This is third major aspect of trekking in Nepal besides your own personal safety and comfort and the minimal of impact on the local environment. By responsible trekking, we mean that trekkers like you should make expenditures related to trekking activities in a mindful way. Make sure the money spent reaches the hands of the people directly impacted by these activities. This includes those involved in the trekking experience you have already been on or plan to go on.
Trekkers should realize that Nepal relies upon tourism industry for generation of revenue in state level while the community around the trekking trail depends upon the trekkers and mountaineers for economic wellbeing. Trekking guides, porters, teahouses, and guesthouses depend on activities such as trekking. Several markets and shops that sell unique souvenirs also rely on trekking. Many more businesses depend on trekking as well. The number of people who indirectly depend on trekking is even larger. People use the income generated from trekking to send their children to schools. They also build necessary infrastructure for the region. Additionally, they enhance their own living standards and engage in many other activities. So, using the porters, guides and other personnel who belong to the community alongside the trekking trail, you are paying back to the persons who work for your safety and comfort during the trekking expedition.
For trekking responsibly…
i. Use assigned trekking routes, campsites and resting places to avoid infringement and other negative environmental impacts on the remote areas by trekkers.
ii. Hire licensed guides and porters in Nepal itself and if possible make sure that these guides and porters belong to the community that is directly affected by the trekking activity along the trail you are planning wander along.
iii. Use the teahouse or guesthouses that are run by the local community people and consume the food and other cuisines in the trekking route to support the local livelihood, provided that you are sure of the hygiene and quality.
iv. Respect the local cultures and traditions along the trekking route and participate in any activities that promote and preserve the indigenous cultural and traditional heritages along the trail.
v. Make minimal use of the firewood; if possible avoid the use of firewood altogether. Use common spaces for heating. Promote other energy sources for heating, cooking, and taking showers, such as solar-powered sources.
vi. Take your waste disposal bag with you. Use the litter box available locally and refrain from polluting the trail in the ecologically sensitive areas.
vii. Don’t dispose of human waste in open areas. Use the mobile toilet facilities available. Encourage placing these facilities far away from water sources.
viii. Make sure that the money spent goes to the local community.
As generally requested to the trekkers we request you to “Leave only footprints and take only photographs”. Follow the guidelines by responsible authorities and respect the local culture besides assisting in conservation of wildlife and vegetation in the region. Be responsible!
