Why code of conduct?
In order to minimize negative impact on the local environment, wild habitat, natural and cultural heritages, any visitor needs to be guided by the codes of conduct set by the concerned authority that include certain Do's and Don'ts while visiting to a particular destination.
The Minimum Impact Code
Awareness and responsibility are the first things you should take along on your trek or visit. Please, apply these rules, encourage your friends, children, parents, and trekking staff to do the same, and educate others if needed. Trekkers, please use trained guides.
Conserve the forests:
- Reduce the use of firewood
- Order the same meal for all group members (also reduces the time you'll have to wait)
- Choose lodges that use solar energy and other alternatives for heating and cooking
- Do not use campfires: wear warm clothing, and cook with kerosene.
Stop pollution:
- Carry out what you carry in
- Minimize the use of plastic and reuse what you can
- Don't buy bottled water. Refill bottles at safe drinking water (ozonated) stations or purify it yourself (e.g. iodine)
- Buy things that do not pollute or carry them out
- Use waste bins if provided
- Take batteries home for proper disposal.
- Use a toilet in the wild at least 50m away from water, dig a hole and bury your waste
Protect wildlife/plants:
- Do not disturb or injure animals
- Do not pick flowers or collect plants or butterflies
- Do not buy items made of wildlife parts
Protect habitats and prevent erosion:
- Mind your steps
- Do not take or make shortcuts
- Do not climb trees or break branches off trees
- Respecting other cultures is a part of traveling in foreign countries or visiting other cultures.
Clothing:
- Take your shoes off before entering temples
- Do not wear revealing clothes
Behaviour/privacy:
- Do not touch anyone with your feet
- Do not step over local people’s outstretched legs
- Do not enter private property without being invited
- Save kisses and caresses for private moments
- Go clockwise around Buddhist stupas and monasteries
- Consider volunteering in environment or health programs
Photographing:
- Ask people before taking their picture and respect it if they say ”no”.
By following these codes, you not only become a wise visitor, instead, you will also become a responsible visitor who contributes to sustainable heritage conservation.