Barot valley: A hidden gem tarnished by unmanaged tourism

Once a pristine haven tucked away in the Himalayan folds, Barot valley — often hailed as the “hidden gem” of northern India — is now struggling under the weight of unmanaged tourism and crumbling infrastructure. Overflowing with visitors yet deprived of even basic amenities, Barot today stands as a stark reminder of what unchecked tourism and administrative apathy can do to a natural paradise.

Despite its natural allure, Barot suffers from acute shortages of parking facilities, garbage disposal systems, proper roadways and drinking water. Most internal roads in and around the valley are riddled with potholes and require urgent repair. Locals and tourists alike face considerable hardship due to deteriorating infrastructure.

Speaking to The Tribune, local residents revealed that around 80% of the land in Barot, including its roads, is owned by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). For the past 10 years, PSPCL has halted maintenance activities, citing financial constraints. Although the Himachal Pradesh Government is willing to carry out repairs, permission from the Punjab Government remains pending, further exacerbating the condition of the roads.

The twin destinations of Barot and Multhan, located in the Himalayan foothills, are developing in a haphazard and unregulated manner. With more than 30 hotels and homestays now operating in the area, there is still no provision for scientific garbage management. Waste is being dumped directly into the Uhl and Lamba Dug rivers, leading to water pollution and environmental degradation.

What’s more alarming is that several buildings, hotels and tent camps have been set up illegally along the banks of the Uhl river, flouting environmental and safety regulations. These structures are dangerously vulnerable to flash floods, particularly during monsoon-triggered surges from the upper areas of Chhota Bhangal. Yet, authorities remain largely indifferent, raising serious concerns about disaster preparedness and ecological accountability.

Despite these challenges, Barot and Multhan continue to attract hundreds of foreign and domestic trekkers annually, serving as gateways to popular trails leading to Bara Bhangal, Rajgundha, Bir Billing, Bharmour and Kullu. The Uhl and Lamba Dug rivers meander gracefully through the valley, adding to its mystical charm and offering numerous opportunities for nature lovers.

If immediate steps are not taken to regulate tourism and restore basic infrastructure, Barot valley risks losing both its ecological integrity and tourism potential — turning what was once a Himalayan jewel into a cautionary tale of mismanagement.

Himachal Tribune