Nepal activity vacations, tailor made

Environment

As one of the pioneering companies in Nepal, we have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable travel and responsible tourism for more than fifty years. In addition to supporting a wide range of local programs, we have created several conservation and wildlife projects throughout Nepal.

We recognise the importance of preserving the abundant ecosystems of Nepal, and with a deep connection to the national parks and the wildlife, we strive to deliver high quality and low number tourism to these fragile areas. They are a place to learn, to cherish, to grow and above most, a wondrous place to explore.

Chitwan National Park forms a fragile and unique eco-system, which is home to many rare and endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, the One Horned Rhino, the Asian elephant, and the Gharial crocodile. Furthermore, with an astounding 848 species of birds identified across the country of Nepal, approximately 500 can be observed in Chitwan.

Among the many projects the company has initiated and run throughout the years in Chitwan, are the Long-Term tiger monitoring project, and recently the improvement of resident elephant management.

The Long-Term Tiger Monitoring Project, was launched in 1980. From 1995 to 2012, two wildlife technicians from the company have been camera trapping tigers. They have produced the most detailed data to date on tiger ecology, territorial dynamics, turnover, reproduction and tiger survival. Research is the key to sound management of protected areas. Research, coupled with other efforts, will help develop policy for management of areas not directly covered by government protection.

As the latest example of the company´s pioneering efforts, it became the first in Nepal to stop offering elephant back safaris in 2016, and completely changing the way of managing its resident elephants. As our guest, you are supporting a movement towards better conditions for these gentle giants of the jungle.

Teaming up with founder of Elephant Aid International, Carol Buckley, the company has built five spacious enclosures for the twelve resident elephants who are now living together in their natural groupings. We offer the guests to step in to the lives of the elephants and to experience the life of the mahouts and their culture and traditions. Guests are invited to experience the elephants’ natural rhythm as they wake, graze, bathe, play, feed and will learn mainly by observing and engaging with the mahouts´ daily work. The new way of managing the elephants is a chance to learn more about the elephants and their role for the eco-system of the jungle.

Community

On a tented trek like the one undertaken on this trip, porters play a vital role. Tented treks are heavy on equipment, because everything from tents to food must be carried along, and it therefore generates more employment opportunities for the locals. As one of the founders of the Porters’ Protection Scheme to ensure fair service to trek porters we continue today the active involvement to ensure their welfare. Many staff members have through the years started as a porter and worked their way up to become respected trekking guides, a path that we encourage whenever possible.

Conservation through Education was the vision of the founder of our trekking wing, and it is an important way in which we strives to give back to society. Throughout the years we have supported schools along our trekking routes. This includes 10 kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools, and recently the construction of the first 'Plus 2' school in the valley. Thus, students in this area who wish to continue their education no longer have to leave home and move to larger cities.