Eco friendly Treks & Tours

We run Eco-friendly treks and tours and do anything to prevent activities that harm nature and cultural heritage. Our guides are compassionate for preserving the area’s beautiful nature, and they all receive regular training on this subject from national and international NGOs, INGO, and others.

A part of our profit goes directly to a local community. We try to develop activities such as homestay trekking programs, introduce new trekking routes in the countryside, porter training, education, etc…

We always give something back to the areas where we work and support schools, orphanage houses, recycling projects, and helping disabled people.

Above the Himalaya Trekking is making a difference via EcoTourism!

Only two countries are known as the Roof of the World. One is Tibet, and the other is Nepal- a land of mysticism, peaks, and serene valleys with diverse ecosystems.

 

And, amidst this breathtaking landscape, We, Above the Himalaya Trekking, have emerged as a trailblazer, a sailor to take you to every depth of this mystic sea we call Nepal. And, not just as sailors but as lovers of this ecosystem we get to sail daily, we’ve time and time again dedicated ourselves to promoting its eco-tourism.

 

About ATHT’s promises

Through sustainable practices and a promise to our dear motherland to preserve its pristine beauty, Above the Himalaya Trekking has, time and time again, taken part in improving eco-tourism in Nepal.

 

Through this exploration of eco-tourism in Nepal, Above the Himalayas Trekking wants to delve deep into our company’s entrenched promises and deeds of embracing eco-tourism. We’ll also deeply dive into the status quo of Nepal’s state in ecotourism.

 

So, what is Ecotourism?

Eco-tourism is a concept centered around the responsibility that comes with travel and tourism. It is of great concern that such a concept be heard more of, especially by sailors like us. And, from the past few years, it has significantly increased in Nepal.

 

Above the Himalaya Trekking recognized early that the delicate balance between exploration and preservation was crucial for safeguarding Nepal’s natural treasures, as this is something that needs to be admired not just by this generation but generations more to come. And with that exact realization, our company made eco-tourism an integral part of its mission.

 

ATHT and Ecotourism

Every trek organized by Above the Himalaya Trekking is meticulously and carefully planned to minimize the impact on our beautiful but fragile ecosystems. Our way of contributing to ecotourism includes (but isn’t limited to)-

 

• Trekking routes are thoughtfully chosen, avoiding areas prone to over-tourism and prioritizing lesser-known trails that offer equally breathtaking experiences.

 

• Adopting sustainable practices and ensuring that our travelers’ footprints on the environment remain light, leaving behind only admiration and taking with memories of peace and serenity.

 

ATHT and Sustainable Practices

 

Above the Himalaya Trekking time and time again has gone above and beyond the conventional notions of trekking to redefine the travel experience and it continues to do so. And in doing so we as a company must not cross the systems and promises we’ve laid for ourselves.

 

To adhere to our company’s promise and to adhere dearly to this motherland we call Nepal, sustainable practices for ecotourism have been deeply ingrained in the company’s operations. From the selection of accommodations to the food we provide during the treks, everything has been thought of and questioned to bring forth a perfect balance between your and nature’s comfort.

 

ATHT and Collaborations

 

Continuing with how we’ve repeatedly adhered to our promise of eco-tourism, a part of it is done through collaborations with eco-lodges and sustainable accommodations prioritizing environmental stewardship.

 

The lodges that we choose for our itinerary and distinguished guests are equipped with solar heating systems (though depending on the altitude), which implement waste reduction measures and often support the local communities vastly through employment and income generation.

 

By staying in our chosen accommodations and lodges, all our travelers become a part of the more significant movement towards sustainable tourism, even without them knowing it. Though this is a small collaboration, this has, time and time again, positively impacted the local economy and environmental conservation.

 

ATHT and Food Practices

 

As we adhere to this ethos, let us talk about how our selection in food has impacted our plans for a better future in ecotourism.

 

Our company sources ingredients locally, supporting local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with any food transportation (as much as we can at least).

 

And in doing so, our distinguished set of travelers are treated to a delightfully charming array of regional dishes made with organic produce, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Nepal. And promoting not just eco-tourism but our cuisine and culture as well.

 

 

ATHT and Local Communities

 

Let us continue on how our promises we’ve tried to fulfil- Above the Himalaya Trekking recognizes that sustainable tourism and empowering local tourism are two things that come hand in hand. And that is exactly why our company actively engages in community development projects to uplift the lives of rural and local populations.

 

 

Some Anecdotal Scenarios of ATHT (What we’ve done)

 

‘Above the Himalaya Trekking is not just a trekking company, rather we believe that it is a social company as well.’ Purushotham Timelsena, Managing Director.

 

Our passion for ecotourism comes and stems from an urge of a deep rooted love for not just our nation but for the environment of the world in general.

 

Bridging Cultures, Supporting Villages

 

One of our ecotourism initiatives involves developing homestay trekking programs in local and rural villages. Programs as such have offered travellers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the historic and authentic culture of indigenous Nepalese people and lifestyle of the Himalayas. And, this preserves not just the surrounding nature, but also preserves the old and historic culture of that place.

 

Supporting Education and Healthcare

 

Above the Himalaya Trekking believes that education and healthcare are some of the most essential pillars for any community’s sustainable development. And with that mindset- In the Annapurna region, we have supported projects aimed at improving educational facilities and healthcare services for local residents.

 

 

Disaster Relief and Community Assistance

 

In times of crisis, Above the Himalaya Trekking has extended its ecotourism ethos to provide disaster relief and assistance to affected communities. And without a doubt, in the future if a calamity were to ever strike again, ATHT will be there to help in any way possible.

 

Looking back, when Nepal faced a devastating earthquake, we swiftly responded by distributing Tarpaulins as shelters and providing food supplies to those in need.

 

 

Preserving Cultural Heritage

 

Again, to adhere to our ethos of promoting ecotourism initiatives, we’ve actively engaged in cultural exchange programs such as celebrating different sorts of traditions and festivals with local communities. For instance, in the Everest region, we encourage travellers to participate in the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery.

 

And during the treks, travellers are encouraged to engage with local communities, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. By participating in such festivals, and by learning about traditional practices, and supporting local businesses, travellers contribute to the socio-economic development of the communities they visit in ways that cannot be merely described by words.

 

 

Building Partnerships for Additional Impact

 

Collaboration lies at the heart of Above the Himalaya Trekking’s efforts in environmental conservation and this collaboration isn’t just limited to local lodges (as mentioned above).

 

The company partners with various local and international organisations committed to preserving Nepal’s natural treasures. One of those noteworthy collaborations is with WWF-Nepal, where Above the Himalaya Trekking had supported and is presently supporting initiatives focused on wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

 

Looking closer at the Status Quo of Eco-Tourism in Nepal

 

While eco-tourism has gained momentum in recent years, Nepal faces both challenges and opportunities in its pursuit for the sustainability of such a tourism practice.

 

As a nation blessed with abundant natural beauty and a deep rooted cultural diversity, Nepal’s journey towards ecotourism is oh so critical for preserving its ecological heritage and supporting local communities.

 

The Need for Eco-Tourism

 

Eco-tourism, especially in the context of Nepal, provides not just a challenge but also an opportunity to protect everything. And by promoting this ethos, Nepal can strike a delicate balance between tourism development and environmental conservation.

 

Where lies a good thing, does lay a challenge-

 

Despite the promise of eco-tourism, Nepal faces several challenges in fully implementing sustainable practices. And one of such significant challenges is the lack of awareness and education between travellers and local communities.

 

There are still so many tourists that are yet not familiar with the necessity and basics of ecotourism or the impact of their actions on the local environment. Additionally, over-tourism in certain popular trekking regions threatens the environment and local communities..

 

Where lies a problem, does lay a solution-

 

As tourism grows, there is and will be a need for responsible infrastructure development to ensure that natural habitats are not adversely affected. Through proper waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency, some of the problems may be solved.

 

And as for the over-tourism part, balancing the flow of tourists across different trekking routes and regions is crucial to ensuring sustainable tourism growth. And there’s no doubt about how much our government plays a part in these solutions.

 

The Awareness part for Local Communities

 

Local communities’ involvement and engagement are essential for the success of ecotourism initiatives. Only when the local communities are active participants in tourism development do they become critical stakeholders in preserving their cultural heritage and natural assets. They become a much-needed local ambassador for eco-tourism.

 

The Responsibility of a Traveller

 

At the heart of ecotourism lies responsible traveler behavior. Travelers play a vital role in ensuring the success of sustainable tourism initiatives. Like ATHT’s guidelines for all travelers we mention every time we are on a trek, here we’ll mention a few of these things again.

 

• A responsible traveler should minimize waste generation.
• A responsible traveler should avoid littering.
• Responsible travelers should be mindful of water usage during their treks.
• Responsible travelers should respect nature and the ecosystem around them.
• A responsible traveler, in all its essence, should be reliable and rational.

 

 

Concluding our pleas for Ecotourism

 

Above the Himalaya Trekking’s commitment to ecotourism and sustainable practices for responsible conduction hopefully sets a commendable example for the travel industry in Nepal.

 

Nepal strives to find a goldilocks balance between development in tourism and preservation of the environment through ecotourism ethos. And we here at ATHT believe that through collaborative efforts from the government, trekking companies, NGOs, and responsible travelers, Nepal can unlock the full potential of ecotourism.

Eco-friendly trekking

• Purify drinking water yourself instead of buying it a plastic bottle.

• Use local toilet facilities wherever possible.

• Adopt local customs, and don’t wear revealing clothes. Save caresses for private moments.

• Ask before photographing people or religious sites. Don’t enter houses uninvited,

• Respect local management, Gompas, and caves may be closed outsides or accessible for a small fee or donation.

• Discourage begging and encourage fair dealing

• Remember that it is illegal to disturb wildlife, remove animals or plants, or buy wildlife products