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, provide porter training and education, etc.

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

Above the Himalayas, 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 trailblazers, sailors 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 Ecotourism.

About AHT’s promises

Through sustainable practices and a promise to our dear motherland to preserve its pristine beauty, Above the Himalayan Trekking has repeatedly contributed to improving Ecotourism in Nepal.

Through this exploration of Ecotourism in Nepal, above the Himalayas, Trekking wants to delve deep into our company’s entrenched promises and deeds for embracing Ecotourism. We’ll also profoundly explore Nepal’s status quo in Ecotourism.

So, what is Ecotourism?

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

Above the Himalayas, Trekking recognized early that the delicate balance between exploration and preservation was crucial for safeguarding Nepal’s natural treasures, which need to be admired by this generation and future generations. With that exact realization, our company made Ecotourism an integral part of its mission.

AHT and Ecotourism

Every trek organized by Above the Himalayan 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.

AHT and Sustainable Practices

Above the Himalayas, Trekking has repeatedly gone above and beyond the conventional notions of trekking to redefine the travel experience, and it continues to do so. In doing so, we as a company must not deviate from the systems and promises we’ve made 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 create a perfect balance between your and nature’s comfort.

AHT and Collaborations

Continuing with our repeated adhesion to our promise of Ecotourism, we do some of it through collaborations with eco-lodges and sustainable accommodations, prioritizing environmental stewardship.

The lodges 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, it has repeatedly positively impacted the local economy and environmental conservation.

 AHT and Food Practices

As we adhere to this ethos, let us talk about how our food selection 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 possible).

In doing so, our distinguished travelers are treated to a delightfully charming array of regional dishes made with organic produce, showcasing Nepal’s rich culinary heritage. We promote not just Ecotourism but also our cuisine and culture.

AHT and Local Communities

Let us continue how the promises we’ve tried to fulfill- Above the Himalayan Trekking- recognize that sustainable tourism and empowering local tourism are two things that go hand in hand. And that is precisely why our company actively engages in community development projects to uplift the lives of rural and local populations.

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

‘Above the Himalaya Trekking is not just a trekking company; we believe it is also a social company.’ Purushotham Timelsena, Managing Director.

Our passion for Ecotourism stems from an urge for a deep-rooted love for our nation and the world’s environment in general.

Bridging Cultures, Supporting Villages

One of our ecotourism initiatives involves developing homestay trekking programs in local and rural villages. Programs such as this have offered travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the historic and authentic culture of indigenous Nepalese people and the lifestyle of the Himalayas. This preserves the surrounding nature and that place’s old and historic culture.

Supporting Education and Healthcare

 Above the Himalayas, trekking believes that education and healthcare are essential pillars of any community’s sustainable development. With that mindset, we have supported projects in the Annapurna region to improve residents’ educational facilities and healthcare services.

Disaster Relief and Community Assistance

In times of crisis, Above the Himalayan Trekking has extended its ecotourism ethos to provide disaster relief and assistance to affected communities. Without a doubt, if a calamity were ever to strike again, ATHT would 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 traditions and festivals with local communities. For instance, we encourage travelers to participate in the Everest region’s Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery.

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

Building Partnerships for Additional Impact

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

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

Looking closer at the Status Quo of Ecotourism in Nepal

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

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

The Need for Ecotourism

Ecotourism, especially in Nepal, provides a challenge and an opportunity to protect everything. 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 Ecotourism, Nepal faces several challenges in fully implementing sustainable practices. One significant challenge is the lack of awareness and education between travelers and local communities.

There are still so many tourists who are not yet familiar with the necessity and basics of Ecotourism or the impact of their actions on the local environment. Over-tourism in certain popular trekking regions also threatens the environment and local communities.

Where lies a problem does lay a solution-

Responsible infrastructure development is needed to ensure that natural habitats are not adversely affected as tourism grows. Proper waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency may solve some problems.

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 actively participate in tourism development do they become critical stakeholders in preserving their cultural heritage and natural assets. They become a much-needed local ambassador for Ecotourism.

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 Himalayas, 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 the preservation of the environment through ecotourism ethos. 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

Above the Himalaya Trekking (P) Ltd only runs treks and tours in the Himalayas. Awareness and responsibility are the most important things to take with you on your journey. Your behavior affects the local’s attitude towards their culture and environment. Thus, please keep to the legal rules and give your best example.

• Purify drinking water yourself instead of buying it in 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 outside or accessible for a small fee or donation.
• Discourage begging and encourage fair dealing.
• Remember that disturbing wildlife, removing animals or plants, or buying wildlife products is illegal.