Annapurna teahouse trekking vacation, Nepal

Planet

WASTE: Reducing waste and the environment impact of tourism is a big priority of our company. We practice a Leave No Trace principle on all our expeditions and we incentivize environmental best practices among our partners. In Nepal we incentivize environmental stewardship in the Himalayan mountain regions by assessing all partner lodges based on local ownership, energy-sourcing, and waste disposal. The Himalayan region of Nepal is a precious resource to everyone and we must help to protect it. All of the food is sourced locally to minimize food packaging and to support local economies. Our Nepalese guides serve as environmental and waste reduction educators on the trail. They outline the environmental issues in each region of Nepal where we operate and they demonstrate best practices to our travelers and partners in country.

WATER: In Nepal we avoid plastic bottle use and actively educate clients on the impact of plastic products on the remote and fragile mountain environments. In Nepal it is important that water be treated for consumption. We utilize ultraviolet (UV) purification systems on the trail to avoid boiling water over flame or propane when possible. Having to build a fire or boil water, or carry propane into the mountains creates waste pollution. This ultraviolet (UV) purification systems practice eliminates tens of thousands of wasteful water bottles being purchased and discarded.

People

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: With our company, we are committed to doing travel right. We see travel in Nepal as one of the most effective means of investing in amazing people and places. We hire experienced local Nepalese guides from the local communities in which we operate. This is not only the responsible thing to do but provides a better and more authentic travel experience. We invest 10% of our total revenue in the form of microcredit to small-scale entrepreneurs in the communities of Kathmandu. In Nepal, we partner directly with WEAN and BPW, microfinance institutions that provide low-interest capital to small businesses in the regions where we operate.This is our mission, our passion, and what makes our company very unique in the travel industry.

A FAIR DEAL: In Nepal our company partners up with local lodge owners, local drivers, and other local businesses in the areas and communities we operate, to maximize the local benefit from tourism. We practice a Leave No Trace principle on all our expeditions and we incentivize environmental best practices among our partners. Our teams are locally hired. We travel with respect and preservation of local customs and with that perspective in mind, we educate those who travel with us in the importance of preserving these important factors.