Responsible Travel in Nepal:
A Vision for Ethical Exploration
Our Mission for Responsible Travel in Nepal
The Himalayas offer a world of spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural diversity. Recognising their value, we pledge to practice travel responsibly.
This means carefully assessing and minimising our footprint while maximising economic and well-being benefits for local communities.
Responsible Tourism Policy
Our commitment to responsible tourism is encapsulated through a series of focused initiatives:
The welfare of Trekking Staff and Porters
Respect for Local Culture
Protection of Children
Carbon Footprint Offset
Conservation of Nature and Forests
Support for Local Communities
Community Contributions
Everest Region Clean-Up Efforts
Welfare of Trekking Staff and Porters
Our staff are the backbone of our operations. We ensure their working environment is safe, healthy, and fair across all tours, treks, and expeditions.
They receive wages that exceed the minimum suggested by TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association Nepal), paid partially in advance or fully post-tour.
Equipment such as clothing, shoes, and gear are provided where needed, complemented by medical and evacuation insurance, and first aid access.
We enforce a minimum age of 16 years for our staff and limit porter load weight to 25 kg, never exceeding 30 kg.
Respect for Local Culture
We encourage our clients to immerse themselves responsibly in local traditions. Learning from one another cultivates mutual respect.
To honour this, we ask that travellers seek permission before photographing locals, preserving the dignity and privacy of the communities we visit.
Protection of Children
We advocate against the distribution of gifts directly to children, as it can foster dependency and begging. Gifts should be given to local schools to benefit the education system and the community wholesomely.
Also, we caution against sharing photos or videos of children on social media without guardians' consent.
Carbon Footprint Offset
Our commitment to a smaller carbon footprint is unwavering. Both staff and clients travel in a way that minimizes CO2 emissions locally, with compensatory support given to non-profit organizations that fund eco-friendly projects.
Conservation of Nature and Forests
We consciously avoid offering tours that harm the environment, such as helicopter day tours or mountain flights. We provide filtered drinking water to reduce plastic waste.
Our trekking camps utilise kerosene or gas stoves to prevent deforestation, and we advocate for no-trace practices among our travellers.
Support for Local Communities
Our treks and climbs support the locale by utilizing community-run guesthouses or homestays, offering local food where possible.
Additionally, we advocate for eco-friendly practices. This includes using solar showers and biodegradable soap. We also encourage the purchase of locally crafted goods.
Community Contributions
We proudly support the Tashi Delek Foundation, which furthers agricultural knowledge and practical education among farmers in Solukhumbu.
This includes a recent initiative for English and farming skills to keep young locals employed within their home region. The Foundation has also established access to fresh drinking water by tapping into a local spring.
Furthermore, they've launched microcredit programs, specifically aimed at young farmers to support their ventures and livelihood. These steps are crucial for sustainable community development and well-being in Solukhumbu.
Everest Region Clean-Up Efforts
Since 2021, we've initiated clean-up projects in the Lower Everest region's trails. We aim to increase local engagement in proper waste management and inspire authorities to support environmental stewardship.
Through all these endeavours, we remain committed to responsible travel in Nepal, ensuring that the beauty and integrity of this land endure for generations to come.
