Your visit can have a positive impact. You can help protect the
fragile environment and culture of the Khumbu as well as benefit the local economy. It just takes a little effort and awareness.
Respect the culture; your behavior does matter and can offend.
Dress modestly at all times. Wear long loose fitting skirts or
trousers on the trail.
If you photograph local people ask permission first.
Please do not give money to children who beg or want their photos taken. If you have brought pens of small gifts for children, give
them to their teachers or parents to be distributed.
During your trek help the economy but preserve the environment.
Do not use toilet tents in Tengboche, there are too many people and
it causes a major health and sanitation problem. Use the public
toilets and keep them clean. Do not let your staff dump rubbish in
the toilets.
Carry back plastics, batteries and other trash that cannot be
easily burnt or buried.
Wash away from water sources and throw the waste water on to the
ground. Remember it is offensive to strip off and wash nude in public
places.
Use
filters, iodine or purification tablets for water. Remember
mineral water bottles are a major source of rubbish, which is
difficult to dispose of. Asking for boiled water increases the amount
of wood burned in an area where deforestation is a major problem.
Stay in
lodges that have back boilers and use fuel efficiently.
Avoid lodges that use wood burning stoves. Do not order hot showers
heated by burning wood.
Order your food in lodges in advance and try to eat at the same
time as your fellow guests. This can save a tremendous amount of
firewood. If a fire has to be started up for one plate of potato
chips it is extremely wasteful.
Employ local people as guides, cooks and porters. Eat local food
and buy souvenirs locally.
Learn
altitude info hospitals and phone numbers
Remember you might have to provide for your staff if they do not
have adequate equipment for the higher altitudes.
