responsible travel

It is a known fact that the tourism industry is growing at a rapid pace and with the growth the impact of culture and environment is also growing.  The ecology of the Himalayas is very fragile and the impact of tourism could have an adverse effect of the cultural, social and natural environment. Responsible and sustainable tourism is the need of the hour which we understand and it has always been our main thrust and mantra so that the environment and its resources- social, environmental and cultural – always remain intact for the future generations to savor. We strongly advise that all non-biodegradable items such as can, bottles, batteries, plastics etc to be brought back to the cities for proper disposition. We discourage the use of bottled mineral water to control the plastic waste. Since water is essential while traveling at such high altitudes we advise our clients to carry sturdy water bottles so that they can fill them up with hot water that is treated with water purifiers. As a part of our responsible tourism drive we use local guides and locally owned hotels (wherever possible) so that the people can earn income from direct employment or through the distribution of work responsibility. We are always adding new destinations and in the process working with local communities to forge a partnership to ensure change for the local people as well as visitors.  Our tour programs are designed to work closely with the people and the environment of the destination so that the visitors can feel it to be an integral part of their holiday experience.

We organize different programs which provide an insight at the treasures that the region has to offer. Our wildlife program is customized to raise awareness on environment conservation and deeply understand the social and ecological value of our natural surroundings and how it affects our lives. The tour, a part of our Panda Initiative, provides you to be directly involved (though small) in the conservation of wildlife by interacting with the local people and encouraging them to preserve their surroundings. Our heritage tour is tailor-made to give you have a deeper understanding of the local culture and heritage. We visit various sites that are normally off the regular tourist map to generate more awareness regarding these places so that they are preserved for the coming generations to savour. Our community program provides you the option to positively make an impact on the lives of other people giving the trip a whole new meaning. You can spend some days in a place and be among the “real” local people and enjoy a genuine cross cultural experience rather than “on the surface experience”. Our homestay programs provide you the chance to stay with local households. This relatively new way of traveling encourages and supports conservation as well as provides employment and a source of income to the household ensuring that the money is not just concentrated with the people who operate the trip. Our volunteer programs give you an opportunity to change the way you view yourselves and also leave a lasting memory on the beneficiaries. No classroom can match the knowledge gained through firsthand hands on experience. Our student programs provide rich opportunities for learning grow personally and develop leadership qualities that are essential to cope with this ever demanding environment that we are exposed to everyday.

We have set some environmental codes that it adheres to strictly to ensure the preservation of our fragile ecology:

• We burn or bury all biodegradable rubbishes properly at every campsite. Clients are discouraged to buy mineral water to control the plastic bottles' waste. Instead we provide boiled and filtered water to our clients throughout the camping treks.
• We always carry sufficient fuel for the trek and porters are given kerosene oil for cooking. Use of firewood is strictly prohibited unless the weather condition is critical.
• We always provide proper clothing & equipment for porters depending on the trek they go.
• We never use campfire unless critical weather condition demands it.
• We respect the fragile ecology by avoiding walking on vegetation or collecting plants and flowers.
• -We discourage the clients to buy any animal products.
• We make an effort to use hotels that pursue good environmental practices such as conserving water and minimizing waste
• We strive to provide our clients with key information like dress codes, local language and customs regarding the destinations.
• Orientation programs to educate our trekking support crew on environmental conservation and its importance are undertaken periodically.
• We provide opportunities for local people to earn income from direct employment or through the distribution of work responsibility.