Trekking in the Indian Himalayas

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

As part of our 'Making it More Meaningful Sustainable Travel Policy' we aim to record and reduce our operational carbon emissions for this trip. Our Trek has the following features embedded to help with our carbon reduction:
- The itinerary includes 3 days of human powered transport, ie. trekking
- We consciously choose overnight train travel, a sustainable mode of transportation in India that reduces carbon emissions compared to other forms of travel like flights or private vehicles. By opting for trains, we minimize our environmental impact, support the planet, and contribute to the country's efforts in promoting eco-friendly transportation options.
- We stay in locally owned and simpler styles of accommodation, and eat at locally owned eateries where the food has been locally sourced wherever possible, therefore reducing food mile emissions.
- We do offer vegetarian and vegan options on this trip as well.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

We're proud to operate inline with sustainable travel in India, with various initiatives and legislation aimed at preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage while promoting responsible tourism practices. The Indian government has introduced policies and regulations to support sustainable tourism, such as the Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI), which provides guidelines for businesses to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner which we strive for.

We are fully aligned on the Indian government's launched campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable travel practices among tourists and industry stakeholders. Initiatives like the "Incredible India" campaign often emphasize the importance of responsible tourism and encourage travellers to minimize their environmental impact and respect local cultures and traditions.

One of the elements of this trip to help the planet is that we strive to minimising plastic waste wherever possible and will provide all our travellers with a complimentary Water-To-Go bottle on departure.

The litter problem in India is growing and has increased with the wider availability of pre-packaged goods. We encourage to keep your waste to a minimum – avoid accepting plastic bags from shops and take a reusable bag with you. You are welcome to bring a rubbish bag on your trek, so you can pick up any additional litter you might spot and take particularly harmful waste, such as batteries, back with you. We are always operating with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints.

When visiting ancient and sacred sites we agree with cultural preservation and therefore don’t climb on ruins, avoid touching any religious objects, and when walking around monuments and temples, do so in a clockwise direction, that is – keep the monument on your right. It is generally not a problem to enter temples, but we request all to take shoes off when you do and not to take photos while in there.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We are inherently a responsible travel operator. Small group sizes allow us to visit a destination and local communities, not invade, and to be welcomed back time and time again. We pride ourselves on this commitment.

Small groups only. We focus on small groups with low guide ratio as we value the personal relationships highly. You’ll not only witness extraordinary landscapes on this expedition, but also forge long-lasting friendships and gain a profound understanding of the culture and people of the destinations you explore.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

In India, legislation specifically targeting people-based sustainable travel may not be as comprehensive or specific as environmental conservation laws, but there are regulations and policies that indirectly support community empowerment and social equity within the tourism sector.

Some of the ethical features embedded in the Taj, Temples & Trails of the Indian Himalayas to align with the legislation includes:

- Community based tourism: Using local crew who are qualified Leaders, support crew and drivers who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced and armed with a big friendly smile. As well as fair wages and ethical treatment of porters and guides.
- Offering real life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding. When we trek, the entire group – you as a trekker, the energetic & passionate local guides - are one team. Together we trek the landscapes of some of the most incredible and remote landscapes, making a powerful difference to each other’s experience. To you as a trekker – you receive the support, care, insight into local life & culture and professional guidance of your local crew. And to the local crew – they have the opportunity of training & employment, career progression, above minimum wage payment, human interaction and developing language skills.
- Visit local homes for cooking demonstrations and lunch with the family, supporting local communities and creating a cross cultural understanding and insight.
- Respecting the local people and their property by not taking photos without introducing yourself and ask permission before snapping away.
- During our optional Diwali Extension we include a Pink City Rickshaw Food Trail, a unique initiative empowering local women.
- Lastly we make a financial contribution to the environmental charity, Cool Earth, as part of our business partnership.