Responsible Tourism...

Namaste Adventure is committed to adopting a responsible attitude to the areas we visit. We are guests of the communities we pass through and with some thought and care we can ensure that everyone benefits from the experience.

Our responsible tourism policy aims to ensure that Namaste Adventure and its clients act in a way that is ethically, environmentally and culturally sound.

If you have any suggestions or comments regarding our Responsible Tourism Policy, please get in contact with us.
Namaste Adventure's Responsible Tourism Policy :

* All areas of our operations are planned with responsible tourism in mind and we require our business partners to support this vision.
* Staff welfare is an important priority. We ensure that our staff have the appropriate training for the area they work in.
* We take staff health and safety seriously and ensure that our staff are properly equipped for the terrain and season they will be trekking
* We do not allow our portering staff to carry more than 25kg . These weights may vary depending on the conditions of the trek (they    will never exceed 25kg)
* All staff members are provided with a dedicated shelter, food and hot drinks where ever they trek.
* Staff members are provided with the same standard of medical care as the clients, staff will not be paid off if they become sick but    taken to the appropriate centre for treatment. All our staff are provided with life insurance for the duration of the trip.
* We ensure that all staff receive a fair pay, this includes locally employed staff on the trekking routes.
* Our local partners are monitored on a continual basis and post trip questionnaires are read and acted upon where necessary.
* Appropriate behaviour is encouraged on social and cultural awareness and by using local guides who discuss these issues with the group.
* We strongly recommend that clients and staff sterilize drinking water using iodine and boiling methods rather than using bottled mineral    water.
* We have a "no drink" policy (alcoholic) for staff and clients whilst on ascent and recommend drinking alcohol in moderation (if at all)    whilst trekking.
* In the office we recycle and reduce waste.

We believe that our clients have an important role to play as well, with each person ultimately determining the overall impact of the group in the area visited. The following are some ideas you might like to consider:

:: Economic ::
* Buy locally made crafts and support local skills to encourage the positive sides of tourism.
* Consider tipping a reasonable amount for good service.
* Bargaining is an accepted practice in all of the countries we visit- but do so in a good humour and bear in mind the amount of money    you are haggling over!
* Think carefully about giving money to beggars, it is often more effective to give money to local charity to reduce reliance and    expectation.

:: Social ::
* Learn some words of the local language, this is appreciated and often results in getting more out of the experience.
* Ask for permission before taking photographs out of respect for the local people.
* Enjoy the areas you visit but, if possible, try and leave in a better state than you found them in.
* Respect the local laws, customs and cultural beliefs.
* Observe the dress code of the area and be aware of differences in social behaviour and norms.
* Do not buy ancient artefacts or souvenirs made from endangered species (eg ivory).

:: Environment ::
* Try not to damage any plants you see on the trail.
* Wild animals should not be touched, fed or disturbed and do not encourage local people to parade animals.
* Do not collect firewood, all the treks use kerosene for cooking.
* Ask permission before using a village well or pump.
* Please burn all toilet paper and bury away from a water source (30m) and please use toilet facilities if they exist.
* Our policy is to carry out all non biodegradable rubbish, if any is left behind in the morning, please bring it to the guides attention.
* Bring along environmentally friendly detergents and shampoos and use as little as possible to keep fresh water supplies free from    pollution.
* Be economical in using fresh water for showering and washing as often they are in short supply.
* Consider offsetting environmental effects of international travel by contributing to Climate Care.