Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FIRES & LOW-IMPACT COOKING
Building fires is not an option. Wood is nonexistent in much of Tibet and where there are
trees and bushes they are desperately needed by locals.
Cook on a lightweight kerosene, petrol, alcohol or multifuel stove and avoid those
powered by disposable butane gas canisters.
Make sure your guide and porters have stoves.
Ensure that all members are outfitted with adequate clothing so that fires are not needed
for warmth.
GOOD TREKKING PARTNERSHIPS
Monitor all your staff members closely and make it clear that any gratuities will hinge
upon good stewardship of the environment.
Stress to your agency that you will not tolerate rubbish being thrown along the trail or at
the trailheads.
Explain to your drivers that rubbish should not be thrown out the windows (a common
practice in Tibet).
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Do not engage in or encourage illegal hunting.
Don't buy items or medicines made from endangered wild species.
Discourage the presence of wildlife by cleaning up your food scraps.
CAMPING
Seek permission to camp from local villagers or shepherds. They will usually be happy to
grant permission.
Trekking Agencies
The kind of trek you take will depend on your experience and the amount of time you
have. Whatever your choice you must go through an offically recognised trekking agency
and take a guide along with you. In this age of intense scrutiny, the good old days of going
at it alone are over.
One of the main advantages of signing up with an agency is that it takes care of all the
red tape and dealings with officials. Most agencies offer a full-package trek, including
transport to and from the trailhead, guide, cook, yaks, horses or burros to carry the equip-
ment, mess tent and cooking gear. The package may even include sleeping bags and tents
