Mapping and characterisation of geomorphological impacts of tourism in a high-mountain environment: a case study from the Miyar Valley, India

 

High-mountain regions attract increasing numbers of visitors and provide ecosystem services related to recreation and spiritual activities. At the same time, these environments are geomorphologically sensitive and can be readily degraded when tourism and recreational use are insufficiently managed. Such degradation may reduce recreational potential and increase risks to visitors and local communities.

This study documents and maps landscape degradation associated with tourism and tour-operator activities in high-altitude terrain (>4000 m a.s.l.) in the Miyar Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. In recent years, the area has experienced a rapid increase in visitor numbers, including large organised groups (>20 individuals), resulting in pronounced impacts on the physical landscape.

Field investigations were carried out during the 2025 field season. Geomorphological mapping combined systematic field-based surveys with the interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery (WorldView and Pleiades). Dominant morphogenetic processes were identified and characterised using ground observations, photographic documentation, and remote-sensing data.

Five dominant geomorphological processes contributing to landscape degradation were identified: (1) vegetation trampling by hikers and pack animals, primarily horses; (2) soil erosion on exposed surfaces, leading to rill development and enhanced surface runoff; (3) soil compaction, resulting in surface hardening that promotes accelerated runoff and increased downslope water erosion; (4) freeze–thaw cycles, which weaken soil and regolith structure and increase susceptibility to erosion; and (5) dry–wet cycles, which further predispose soils to degradation.

These processes produce characteristic trail-related geomorphological features, including deeply incised trail surfaces, wide unvegetated trail treads indicative of vegetation loss and high erosion potential, water ponding in low-gradient sections leading to muddy conditions and subsequent trail widening due to avoidance behaviour, and litter accumulation. Based on the collected data, a trail classification scheme was developed that incorporates a functional model of trail behaviour under contrasting topographic settings (sloping versus flat terrain).

The results indicate that, in this high-mountain environment, rapid increases in visitor numbers can lead to long-lasting geomorphological changes. Management interventions, particularly focused on trail design and maintenance, are therefore important for limiting environmental degradation, improving visitor safety, and reducing impacts on the surrounding landscape.

The research was funded by the Polish National Science Centre, Poland - Project number 2021/43/B/ST10/00950