Stok Kangri, the highest peak in the Stok range of the Himalayas in Ladakh towers over a height of a whopping of 20,190ft. However, in spite of its challenging height and extreme cold temperatures, the terrain of the peak is such that it requires no technical skills to climb. In light of this, the peak has always received a high influx of tourists, with a number of travelling and trekking companies offering affordable packages to get there.
However, irresponsible trekking and overtourism over the years have destroyed the mountain’s ecology. In response to its rapid degradation, the Stok Village Committee and All Ladakh Tour Operators’ Association have announced a three-year ban on trekking and climbing on this mountain peak. Stok Kangri will remain closed from 2020 to 2022.
With trekkers heading to the peak from around the world, Stok Kangri is suffering from grave problems like improper waste disposal and pollution. The residents of Stok Kangri Village are claiming that their water sources have become polluted. There are also facing shortage due to the increasing number of people crossing the Stok Kangri glacier on which the village depends for water.
In addition, overtourism and its effects have led to increase in average temperatures. The temperature has increased by 1°C during winter and .5°C celcius in the summer, according to a study released by the meteorological department.
The move, that is yet to be made official by the government has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Trekking companies who've been profiting from mass trekking over the last few years are going to be highly impacted by this move. There have also been arguments about how the earnings of the local community will bear a huge brunt in light of this ban.
However, there's no doubt that this is a much needed step that will save Stok Kangri from complete destruction.
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