Rough guide to a better world: Responsible tourism is taking off across the region
Forget lying on the beach. If you’re looking for a more meaningful – and authentic – holiday experience, there are plenty of new options out there. Following the 2013 World Responsible Tourism Awards, Tessa Chan talks to five organisations which are making a difference across Asia
3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, Nepal – Runner-up, People’s Choice
Who Working together with Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN), 3 Sisters aims to help women in rural parts of the country through adventure tourism. They combine practical skill-based training programmes with employment opportunities usually reserved for men.
Why “Although things are improving in Nepal for women, there are still many pressing issues,” says founder and director Lucky Karki Chhetri. “For example, there is still discrimination in our society for boys versus girls in terms of education, health and access to opportunities. With various training courses EWN is giving Nepalese women the voice, power, tools and knowledge to improve their lives.” In 2011, EWN helped organise the Annapurna IV expedition for four female senior guides, who became the first female Nepalese to set foot in the Annapurna Range.
See it for yourself The Ghorepani-Ghandruk- Landruk tea house trek is perfect at this time of the year. It’s described as “moderate”, but with an average of five to six hours of walking a day, you’ll need to be fairly fit. Take in the panoramic views of Annapurna, including Dhaulagiri and other mountains, walk through villages and forests and get the chance to learn about the Gurung and Magar culture and traditions. This trek can be done in four to six days. Guest houses along the trekking trail offer basic but clean accommodation, with hot water, and a variety of food.
Getting there Dragon Air and Nepal Airlines fly from Hong Kong to Kathmandu.
How else you can help 3 Sisters is looking for volunteers to teach trainees English, rock climbing and other outdoor activities, as well as web design and computer skills.
Those with knowledge to contribute on subjects such as first-aid, and flora and fauna are also welcome.