Dear Customers, Tibet is one of the great unspoiled wildernesses and sensitive destination left on earth. When trekking in Tibet, we highly expect to consider and follow the Govt. rules and tips given below and help to preserve the unique ecology and beauty of this fragile region.

Fires & Cooking
Building fires is not an option. Wood is nonexistent in much of Tibet and where there are trees and bushes they are often scarce resources needed by locals. Cook on a lightweight kerosene, petrol, alcohol or Shellie (white gas) stove and avoid those powered by disposable butane gas canisters.

If you are trekking with a guide and porters, supply stoves for the whole team. In alpine areas, ensure that all members are outfitted with enough clothing so that fires are not needed for warmth.

Rubbish
Carry out all your rubbish. Don't overlook easily forgotten items such as silver paper, orange peel, cigarette butts and plastic wrappers. Empty packaging weighs very little and should be stored in a dedicated rubbish bag. Gain good karma by carrying out rubbish left by others.

Never bury your rubbish: Digging disturbs soil and groundcover and encourages erosion. Buried rubbish will more than likely be dug up by animals, who may be injured or poisoned by it. Moreover, it may take years to decompose, especially at Tibet's high altitudes.

Minimize the waste you must carry out by taking minimal packaging and taking no more than you will need. If you can't buy in bulk, unpack small-portion packages and combine their contents in one container before your trek. Take reusable containers, zip-lock bags or stuff sacks.

In Tibet it is not a good idea to burn plastic and other garbage as this is believed to irritate mountain spirits and affronts the sensibilities of more traditional Tibetans.

Sanitary napkins, tampons and condoms should also be carried out despite the inconvenience. They burn and decompose poorly.

Toilets
Where there is a toilet, please use it. Where there is none, human waste should be left on the surface of the ground away from trails and habitations to decompose. Aridity, cold and high ultraviolet exposure renders wastes into innocuous compounds relatively quickly. If you are in a large trekking group dig a privy pit. Be sure to build it far from any water source or marshy ground and carefully rehabilitate the area when you leave camp. Pieces of turf, rocks and soil removed from the hole can be used to cap it. Also be certain that the latrine is not near mani (prayer) walls, shrines or any other sacred structures. Encourage all party members, including porters, to use the site.

Washing
Don't use detergents or toothpaste in or near watercourses, even if they are biodegradable. For personal washing, use biodegradable soap and a water container or even a lightweight, portable basin) at least 50m away from the watercourse. Widely disperse the waste water to allow the soil to filter it fully before it finally makes it back the watercourse.

Wash cooking utensils 50m from watercourses using a scourer, sand or sand or snow instead of detergent.

Erosion
Hillsides and mountain slopes, especially at high altitudes, are prone to erosion. It is important to stick to existing tracks and avoid short cuts that bypass a switchback. If you blaze a new trail straight down a slope it will turn into a watercourse with the next heavy rainfall and eventually cause soil loss and deep scarring. If a well-used track passes through a mud patch, walk through the mud: Walking around the edge will increase the size of the patch. Avoid removing the plant life that keeps topsoil in place.

Cultural Considerations
Seek permission to camp from landowners. They will usually be happy to grant permission if asked, but may be confrontation if not.

Wildlife Conservation
Do not engage in or encourage hunting. This extends to not buying souvenirs and other items made from endangered species.