Excursion Policy

Purpose & Scope

Footprint Adventure is committed to promoting sustainable excursions across all destinations. When selecting excursion suppliers, whether our own or local partners, we prioritize sustainable, ethical, and high-quality practices. This policy governs supplier selection and recommendation and is part of our overarching Sustainability Policy.

Guiding Principles

Right Experience at the Right Value

All excursions, regardless of price, must be safe, hygienic, culturally respectful, and environmentally responsible. Where available, preference is given to activities and excursions that operate based on acknowledged and controlled sustainability standards.

Fair Business Conduct

Suppliers must operate in transparency, which is not limited to operational transparency. Suppliers should respect human rights, offer no activities that harm humans, animals, plants, natural resources (e.g., water/energy), or that are socially/culturally unacceptable. Suppliers should handle every aspect with care, respect, and compassion to strengthen team performance.  

Minimizing Socio-Environmental Impact

Tourism is a booming industry, highly prevalent in the fragile settlements of Nepal. With the landscapes involved, endangered plants, animals, and the ethnic groups are mostly disrupted by over-exposure. Preferred suppliers actively reduce environmental footprints, support biodiversity, and engage local communities responsibly.

Evaluation Criteria for Excursion Suppliers

We assess suppliers via:

• Site visits by our Sustainability Coordinator or Manager
• On-field guide observations
• Client feedback forms

Human Care & Labor

At the heart of our company is a deep respect for the people who make our experiences possible. We are committed to creating safe, fair, and supportive working environments across the mountains and the country. Every team member and supplier is treated and expected to treat their human resources with dignity and fair wages, reasonable working hours, adequate breaks, and gratuities where applicable. We believe that when people are cared for, the experiences they help create naturally reflect that warmth and integrity.

No Plastics Policy

We are committed to minimizing plastic waste and protecting the fragile ecosystems we visit. While it’s not always possible to eliminate plastic entirely, we take practical steps to reduce it wherever we can, such as replacing single-use plastic bags with reusable cloth bags, refusing plastic bags offered in shops, and encouraging suppliers to provide refill stations instead of disposable bottles. Every small choice matters, and together, these efforts help protect the planet while inspiring guests and partners to be mindful of their own impact.

Waste Management

We take a thoughtful approach to waste, separating streams such as organics for composting and plastics for recycling. Beyond the basics, we partner with Doko Recyclers, a local organization dedicated to giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. Together, we ensure that plastics, paper, and other recyclables are handled responsibly and sustainably. Every piece of waste becomes an opportunity to rethink our habits, honor nature, and leave a lighter footprint, turning even small actions into meaningful impact for our communities and the environment.

Mountain Care & “Pack In, Pack Out”

We believe that every journey into the mountains carries a responsibility to protect them. Our “Pack In, Pack Out” campaign encourages guests, guides, and partners to carry back any trash they bring into the mountains. By making this a shared practice, we reduce litter, preserve natural beauty, and respect the fragile ecosystems that make these experiences possible. It’s a simple idea, but powerful: whatever you bring with you, take it back with you. Together, we keep the mountains pristine for local communities, wildlife, and future travelers.

Energy Efficiency

Energy is a precious resource, and we encourage both our excursion providers and guests to use it mindfully. Wherever possible, guides and partners adopt energy-efficient practices, like using low-energy lighting, equipment, and appliances, and turning off devices when not in use.

We know that during travel, people are in a relaxed, exploratory mindset, so we share these practices in a friendly, engaging way rather than as strict rules. Through stories, gentle reminders, and fun participation, guests learn how small actions, like switching off unused lights or unplugging devices, make a big difference.

Water Conservation

Water is life, and caring for it is essential, especially in the fragile ecosystems we explore. Our excursion providers are encouraged to adopt practical habits to use water responsibly, from efficient use in accommodations and campsites to thoughtful sourcing and avoidance of unnecessary waste.

During guest briefings, we encourage travelers to avoid single-use bottled water whenever possible and provide AquaTabs with guides so water can be safely treated on the go. Guests are invited to refill reusable bottles and collect water mindfully, turning conservation into a simple, everyday habit that everyone can participate in.

Child Protection & Community Respect

The safety and dignity of children are paramount in everything we do. We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for any form of child exploitation, and we treat every interaction with local communities with care and respect. Our excursions are designed to honor the people and places we visit, strengthening connections, supporting local livelihoods, and fostering meaningful relationships built on integrity and trust.

Sourcing & Community Value

We aim to create a positive, lasting impact in the communities we touch. Wherever possible, we source food, materials, and services locally, prioritizing fair-trade practices that support livelihoods and celebrate local economies. Excursion providers are encouraged to integrate local architecture, crafts, and cultural elements into their offerings and contribute to community initiatives, heritage programs, or festivals. Our goal is simple: leave every community richer, not just in resources, but in respect, recognition, and opportunity.

Biodiversity Care

We deeply respect wildlife and the natural world, valuing their well-being above entertainment or convenience. Excursions involving animals are only offered if they are fully regulated, ethical, and in compliance with all local and international laws. When wildlife interactions occur, they are conducted responsibly, prioritizing the animals’ welfare and preserving biodiversity. By fostering these conscious practices, we ensure that guests experience nature with care, awareness, and reverence for every living being they encounter.

Prohibited Items for Export or Import

Please note that the following items cannot be exported or imported:

• Coins of archaeological value
• Idols of gods and goddesses
• Tad Patra (palm-leaf inscriptions) and Bhoj Patra (plant-leaf inscriptions)
• Thangka paintings of historical importance
• Wild animals or any of their parts (including musk, snake skin, and lizard skin)
• Narcotic drugs such as marijuana, opium, and hashish
• Materials used in arms and ammunition production
• Raw wool

Violation of these rules is a punishable offense.

Supplier Engagement Strategy

• Onboarding & Contracts
• All regular suppliers sign a Code of Conduct, including clauses on child labor, corruption, and biodiversity protection.
• Preference given to providers aligning with responsible travel standards.
• Periodic training sessions, sharing of self-evaluation tools and manuals, and site visits or guide feedback loops.

Incentives & Sanctions

• High-performing suppliers may receive marketing benefits, preferential contract terms, or volume-based incentives.
• Non-compliance triggers written warnings; persistent issues lead to termination and blacklisting.

Guidelines for Sensitive and Cultural Excursions

For excursions to UNESCO sites, indigenous communities, or protected areas, specific behavioral guidelines will apply: