The Everest Base Camp’s main attraction is a paramount view of Mount Everest (8,848m/ 29,035ft) standing tall piercing the blameless blue sky. This majestic destination attracts thousands of visitors throughout the world.
Although visitors have supported in flourishing of the region, prospering local business, increased overall employment, and promoted other side detours.
However, the most beautiful destinations have become prone to environmental degradation due to excessive visitor intervention.
Despite installing trash bins at many stops, there are no signs of considerable improvement.
If the current situation continues, there will be a pile of mountain junk next to Mount Everest. We are thoughtful social creatures and this is a matter of grave concern.
The Everest base camp trekking routes have become extremely polluted. Maybe, if you gather all waste plastics then you could make a trail of plastic that would lead hundreds of people to the summit of Everest, for this, we have to stay aware of the situation.
Mountaineer Graham Hoyland said, “Everest is no longer a wilderness experience. It’s a McDonald’s experience.”
Due to all sorts of trash waste over the region, it has become difficult to enjoy the raw scenery of the Everest region.
Basic Overview of Environment Impact and its Changes in EBC Trek
The economy of the Everest region has been greatly lifted due to café, teahouses, lodges, and internet connection but unfortunately, they have become a curse to the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
People no longer seek wilderness, the true feeling. All they want is a picture beside a rock saying “Everest Base Camp: 5364m”.
The good thing, however, is that people are slowly realizing the weight of the issue and its impacts around the region. They have begun using solar power systems and recycling as well as collecting waste.
Some non –government organizations are also helping and collaborating with the Nepal government to address and tackle this issue efficiently and effectively.
A law passed down briefly states, “Mountaineers must bring back their waste, or else they will face a fine of $4000”, which is reasonable. Why?
Because it isn’t possible to keep collecting the garbage while people keep leaving it. It needs to be addressed properly.
What you need is a collection bag to keep waste and bring it back to Kathmandu for dropout.
Are there no trash bins in the Everest region?
There are several trash bins but there’s no guarantee that the trash will be recycled or disposed of in the planted trash bins.
Some Thoughtful Considerations
Many people are trekking in Everest Base Camp but are unaware of sustainable tourism policy and its benefits.
Trekking with responsibility is important but what does responsible trekking mean? How can you be responsible and eco-friendly in the EBC trek?
Well, it is nothing sort of fancy and hectic.
Responsible trekking is just the ability to respond to your actions such as following the designated trail, collecting garbage, not littering, using biodegradable products, etc that support the destinations instead of bringing consequences
In this comprehensive blog, we explore the possible supporting factors and trekking practices to achieve an eco-friendly and sustainable EBC trek, that meets the needs of future generations with the contribution of current generation trekking responsibly.
Responsible Trekking in the Everest Base Camp Trek
Every year thousands of trekkers visit to EBC trek, to experience majestic mountain landscapes, breathtaking trails, unique culture, and endangered flora and fauna.
So it is essential to pay respect to the environment and safeguard the quality of trekking experiences for the upcoming generation.
Before your EBC Trek
Preparing in Advance
You need to be cautious about what type of gear, miscellaneous, toiletries, and snacks, you are going to take while trekking in Everest region.
Always choose quality, reusable, and biodegradable materials. Know about culture, traditions, customs, and environmental changes and challenges about the EBC trek.
Choosing Responsible Tour Operators
After mapping out your plan to visit the majestic destination in Nepal, you should focus on choosing a responsible tour operator.
Tour operators whose motive is to deliver the best experience for the visitors, ultimately meet trekkers’ satisfaction, promote local employment, practice sustainable tourism goals, and trek responsibly in the EBC journey.
Thoughtful Packing
Select your clothing, gear, and equipment thoughtfully. Option out unnecessary essentials and deliberately choose lightweight and reusable gear, replace plastic bottles with reusable water bottles, and minimize plastic waste.
During the EBC trip
Reduce Energy Consumption
You are embarking on a spectacular journey with awe-inspiring trails and verdant landscapes. Take a break from your social life and enjoy your breath in the lap of soothing mountains.
Balance your carbon footprint, use alternative sources of energy like solar power, and minimize consuming direct energy.
Embrace Local Meals
The EBC trek is an alluring yet, challenging trail. You need sufficient nutrition to stay fit and protect yourself from altitude sickness.
Imported food contains plastics, tins, silver foil, and other non-biodegradable waste, which affect the harmony of Mountains and contribute to environmental pollution.
Rather than choosing processed food, replace it with local and organic foods, and immerse in their culture while contributing to the local economy.
Select Designated Trekking Trails
The mountain terrain is undoubtedly dense and harsh. Always choose the designed trails so you do not get lost while choosing unnamed trails.
These simple activities would contribute to preventing soil erosion and wildlife disturbance.
Dispose of Waste Materials Properly
The EBC trek is not only a trekking destination but also a significant portion of Nepali culture, lifestyle, and unique natural habitat.
Practice using biodegradable materials like soap, tissue, wipes, toiletries, etc. If possible promote and carry recycling materials.
Avoid using non-biodegradable waste like plastics and cans and even if you are using do not litter them in the trails.
Aware of Water Usage
You should be responsible for the consumption and usage of water. Save clean water and practice using water meagerly.
The clean flowing water in high-altitude regions is susceptible to waste products. As the waste pollutes the water impacting life of local people and animals. Be aware of littering plastic waste while trekking in the Everest Region.
Usage of Ecofriendly Gear
Promote using gears with durability and eco-friendliness to the environment. Use breathable fabrics like linen, hemp, lightweight recycled polyester, and certified fabrics like lyocell and TENCEL modal.
Respect Local Communities:
Always be mindful while intervening with local cultures, traditions, and heritages. Seek permission while capturing photographs of locals, monasteries, and arts.
Admire Wildlife and its sophisticated beauty:
Practicing an eco-friendly EBC trek is only possible if you admire wilderness without intruding on its habitat.
As the trek is a dwelling place of rare wildlife like Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Panda, elusive Snow Leopard, etc, do not disturb their peace and comfort.
Reaching at Everest Base Camp
Adapt Leave no Trace Policy
In Everest Base Camp, most of the regions are littered with bottles, cans, plastics, camps, ropes, clothing, other trekking and expedition gear, etc.
Be concise to leave only positive footprints and not litter trash or any junk that does not serve eco-friendly trekking and affects the environment’s beauty.
Admire Cultural and Historical Sites
Although the base of EBC and Kala Pathhar- the best sunrise spots are layered with rocks. Be mindful of not throwing rocks and litter waste from one place to another and vice-versa.
As you trek in the footsteps of famous mountaineers and explorers, pay tribute to their history, respect their history, and admire their unique cultural sites.
After the EBC Trek
Educate on Sustainable Tourism
The world has become a global village. You can educate and promote everything within your hand reach.
Understanding responsible trekking, and highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism in EBC trek will also help other people about the environmental impact and the need to take supportive action.
Promote Responsible Trekking Practices:
Share your experience and post your thoughts on social media about things to do, things to avoid, and things to practice for responsible trekking, conscious traveling, and conservation of natural resources and their habitat.
Assist Conservation Efforts
Always try to be an empath when you travel to different destinations. Assist and support conservation efforts of local, NGO, and INGO bodies.
By practicing this you will delve deep into the local way of living, and gain insights into wildlife habitat, natural resources, and the importance of conserving these irreplaceable riches.
Conclusion
The EBC trek is widely visited by trekkers from all over the world. Well, this may sound amazing as it promotes the destination, supports local employment, and generates revenue for the country.
Consequently, the increase in visitors will also invite pollution, degrade the environment, and exploit the environment through non-biodegradable waste and unintentional littering.
To prevent these effects, you must be aware of responsible trekking in the Everest region. You must be willing to promote eco-friendly trekking practices, respect local culture, practice conservation efforts, and adopt a sustainable EBC trek policy.