"Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities" – Sustainable/Responsible Tourism UNWTO
Responsible Tourism is the way forward. Traveling responsibly, sustainably and respectfully is the KEY.
Annapurna Foothills is fully alert and focused about the sustainable approach of its travel operation. We are a local Nepal based trekking and adventure operator and we are more responsible toward our environment, culture and our people. All of our hiking, trekking, climbing, adventures are designed in a way that we keep it as much as nature friendly as possible. These are merely small steps toward the bigger goal that we all look forward to. Annapurna Foothills practice and teach the Leave-No-Trace principles and most importantly, we are committed to protecting the nature and culture of our indigenous people and community. Awareness of environmental issues however is causing a massive transformation in tourism with travelers, trekkers, climbers and locals seeking ways of building responsible and sustainable tourism.
Respect local staffs especially porters and make sure they’re treated fairly:
While booking a trip with a local tour and trekking operator, ensure that the agency provides its porter appropriate clothing, fair pay, protection, insurance, luggage limitations and medical care during the trip. And if you’re trekking on your own and decide to hire a porter independently then respect that the porters rely on being able to carry weight for their livelihoods and please don’t ask them to carry more weight for an extra fee.
Choose to trek in remote and offbeat trekking trails:
As we all have seen the appearances of traffic on Everest where climbers wait for their turn to reach the summit or return from the summit. Overcrowding or over tourism is a serious concern for the most popular destinations such as Annapurna and Everest region. So, we suggest our guests to explore remote and less trekked trails such as the Manaslu circuit, Upper mustang, Nar Phu, Pike peak, Mardi Himal, Langtang valley or any other remote areas. Trekking during the less popular months is also a new trend. For example winter or summer trekking. This also has the added benefit of spreading revenue evenly amongst rural communities and during the less popular season in Nepal.
Practice Leave No Trace Policy:
A single wrong step off the trail by a boot can take years to regenerate again. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. We strongly recommend all the trekkers to stick to the marked trekking trails and do not litters in nature instead wait till you can go to the toilet at a nearest lodges or teahouses. As the famous quote by Chief Seattle goes “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
Negotiate attentively and pay fairly:
Each and every tourist visiting any corner of the world doesn’t want to be ripped off while traveling or booking a trip. One of the greatest reasons to travel in Nepal is that you can help to distribute money into rural communities and towns that may otherwise have gone without. Most tourism activities are based on mountains and villages. Be fair and respectful about the price you pay for your services. Research and study well before booking a trip.
Shop and accommodate locally:
Wherever possible, stay in a locally owned guest houses or hotel. Purchase from local shopkeepers. Appreciate and support local artist, craftspeople by buying their products. By choosing to sleep, eat and travel like a local, you support the local families, businesses and economy, keep the money within Nepal and also tend to have a much richer and authentic travel experience of a lifetime.
Appreciate and respect the local culture:
Our country Nepal is pretty conservative regarding their culture as most of our customs and traditions are tied up in our religious and spirituality belief. Just because something is different, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrong. Treat locals how you’d wish to be treated as a guest, take your ideas from how they behave, avoid getting too drunk and always travel with respect at the heart of your adventures.
Say ‘NO’ to plastic:
Undoubtedly, tourism has brought many good things to Nepal in the last few decades. Along with that, an increase in processed foods and single use plastic packaging isn’t one of them. We strongly suggest our valued guests to avoid contributing to the global plastic crisis by saying ‘NO’ to plastic and opting for the sustainable option when it comes to your snacks, toiletries and drinks.
