Dehradun: A Russian woman’s heartfelt message from her trek in Uttarakhand has gone viral, drawing attention to the growing problem of littering in the Himalayas.
Trekking through Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila, she shared a video urging visitors to respect India’s natural beauty and sacred peaks.
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Upsetting sight
The trek, described by her as “almost too beautiful,” left her disappointed when she reached Chandrashila peak. Instead of only enjoying the sunrise, she saw heaps of trash scattered along the trail and even at the sacred summit, a place revered by pilgrims and nature lovers.
Cleaning the trail
With only one bag, she and her friends picked up as much waste as they could and carried it down the mountain to dispose of it properly. Later, they explained their actions to local staff at the base. In her Instagram post, user @tanya_in_india wrote, “Please don’t leave trash in the mountains. Respect the place you come to. And if you have the strength to help and clean it, it’s a good deed.”
Viral video sparks reactions
Her video quickly went viral, sparking conversations about responsible tourism. Many users praised her awareness and contrasted it with the careless behavior of some domestic visitors. One user commented, “Thank you for respecting our mountains more than many of us do.” Another wrote, “Wish all tourists behaved like this. So much to learn.”
Others expressed concern about the growing issue of garbage in the Himalayas. One user noted, “Garbage is one of the worst problems in the Himalayas today. People treat these mountains like a dustbin, destroying nature in the process.”
Reminder for tourists
Tanya’s act of environmental responsibility has become a small but powerful reminder that preserving the mountains is everyone’s duty. Her gentle call for mindful tourism highlights how simple actions—like carrying back waste—can protect fragile ecosystems and keep sacred trails clean.
Her message resonates with locals and travelers
The incident has sparked fresh debate about how to manage littering in popular trekking spots. While authorities continue to promote eco-friendly tourism, Tanya’s viral video shows that individual responsibility is equally important. Her message resonates with locals and travelers alike: respect the mountains, protect nature, and leave no trace behind.