A Russian trekker, who goes by the Instagram handle @tanya_in_india, has captured widespread attention after posting a video of herself and her companions collecting trash during a trek to the sacred Chandrashila peak in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas.
The popular Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila circuit, located in the Rudraprayag district, is one of India’s most scenic short treks and holds deep spiritual significance as it houses Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Thousands of pilgrims and adventure seekers visit every year to witness breathtaking sunrise views over Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar, and Chaukhamba peaks.
Despite the area’s natural and religious importance, Tanya was disheartened to find the summit and trails strewn with plastic bottles, snack wrappers, disposable plates, and other non-biodegradable waste. With only one spare bag available, the group filled it to capacity, carried the garbage down the mountain, and handed it over for proper disposal at the base camp.
Also Read: Tragic Accident: Newborn Crushed to Death While Sleeping Between Parents in Uttar Pradesh
In her widely shared Instagram reel, the Russian woman politely appealed to fellow tourists: “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.” The post, accompanied by sweeping footage of snow-dusted ridges marred by litter, struck a chord with viewers across the globe.
The video rapidly went viral, amassing thousands of likes and comments within hours. Many Indian users expressed gratitude mixed with embarrassment, with remarks such as “A foreigner is teaching us how to respect our own mountains” and “Thank you, ma’am, for showing the civic sense many of us lack.” Others tagged friends planning Himalayan trips, urging them to trek responsibly.
Environmentalists and regular trekkers point out that littering has become a chronic problem across Uttarakhand’s high-altitude trails, exacerbated by a post-pandemic surge in domestic tourism and inadequate waste-management facilities above 3,000 metres. Tanya’s simple yet powerful act has reignited calls for mandatory garbage deposits, stricter penalties for littering, and greater promotion of the “Leave No Trace” principle to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem for future generations.
Also Read: No Renewable Project Cancellations in India: Pralhad Joshi Clears Air in Parliament