Nepal the landlocked country of South Asia, in the Himalayas is one beautiful country. Eco-tourism in Nepal has been practiced since years to keep the Earth clean.
Eco tourism also known as sustainable tourism is one of the new dimensions of travel practices. Being an Eco-tourist, you are allowed to respect the nature without degradation. According to International Eco Tourism Society: ‘Eco tourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015). Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests. “
Eco tourism offers the adventures of travelling in fragile, pristine and relatively undistributed natural areas. Eco tourism is responsible travel to natural areas, within the conservation of environment and improving the well-beings of the local peoples. Major travel destination of ecotourism are where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. The major aim of eco-tourism is to minimize the negative dimension of traditional tourism and preserve and enhance the cultural and natural integrity.
With the Eight highest mountains, rolling hills, diverse wildlife and vegetation Nepal is a popular tourist destination and perfect country for eco-tourism. Apart from the capital city Kathmandu and some historical sites eco-tourism is one of the great feature of tourism sector in Nepal. Ranging from hike vacations, to white-water rafting, wildlife viewing and camping eco-tourism in Nepal is flourishing.
Practice of responsible eco-tourism to preserve flora, fauna and cultural heritage is increasing in Nepal. The National Tourism Board and other private organizations related to tourism are promoting eco-tourism with the promotional camping of recycling, energy efficiency, and reuse of water along with the creation of economic opportunities for local communities.
With the goal of preserving nature and flourishing education about the natural, cultural and historical characteristics of unique environment across the Himalayas, Nepal is steeping forward in eco-tourism. Within the efforts to promote the preservation of entire ecosystems, economic activity, increasing sensitivity of nature, reducing Carbon footprint, Nepal promote eco-tourism. Upcoming much anticipated year of tourism known as “Visit Nepal 2020” aims to promote ecotourism in different parts of Nepal with the following principles:
• Minimize physical, social, behavioral and psychological impacts,
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect,
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts,
• Provide direct financial benefits for both local people and private industry,
• Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries political, environmental, and social climates,
• Design, construct and operate low impact facilities,
• Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the indigenous people in community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.
The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board and other private organizations are promoting and making Nepal a major eco-tourist hub in the world. Major eco-tourism destination in Nepal is Phulchowki Eco Trail, Sailung Trekking, Timal Trek, Tsum Valley Exploration Trek, Bholung Village Eco Tour and Trek, Budhanilkantha to Goasikunda Trekking, Kalinchowk Trek, Milke Danda Trekking and Api Himal Trek and so forth.
Being an eco-tourist in Nepal will completely challenges you to open mind in different ways of thoughts and thinking. Enjoying the Nepali culture in different parts, interactions with multi-cultural societies, local hospitality with organic foods will simply blow your mind away. Hiking, zipping, water cannoning with undisturbed nature is the key feature of eco-tourism in Nepal. Knowledge of unique geographical, historical and religious knowledge will enhance your understanding of Nepal. Your dream destination of eco-tourist is no far away from Himalayan country Nepal where you can make your wildest dreams come true.
By Mr. Bhusal
(Mr. Bhusal is the correspondent of Nepal based online news channel- Nepal Niti)
