Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
Community
As a part of our continued commitment to responsible tourism, we work closely with our local operator to run this trip in a way that aims to reduce impacts and to give as much back as possible to the local communities. As with the rest of our trips the basics to such a policy is to run trips which involve small groups, never to exceed 20 people.
This is a very unique trip which is based around the opportunity to get to know an immerse yourself among the varying cultures and local traditions along the silk road. Throughout the trip we get the opportunity to interact with local communities, including the nomad Kyrgyz (who are very hospitable and we may well get invited in to sample local smetana (sour cream) or kaymak (a sort of butter) and tea) in their yurts ensuring our money stays in the varying local economies. Where possible on the other hotel nights, we use all locally owned and run accommodation. This we believe contributes directly to the local community as local staff are employed and locally produced and sourced goods are bought for the accommodation. Many of the different cultures we visit are based on song and dance and we make sure that where possible we employ local song and dance troupes attaching an economic benefit to keeping these unique traditions alive.
Our local operator has spent significant time training your guides on responsible tourism issues. This means that your leader will be informed of the different ways in which you will be able to contribute to local economic development and conservation matters.
Environment
We have at our offices worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run regular staff workshops on Responsible Tourism. Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel. Go on do your bit!
This tour operator was the first to get access to China over 30 years ago and the first to take a truck to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. They have since expanded into 91 countries. Their product is driven by their clients because they listen to feedback and have to constantly evolve to provide a greater experience and better value. The exclusive centres they use have been grown organically and are often owned by ex-leaders. The holidays remain innovative, though you will now be travelling in a Mercedes 16-seater sprinter coach rather than a rusty old Bedford overland truck.
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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!
