Markha Valley trek, Ladakh, India

Planet

ENVIRONMENT
We give proper briefing before they are exposed to any outdoors activity. Ladakh having a fragile environment and its endangered flora and fauna. We discourage our travelers not to disturb the wildlife and birds in their habitat, like close photography, discourage feeding to wild life animals like marmot.

We follow the concept of Leave No Trace, we produced clothes and straw bags for shopping, for re using and big clothes bags for trekking to bring the trash back in the bags. We discourage the minimum use of packets items.

While on trekking we use Solar panel for electric and charging batteries of camera.

While on trekking we discourage to wash clothes, bathing, in the stream and water canals up above the farm villages, Also discourage to use shampoo and detergent in the stream water.

We encourage to use minimum usage of water, no more than needed, as many of our villages and facing severe water crises.

We promise to reduce carbon emissions, most commonly we encourage our crew be it trekking, expedition not to burn the trash in the mountains. Our office is solarize building and we don’t use any alternative heaters to avoid smoke and safe energy. We use public transport and our staffs are using bicycles.

People

We buy local vegetables, fruits and oil from the local farmers, they are organic and directly benefit the local farmers.

We encourage guests to buy local products from the women self help groups from different villages. They produce woollen hats, socks, gloves, sweaters, and shawls. This practice generates income and encourages their traditional weaving, and knitting skills.

Encouraging local Homestays

The Snow Leopard Conservancy has collaborated with local communities in Ladakh, India, to establish homestays that offer visitors a chance to experience the region's culture and landscapes while supporting conservation efforts. These homestays provide tourists with an opportunity to stay in traditional Ladakhi homes, immerse themselves in the local way of life, and contribute directly to the livelihoods of the communities involved in snow leopard conservation.

These accommodations often include comfortable lodging, authentic local cuisine, and opportunities for guided excursions into the surrounding areas, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of Ladakh's landscapes and wildlife. Additionally, the homestays typically involve local guides or hosts who share their knowledge about snow leopards, their habitat, and the conservation initiatives taking place in the region.

By staying at these homestays, travelers not only get a unique and immersive experience but also actively support conservation efforts by contributing to the local economy and community-based conservation projects led by the Snow Leopard Conservancy. It's a wonderful way to enjoy travel while making a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.