Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, 9 days

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
Some of the accommodation on this trip uses renewable energy.
We spend a night at a tent hostel located at the base camp of Mount Everest. The chilly nights urge us to seek warmth, and dried cow dung, a renewable resource, is used for burning. Moreover, the local electricity supply is sustainably generated by harnessing solar energy from solar panels installed on the mountain slopes.

During the entire itinerary, our approach is to share cars or vans with around 8 guests, strategically minimizing the formation of overly small travel groups that would unnecessarily consume additional resources. Notably, when exploring the Mount Everest scenic area, we opt not to drive our cars directly to the base camp. Instead, we use spacious sightseeing bus, thoughtfully designed to accommodate over 20 people comfortably. This way, we aim to strike a balance between efficient transportation and environmental responsibility throughout our journey. These sightseeing buses to EBC all use electricity. In order to address the issue of exhaust pollution resulting from fuel-powered vehicles and streamline the collection of tourist-generated garbage, significant efforts were made. Additionally, measures are taken to mitigate the environmental impact caused by irregular driving and passenger waste in the Mount Everest region.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

As part of our itinerary, we include scenic area entrance ticket fee, which serves a dual purpose. These tickets not only act as a well-deserved reward for the developers of the scenic areas but also contribute to the salaries of the dedicated local maintenance personnel and local guides. In the challenging and rugged environment of Tibet, the revenue generated from these tickets plays a crucial role in supporting environmental protection efforts in the scenic spots. Additionally, some financial support also comes from government subsidies, further bolstering conservation initiatives in the region.

We prioritize raising travelers' awareness of environmental protection. Our trip advisors not only help design your Tibet itinerary but also provide essential knowledge about preserving the Tibetan environment. Secondly, as part of our commitment, we furnish each traveler with a guidebook before their departure. This guidebook not only offers insights on safeguarding cultural relics in monasteries and palaces but also emphasizes the significance of preserving natural wonders like lakes from any form of pollution during their journey.

Thirdly, during the tour, our dedicated tour guides distribute rubbish bags to each traveler, encouraging them to collect their own trash along the way and dispose of it responsibly in designated areas. By adhering to our core values, we firmly believe that we can positively influence travelers and contribute to a more sustainable approach to Tibet tourism.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

All the hotels where we lodge are either locally operated or contracted by the local government, with a keen focus on involving the community. These establishments prioritize hiring residents from the vicinity as their primary management personnel and servers. Moreover, the tent accommodation situated at the base camp of Mount Everest is under the ownership of local Tibetans, further contributing to the empowerment of the local community.

Each of our tour guides and drivers is thoughtfully selected from the local Tibetan community. To support and uplift them, we provide a comprehensive package that includes salaries, tour allowances, insurance coverage, travel rewards, and opportunities for in-service training. Additionally, we extend necessary assistance when their family members face health challenges.

Recognizing the unique seasonal nature of travel in Tibet, our organization takes pride in offering approximately 9 months of work to around 40 Tibetan staff members, from April through January of the following year. This represents an impressive 30 percent increase in working months compared to the industry average. Our commitment to empowering and engaging the local workforce reflects our dedication to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Around 30% is employed from this country and 70% from the local community.

At our organization, we go above and beyond to ensure the welfare of our local employees. Not only do we offer salaries that surpass the market average, but we also provide additional benefits, such as social security and medical insurance coverage. Furthermore, to express our appreciation for their hard work and dedication, we grant year-end bonuses as a token of gratitude each year. Our commitment to the well-being of our team reflects our values of fostering a supportive and thriving work environment.