2.

Brief Overview of the Destination

The Kumbhigharh ridge, located near Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, is a
forested hilltop region ideal for eco-conscious camping and nature-based tourism. The area features
dense forest, panoramic hill views, natural boulders,making it a perfect off-grid destination. Local
legends associated with the landscape add storytelling appeal for visitors. Currently undeveloped,
the area has no formal infrastructure, but offers immense potential for minimal-impact tent
camping, nature walks, and light adventure activities like ziplining and bouldering.
[Link] for Camping-Based Tourism Development

Factor Details Observations

Natural Resources Dense forest, hilltop views, Excellent for hiking, camping, and adventure
trekking trails, rock formations, activities
shaded clearings

Cultural & Storytelling Local folklore (e.g., historical Adds soft cultural layer without targeting
Value legends, forest stories) religious tourism

Viable Service Nearby villages (e.g., Harshada, Locals can offer camping support, food, and
Communities Gondpur) guiding

Easy Access Motorable road to base; last mile Short hike access suitable for beginner
via trekking trail campers

Existing Development Informal trails; road under Pradhan Trailheads can be formalized; base facilities
Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana added

Development Image Remote, serene, eco-wilderness Ideal for positioning as off-grid forest escape

Local Acceptance Villagers already familiar with Potential to form SHGs for tourism
location engagement

Government Policy Eco-tourism and rural Eligible for state incentives

Support development supported by
Himachal Forest and Tourism
departments
Land, Labour, Forest land (seasonal, no Low-capex seasonal tourism potential
Enterprise construction); youth for guiding,
camps, zipline operations

Adventure Opportunity Zipline service potential across the High-attraction activity for youth and nature
natural ridge tourists
[Link] on Camping-Based Tourism Development

Constraint Details Observations

Lack of Comparative Faces competition from well-known Can position through niche: forest
Advantage destinations zip + wild camping

Carrying Capacity Forest is ecologically sensitive; space Limit camping groups to 10–15
limited persons/day
Community Over-commercialization not Development must remain
Sensitivity acceptable seasonal, light-touch
Public Land Policy Forest rules restrict construction Only temporary or mobile
infrastructure allowed
Environmentalist Risk of litter, fire hazard, wildlife Strict ecological compliance
Concerns disturbance required
Myopic Tourism View Emphasis on adventure alone may Integrate education, conservation
ignore sustainability and stewardship
5. Destination Area Resources – Camping-Oriented Analysis

Resource Type Description

Natural Resources Hilltop terrain with forest shade, scenic lookouts, caves and
rocky patches

Human Resources Local youth for trek guiding, camp management, safety
supervision
Adventure Potential Zipline ridge, light bouldering, forest hiking, overnight tent
camping

Infrastructure Gaps No drinking water, toilets, safety markers

Amenities Required Compost toilets, portable tents, eco-signage, solar lamps, waste
bins

Accessibility Road connectivity to base; trail creation for last mile approach

Safety Requirements Zipline harnessing, forest navigation tools, campfire control

mechanisms
6. Net-Zero Aligned Destination Development Proposal

• All camping infrastructure to be fully portable (tents, compost toilets, solar torches)

• Zipline setup to use natural anchor points and removable structures

• Rainwater harvesting tanks for basic water use

• Zero-plastic policy with mandatory carry-out waste system

• No generators; use solar energy only

• Electric gear-cart from village to trailhead (if required)

7. Regenerative and Responsible Camping & Zipline Tourism Proposal

• Local youth trained as nature guides, camping hosts, and zipline operators

• Limit group size to 15 visitors/day to maintain ecological balance

• Setup “Forest Camp SHG” for camp bookings, equipment rental, and local food stalls

• All visitors to take part in clean-up walk and forest awareness briefing

• QR signage at forest entry highlighting local legends and safety instructions

• Zipline revenue to support trail maintenance and local schooling

• Seasonal camping (Oct–Mar) only to reduce stress on environment