What is CO2 Neutral Travel in Nepal
According to popular belief, global warming is caused by the collection of greenhouse gases. As a result, numerous experts have highlighted it as a worldwide severe environmental hazard.
The second largest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions is the transportation industry. This industry consumes a lot of energy, and practically all of that energy is supplied by fuels derived from petroleum (such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.). This indicates that some of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during our treks and excursions is also contributed to by the transportation services we use.
Similarly, the aircraft from during our treks, i.e., flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, from Everest Base Camp Trek and Everest Expedition, also contribute some percentage towards the mission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
In simple words, carbon-neutral travel is a strategy that aims to lower or offset the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere due to travel. In order to do this, you can use renewable energy sources, cut back on air travel, carpooling, take public transit when you can, and buy carbon offsets.
Additionally, it also means choosing eco-friendly lodgings like campsites or homestays that further help lessen your influence on the environment. This reduces emissions while enabling you to explore more of your location during your visit to Nepal.
Opting for CO2 Neutral Travel is a chance to enjoy life-changing events while lowering your carbon footprint and improving the earth. Moreover, by avoiding air travel wherever possible during treks like the EBC trek, staying near home, selecting environmentally friendly airlines, offsetting flight emissions, and other methods, travellers may help the world become carbon neutral.
With eco-friendly hosts worldwide, Mountain Rock Treks allows visitors to engage in sustainable travel, which may help you slow down and become more mindful of how your trips affect others. When selecting a volunteer opportunity, look for green projects that employ sustainable methods and renewable energy.
CO2 Neutral Travel Nepal Cost
The cost of CO2 Neutral Travel in Nepal remains consistent regardless of the chosen plan. The trekking cost remains unchanged, encompassing all journey elements, with no additional expenses incurred when opting for CO2-neutral travel. This means the financial plan for a trek or tour remains unchanged whether you choose the standard travel plan or the environmentally conscious CO2-neutral option with us.
This approach highlights the commitment to sustainability without placing an economic burden on travellers. The trekking experience, expenses, and overall adventure remain unaltered, allowing individuals to make an eco-friendly choice without affecting their budget. CO2 Neutral Travel in Nepal thus offers a seamless shift towards responsible tourism, demonstrating that environmental mindfulness can be integrated without any extra cost during your visit to Nepal. Here are some of our popular CO2-neutral treks and tours in Nepal.
CO2 Neutral Everest Base Camp Trek
CO2 Neutral Annapurna Base Camp Trek
CO2 Neutral Langtang Valley Trek
CO2 Neutral Kathmandu Valley Tour
CO2 Neutral Chitwan Jungle Activities
CO2 Neutral Manaslu Circuit Trek
CO2 Neutral Nepal Luxury Tours
Tips For Reducing Carbon Footprint During Travel In Nepal
As responsible global citizens, it is important to conduct eco-friendly behaviors while touring this magnificent nation. So why not make a sustainable travel choice? You may lessen your impact on the environment, assist local people, and aid in preserving Nepal's natural and cultural resources by following sustainable travel advice. The following are some top-notch and important advice for eco-friendly travel in Nepal.
Avoid Flying to Nearby Destinations.
As we already said, the major amount of tourism's carbon impact is caused by air travel and other modes of transportation. Did you know that a single flight releases more carbon emissions than they do over a year? Consider how much CO2 a round-trip aircraft produces from Kathmandu to Lukla, which results in around 2.2 metric tons of CO2 for each passenger.
Despite the belief of some that the solution is never to travel, we do understand that tourism is a major engine of economic growth in many places. Therefore, abandoning air travel would be disastrous for everyone whose livelihood depends on tourism. Therefore, while we don't advise against travelling altogether, limiting your plane travel to farther-off areas is better, and avoiding travelling to nearby places in Nepal is the first and one of the best steps towards CO2 neutrality.
There are several chances to switch to more environmentally friendly means of transportation while travelling locally. For example, you may take a trip to Jiri or Phaphu first and then travel to Lukla, the starting point for Everest region treks like Everest Base Camp and Everest expedition. This is an alternative to taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Travel Light
More fuel is used to transport your luggage by plane and other ground transportation if your packings are heavier. Reduce your luggage's weight to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Start with picking a small, lightweight bag and carefully considering what you include. Bring clothes that you can wash quickly when travelling and reuse. Larger items, such as camping equipment, should be left at home. Put your toiletries in tiny, reusable containers and remove any extra packaging from your purchases.
Switch off electronics, turn down the AC, and heat as much as possible.
Many consumers are motivated to reduce their home's energy use by high electricity costs. However, hotels bear the expense while people go on vacation. Because of this, people might not be as mindful of their energy usage while travelling as they are at home. However, our world will suffer regardless of who pays the charges for using electronics, either in our homes or on our vacations.
The idea is basic. We produce more carbon emissions as our energy consumption increases. Whether at home or travelling, we should reduce our energy usage. You should turn off the lights, the TV, and other superfluous equipment when not in use.
Look For a Reputable Travel Agency offering a CO2 Neautral Trek
Mountain Rock Treks, a CO2-neutral certified company, provides various environmentally responsible hikes in Nepal's high altitudes without charging additional fees. Join us at any time in our sustainable attempt.
When beginning eco-friendly travel in Nepal, one of the most important first steps is to choose tour operators or travel agencies that prioritize environmental responsibility. These businesses typically employ local tour guides, participate in initiatives to improve local communities, and provide eco-friendly lodging. Look for tour companies that have a demonstrated commitment to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices. If your travel schedule calls for wildlife interactions, ensure the travel agency follows approved wildlife tourism procedures. Additionally, if trekking is a component of your program, your organization should prioritize maintaining the trails' cleanliness, managing the trash along the trails, and promoting initiatives for sustainable hiking.
Minimizing Food Waste
It's generally challenging to avoid overindulging while on vacation, with many mouthwatering and unique culinary options to explore. But did you realize that nearly 25% of global emissions come from the food industry? The carbon that forests store is released into the atmosphere as they are cleared to graze cows and plant crops. In addition to producing carbon when manufactured, packaged, delivered, and refrigerated, food emits harmful methane when thrown away and rots in landfills.
When trying the local cuisine, ensure your eyes are not bigger than your stomach. Ask for a lesser serving or split a meal with a friend if you don't believe you can finish it. Alternatively, you may bring a reusable container and return the leftovers to your accommodation. There are several portable, collapsible containers available.
Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets, which are a major source of food waste. It's far too simple to fill your plate to the brim with the food you can't possibly finish because there are so many options available (and at no extra expense!), not to mention the quantity of food that must be discarded after it has been placed on buffet trays. Do yourself a favor and avoid buffets because they are a terrific way to spread diseases and viruses.
Respect Local Customs and Cultures
Respecting local traditions and values shows appreciation for Nepal's rich history and promotes positive relationships between visitors and the inhabitants. In Nepal, it is a crucial part of environmentally sustainable travel. When visiting holy sites, wear appropriate modest clothing. Additionally, get consent before taking pictures of local people, holiday celebrations, or religious items.
Engage in expressive relationships with the area, learn about its history, enjoy its festivals, and support regional artists by buying their handcrafted wares. Accept the regional flavors and ingredients and encourage keeping culinary traditions alive. Consider studying common local terminology and vocabulary to improve interactions and create more comprehensive knowledge.
Stay In Eco-Friendly Accommodations If Possible
You can only do so much alone to lessen your carbon footprint. However, as a traveler, you can pressure hotels and other establishments to adopt climate-friendly policies and practices. Choose a hotel committed to minimizing its carbon footprint when making a reservation. Hotels can reduce their emissions in various ways, including installing energy-efficient fixtures and equipment, using renewable energy, automating temperature management, buying locally sourced goods, or purchasing carbon offsets.
Start by checking the hotel's website to see if any climate action has been taken. Most hotels that take action to reduce their carbon footprint will discuss it on their website. Look for particular methods they have implemented or information on the reductions they have attained to spot the hotels genuinely living up to their promises. Consult the hotel for information if you can't find it online. You may observe more procedures or practices they could implement during your stay. If so, don't forget to write your thoughts on the visitor feedback form. A simple way to demonstrate to hotels that their clients are considering sustainability while making purchases is to ask questions and offer comments simply.
Slow It Down
Nowadays, it's simple to find oneself preoccupied, racing around, and doing things quickly. Traveling should be a chance to escape the daily grind, but far too frequently, we schedule trips that are even busier than our regular schedules.
Instead of attempting to visit every "must-see" location, slow down by staying longer in one place. Think about taking one longer vacation instead of many shorter excursions throughout the year. By doing this, you'll be able to develop stronger relationships and experience the place more thoroughly. Moving more slowly produces fewer emissions than you would if you constantly moved from one location to another. When you return home feeling renewed rather than needing another holiday, trust us, you will thank yourself.
Observe Wildlife With Integrity
By committing to ethical wildlife observation, you can aid in preserving Nepal's rich biodiversity and guarantee that future generations will be able to appreciate its natural beauty as well. Therefore, use caution when engaging in wildlife activities in Chitwan National Park, like a jungle safari or birdwatching.
Most importantly, animals may appear very lovely and cute, being still- Don't feed animals. Keep a safe distance from them, and respect their natural habitats. Moreover, sudden loud noises can startle animals, causing them to lose their natural composure. Before accessing national parks or animal reserves, familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations intended for viewing wildlife.
By remaining calm and respectful, you enhance the likelihood of observing actual animal behavior in its natural environment. Littering can harm both animals and their natural ecosystems. Waste must be properly disposed of in designated containers or stored until it can be. Pick wildlife sightseeing excursions that emphasize the protection and well-being of animals.
Select reliable transportation To reach the Starting Point of Treks
Getting to the starting point is your journey's main and first section, whether reaching Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Syarubesi for the Langtang Valley trek. Getting there is only one aspect of the equation. If you don't bring your automobile, you'll need a way to move around once you get there.
Consider using public transportation as an alternative to hiring a driver or renting a car. In fact, Take a bus. Just keep in mind that public transportation effectiveness varies depending on the destination. Even though many cities now have cleaner fuels or alternative technology for their bus, some still rely on diesel or natural gas.
If you're up for anything more strenuous, spend the day exploring on foot or a bicycle. If you rent a vehicle, choose an electric or compact vehicle instead of an SUV, pickup truck, or van.
Conserve Energy and Water
Water scarcity is getting worse in Nepal, especially in rural regions. This being said, saving water and energy is crucial for eco-friendly travel in Nepal as it reduces tourism's environmental impact and promotes resource sustainability.
Turning off the water taps when not in use is a responsible way to manage your water consumption when travelling. Give preference to lodgings that employ eco-friendly techniques, such as water-saving fixtures, renewable energy sources, and energy-efficient lighting. Additionally, use more eco-friendly forms of transportation like walking, cycling, or public transportation wherever you can. If you can, think about volunteering to assist in cleanup efforts, awareness campaigns, or community-sponsored activities promoting sustainable resource management. By conserving water and power, you may lessen your negative environmental impact and contribute to the overall sustainability of Nepali tourism.
Eat the Local Cuisine
Almost every destination offers unique delicacies and tasty bites, from seafood to curries to pasta to vegetables. When eating abroad, take advantage of the opportunity to try all the local dishes you can’t get at home. Learn about the traditional cuisine, shop at local food markets, and dine at restaurants that source their ingredients from local farmers and fishers.
Avoid imported goods, as they must be shipped from a distance and require additional packing and refrigeration to keep them fresh.
Your meal's carbon footprint will be reduced, and the local economy will benefit from consuming locally-grown food rather than imported food. Additionally, you'll get to sample some of the freshest cuisine available and learn about the local food culture.
Reduce Plastic Usage
There are numerous ways for you as a traveller to reduce your plastic impact because doing so will help Nepal promote eco-friendly tourism. Everyone is affected by plastic pollution, including Nepal. To travel ethically, always have a reusable water bottle and refill it as needed from trustworthy water sources. To avoid using the plastic bags vendors offer when visiting local markets or purchasing presents in Nepal, bring your reusable shopping bags.
Therefore, look for hotels or other lodgings that provide filtered water, recycle their packaging, or take other steps to reduce plastic waste. By implementing these behaviors, you can lessen plastic pollution, inspire others, and protect Nepal's pristine environment.
Follow CO2-neutral Trekking Practices
Sustainable travel ensures that future generations can enjoy this magnificent country's breathtaking scenery and cultural diversity. By using local help on the walk, you can contribute directly to the local economy and encourage sustainable means of subsistence. Follow the established hiking pathways to minimize the impact on sensitive habitats. Bring your trash and properly dispose of it at designated waste disposal facilities. Always choose eco-lodges and regional tea houses that support sustainable practices when hiking in Nepal.
Additionally, purchasing local goods when traveling promotes economic development in the region. It ensures that the people who depend on trekking for their way of life feel the advantages of tourism. Additionally, reducing single-use plastics and protecting wildlife and the natural environment are essential for ecotourism in Nepal because they help save local inhabitants and fragile mountain habitats.
Volunteer for Conservation Projects
While volunteering for conservation, it's important to pick a reputable organization with the know-how, a sincere dedication to conservation, and work with neighborhood people. Join Mountain Rock Treks to participate in a variety of volunteer conservation activities.
Opportunities for volunteer activity directly benefit conservation efforts and provide participants with a broader comprehension of Nepal's ecosystems. Donate your time and knowledge to different conservation initiatives in Nepal. Participate in organizations or academic institutions in your area that run environmental programs. You can take delight in educating nearby students about sustainability and conservation. Additionally, you can participate in neighborhood-based conservation programs that promote eco-friendly travel, eco-friendly agriculture, or renewable energy sources in collaboration with locals. Another option is reforestation programs, which aim to expand and repair forest areas. You can actively assist regional conservation initiatives by donating your time and skills.
Book Non-stop Flights
Booking a non-stop flight is one option to lower your emissions if you must travel by plane. Non-stops utilize less fuel than itineraries with numerous legs because they travel the shortest distance. Take a trip to the Philippines starting in Los Angeles. The distance covered by a direct, nonstop flight or Mountain Flight between the two locations is 7,292 miles. However, if you include a stopover in Taiwan, the distance is closer to 7,600 miles. Each passenger's carbon footprint increases by around 163 pounds due to those additional 300 kilometers.
Booking a non-stop flight is not just advantageous because of the shorter distance. One little-known truth is that takeoff and landing are when aeroplanes emit the most carbon. Booking a single, longer flight is preferable to booking several shorter ones, so you just have to take off and land once. If you cannot find a non-stop, pick the route that is the least detour-intensive and most direct.
Leave No Trace
Ensure you leave the area in the same perfect state as when you arrived. The phrase "Leave No Trace" is applicable anywhere, including Nepal. Before you embark on your tour, study and arrange your activities to ensure that you thoroughly understand the region of the country you will be visiting. For eco-friendly travel in Nepal, it is essential to adhere to the "Leave No Trace" policy, which promotes sustainable and ethical tourist practices that lessen human environmental impact. Travellers can demonstrate care for the surrounding environment by adhering to designated routes and not harming plants or other natural aspects.
Use binoculars or a zoom lens to see wildlife from a distance while maintaining a safe distance. Use the normal trash cans or bring a little pouch to hold your rubbish until you can properly dispose of it. Similarly, if you want to enjoy a campfire, only do so in designated areas and adhere to all fire safety regulations. Additionally, make room so that other guests can admire the beauty of the surroundings.
How Can I Travel More Sustainably With Mountain Rock Treks?
To use MRT's Co2 Neutral services, you first need to go to our website and book the desired treks and tours you want to complete, Or you can call us for CO2-neutral treks. Once booked, we plan your treks per the CO2-neutral practices and your interests and preferences.
If interested, you can participate in different volunteer programs supporting CO2-neutral strategy. Both visitors and hosts gain a lot from using MRT's services. For visitors, it offers the chance to travel more leisurely than normal while contributing to local communities and learning about other cultures. Access to engaged volunteers benefits hosting organizations by making project execution considerably simpler. Ultimately, all parties benefit: the tourists have unique experiences that wouldn't be possible without the program, and the hosts get support from enthusiastic individuals keen to discover various cultures.
