Ethical trekking

The sign (photo above) welcoming trekkers to the Annapurna Conservation Area sets out some sound guidelines for ethical behaviour while trekking.

Conserve the forest

• Don't light fires
• Cook with kerosene (to saves trees from being chopped down for firewood)
• Warm sufficient warm clothing (to save on the use of fuel for heating)
• Choose lodges that use alternatives to wood for heating and cooking (such as kerosene and solar-powered hot water systems)
  

Protect wildlife

• Don't disturb wildlife
• Don't hurt or remove animals or plants
• Don't buy items made from wildlife parts
  

Stop pollution

• Carry out what you carry in
• Buy only what won't pollute
• Purify water yourself instead of buying it bottled
• Buy water from the safe drinking water stations
• Return batteries to your home country for proper disposal
• Use toilets wherever possible. In the wild, stay at least 50m from water sources and bury your waste
  

Respect people and culture

• Ask permission to photograph people
• Adopt local custom, speak Nepali and local languages to the best of your ability
• Don't wear revealing clothes and avoid outward displays of physical affection
• Don't enter houses uninvited
• Discourage begging