Guarding the Living Land
The Himalayas and our towering hills have long stood as enduring symbols of strength and immutability. Captivated by their grandeur and beauty, humanity has always dreamed of witnessing these giants up close.
In recent decades, this primal desire has inspired travelers to undertake arduous journeys, trekking for days on end to experience the pristine views of our snow-capped peaks.
This tourism boom has been transformative for Himalayan communities. Economic opportunities have surged, turning once-remote and isolated regions into some of the most prosperous areas in Nepal.
Coupled with modernization and global mobility, road access has opened up many villages, offering a quality of life that was unimaginable just a decade ago.
However, progress is a double-edged sword. While the benefits are clear, we cannot ignore the costs.
To fully comprehend the situation, we must acknowledge the critical challenges we face:
Loss of Sanctuary:
The rise in pollution, unmanaged waste, and loud helicopter tours. While these activities generate revenue for the big travel companies, they destroy the silence of the wilderness. We are trading the very “sanctuary” that defines the spirit of the mountains for short-term profit.
Our Proposed Solution
- Helicopter Policy: We protect the silence of the mountains. We strictly refuse to conduct helicopter tours unless required for emergency rescues, ensuring the Himalayas remain a place of peace for nature and trekkers alike.
- Zero-Waste Policy: We also take waste seriously. Operating on a strict “Leave No Trace” basis, we pack out every item we pack in.
- The “1kg Pledge” & Circular Economy: our team goes the extra mile—literally. Every guide and porter brings back 1kg of waste found on the trails, and we partner with Khaalisisi to ensure responsible recycling.
Rural Depopulation:
Driven by migration for better jobs and income, resulting in “empty villages,” cultural erosion, and a homogenized, dependent economy.
Our Proposed Solution
- Revitalizing Rural Communities: We champion the unexplored. By promoting unique, lesser-known trails, we bring tourism income to forgotten villages. This economic support helps slow the trend of youth migration abroad, keeping families together and allowing local cultures to thrive in their homelands.
Climate Change:
Manifesting as melting snow, unpredictable weather patterns, shifting seasons, agricultural uncertainty, and increased avalanche risks.
Our Proposed Solution
- Amplifying the Climate Conversation: Climate change is a massive challenge, but silence is not an option. We use our voice and our cameras to capture the changing reality of the Himalayas, sharing these stories on social media to build global awareness and urgency.
Unsustainable Development:
Characterized by uninspected road building and haphazard projects, leading to floods and landslides.
Our Proposed Solution
- Community Education: Development must serve the people without destroying the place. We work to educate and empower local communities, helping them recognize the value of sustainable growth over rapid, destructive construction.
These solutions represent our immediate plan of action. We are committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on our progress and impact.
As we face these monumental challenges, we are guided by the belief that:
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”