left untouched. Some mountain rocks with fascinating designs are a product of millions of years of wind and water erosion. Some of these stones have fossils in them and they are markers of the environment that shaped them over aeons, and speak of the flora and fauna and fauna that existed then. Marvel at them, photograph them if you must make a memory, and leave them be.
Often in stunning settings, it's tough to resist pocketing beautiful ferns, pebbles and quills that are part of that landscape, as souvenirs. However, these form an essential part of the ecology of a region, and are best left untouched. Some mountain rocks with fascinating designs are a product of millions of years of wind and water erosion. Some of these stones have fossils in them and they are markers of the environment that shaped them over aeons, and speak of the flora and fauna and fauna that existed then. Marvel at them, photograph them if you must make a memory, and leave them be.
Respect fauna
The forests surrounding Dharamsala are home to over 500 species of birds. Apart from barking deer, sambar, leopard, black bears and other mammals, there are also rare sightings of musk deer. Be mindful of the diversity of the wildlife of the region, and help protect its well-being. Avoid anything that could have a negative impact on this abundance of nature.
The forests surrounding Dharamsala are home to over 500 species of birds. Apart from barking deer, sambar, leopard, black bears and other mammals, there are also rare sightings of musk deer. Be mindful of the diversity of the wildlife of the region, and help protect its well-being. Avoid anything that could have a negative impact on this abundance of nature.
Support the local economy
Good travellers not only leave no trace on the wilderness, they also create an impression in the minds of the people of the place. Dharamsala has plenty of locally run cafés and homestays. Choose them for your stay over big hotels and restaurants. The standard of the bakeries and coffee shops is generally very good, and they also provide a better chance for interaction with locals. Buy local handicrafts instead of shopping in big stores, and experiment with local dishes instead of the regular fare that you can get in any city or even back home.
Good travellers not only leave no trace on the wilderness, they also create an impression in the minds of the people of the place. Dharamsala has plenty of locally run cafés and homestays. Choose them for your stay over big hotels and restaurants. The standard of the bakeries and coffee shops is generally very good, and they also provide a better chance for interaction with locals. Buy local handicrafts instead of shopping in big stores, and experiment with local dishes instead of the regular fare that you can get in any city or even back home.