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A. Code of Conduct: The Eco-Trekker
- Be respectful of others' peace and quiet.
Speak quietly on the trail and at overnight stops.
- Use your head. Drinking alcohol while
hiking is unsafe and your behavior may offend others.
- Please don't make fires for cooking or
warmth, even from fallen wood.
- Bring adequate warm dry clothes and see
that staff and porters have proper gear.
- Always ask before photographing people
and by to establish friendly contact before shooting. Please don't
pay money.
- When visiting sacred spots, please do
not talk loudly, don't smoke or litter. It is customary to leave
a donation at monasteries and to circle shrines in a clockwise
direction.
- Please don't give anything to begging
children; it teaches them poor habits.
- Use toilets wherever available. Where
not, stay at least 20-30 m. from water sources and bury all waste
and paper.
- Carry a plastic bag for litter. Pack
out all non-biodegradable and rubbish; burn papers carefully.
- Please don't drop cigarette butts or
candy wrappers -set a good example for children!
- Don't leave plastic mineral water bottles
in the mountains. Use iodine to treat drinking water in a re-usable
bottle.
- Pay fair prices for lodging, food and
services. Buying local products benefits the local economy, but
buying antiques and artifacts robs Sikkim of its culture.
- Wear good hiking shoes or boots as trails
are slippery and rocky. Don't go off the trail - it leads to soil
erosion.
B. Code For Conservation
Visitors to the Yuksam area are asked to follow this Code for Conservation:
- Leave only footprints, take only photographs.
- High altitude vegetation is frail; avoid
trampling, follow trails, and do not pick plants or flowers.
- Do not disturb wildlife nor its habitat;
do not buy endangered animal or plant products.
- Use kerosene or bottled gas for cooking,
heating and lighting; avoid using fuel-wood.
- Ensure that you and your staff are properly
equipped with warm clothes and alternative fuel.
- Avoid littering; deposit garbage at designated
sites; carry out all batteries.
- Keep all pollutants-even biodegradable
soap and sunscreen-away from streams and lakes.
- Do not give treats to children; it only
encourages begging.
- Respect the sanctity of holy lakes and
historical sites: no smoking, drinking nor loud talk.
- Educate yourself about the ecology, customs,
manners, and culture of Yuksam.
- Support local conservation programs.
C. Using Local Porters, Guides And Facilities
(Homestays)
- Porters, yak-men, cooks and local guides,
trained by the local NGO (KCC), are keenly aware of conservation
issues and responsible tourism practices.
- Channelling revenues from tourism directly
back to the local community creates an incentive for them to conserve
the natural and cultural sites that tourists come, and sustains
the industry.
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