Minimal travel Impact in Nepal .

In the heart of Nepal, a land graced with majestic mountains and rich cultural heritage, the call for responsible stewardship of creation resonates deeply. Two organizations, Encounters Nepal and the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), have united in purpose to promote Minimal Impact Travel (MIT), ensuring that the beauty of this land endures for generations to come.​keepnepal.org , EncountersNepal.com

Encounters Nepal: A Commitment to Responsible Exploration

Encounters Nepal, a fully government-authorized company established in 2004, specializes in eco-friendly trekking, cultural tours, and adventure travel. Their philosophy centers on organizing journeys that not only immerse travelers in Nepal's natural splendor but also uphold environmental integrity and cultural respect. They emphasize the importance of "treading lightly" through pristine landscapes, preserving the dignity of local communities, and minimizing ecological footprints. ​

Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP): Nurturing Sustainable Tourism

Founded in 1992, KEEP is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to ensuring Nepal's ecological and cultural prosperity. Their mission involves maximizing the benefits of tourism while mitigating its adverse effects. KEEP has been instrumental in developing the Minimal Impact Travel (MIT) guidelines, a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices throughout Nepal. ​EncountersNepal.com

Minimal Impact Travel (MIT): A Divine Mandate for Stewardship

MIT stands for 'Minimal Impact Travel' and also signifies 'Mitigation,' emphasizing the conscious effort to reduce tourism's negative impacts. In 2023, Nepal welcomed a record 1 million visitors, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable practices. The MIT Handbook, developed by KEEP, offers essential guidelines for travelers to minimize their environmental and cultural footprint, fostering awareness and responsible behavior.

Collaborative Efforts: Encounters Nepal and KEEP

Encounters Nepal actively integrates MIT principles into their operations, aligning with KEEP's vision for sustainable tourism. By adopting these guidelines, they ensure that their trekking and tour activities contribute positively to local communities and the environment. This partnership exemplifies how collaboration can lead to meaningful change in preserving Nepal's natural and cultural heritage. ​

Practical Applications of MIT Principles

The implementation of MIT involves several key practices:​

• Advance Planning and Preparation: Travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys meticulously, considering environmental and cultural sensitivities.​

• Trail Etiquette: Respecting local customs, staying on designated paths, and minimizing disturbances to wildlife and vegetation.​

• Waste Management: Proper disposal and reduction of waste, emphasizing the principle of leaving no trace.​

• Respectful Travel Behavior: Engaging with local communities in a manner that honors their traditions and livelihoods.​

These practices, rooted in mindfulness and respect, reflect a commitment to honoring God's creation and our neighbors. ​

Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement

KEEP has conducted workshops on Sustainable Leadership and Minimal Impact Travel, aiming to instill sustainable practices among tourism professionals and local communities. These initiatives highlight the importance of education in fostering a culture of responsibility and care for the environment. 

A Call to Conscious Travel

As travelers embark on journeys through Nepal's breathtaking landscapes, embracing MIT principles becomes a sacred duty. By choosing tour operators like Encounters Nepal, who are committed to these values, and supporting organizations like KEEP, individuals can ensure their explorations honor and preserve the divine gift of creation.

May your travels be guided by wisdom and compassion, leaving a trail of blessings upon the earth and its people.

Far Eastern Region Adventure

'scenic and cultural walks around world's 3^rd and 5^th highest mountains with exceptional views'

Far Eastern region covers a wide range of high Himalayan peaks with world's 3^rd highest Mt. Kanchenjunga at 8,586 m / 28,169 ft high and 5^th highest Mt. Makalu at 8,486 m with range of peaks which straddles the border between Tibet and north east India at Sikkim.

Mt. Kanchenjunga second highest peak in Nepal after Mt. Everest located on the far end of eastern Himalaya range with Mt. Makalu which is a series of Khumbukarna and Mahalangur Himalayan range of mountains.

Truly a fascinating region for all types of adventure from scenic and cultural trekking, peak climbing to major mountaineering expeditions which leads you into complete wilderness away and far from maddening world of modern civilizations.

Far Eastern region adventure begins from former capital city of Nepal in Kathmandu taking a sweeping panoramic flight to land on mid hills valley and then starting the walks through remote and isolate rural farm villages and terraces into enchanting alpine woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia-oaks-pines and fir tree lines with daily views of high snow capped peaks.

Besides scenic views and mountain panorama the local culture and old traditional way of life around rural farm villages are equally fascinating and in spring time the hills are alive with riots of colorful wild flowers in bloom, especially the wide variety species of rhododendron flowers of wide colors which is also a national flowers of Nepal.

Far Eastern region covers beautiful areas from eastern Mt. Everest towards Baruntse and Chamlang peaks where from Barun valley and Makalu base camp rare eastern face known as Khansung face of Everest can be seen.

The eastern Himalayan region is less trekked and explored due to access to reach the starting point of trekking as for Makalu, a short flight takes you to land at warm semi-tropical areas at Tumlingtar and the heading due north to reach the base camp at Sherson and scenic Barun valley, on this trek adventure also leads towards Everest via high and rugged mountain Sherpani pass or West Col of Makalu.

For far eastern Himalaya around Kanchenjunga which is actually pronounced as 'Kanchendzonga'   which means five jewels in Tibetan origin local languages a stunning mass of peaks with five different summits, trekking around Kanchenjunga probably the only mountains where you will visit it's both North and South base camps in single trekking.

The adventure starts with a flight to mid hills at Taplejung and then walking into far and remote countries heading first at south base camp, where British Expeditions first climbed the summit from this route near Yarlung glacier in early 1955.

Walk continues over several high passes to reach the North base camp at Pangpema where you will be surrounded by series of peaks of Kanchenjunga Base camp and far eastern Himalayan peaks.

Although a long journey trekking around Far Eastern Himalayan Region of more than 3 weeks, but certainly worth the adventure with life time experience in complete wilderness around Nepal Far Eastern Himalayan region.

EncountersNepal has wide range of adventure around the region for your keen interest and delights.

Welderness Trekking in Nepal in Nepal 2017

‘fascinating adventure around ancient Bon and Buddhist cultural country in the land of snow leopard’

Encounters Nepal unveils fascinating adventure to Far Western Himalayan Region, truly a wild-wild west of Nepal Himalaya on the least traveled and explored region of Far Western Himalaya which includes Upper Mustang-Around Dhaulagiri-Upper and Lower Dolpo and as far towards Rara Lake with Humla and Limi Valley, located on an ancient Trans Himalayan trade and caravan route of Nepal to Tibet and vice versa.

Our first phase of Far Western Himalayan Region begins with Upper Mustang Trekking a windswept country located high above with scenic high passes of 4,000 meters high, an extension of Tibet Southwest plateau considered as world highest and largest table land or a plateau.

Adventure around Upper Mustang offers you with alluring vista of high snow capped mountains which includes worlds 7^th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri, 10^th highest Mt. Annapurna and the 8^th Mt. Manaslu towards Far East horizon with majestic Machhapuchare the Fish Tail peak includes several other high peaks of Damodar and Bhirkuti Himal range

.Beside fantastic views of mountains, villages and its landscapes is totally captivating as this trek leads to the famous and mystical old walled city of Lo-Manthang where you can visit the former Mustang Raja (king) palace, although the monarchy sovereign has fallen since 2008 AD in Nepal, but the people of Mustang still calls as Raja with high respect.

Adventure starts with a short scenic flight from popular touristic city Pokhara to Jomsom, the administrative and headquarters town of Mustang areas, famous for apples and its products with great number of nice tourist hotels and lodge to stay, which is located on a shelf of Kali Gandaki River which falls on the Annapurna circuit trekking route, a nice town mostly inhabited by Thakali tribe a traders and merchant as main occupation beside farming and cattle herding.

From Jomsom walk leads on this famous Old Salt Trade Caravan Route past an interesting village of Kagbeni, Tshele, Tsusang, Ghami and Tsarang with crossing of several passes Taklam La 3,624 meters, Dajori La 3,735 meters, Bhena La 3,860 meters and finally over Yamda La at 3,860 meters to reach at Lomanthang the main highlights of this trip, here visit the village and its people includes monastery and palace of Mustang Raja.

After a wonderful experience heading back to Jomsom exploring a new alternative route to join at Muktinath a holy place of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from here descend to Kaligandaki River Valley on the walk or jeep drive to Jomsom for panoramic flight back to scenic Pokhara with overnight by the serene lake Phewa in the shadow of high Annapurna Himalaya with fantastic and memorable experience in the high Upper Mustang trekking.

Our next chapter on Far Western Himalayan Region takes you to 'off the beaten trails' around Dhaulagiri world 7^th highest mountains at 8,167 m high with massive range of peaks that touches Kaligandaki River valley towards UpperMustang and Dolpo areas, a fabulous adventure around Dhaulagiri where you start from picturesque Pokhara valley leading from warm semi-tropical temperatures to colder alpine zone of pristine forest of pines-rhododendron-firs and towards remorseless fields of ice and glaciers at Dhaulagiri base camp which includes high French pass to reach at hidden valley and towards charming villages at Marpha and Jomsom.

Beyond lies the remote and isolated region of Dolpo where Encounters Nepal has Lower and Upper Dolpo trekking which takes you with sweeping and scenic flight to low south west Nepal around warm region at Nepalgunj city and then with short flight to land at Jhupa in Dolpo, our adventure leads you first around LowerDolpo through the main town of Dunai, and the main headquarter of Dolpo region protected with Shey Phuksumdo National Park, the largest park within Nepal Himalaya covering an area of 3,555 SQ.KMS includes as far to Mugu Districts.

Trek leads you to beautiful Phuksumdo turquoise colored lake also known as Ringmo Lake which is close to Ringmo village located at 3,500 meters high.

Our captivating Dolpo trek leads to high passes of Numa-la 5,190 meters and Baga La 5,070m to reach Tarap Khola (stream) at Dho Tarap. In Phuksundo Lake with time to explore its interesting village of Ringmo of Bon and Buddhist culture and to marvel the beautiful landscapes with forest of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir and birch.

Around this area might see some wildlife like the elusive snow leopard and blue sheep which are common sights in the right season on the right spot.

Enjoying interacting with the locals and their rich cultural villages, wildlife and mountains, heading back to Jhupal on the high routes of Num-la the highest point of the adventure, from here crossing Baga-la and Jeng-la pass of both above 5,000 meter high with tremendous views of snow capped mountains, rolling hills and valleys.

Walk leads to explore the charming and nice villages of Tokyu and Tarakot one of the most flourishing villages due to trade with Tibet across the Northern border as the route located on the old Trans Himalayan Caravan Trade Route from Nepal to Tibet.

Finally trek concludes at Jhupal after an enjoyable overnight stops in Tarakot and Dunai, in Jhupal with farewell dinner with the crew members and porters, (as they have to ferry the camping gear overland to Kathmandu with the camping crews). Next morning flight to Nepalgunj and then connect another scenic flight back to Kathmandu after an overwhelming and fantastic time in the high mountains and hills of Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo National Park, our Upper Dolpo trekcontinues after Phuksumdo Lake heading towards Shey Monastery the crystal monastery on a remote and isolated region of Far North West Himalaya, close to the border of Tibet.

The area is well described in Peter Matthessian classic novel 'Snow Leopard' and as well from the movies Himalaya a French and Nepalese venture films which was nominated for Oscar in 1999 as best foreign movies.

After a wonderful time around mystical and remote Shey Gompa, adventure leads downhill reaching another thriving village of Tarakot which was the capital and Fort during the Malla regime till 16^th century, from here taking a pleasant trail to Dunai and then drive back to Jhupal to conclude this remarkable trek around Lower and Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Far Western Himalayan Region continues towards Far western areas to Humal and Limi valley on an old caravan and salt trade route of Nepal and Tibet, where you soak in with fantastic views and exploring the hidden villages of Limi valley of strong Tibetan culture and way of life, our next destination on Nepal Far Western Himalayan Region includes beautiful Rara Lake, country largest lakes with enchanting woodland protected by Rara national park smallest park of Nepal with an area 10.08 sq kms at 2,990 m high.

Our adventure around Far Western Himalayan region extends towards Api and Shaipal Himal range which is also the end and final destination of Great Trans Himalayan Traverse.

Contact Address

Encounters Nepal.com (P.) Ltd.
info@encountersnepal.com
Tel No.: 977-01-4411142
Cell: +977-9851090105
GPO Box: 21952,Thamel Marg 
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
www.encountersnepal.com