The north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. Manali, a tourist town in the Kullu Valley is the set-off point for trekkers, spiritual seekers, and hedonists drawn by the promise of cheap high quality marijuana in an idyllic setting. Many never leave.

Despite this influx of foreigners, it is Indians who make up the majority of tourists. Honeymooners and families from across the country come north to escape the sweltering summer months.

This Himalayan Shangri-La is in danger of being spoiled by the environmental impacts of intensive tourism. Add to this global warming and India’s rapidly increasing reliance on the automobile. Result: the Himalayan glaciers are fast disappearing and the snowline is higher every year.

There is trouble in paradise.