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What to Do and Avoid: Trekking Etiquette in Nepal

Are you thinking of finding the perfect destination for your holiday season? Or do you want peace of mind from the hustle and bustle of city life? Well, here is your go-to destination. Nepal is known for its Himalayan beauty and rugged terrain. From the busy towns to the traditional, pure mountain villages, every part of Nepal has a deep-set tradition and spirituality. Travelling through this magical landscape, one is caught in the endless plethora of enchanting rituals transferred through generations. 

As we experience the life-changing Himalayas, this blog will give you insightful knowledge about the dos and don’ts of embarking on this Mount everest trekking Journey. 

Let’s Explore The Do’s And Don’ts While Trekking Through the Himalayas 

Do’s: Taking Environmental Responsibility seriously!

While trekking and hiking in Nepal, you will indeed have the experience of a lifetime amidst the adventure. You will also visit some of the most sensitive ecosystems, along with exotic and fragile flora and fauna. Therefore, you have a significant environmental responsibility to keep in mind: 

trekking and hiking

  • Act respectfully towards this fragile land, leaving it equally beautiful for all future trekkers. Religiously following the policy of ‘Leave No Trace’ is the foremost way to do specific eco-friendly trekking.
  • Be cautious about carrying bio-degradable things. For example, you can take reusable bottles rather than plastic bottles, biodegradable soap, and much more. And whatever you take, be sure to pack it out and dispose of it at the nearest waste collection point.
  • Bring a bag with you and collect stray garbage that you might see along the trail and in the surrounding areas. This will be very useful to the locals in their waste management practices.
  • It’s better to carry a reliable water purifier or water purification tablets to avoid using many bottles of water during the trek.

Making Interactions With Local Communities

One of the most significant parts of trekking and hiking in Nepal is experiencing the culture that comes along with it. For some individuals, this can be a life-changing experience, as they get to participate in and learn about the customs of a different religion and many cultural groups.

  • However, it will only come to you with effort. In comparison, the people you will encounter on the Langtang Valley trekking routes of Nepal are welcoming; they, too, like to see the same zeal for interaction from your side.
  • Showing small gestures of respect, such as bowing down to elders and greeting everyone with a smiling face, would make remarkable differences.
  • By doing so, you will remain open to local interactions and show a willingness to participate in their customs.

Showing Respect Towards Local Custom 

During a trek through the remote villages in Nepal, you must be culturally aware. Nepal is a country with a rich cultural heritage and loads of rituals and traditions.

  • Though some prior research may be done regarding the cultural specifics of the route that you will be trekking, the fundamental key to your appreciation is to observe and follow the local customs.
  • Some key basics that one is expected to follow in Nepal include removing shoes before entering any house or temple, dressing modestly while visiting any religious site, maintaining silence during prayers, and always seeking permission.
  • If one is entering somebody’s house or photographing any ritual or custom, one must seek permission because sometimes photography during rituals can be offensive. Avoid using flash during photography and also try not to take pictures of religious statues.

Staying On Designated Trails

The temptation of new trails on Mount Everest trekking is exciting, but always stick to the authorised trek routes. Going off the track upsets sensitive ecosystems, destroys flora, and perpetuates erosion. Staying on designated trails helps ensure your safety, too, as hazardous wild animals also avoid areas of human activity. In cases of a route being destroyed, always ask locals or guides for alternative trails.

Don’ts To Keep In Mind 

trekking planning

Do Not Disturb the Wildlife!

The temptation for wildlife sightings is attractive to many, but always observe them from far enough not to disrupt their relative behavioural tendencies. Though sometimes you may feel like feeding the wildlife, it is a temptation that should be overcome. Feeding wildlife is not only harmful to its health but also its natural behaviours. Observe from a safe distance. No use of traps. No touching of nests. No poisoning of an animal.

Don’t Ignore Local Rules!

trekking guidelines

When trekking to varied regions, you may encounter different local guidelines or regulations regarding photography, access to sacred sites, or anything else related to your trek. Most of these guidelines are intended to protect cultural heritage and natural resources. Thus, consider the local guidelines. 

If you do so, then you might enter into conflict with the locals, which can destroy your whole experience. Please remember that some monuments do not allow you to click pictures because of some customs.

Do Not Over-consume Limited Resources

Practice local resourcefulness. Remember that in the more remote places, resources like water and electricity might be scarce, so use them wisely and be considerate of the strain on local facilities. Overly long showers or excessive electricity use can stretch the usage of the same kinds of resources that your fellow trekkers may want to use but will not enjoy.

Conclusion 

The infrastructure throughout Nepal is so barren that in most regions, the trek is entirely remote. Thus, prepare yourself mentally to adjust to the most basic living conditions. If you want to get a wholesome experience of trekking in the Himalayas, then Himalayan Marvel is your go-to destination as the best trekking agency in Nepal. 

Enjoy your trip and savour the moments spent away from the cities and metropolitans. Remember not to complain about the facilities but feel grateful for whatever you have! The dos and don’ts of trekking etiquette listed above provide you with a harmonious and respectful mount everest trekking experience. So, Trek with empathy and leave only footprints.

FAQS

Is it acceptable to take pictures of the residents and places of worship?

Always get permission before taking pictures of locals, especially women, and show consideration if they say no. 

When trekking, how should you deal with your trash?

Carry all of your rubbish, including food waste, tissues, and plastic wrappers, with you to avoid leaving any trace. Trash should be appropriately disposed of at specified disposal sites or returned to the city for disposal.

How can I appropriately deal with altitude sickness?

Notify your guide or trekking companions immediately if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

How To help Nepal’s tourism industry become more sustainable?

To promote sustainable tourism, choose locally owned lodging, use local porters and guides, and buy locally produced goods. 

Can I smoke or drink alcohol while trekking?

Avoid consuming alcohol, especially at high altitudes where it can worsen altitude sickness, and refrain from smoking in close proximity to other hikers or in cramped areas.