Responsible Travel

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What is Responsible Travel? Please read the article below to learn more about the travel concept and our commitment.

Nepal is a beautiful country with so much to offer to tourists from all over the world. However, it is important to tread lightly to preserve that natural beauty. And practice sustainability at every stage of your adventure.

A Commitment to Care

We are committed to promoting responsible travel in the region and do this in several ways. Firstly, the guides, porters and other team members you will work with are local to the region. It means the money we spend on staffing and hiring employees will go to the communities we visit. Further, you support the local Nepalese economy when you travel to Nepal with us. Finally, we also offset as many of the main carbon emissions created by your trip as possible. So again, we do this in a way that has a community benefit and supports local environmental projects.

Why is Responsible Travel Important?

Many travellers are unfamiliar with the concept of sustainable travel and responsible travel. At its simplest, responsible travel is simply visiting a place and then leaving it as you found it. We love sharing our country with others, and we believe its beauty should not be damaged by tourists who trek and explore its mountainous regions. 

Responsible travel means experiencing a place like a local. For example, eating local foods rather than imported from overseas (often specifically for tourists). And taking your rubbish with you, rather than leaving it out on the mountainside where it could cause a hazard both for the environment and other travellers. It sounds like it could be hard work, but it is easier than you think to travel responsibly during your time in Nepal.

How Can You Help During Your Trip?

The first thing you can do is choose a tour company (such as ours), which is well known for responsible travel. We will do a lot of the hard work for you, such as offsetting your emissions and choosing the best local places to eat and drink, meaning that all you have to do is focus on enjoying your trek and having fun. For many adventurers, sampling the local produce and purchasing local handicrafts and other goods is the highlight of their trip, so this is one of the easiest ways to ensure your travel is sustainable!

Another easy way you can help is to say no to plastic. That means both plastic bags and plastic water bottles. Both of these can be incredibly harmful to the delicate biology of the Himalayan region. We ask that you carry a reusable cotton bag if you plan on shopping. We also recommend that you carry a reusable water bottle or, better still, stop for a drink in one of the local Nepalese tea houses to explore and enjoy the local culture. Finally, don’t forget to recycle! It’s easy, and you don’t have to carry your waste products for your trip.

Here are a Few More Super-Simple Tips

• Being a responsible traveller isn’t just about the environment. It’s about enriching the lives of the local people you meet too! One of the best ways of doing this is to engage with them. Learn a few simple Nepalese phrases before you arrive. It’s a great icebreaker and a good way to experience Nepal like a local!
• Avoid anywhere that uses wild animals for entertainment or a photo opportunity. This is against the spirit of responsible travel and is a horrible life for the animals involved. If in doubt, ask your tour guide.

• Don’t give money or gifts to beggars. Instead, talk to your tour guide if you wish to support the local people, help the homeless, or give gifts to local children.
• You can support plenty of legitimate charities to ensure your money gets to the right places.
• Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and smile! A smile is often the most powerful gift you can give.

Similar Links

• About Nepal Hiking
• Nepal Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers
• Vision, Mission and Values
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• How much should I tip my trekking guide in Nepal?