At, Advanced Adventures Nepal, we have always recognized that we are accountable for the way we affect the local community and environment in the areas we operate in, thus we are committed to adopting a responsible approach to the areas we visit.
We are guests of the local communities we pass through and with some thought and care; we can ensure that everyone benefits from the experience/trips. Our responsible tourism policy aims to ensure that Advanced Adventures (AA) and its clients act in a way that is socially, environmentally and culturally sound.
This section of our website is dedicated to giving you more information about how we are putting Responsible Travel into practice.
Advanced Adventures Nepal's Responsible Tourism policy:
- Porter welfare is a top priority; we do our utmost to comply with the International Porter Protection guidelines (IPPG). We have supported & associated to establish a porter clothing bank in Khumbu in Lukla.
- Advanced Adventures will offset its carbon dioxide emissions each year by contributing to Climate Care who funds projects around Nepal to reduce greenhouse gases.
- Appropriate behaviour is encouraged by providing Trip Dossiers with sections on social and cultural awareness and by using local guides who discuss these issues with the group.
- All areas of our operations are planned with responsible tourism in mind.
Advanced Adventures Nepal believes that our clients have an important role to play as well, with each person ultimately determining the overall impact of the group in the area visited. The following are some ideas you might like to consider:
Economic:
- We always encourage our clients to buy locally made crafts and support local skills to encourage the positive sides of tourism.
- Consider tipping a reasonable amount for good service. It has become a cultural and every staff expects something from their guest at the end of the trip.
- Bargaining is an accepted practice in all areas we visit- But do so in a good humour and bear in mind the amount of money you are negotiate over!
- Think carefully about giving money to beggars, it is often more effective to give money to local charity to reduce reliance and expectation.
Social:
- Better to learn some words of the local Nepalese language, this is appreciated and often results in getting more out of the experience.
- Always ask for permission before taking photographs out of respect for the local people.
- Enjoy the areas you visit but, if possible, try and leave in a better state than you found them in.
- Always respect the local laws, customs and cultural beliefs.
- Observe the dress code of the area and be aware of differences in social behaviour and norms.
- Do not buy ancient arti facts or souvenirs made from endangered species (e.g. ivory ).
Environment:
- Wild animals should not be touched, fed or disturbed and do not encourage local people to parade animals.
- Try not to damage any plants you see on the trail.
- Do not collect firewood; all of our treks & mountaineering use kerosene/Gas for cooking.
- Ask permission before using a village well or pump.
- Please burn all paper and bury away from a water source (30m) and please use toilet facilities en route if they exist.
- Our policy is to carry out all non biodegradable rubbish, if any is left behind in the morning, please bring to the guides attention.
- Bring along environmentally friendly detergents and shampoos and use as little as possible to keep fresh water supplies free from pollution.
- Be economical in using fresh water for showering and washing as often they are in short supply.
- Consider offsetting environmental effects of international travel by contributing to Climate Care.
In view of above, please feel very free to join hands with us for responsible tourism approach, protect the environment you would visit, benefit the local economy and be socially responsible while traveling to Nepal with us.