Leave No Trace When Trekking Nepal's Paths
How to Hike in Nepal with Minimum Impact on Environment and Culture
Feb 16, 2009
Trekking in Nepal is on the life-list of many adventure travelers. But the fragile alpine environment and subsistence culture are both vulnerable to damage from tourism.
Environmental Issues for Trekkers in Nepal
The high altitude and alpine environment of most of Nepal's trekking areas, such as the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Trek, makes these regions extremely vulnerable to pollution and overuse. Surprisingly, guided groups may actually have less impact than unguided independent trekkers, especially if the groups are run in an environmentally responsible manner.
One of the most important issues is cooking fuel. Environmentally responsible groups bring in their own cooking fuel, rather than relying on wood. Food prepared for independent trekkers is often cooked on wood-burning stoves, which contributes to deforestation - a major problem in these fragile alpine areas. Cut-rate tours arranged in the back-alley outfitters of Kathmandu may not adhere to the same environmental standards as groups run by established tour agencies. When arranging a trek, ask about environmental issues and insist that minimum standards be met.
Waste is another problem. Pack out all batteries and plastic waste, and as much as possible, all other trash. In the dry cold air of high altitudes, it takes a long time for anything to decompose. Dispose of toilet paper by burning it, disposing of it in outhouses when they are available, or leaving it in a toilet refilled with earth - anything to be sure it won't resurface as litter.
- If camping with a group, share a toilet pit, and fill it in so no trace remains after use. It should be at least 100 feet from a stream or river.
- There is no way to dispose of or recycle plastic water bottles in the remote villages. Instead of buying bottled water, use a purifier.
- The widely available local staple food, dal bhat, is a combination of lentils and rice (and sometimes vegetables). It places fewer burdens on local villagers to produce this meal, as the ingredients are available locally.
- Wash with bio-degradable soaps - again, not near a stream or river.
Cultural Issues for Trekkers in Nepal
Too many tourists, even well-meaning one, can place stress on indigenous and subsistence cultures. A society that has functioned on its own for centuries suddenly becomes dependent on tourist dollars. Western values may erode cultural norms. To lessen impact:
- Nepal’s' culture is very religious, combining aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism. Always walk to the right side of the many mani walls (walls with carvings found alongside the trails), or counterclockwise around stupas and monuments. This ensures that no matter which way you go, when you return, you will make a full circle.
- Resist the urge to give gifts to begging children. Begging undermines a culture. Those who wish to help can give a package of pens to a local school, share some food, or make a donation through one of the many aid agencies in Kathmandu. Himalayan Rescue Association is a worthy cause, as it provides medical aid to rural Nepali villagers and mounts an altitude sickness prevention education program for trekkers.
- Hire porters. This is at traditional way of trekking in Nepal, and is a way of contributing to the economy without giving alms or undermining the culture: Trekkers pay for work performed. The cost is minimal (around $7 US a day), and the positive impact is huge.
- Ask guides about the appropriate behavior at shrines and religious sites.
- Ask people before photographing them; they aren't objects.
By following these simple precepts, visitors can help ensure they are following the Leave no Trace edict of taking only pictures, leaving only footprints.
 |
