The Badri-Kedar Valley in Uttarakhand, India, is a prominent Himalayan pilgrimage destination characterized by rich spiritual heritage, biodiversity, and cultural traditions. However, mass tourism associated with the Char Dham circuit has led to environmental stress, cultural dilution, and uneven economic benefits. Despite growing interest in sustainable tourism, empirical research on the localized feasibility of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in pilgrimage-based mountain regions remains limited, particularly in the Badri-Kedar Valley. This study aims to identify community-based tourism resources, examine stakeholder perceptions, and assess the potential of CBT as a sustainable development model in the Badri-Kedar Valley. The research adopts a qualitative approach using Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques and semi-structured interviews with local residents, community leaders, tourism service providers, and government officials. Data were collected through multiple field visits and analyzed thematically. The findings indicate strong CBT potential based on spiritual traditions, cultural heritage, biodiversity, traditional crafts, indigenous knowledge, and local gastronomy. Nevertheless, implementation is constrained by seasonal tourism dependency, inadequate infrastructure, limited institutional support, and insufficient community capacity.

The study contributes to CBT theory by contextualizing it within fragile Himalayan pilgrimage landscapes and offers practical and policy insights emphasizing participatory planning, capacity building, and environmental conservation. A locally driven CBT framework can enhance community empowerment, diversify livelihoods, and support long-term preservation of the Badri-Kedar Valley’s cultural and natural heritage..