Ladakh adventure vacations, India

Planet

By keeping the group size to a maximum of 12, we can also minimise the human impact on the fragile sites and ecosystems we visit.
We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable and filtered water bottles. Our partnership with Water-To-Go provides a discount on filtered water bottles to our clients. We do not provide water from plastic bottles to our clients in country but always ensure there is regular access to drinking water on our tours.
We are promoting the natural beauty and ancient heritage of India through riding the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shimla Toy Train. UNESCO Sites are chosen by the UNESCO committee and must "bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to civilisation", "an important interchange of human values" or be outstanding examples of major stages of Earth's history or ecological and biological processes in evolution. Visiting such sites helps sustain the traditions and natural ecosystems of India through tourism.
Using no carbon transport such as walking not only gives you a slower paced experience, but also cuts environmental damage and tourist carbon footprint. We are committed to low-level tourism impact and we keep group sizes to a maximum of 12 to avoid huge tour bus loads of tourists, which increases environmental damage but also is less likely to be welcomed by locals. Slower travel also allows for more chances to interact with people from another culture.
Throughout most of the trip we will be traveling in minibuses. Traveling as a group in a small bus contributes less pollution than a multitude of vehicles. We will also be exploring many areas on foot to not only soak up the amazing sights at a slower pace, but to reduce our environmental impact and footprint along our journey.

People

On each Group tour we use local ground handlers. This means that all operational costs go directly into the local economy and help improve employment opportunities in remote regions. Such support can also be seen in our incorporation of homestays, locally owned hotels, family run restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, which ensures that the money you spend with us goes directly into the local economy and local community.
We will spend two days walking in Manali, stopping at villages along the way. The people here do not see much tourism and are very welcoming, some may invite you into their homes for tea. The best way to share stories and meet new people is over a plate of great food and a drink in hand. We aim to connect cultures on our trips in order to challenging perceptions and inspiring connections. Wherever possible we stay in locally owned accommodation, eat in locally owned establishments and purchase supplies from the local people. The wonderful thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the families financially and us with the wonderful welcome and experience they give us.