The Western Himalaya faces major ecological challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable development, driving scattered but under-assessed restoration efforts. We systematically reviewed 100 studies (1990–2024) to identify trends, gaps, and priorities. Most interventions were in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, with afforestation dominating, often using non-native species. Key themes focused on techniques and stakeholder engagement, while policy, climate, and water management were overlooked. Natural regeneration was rarely studied, and monitoring was inconsistent, raising concerns about long-term outcomes. We highlight the need for more context-specific, collaborative, and well-monitored restoration to address the unique challenges of Himalayan ecosystems.