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THE IMPACT OF GROUP TREKKING

Many trekking companies tend to organise perhaps overly ‘luxurious’ trips and take items that may seem a nice treat, but that are not essential for the success of the trip. Think about your impact on the environment. The more items there are to be carried, the more animals are needed. More animals mean more grass to be eaten on the way, which in some cases means less grass for local villagers’ livestock. It also means more excrement on the pathway, which becomes a real problem on the most popular routes. Conversely, bigger groups mean more employment for the local people – it’s always a trade-off between economic benefit and environmental concerns.

Loaded horses at one of the many passes along the Tsarab Chu on a commercial trek (Trek 2)

You might want to check the items to be taken by your trekking agent; some may be unnecessary. The chairs and tables that most of the companies carry are comfortable. However, do you really need such comfort on a trek to 5000m-high passes? Discuss your menu too. The more factory-made food, the more rubbish. It might be nice to receive a juice carton or chocolate bar in your lunchbox every day, but wouldn’t you be fine with fresh stream water and dried fruits from a local organic food shop?