Himalayan Green TripsLeave only footprints Book

Please adhere to all guidelines during your trip

We encourage responsible travel practices that pay attention to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

We aim to spread the “leave only footprints” message, protect nature and wildlife, and keep the environment clean.

When we leave waste behind after a trip, nobody may collect it for recycling or reuse. Local people may burn the waste instead, adding to air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. Please carry your waste out so it can be reused or recycled.

Our message is to leave only footprints. Whether your hike lasts a day or your trip lasts a month, please carry your waste back with you. Your small actions can make a huge difference.

The guidelines

General Guidelines

  • Before commencing the trek, please remove any unnecessary packaging from belongings.
  • Pack items in reusable containers.
  • Bring a reusable and waterproof bag to carry out non-biodegradable items.
  • At the end of the trek, consider recycling unwanted trekking gear by donating it to porters.

Travel

  • When air travel is required, we try to book a carbon-neutral airline.
  • Choose road transport from companies adhering to the Vehicular Emissions Standards implemented by the Nepal government in 2003.
  • Use public transport where possible.

Accommodation

  • Accommodation lodges on treks are to be chosen from those that minimize their impact on the environment.
  • Lodges provide filtered or boiled water for trekkers to purchase rather than bottled water.
  • To reduce deforestation, we will choose lodges that cook with gas or kerosene instead of firewood.
  • Lodges should have a rubbish disposal plan.

On Trail

  • Stick to established trails. Avoid walking off-trail and causing physical or environmental degradation.
  • Encourage trekkers to minimize their rubbish along the way. For example, try to buy fresh local food rather than packaged, etc.; avoid buying bottled water; decline plastic bags.
  • Trekkers are encouraged to pick up any rubbish they see on the trails and take it back to the city with them.
  • Never drop cigarette butts. These are not biodegradable, so should be collected and carried out.
  • If nature calls whilst on a trail, try and dig a hole away from the trail, water sources, or sacred spots.
  • If bathing or washing clothes in nature, please do so at least 100 m from the water source and use a biodegradable wash, to minimize water pollution.

Culture

  • Respect the cultural tradition of the area you are traveling in.
  • Be respectful of religious or sacred places.
  • Promote local art and crafts by buying local handicrafts/souvenirs.
  • Always ask locals before taking photos of individuals or their property. Respect their privacy.

Rules and regulations

  • Respect local customs, traditions, and religious sites. Seek permission before entering religious or cultural monuments.
  • Follow the “Leave Only Footprints” principle. Carry your waste, including non-biodegradable items, and dispose of it properly at designated locations. Contact the HGT team to manage your waste.
  • Camp only in designated areas to minimize environmental impact. Avoid camping in meadows, near water sources, or other ecologically sensitive areas.
  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not disturb or feed animals. Avoid picking plants or flowers.
  • Stay on designated trekking trails to prevent soil erosion and protect the fragile ecosystem.
  • Open fires are often prohibited. Use portable stoves for cooking and heating.
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
  • Avoid intrusive photography, especially in private spaces.
  • Contribute to the local economy by purchasing goods and services from local businesses.
  • Minimize the use of plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle and consider water purification methods instead of buying bottled water.
  • Ensure fair treatment, wages, and working conditions for your guides and porters. Respect their rights and well-being.
  • Follow acclimatization guidelines to prevent altitude-related illnesses.
  • Refrain from playing loud music with speakers during the trek to respect other tourists.
  • Stay informed about weather conditions. Be prepared for sudden changes and follow safety guidelines during adverse weather.

Highlights of Himalayan Green Trips

  • Prioritize local vegetarian meal options for well-being.
  • Share vehicles whenever possible to minimize carbon footprint.
  • Avoid flights whenever possible.
  • Consume natural, boiled, or filtered water (bring your own reusable water bottle and filter).
  • Use solar power during the trek.
  • Follow the "pack in, pack out" principle, bringing all your own waste back for recycling.
  • Promote environmental awareness through Let's Clean Up Nepal posters and engagement with local communities.
  • HGT will plant trees equivalent to the amount of pollution generated during the trip.
  • Provide clean and eco-friendly accommodations in the mountains.
  • Offer voluntary participation in trail cleanup activities or contribute to the #SaveTheMountains initiative (volunteering is not mandatory).

Travel responsibly

By simply following the “Pack In, Pack Out” principle with Himalayan Green Trips, carrying out what you bring in, you are already making a meaningful contribution to preserving the mountains.

Imagine that your journey is more than just a trek; it’s an opportunity to create a positive impact. By helping care for the trails and mountains, you become part of a meaningful effort to protect the Himalayas. Together, we can preserve this extraordinary landscape and ensure it remains a pristine and inspiring destination for generations to come.

Our gift and appreciation for green travelers

Himalayan Green Trips and Let's Clean Up Nepal initiated the green initiative to reduce mountain pollution and will provide reusable trash bags to carry trash back after finishing the trip and an appreciation letter at the end of the trip.

  • Need to follow the pack in and pack out principle.
  • Leave only footprints on the mountain.
  • Do not bring single-use plastic bags on the trek.
  • Priority is drink natural water, filter, boiled water.
  • Bring your own reusable water bottle.
  • Carry out whatever you buy in the mountains.
  • Clean up the trekking trails if possible.
  • Carry out 1 kg of recyclable waste from the mountains to the city for the city to reduce mountain pollution.
  • Support the Let's Clean Up Nepal Green initiative by spreading an environmental message by displaying posters at guesthouses and educating guides, porters, trekkers, and locals, etc.