India: Tourism Impacts Himalayas (30 images)

The north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. Manali, now a tourist town, is the set-off point for trekkers, spiritual seekers, and hedonists drawn by the promise of cheap high quality marijuana in an idyllic setting. Many never leave.

Despite this influx of foreigners, it is Indians who make up the majority of tourists. Honeymooners and families from across the country come north to escape the sweltering summer months.

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The north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. Manali, now a tourist town, is the set-off point for trekkers, spiritual seekers, and hedonists drawn by the promise of cheap high quality marijuana in an idyllic setting. Many never leave.

Despite this influx of foreigners, it is Indians who make up the majority of tourists. Honeymooners and families from across the country come north to escape the sweltering summer months.

This Himalayan Shangri-La is in danger of being spoiled by the environmental impacts of intensive tourism. There is trouble in paradise.
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