More information about Nepal
Eco Tourism
Travelers are always on the look out of less frequented, un-trodden and
wilderness areas for their trip. We usually receive requests from our
clients that they want to go off-the beaten paths and want to avoid
popular touristy areas. But those less frequented or un-trodden areas no
longer remain pure. Litter and cultural pollution soon erode visitor
appeal and more important, indigenous lifestyles dependent upon a
delicate natural balance vanish forever. Responsible tourism is a more
sound investment where everybody wins.
Garbage disposed by mountaineering expeditions push up to form new peaks ? Mount Garbage? Instead of Lungta prayer flags, toilet papers used by trekkers swing in the air. Forest suffers enough from local demands. Trekker's food and lodging needs further add the problem. In Nepal , eco-tourism has been a popular phrase to mean outdoor adventure travel. Green or eco-trekking practices are sound measures such as carrying out or disposable of garbage and burning no wood on the trail. High Asia Tours and its staff are strictly committed to eco tourism and adhere to the conservation policies of the government and also request for your co-operation.
Do not litter.
Carry all your trash including toilet paper, unless you thoroughly burn
it on the spot to your campsite, lodge or hotel for proper disposal. Our
crews designate separate places for biodegradable and others (i.e.,
bottles, tins, plastics, foil, batteries etc.) which should be packed
out to Kathmandu or the next refuse pit. As fires are considered sacred,
don't put trash in the flames until the cooking is done and always
inquire first.
Sanitation
Our crews set up the toilet tent at least 50 meters (150 feet) away from
any water source. Where toilets are not available, pick a spot away from
water and religious sites. Bury all excreta. In the cities and en route,
public toilets are hard to find so be discreet and keep away from holy
sites.
Lady Details
Sanitary napkins and tampons should be wrapped well and packed out. Take
batteries back to your home country for safe disposal. Biodegradable
Washing: When bathing or washing clothes near streams, use biodegradable
soaps and a pan for rinsing. Toss soapy water away from the stream.
Cook with Kerosene
If you are camping, request that cooking be done on kerosene or gas, not
wood. If you're stuck using wood, reduce the amount by using iodine to
treat water rather than boiling it. Choose lodges that use kerosene or
fuel efficient stoves, such as the back-boiler which heats water while
food cooks. You can also reduce firewood consumption by ordering the
same food at the same time as others. Solar Heated Showers: Limit your
hot showers to those heated by solar energy, by hydroelectricity or by
the back-boiler method.
Warm Clothes
Bring adequate clothes rather than relying on lodge hearths for heat and
never ask your trekking staff for a bonfire. See that porters will be
provided shelter, clothing and shoes for high altitude treks, saving
wood otherwise burned to keep warm. Use Established Campsites: Encourage
your trekking staff to camp in established campsites and to leave no
trace: no trash, no tent trenches, no fire pit, and a toilet pit filled
in to look as it did before digging.
Do Not Disturb
Avoid creating new trails across switchbacks, meadows and in high fragile
areas. Make sketches or take photos rather than collect flower, plants
and seeds. Do not purchase items made from wild animals skins or furs.
Take care while walking through farmland and always stay to the uphill
side of livestock on trails.
Dress and Attire
Baggy pants or calf-length skirts with a loose top are appropriate
trekking and touring wear for women. Men should wear a shirt at all
times. Men's knee-length hiking shorts are fine for trekking but not
when visiting temples, monasteries or homes. Nudity is particularly
offensive. Whether bathing in a stream or at a village tap, men should
wear shorts or underwear, women can wrap in a loongi (sarong) and douse
themselves as the village women do. Only sport a swimsuit if well
secluded from village eyes. Public affection is likewise frowned upon.
Artifacts and Antiques
It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years. Please do not take
any religious objects (prayer stones, statues, temple ritual objects,
prayer flags, etc.) away from sacred sites and discourage others from
doing so.
Taking Photos
Most Nepalese don't mind being photographed, but some do. Ask first,
especially if photographing ceremonies or older people. Paying for a
picture reinforces a hand-out mentality. Try instead to establish a
friendly rapport with a few words or gestures.
Beggars
Do not give candy, pens, trinkets or money to children but instead donate
to a school, monastery or hospital. Nepalese give a few rupees to the
handicapped and religious mendicants; you can do the same.
Bargaining
Bargain for souvenirs and trekking services but respect posted prices in
restaurants and lodges. Ask around to establish a fair price: paying too
much adds to inflation and paying too little denies the merchant of a
fair return.
Offensive Gestures
- To show appreciation and respect, use two hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money.
- Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
- Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men the traditional palms-together "Namaste" greeting is preferable.
- Don't eat with your left hand and nor eat beef among Hindus.
- Try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a hearth.
- Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery (and leather items in Hindu temples) and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings.
- Do not offer food from your plate, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
Tipping
Tipping is a newly accepted custom in Nepal . Hotel, restaurant, touring
and trekking organization staff members often make up for relatively
meager wages with tips. But, it should only reward good work. Don't tip
for short taxi rides in town or any service person you've bargain with.
Groups might give a reasonable amount per day to a tip pool to be
divided among the staff, generally relative to rank, for good service.
Medical Attention
Even if you are an experienced medical practitioner, it is not wise to
give medicine to a sick Nepali on the trek unless you can watch his or
her reaction. Most Nepalese have never been exposed to Western medicine
and may react unpredictably. Encourage villagers to wash cuts with soap
and boiled water, and to see their closest clinic for medical treatment.
