Namaste to all the readers and hike enthusiasts. This is Nir Bahadur Gurung (NB Gurung), Manager at Adventure Trek in Nepal and a field officer with a fair experience of more than a decade in the mighty Himalayas.
From the inception days of my guiding journey, I have attempted to comply with the rules of sustainability. Every time I hike to the mountains, I try to educate and aware people of keeping the hills and Himalayas clean. At least, we shouldn’t degrade mother nature, my concern revolves around this mindset.
I have come up with a few tips on how we can act more sustainably not just in the altitude but also in our daily life. The ideas listed below will help you guys to reduce your ecological footprints as much as possible.
Like my mindset, our entire team at Adventure Trek in Nepal is clear not to degrade this mother Earth with our carelessness. Take a time to consider these tips, execute them gradually, and share them among your travel circle to be more sustainable and embrace the beauty of co-existence. Yes, our small steps will act to a big impact if done together, properly.
Let’s not leave or throw our garbage in the trails. Be it de-composable fruits peel, or tissues or Aluminum products. It is not recommended. It might sound not usual to know that,
bananas and orange peels take 1-3 years to decay. Similarly, plastic bags require 100-200 years. Even the chewing gum of which we are careless takes 3-5 years. The mostly seen cans and foils of Aluminum take 50-400 years.
The data makes us think, right? Thus, from today let’s make a bold mindset to not leave anything behind. All we need to do is just take a bag along to store our garbage by ourselves. Keeping our neighborhood clean, the trail, and the nation is a human responsibility. Here, I remember the famous saying which implies 8 billion people in the world said it is just plastic. Let’s not include ourselves in the list of ignorant citizens of this world as we think we are the sagacious and smart creatures on the planet.
Becoming a responsible traveler in the mountains is essential to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these fragile ecosystems. Here are some tips to help you become a responsible mountain traveler:
Research and Plan:
Before your trip, research the destination thoroughly, including local customs, regulations, and environmental issues.
Plan your itinerary and routes in advance, and let someone know your plans and estimated return time.
Leave No Trace:
Follow the Leave No Trace principles, which include packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, and staying on established trails.
Avoid disturbing wildlife and their habitats by maintaining a safe distance.
Stay on Designated Trails:
Stick to established trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile ecosystems.
Avoid creating new paths or shortcuts, as this can harm the environment.
Pack Light and Use Sustainable Gear:
Carry only what you need and avoid disposable items.
Choose sustainable and environmentally friendly outdoor gear.
Minimize Your Environmental Impact:
Use biodegradable soap or consider not using any soap in natural water sources.
Purify water responsibly and avoid using single-use plastic bottles.
Practice Responsible Camping:
Camp in designated areas and obtain any required permits.
Set up your camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to protect water quality.
Dispose of Waste Properly:
Use established restroom facilities when available.
If none are available, use a trowel to dig a small hole at least 200 feet away from water sources for human waste disposal.
Minimize Noise Pollution:
Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
Use headphones if you want to listen to music or podcasts.
Leave Cultural and Historical Sites Untouched:
Do not disturb or remove any artifacts or cultural items you may come across.
Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Support Local Communities and Conservation Efforts:
Spend your money locally to support the economy of mountain communities.
Contribute to local conservation efforts or volunteer for cleanup and restoration projects if possible.
Practice Safety First:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and potential emergencies.
Carry essential safety gear, including a first aid kit, navigation tools, and communication devices.
Educate Yourself:
Learn about the flora and fauna you may encounter, and avoid damaging or disturbing them.
Understand the principles of responsible mountain travel and share them with others.
Remember that responsible travel is not just about protecting the environment but also respecting the people who call the mountains home. By following these guidelines, you can have a meaningful and positive impact on the mountains you visit while preserving them for future generations.
