Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
1of4
Surreal Spiti is an endeavour to promote 'Responsible Eco-travel' in the Spiti valley. The objective of this programme is to develop unique, authentic and reliable tourism products and activities, link them to community livelihoods and conservation of culture & nature. This not only provides the community with a sustainable source of income but also serves as an incentive to conserve this unique ecological and cultural microcosm.
Community
Economic/Livelihood Generation: Linking livelihoods to conservation. All experiences that Spiti Homestays offers has an inbuilt conservation charge of 10% that is ploughed back into conservation, welfare and developmental activities. Spiti homestays have been developed on the principle of preserving the cultural integrity of the local community. These Homestays not only help in promoting the local culture, cuisine, architecture, etc, but are also a great way of involving the low income families in tourism related activities.
Pack Animals: Those families not providing homestay facilities in the community provide for pack animals and the income thus generated also helps those other families and the conservation fund.
Guides, Cooks, Porters and Helpers: One of the most significant inroads that have been made in the Spiti valley in terms of providing quality eco-tourism services is the training of the local youth as naturalist guides by experts on Snow Leopards, flora and other aspects. Local youth are employed in tourist services like cooks, porters and helpers for trekking and camping groups.
Cultural Troupes: In some of the villages local musicians and women groups have been brought together to form cultural troupes who showcase Spitian dance and songs, which in turn has helped to revive some of the old songs and dances. It also helps to generate an additional source of income for the locals. The promotion of cultural performances is a way of ensuring that the tradition of local dances, dresses and musicians flourishes in the region.
Green Houses: The set up of greenhouses in the Spiti valley is another way of providing the locals with an additional source of income and also ensure availability of green vegetables even during the harsh and long winters. The excess vegetables grown in the greenhouses would also be sold to trekkers and homestay providers, which in turn would provide the homestays with the option of fresh vegetables for the guests and a ready market for the greenhouse promoter in the village itself.
Handicrafts: Handicrafts is one of the most prized possessions that travellers desire to carry back with them and if they can contribute to the local economy it makes it all the more worthwhile. Various women groups and individuals through the homestays earn a substantial income from the sale of local handicrafts while ensuring the conservation and revival of the crafts.
Seabuckthorn: Another source of income that Ecosphere has provided for the local community is Seabuckthorn (a medicinal fruit with immense economic and ecological value). Various products such as juices, teas, pulp, etc, made from Seabuckthorn provide the locals with a stable source of income. These products are sold in the local markets to tourists and locals alike and are used extensively by homestay providers and trekkers as well.
Environment
Ecological Conservation, Conserving Spiti’s natural heritage.
Wildlife & Birds: Spiti is home to unique and endangered species of wildlife such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, etc, and a variety of indigenous and migratory birds. Wildlife trails have been developed and local youth trained as naturalist are able to understand the balance of ecology and conserving wildlife has become easier.
Fossils: Spiti’s geological history dates back to more that 500 million years, when it lay submerged under the ancient sea Tethys. Remnants of that distant past can still be witnessed in the Spiti valley, which is regarded as the most fossil rich area in the world, as per the Geological Survey of India and the Geological Society of America. Regulations on illegal fossil sale, a fossil center and awareness building in the Spiti area is part of the community project.
Medicinal & Aromatic Plants: There are about 450 species of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) found in the Spiti valley. Most of these plants are either endangered or critically endangered. Spiti has a rich tradition of local medicine system called the Amchi system, which is part of the Tibetan system of medicine having their roots in the Ayurvedic system. Camps are set up to educate locals and encourage use of these medicines and also let tourists experience the same.
Agricultural Bio-Diversity: Organic practices in agriculture and educating locals on growing traditional crops to maintain ecology has been encouraged and organic food is served in homestays.
Garbage Management: In some of the villages the conservation fund that is generated through the homestays and camping, is utilised towards garbage management in the villages. During treks the guides, porters and cooks have been adequately informed about the importance to follow the right ethics pertaining to sustainable garbage management.
Water: One of the critical questions facing the local community of Spiti pertains to water security. With the winter snow being the only source of moisture, Spitian’s rely heavily on snowfall for irrigation, drinking water and even for fodder. In the Spiti Homestays we ensure that we retain and promote the dry composting toilets that don’t use any water and in turn are eco-friendly and are used as manure in the fields.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
