Responsible Travel

Porter Welfare

We couldn’t get off the beaten path without them

Mountain porters are an integral part of each of our trekking or mountaineering adventure. Getting our travellers off the beaten path means that we use the self sufficiency of camping, a style of trekking that is enabled by mountain porters. On a trek or climb, the entire group - travellers, guides and porters alike - are a team who share the same needs for safety in the mountain environment.

We have set some noticeable guidelines, which we are applying in our trips as a Porter Protection Policy.

- A good working wage that is regulated by the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal and the Labour Union of Nepal. We pay per their guidelines, which are unionized.

- Life insurance and income protection insurance.

- Access to the same first aid care that our travellers receive including emergency helicopter evacuation if required.

- A wind and waterproof jacket and over-trousers, 2 pairs of woolen socks, 2 pairs of leather shoes on long treks and 2 pairs of canvas shoes while on short treks, woolen gloves, a warm cap and sunglasses.

- Fair weight of around 15 kilos only all high altitude trek and climb above 4000 meters.

- A porter age restriction of minimum 16 years of age and maximum 50 years of age.

- Three meals a day, prepared by our cooks.

- Lodging or tents, sleeping mats and blankets.

- No porter is asked to return from the middle of trek.

Child Safe Tourism (Be a child safe traveller)

Children working and living in tourist areas are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. When you travel we encourage you to take the following actions to help create a safer tourism environment for children.

- If you are concerned about the welfare of any child, tell your tour guide immediately.

- Instead of giving money directly to children who are begging or selling food or souvenirs, support their families and communities or donate to reputable children’s charities.

- Treat children like you would in your home country. Before taking photos of children, always ask for their permission.

- Never take a child anywhere without the supervision and permission of their parents or guardian.

- Before visiting or volunteering with vulnerable children, research the organisation to ensure they have standards and procedures that protect children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Please do not support ‘orphanage tourism’.

- Spread the word about child safe tourism. Share this information with your friends and family while you travel and when you return home.

Leave No Trace (Take only pictures, leave only footprints)

We are aligned with Leave No Trace, an international organisation that has set the global standard for outdoor ethics. Through targeted education, research and outreach, its mission is to ensure the long-term health of our natural world while maintaining sustainable recreation in nature.

We subscribe to The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, encouraging travellers to take only photos and leave only footprints.

- Plan Ahead and Prepare

- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

- Dispose of Waste Properly

- Leave What You Find

- Minimise Campfire Impacts

- Respect Wildlife

- Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors

Our Commitment ( Trekking in Nepal, made Eco Friendly )

For many years, if not (many) decades, people have tried to make trekking in Nepal eco friendly. Needless to say, so far none have been able to properly address the issue at hand and today, after most trekking tours in the Himalayas, the environment is in one way or the other negatively impacted. When writing this, we admit loud and clear, that currently it is not apparent that TrekBooking actually cares about the natural Himalayan habitats. We have, however, a vision and roadmap which will lead to trekking in Nepal becoming much more eco friendly, helping to promote Nepal and sustainable trekking in the Himalayas!

We wish you an amazing trekking in Nepal experience, it is truly an adventure of a lifetime.