The YAK
Ecology
We know it, but we still have to face this problem. Do not leave rubbish at all. Always carry with you one or two plastic bags. Carry back (to europe if possible!) the more polluting stuff like batteries.
Remain on the existing paths , avoid the shortcuts, avoid walking on the vegetation.
Camp in the designated areas, if possible, away from rivers and springs.
Do not hesitate to ask lodgement at the local’s. Use the toilets when there are some, otherwise, move yourself away from springs and rivers.
Avoid campfires in areas where wood is rare .
Do not gather plants or take back animal parts ( horns, ...) without permission. Do not buy plants or wild animals. Do not disturb these ones.
Choose the hotels and lodges that use gas or kerosene, and even electricity instead of wood.
Choose the hotels or lodges and travel agencies promoting a respectful envirommental behaviour.
Do long trips (a single trip of three month is more interesting than 3 of 1 month!) and avoid the internal flights.
Choose engine-free transportation.
Intercultural Relationships
Free yourself of any prejudices: keep surprising yourself, accept the differences of the local culture.
Respect the local traditions: do not photograph without permission, dress yourself correctly so as not to shock (avoid skirts and shorts). Respect the worship places.
Learn bases of local dialects.
Inform yourself, interest yourself about the local culture. Try to create a multi-directional cultural exchange.
Imply the local communities in the tourist activity: encourage awareness and acts in favor of the environment, discuss the problems, etc. Example: explain battery noxiousness, uselessness of bottle drinks as cola and pepsi,etc...
Learn to satisfy yourself with the comfort which is offered.
Local economy
In these rural and poor areas, a modest westerner becomes suddenly very rich! Pay the price and even, round off, but not too much, in order to maintain the stability of the economy.
Avoid excessive display of your wealths. ..gps, movie camera, mp3,..
Spend your money in local businesses, buy local handicraft.
Consume local products rather than importated one (even from katmandhu!). That implies sometimes an effort against your comfort.
Encourage begging can have negative consequences. Prefer the donations to the schools, to the charities or to the clinics. A good option is to ask the Village Devellopment Comitees, if they need a little financial help.
Health
Mountain people often see us like wise men with pockets full of magic medicines... Never give medicines unless you can follow up the entire consumption of it. They can have very serious consequences! Eventually, do something for a little wound or a small blow, give counsels about hygiene and nutrition.
Be sure the carriers and guides are well equipped for the climate they’ll have to confront with.
Various
Accept the natural and cultural environment such it is, without attempting to change it according to your good pleasure.
Travel in small groups, you’ll thus be much more able to learn from the relations with the locals, and to reduce your impact on the environment.
Trekking in Nepal the guidebook
Trekking in Nepal the guidebook : Generalities
Trekking in Nepal the guidebook : Guidelines for the responsible trekker
Trekking in Nepal the guidebook : the Ganesh Himal
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