Ecotourism in Ladakh
Due to the strain that tourism can cause on local resources, the concept of "Ecotourism" has been introduced in Ladakh by non-governmental organizations like the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust's Himalayan Homestays Program and Women´s Alliance of Ladakh (WAL), travel agencies like Zanskar Trek and Ladakhi Women´s Travel Company, and individuals like Helena Norberg-Hodge and Thinlas Chorol.
People are being asked to reduce waste and water consumption and to use more environmental options when possible. One of these being the "Homestays", a system where tourist who are trekking in Ladakh, instead of bringing tents and supplies that often has to be carried by horses or donkeys, they stay with local families in the villages they pass. This is seen both as environmental since the pack animals can sometimes eat all the limited vegetation, and as socially responsible since it puts money directly into the local villages.
In May 2001 The Mountain Institute, Ladakh Ecological Development Group and Snow Leopard Conservancy organizes a workshop on "Ecotourism Opportunities in Rural Ladakh" in the city of Leh in order to "increase awareness" and "explore opportunities for ecotourism".
Read more about this topic: Tourism In Ladakh