Annapurna Sanctuary small group

Planet

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) publishes a minimum impact code that combines respect for the environment with cultural awareness. We adopt this code throughout our trek and our tour leaders encourage responsible tourism as much as possible. This includes taking away our rubbish as there is no refuse collection on the trail. Anything that goes in with the group must come back off the trail - either with you or as part of the porters' rubbish collection.

Our local tour leaders actively encourage the group to use reusable water bottles to reduce the amount of plastic purchased. In addition to this, they are also working with local hotels to provide drinking water, rather than selling bottles individually. During the trek we recommend that all customers take a filter water bottle or water purification tablets with them. For environmental reasons, we also do not encourage the boiling of water due to fuel and power shortages in Nepal.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, tour leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

Whilst trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary we overnight in Tea houses. These were originally local homes where the family opened their doors to visitors and served drinks and simple meals and provided a place to sleep for the night. Over time these developed into a homestay-hotel hybrid and the concept of the 'tea house' was established. Staying in tea houses is a great way of meeting and getting to know the friendly Nepalese, giving the group a glimpse into the culture and daily lives of the local people in rural Nepal alongside helping to support the economy in these remote mountain communities. Meals will be taken in the communal dining area which also provides a place to relax and socialise after the days walking. The food is home cooked and locally sourced, the staple is the traditional Dal bhat (steamed rice and lentil soup accompanied by vegetable curry).

All of the porters for our Nepal trekking trips are local, know the region like the back of their hand and they are well-acclimatised to the altitude. We ensure that they are all paid fairly and follow the guidelines of the International Porter Protection Group which looks after their well-being and safety.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.