Excursions at Footprint Adventure are not mere travel events for exposure to rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty; they are opportunities to explore Nepal. This policy goes hand in hand with our mission to promote responsible tourism, hence preserving the environment and uplifting the local communities.

Purpose

  • Ensure that all excursions conducted by Footprint Adventure uphold ethical tourism practices.
  • Ensure that tourism does not adversely impact the cultural and environmental integrity of any destination.
  • Provide opportunities for authentic experiences and interactions between travellers and local communities.

Principles Guiding Us

Respect for Cultural Heritage

  • Cultural diversity is at the heart of Nepal's tourism product. Footprint Adventure ensures that all trips respect:
  • Local culture, traditions, customs, and religious practices.
  • Any activities or behaviour that may cause offence or exploit cultural values.

Environmental Stewardship

Excursions are designed to minimize environmental impact and protect the unique ecosystems in Nepal. It includes the following:  

  • Responsibly leading excursions in collaboration with local guides trained in eco-tourism principles;
  • Prioritizing community involvement through partnering with local business enterprises that offer homestays and craft cooperatives to provide an experience.
  • Ensure equitable sharing of tourism benefits at the local level.

Traveler Code of Conduct

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Travellers should respect local culture, religious places, and community norms.
  • Do not support activities that commercialize or distort Nepali culture.
  • Ask for permission before photographing people or sacred sites.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Do not litter or destroy natural habitats during sightseeing.
  • Stay on designated trails to avoid erosion of fragile ecosystems.
  • Participate in Footprint Adventure's carbon offset schemes for eco treks.

Cultural and Social Awareness

  • Do not distribute direct monetary gifts to children or individuals; contribute to local community development projects.
  • Buy souvenirs from responsible sources to help support local artisans.
  • Respect people's privacy; do not intrude on them.

Operational Policy

Pre-Trip Briefing: Before each trip, all travellers will have comprehensive information about:

Transportation

  • Footprint Adventure will provide eco-friendly transportation alternatives such as electric vehicles or carpooling options on-site.
  • Footprint Adventure promotes walking and cycling tours as part of the carbon footprint mitigation approach.

Waste Management

  • During group excursions, local guides should set up waste disposal stations.
  • Travellers to bring their containers to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics.

Engagement with Local Guides

All guided excursions will be under the guidance of a licensed local guide:

  • The provision of genuine information on historical, cultural, and environmental issues.
  • Ensuring proper adherence to ethics among tourists during the tour.
  • Act as trysts between travellers and local communities, fostering mutual respect.

Sustainability Metrics

The key indicators to measure the performance of the excursion policy are:

  • Waste reduction during excursions
  • Feedback from travellers on cultural and environmental awareness
  • Revenue generated for the local business and community projects

Compliance with the Tourism Code of Ethics in Nepal

By adhering to these, Footprint Adventure ensures that our excursions contribute positively toward the tourism landscape of Nepal. It also sets a high standard for responsible travel. Footprint Adventure is committed to refining our excursion practices through regular training in sustainable tourism for guides and staff and collaborating with local governments and NGOs on emerging challenges.