Eco-Friendly Trekking

Eco-Friendly Trekking: Sustainable Practices and Responsible Tourism

Trekking has become a must-experience activity for people to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and come close to nature. In recent years, trekking has increased, and because of this, the mountains are being affected, so we must add sustainable practices for eco-friendly trekking. We must adhere to  Eco-friendly measures while trekking so that nature remains unaffected for future generations. While trekking to the areas where the wildlife has not held human touch in a while, we need to keep our distance to avoid any disturbance in the wildlife balance. In this article, we will understand eco-friendly trekking, what measures are taken by trekking companies like Trekup India, and what measures an individual trekker must take. The first and most important action a trekker can take is trekking with an organization that follows an Eco-friendly Trekking measure like Trekup India.

Leave No Trace

The first step you as an individual or the trekking company Trekup India follow is to leave no trace. This means leaving nature as it was by coming and leaving the mountains without leaving anything behind, which may disrupt the environment. You can positively impact the environment with each trek, making a meaningful contribution toward a greener and healthier planet. Moreover, trekking is a sustainable recreational activity that does not negatively affect the environment. The environmental impact of trekking is much lower than that of motorized sports. An eco-friendlier experience is achieved using minimal gear depending on one’s physical abilities. Trekup India, as an organization, takes the Leave No Trace policy seriously by giving trekkers a bag to keep all the trash while trekking. Also, their team offers trekkers instructions like staying on the trek, camping on the designated camping site and having less environmental impact.

Respect Wildlife

While trekking in the forest area, you may encounter wild animals. So, keeping a few crucial points in mind while interacting with wild animals is essential. The most important thing to remember is not to feed the wildlife or animals, as it may affect them. They may crave human food because they are not accustomed to it, which could worsen the issues. Their behaviour may alter, their hormones may become unbalanced, and other unidentified problems may arise. Avoid water sources when camping since wild animals like ibex, typically seen on Himalayan climbs, are also drawn to salt. Thus, store salt appropriately. Bears and other animals drawn to food and food items have a similar situation. Secondly, please do not throw away litter as the animals might eat it, which can cause problems later. Be cautious when around wild animals and keep a proper distance from them. It is not a good idea to disturb their privacy.

Support and Respect Local Communities

Trekking supports and strengthens local communities by encouraging diversity of culture, improving social inclusion, and opening up economic opportunities. Selecting ethical tour operators like Trekup India for lodging, meals, transportation, and guides is essential to ensure your money goes directly toward helping the community. Trekkers seeking to connect with reputable and local trekking choices in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, or other famous places can significantly benefit from the services provided by platforms such as Trekup India.

Educate and Spread Awareness

Speaking with people is a fantastic chance. Please make the most of this opportunity to educate and raise their awareness about ecology, its current state, and solutions for improving it. It’s a process.
Local people are an Integral component of Ecology, and Mountains are Sensitive: Honor it. The villagers along the route or the local employees working on the project are considered locals. Until you become overly friendly, treat everyone with dignity. Use ‘AAP’ to acknowledge in Hindi.

Speaking with people is a fantastic chance. Please make the most of this opportunity to educate and raise their awareness about ecology, its current state, and solutions for improving it. It’s a process.

Local people are an Integral component of Ecology, and Mountains are Sensitive: Honor it. The villagers along the route or the local employees working on the project are considered locals. Until you become overly friendly, treat everyone with dignity. Use ‘AAP’ to acknowledge in Hindi.

Request permission:

  1. Before taking a picture of a local, make sure you have their consent.
  2. Ask the cook if you are allowed to enter the kitchen tent.
  3. Ask the staff members before giving them money if you would like to tip them.

Wear Appropriate Clothes: In the Indian Himalayas, it is customary for men to refrain from wearing shorts when camping close to a village since native women find them offensive. Women are similarly affected more extensively.

Camping Etiquette

  • Never set up camp near a water source. Avoid using it directly for tasks like brushing, washing your face, washing dishes, or cleaning veggies, as these actions might contaminate the water with artificial chemicals like soap and detergent. Animals frequent bodies of water, so it’s critical to maintain your distance.
  • It is not a good idea to be loud in the mountains. It agitates the untamed creatures. In avalanche-prone places, loud noises can occasionally cause avalanches as well. Recall that loudness is too much for animal eardrums, even for humans. It’s also possible that other group members or individuals dislike loudness.
  • Use cat-style dry toilets exclusively. Before you leave, remember to cover your dump with mud. Never dump in a location adjacent to a water supply. Recall that you and other camping parties utilize the water for drinking, as do locals in the lower regions. 
  • Never burn rubbish made of plastic. Take them down and dispose of them properly. If available, you can dispose of your garbage using the procedures in the closest village. If not, carry them down to the next town or city where it is accessible. Never forget you are responsible for your waste. 

Making Fire

The residue from the fire is just as harmful to the environment as the smoke that emerges from it. It not only ruins the natural wood, but it also ruins the area’s natural beauty. Instead of starting a fire, warm yourself with your cooking supplies. Make use of the modern body warmers that are available. Make sure to dispose of them properly. Make use of a fire extinguisher. Use a fire ring or container if starting a fire is necessary. Ensure the fire is extinguished before leaving the campsite, and only use fallen or dead wood as fuel.

Sustainable Gear

Invest in long-lasting, premium equipment that will last for many years. If hiking is not something you want to do often, consider renting equipment instead of buying it.

Pack Light

Reusables, such as reusable water bottles, water filters, and single-use plastic bottles, are preferable to disposables. To reduce unnecessary packing, pack toiletries that decompose naturally.

Conserve Resources

Use energy and water resources wisely and in moderation. Rather than using disposable plastic bottles, carry a reusable bottle and filter your water using natural sources. Minimize campfires and switch to energy-efficient lights to cut down on wood consumption.

Advantages of Sustainable Hiking

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only preserve the ecosystem but also improve your hiking experience:

  • A Closer Bond with Nature: Awareness of your influence encourages a greater reverence and understanding of the natural world.
  • Encouraging Local Communities: By preserving their traditional way of life, local communities are empowered by sustainable tourism.
  • Enhanced Trekking Satisfaction: Trekking is more satisfying when you know you’re making a difference for a good cause.

Eco-friendly trekking aims to protect the environment for coming generations and to enjoy it. By adopting sustainable practices and responsible tourism, we may reduce our environmental footprint and aid in preserving the planet’s natural treasures. Therefore, let us maintain the wilderness’s natural beauty for future generations by walking gently and leaving only our footprints behind.

About Author

Eco-Friendly Trekking: Sustainable Practices and Responsible Tourism
Kanishk

Kanishk has lived in these hills all his life, so every time he wished to travel somewhere, the hills were his calling card. He completed his schooling in Dehradun and graduated with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. As a result, he was open to sharing in detail his personal experience of exploring with friends and his family. He then looked through different career choices but couldn't find something that made him happy and content. Until he got an opportunity to work in a traveling company and that to trekking. In his mind, this was like the mountains calling, and he began explaining the adventure of going to the hills to people.

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Want To Trek Like Pro?

Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.

Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.

Important Guidelines

Government employees joining our trekking expeditions can avail of Special Casual Leave (SCL) under the following conditions:

  1. Eligibility Criteria:
    • SCL is available exclusively to Indian government employees.
    • Applicable only for treks conducted within India.
  2. Leave Details:
    • As per Pay Commission rules, government employees are entitled to up to 30 days of SCL in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions.
    • Treks must be organized by a registered organization, such as Trekup India, recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
  3. Application Process:
    • You need to apply for leave at least 20 days before the trek departure date.
    • How to Apply: The following details are required to apply for IMF certification through the IMF.
      • Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
        • Your booked trek date.
        • The trek name.
        • Aadhar Card
        • Designation
        • Office Address
        • Additional Fee of Rs. 250/ per person will be applicable.
        • Note: It might take 20-25 days to receive a certificate from the IMF, subject to their approval.
  4. Documentation Support:
    • Trekup India will provide the necessary documents to facilitate your SCL application.
  • A parent or guardian must accompany trekkers below 15 years of age.
  • Trekkers Aged 15 to 18 or above Years: Can trek solo but require a Disclaimer Form signed by a parent or guardian. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking by MBBS Doctor
  • Trekkers Aged above 18 Years: Require a Disclaimer Form self-signed. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking, Signed with an MBBS Doctor stamp.

If you’re planning a trek, you must ensure that your health parameters meet the fitness requirements for physical exertion at high altitudes or rugged terrains. Below are guidelines for each of the parameters mentioned:

1. Pulse Rate (Heart Rate at Rest):

  • Normal: 60 to 100 (bpm) beats per minute.
  • Required Fitness: Physically fit person may have a resting heart rate closer to 50 bpm, which shows that he have good cardiovascular efficiency.

2. Blood Pressure (BP):

  • Required BP: 120/80 mmHg. A Bolood Pressure within this Range ensures adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during physical exertion, especially at high altitudes.
  • Your specified blood pressure (BP) Range—Systolic: 100–140 mmHg and Diastolic: 70–90 mmHg—is appropriate and generally considered safe for trekking activities.
  • Acceptable Range: <140/90 mmHg for trekking. Elevated BP could increase risks during strenuous activity or at high altitudes.

 

Recommendations:

  • Pre-Trek Checkup: Monitor your BP multiple times & ensure that it should be normal.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affect BP, so maintain proper fluid intake during your trek.
  • Avoid Alcohol & Excess Salt: These can destabilize BP, especially at altitude.
  • BP Monitor: If you have a history of BP issues, regularly check your BP during the trek. Our Trek Leaders are equipped with a BP machine.
 

3. Respiratory Rate at Rest:

  • Required Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
 

4. Diabetes Mellitus:

  • Acceptable: Well-controlled blood sugar levels (HbA1c <7% or fasting blood glucose <126 mg/dL).
  • Fitness Requirement: Carry quick glucose sources and monitor regularly during the trek.
 

5. Bronchial Asthma:

  • Acceptable: Only when your doctors allow it & you have to submit an MBBS doctor NOC that you can undergo this trek.
  • Fitness Requirement: Bring prescribed inhalers/medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude risks.
 

6. Heart Problems:

  • Acceptable: Individuals without recent cardiac events (e.g., heart attack within the past 2 years).
  • Fitness Requirement: Clearance from an MBBS Doctor (cardiologist) is required.
 

7. Hypertension:

  • Acceptable: Controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mmHg) with no recent complications like hypertensive crisis.
 

8. Pacemaker Implant:

  • Generally not recommended for high-altitude treks.
 

9. Body Mass Index (BMI):

  • Required BMI: 18 – 26 kg/m² for a good trekking fitness.
  • Overweight or underweight individuals may face additional strain on joints or fatigue.
 

Additional Recommendations:

  • High Altitude Acclimatization: For treks above 10,000 feet, ensure have some acclimatization Trekup India have designed Itinary of this trek accordingly to it but its not granted that this itinary works fine with acclimatization. For more information, click here.
  • Fitness Level: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises before the trek are essential. For more information, click here.
  • Medical Clearance: Consult a healthcare professional (MBBS Doctor) to assess your suitability before coming on this trek.

Would you like assistance preparing for your trek or calculating specific health metrics? Call Your Trek Co-Ordinator