Multifunctionality of mountain ecosystems is a goal that is sometimes most compatible with independent backpacker tourism. Resilient to economic and political disturbance, undemanding in terms of infrastructure development, and driven by motives compatible with cultural and natural conservation, independent backpackers can also respond quickly to new recreational opportunities. This paper has four sections. The first section reviews current issues in ecotourism. It concludes that the there are two distinct trends. On the one hand, the term has been widely used to promote a wide variety of operations, which collectively constitute “business as usual.” On the other hand, the concept as used by “purists” does not, in the case of most remote mountain destinations, offer a means of sustainable development. The second section describes an ecotourism project in Lijiang (Yunnan Province, China). The objective was to promote independent backpacker tourism as a means of expanding economic opportunity while fostering cultural and natural conservation. This project may serve as a useful example of how opportunities can be recognized and yet missed. The third section describes an ongoing tourism development program in Rolwaling, Nepal. This program is being implemented by “Bridges: Projects in Rational Tourism Development” http://www.bridges-prtd.com/, an organization directed by the author of this paper. We hope that this innovative project will serve as a pilot for similar programs elsewhere. The fourth section proposes strategies for the expansion of independent trekking tourism, based on two survey studies as well as observations in Nepal and China.
