Tourism is a major force for local development, but it can also have serious consequences if not managed responsibly. To avoid compromising the future generations, it must integrate sustainable development practices. All actors are involved: travel agencies, local agencies, local providers, travelers.
Responsible travel is to feel invited into the country they visit, and not a consumer is to respect the rights and beliefs.
Nepalese culture is organized around standards and strong values, prohibitions and rules. Knowing facilitates trade. Most of the Nepalese, if they are tolerant, always appreciate your efforts.
Some tips for responsible travel:
1. Be careful what you put in your backpack:
• The toilet bag. Do not use too many chemicals such as shower gel. Buy organic soaps and shampoos because fewer pollutants. Remember that water treatment is not perfect and it all starts in the river. It’s easy to find organic soaps in Kathmandu. They can be used for the body and laundry. Save space provided.
• Batteries. Choose them rechargeable. Besides the fact that they limit the impact on the environment. For pity’s sake, if you do not use rechargeable batteries, used batteries taken back to France.
• Flashlight. There are new lights without batteries and LED bulbs, more environmentally friendly.
2. Avoid any adverse consequences generosity.
Like giving candy, pens. Distribute sweets is a problem at two levels. On the one hand, these sweets in a country where children do not see a dentist every month is a time bomb for the health of their teeth.
On the other hand, he learns to begging children. They call for candy at first, and ask for money later. If begging is an interesting source of income, parents prefer this route to that of education. The consequences on the social balance can be particularly serious, especially when a child earns more than his father.
Same problem with pens and school supplies. If you wish to work for generosity, it’s better to give to a school. We can help you for that. There are countless ways to bring joy to a child, sharing simple moments, playing with them, teaching them songs and games in your country. Certainly not paying for the right to take pictures. The value of things is independent of market value.
3. Be humble and tolerant
You are visiting a country whose culture is radically different from yours. And if you look at things with fresh eyes to keep you from prejudice and judgmental category from your own cultural references? Everything is relative, everything is cultural. What is shocking in France, may be part of the customs in Nepal. Animal sacrifices, funeral rites, the place of women … Before you condemn, why not stop for a moment to try to understand? The guide is here to help you understand better these cultural differences.
4. Respect the local culture
And thus, to wear decent clothes. Nepalese culture promotes modesty. Avoid, especially you ladies outfits too short, too stripped too bare, too tight. Besides the fact that they may offend, indecent behavior perpetuate the myth that Western women are easy. Apart from trekking, men will avoid the short and keep always to be topless.
Other attitudes may be considered offensive or disrespectful, so many rules of conduct that do not guess, but learned. Our guide will give you all the information that you avoid making odd.
Here are some examples. Modesty requires, displays of affection are frowned upon, as well as body contact: touching the feet touching the foot, touch the head of a child. Nepalese society is organized into castes. Do not enter the house of a Nepalese unless they are invited and remove your shoes. The kitchen is an important place. Do not enter without being formally invited. Eat with your right hand, the left being reserved for intimate use. Fire is sacred. Do not throw anything into it.
5. Do not photograph people without their consent
Yes, recognize that it is trying to photograph this woman, so beautiful in her sari, or the old man’s face beautiful. Now imagine that the roles are reversed and that tourists come to photograph you without your consent. Let’s admit that most of us refuse to show respect is that to ask permission from them. A photo is not a trophy but captures a moment of sharing and exchange, a meeting. If the person refuses, for pity’s sake, do not take it in secret. And do not promise to send pictures if you are not sure you can keep your promise.
6. Leave nothing else behind that his footprints
We can not say enough, nature is fragile. Finding a balance between tourism and the environment is delicate but necessary. The roads in Nepal are still too often polluted by tourist leave behind their waste. Do not be one of them. Systematically collect your waste in France and bring those that are no-biodegradable.