Geoheritage Vulnerability Assessment for Conservation-Oriented Tourism Planning in the Outer Himalaya: A Case Study of Udhampur District in Jammu and Kashmir, India

The Himalayan region possesses immense tourism potential and hosts several world-class destinations; however, its geoheritage landscapes are increasingly threatened by unregulated tourism development and associated infrastructure expansion. This research assesses the vulnerability of geoheritage in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, using a geospatial method to analyse how topography and lithology affect tourism stability. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data were used to derive slope and elevation metrics, while lithological information was sourced from the Geological Survey of India. Vulnerability maps were created by categorising key physical variables into low, moderate, and high-risk levels. A buffer analysis within a 5 km radius around three major tourist sites: Patnitop, Pancheri, and Mantalai was conducted to evaluate the impact of tourism pressure. Results show that areas with steep slopes and weak Shiwalik formations, especially near Mantalai, are highly vulnerable and unsuitable for extensive tourism infrastructure. Zones with moderate vulnerability need careful eco-tourism management, whereas relatively stable areas near Patnitop can support limited development with strict environmental measures. The study highlights the importance of vulnerability-based zoning, site-specific conservation strategies, and community involvement for sustainable preservation of geoheritage. These findings offer a spatial decision-support framework for incorporating geoheritage conservation into tourism planning in sensitive mountain regions.