This paper examines tourism practices and evaluates its possible future
development in the Uttarakhand Himalaya. The various modes of tourism are discussed
broadly and suggestions are given suitably for the sustainable tourism development.
This study reveals that the pilgrimage tourism that has been practicing here for the
centuries may play a promising role in the socio-economic development of the region. In
addition, natural and adventurer tourism – mountaineering, trekking, skiing, and river
rafting has the tremendous potential as it is already being practiced here. The tourism
practices have a significant impact on the economy as many of the small towns, along
the roads and at the tourism potential sides, have emerged as the major service
centers, providing a rise to the economic development. Meanwhile, it has an adverse
impact on the environment of the tourist places, pilgrimage centers particularly. Data
were gathered from the primary and secondary sources and through observation after
rapid visits of the tourist places.