Responsible Travel

Nepal Sanctuary Treks is a responsible trekking company in Nepal that focuses on sustainability and reducing environmental impact. We are certified by Travelife and follow guidelines from the International Porter Protection Group 5. Our Responsible Travel Policy aims to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution during treks.

Environmental Practices

• Refrain from purchasing items made from endangered species.
• Carry out all your belongings, including trash like water bottles, cans, and snack packets.
• Avoid harming the natural environment, such as breaking trees or disturbing flora.
• Do not collect rare flora and fauna when visiting sensitive areas.
• Conserve energy by turning off lights, fans, and air conditioners when not in use.
• Use eco-friendly bags for travel and shopping.
• Be mindful of water usage, especially in areas where water is limited.
• Respect local plants and wildlife; do not disrupt or feed them.
• Use reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastics.
• Properly dispose of non-biodegradable waste and avoid putting debris in bonfires during cooking. Participate in our trash collection initiatives.
• Use eco-friendly soaps and detergents, and ensure wastewater does not flow into water sources.
• Dress warmly to reduce reliance on lodge fireplaces and bonfires.
• Bring used batteries back home, as recycling facilities are limited in Nepal.

Supporting the Local Economy

• Purchase local products and souvenirs to support the local community.
• Dine at local restaurants, shop at local markets, and buy locally grown fruits.
• Show appreciation for good service by providing reasonable tips.
• Instead of giving money to beggars, consider donating to local charities to avoid perpetuating dependency on tourists.

Social Responsibility

• Avoid engaging in or promoting anti-social activities like sex tourism, smuggling, drug trafficking, and child exploitation.
• Strongly oppose child exploitation, including child labor, trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography.
• Respect children’s privacy and dignity, and seek permission before taking their photos.

Please find the code of conduct in Orphanage and School Visit Policy and CAS Trip Code of Conduct (School Visit).

Cultural Etiquette

• Show respect and gratitude by using both hands for giving and receiving.
• Greet others with “Namaste” and join your hands together.
• Avoid offering food after tasting it or eating from a common plate.
• When eating with your fingers, use your right hand.
• Refrain from pointing at people or religious monuments.
• Avoid touching people’s heads and pointing your feet at others.
• Walk clockwise around monasteries, stupas, and temples.
• Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering homes, temples, or monasteries.
• Seek permission before taking photos, especially in sensitive areas, and avoid using flash.
• Dress appropriately during treks, respecting local customs and religious sites.
• Avoid public displays of affection and nudity.
• Learn basic Nepali phrases.
• Dispose of rubbish properly and respect local traditions.

In addition, Travelife has developed Sustainability Codes of Conduct for consumers regarding different activity types. You can download the Sustainability Codes of Conduct:

Trekking

Visiting Heritage sites

Camping

Nature Open/ Vehicle Drive

Community Visit

Artifacts and Antiques

• Exporting items older than 100 years is prohibited. Do not take religious artifacts, such as prayer wheels, statues, or temple ritual objects, from sacred sites.
• Do not purchase furs and skins of wild animals.
• Consider buying unique local souvenirs from nearby shops, like Pashmina and Yak wool shawls, colorful beads, Thangka paintings, singing bowls, and handmade paper items