Tourism That Gives Back: Community Initiatives in Langtang

Langtang Valley is a lovely destination if you are looking for an adventure trip in the Himalayas. This is a perfect way to give back to the community. Yes, you heard that right. This thrilling journey will connect you with a strong social cause. You will literally be serving the locals, also protecting the environment. 

Enjoying a thrilling journey in the Himalayas amidst the wildlife and geographical challenges is an amazing experience. Your trip in the Langtang Valley will be more adventurous with a contribution to the community. You can volunteer in the conservation projects and support the community with their local business.  

Despite Langtang Valley being a popular trek destination, the geographical challenges led to the people with a low financial status. The local tea houses, handicrafts, and portering are their source of livelihood. Hence, your small contribution can bring a huge impact on both environmental protection and the lives of the locals. 

Are you ready for this giving back tourism practice in the Himalayas? Breeze Adventure Pvt. Ltd will help you experience this amazing tour with the community initiatives. 

Why does giving back attract tourists during Langtang Trekking?

Langtang Valley is located in North Central Nepal at an altitude of 3430 meters. This is a lovely destination for adventure seekers due to the rugged and steep paths. Sadly, the difficult topography makes this place less suitable in terms of infrastructure. In this case, giving back tourism is a great community initiative.

This concept actually supports eco-friendly and sustainable tourism in the Himalayas. The trekkers will focus more on saving nature and natural resources. Similarly, their support will help uplift the local business and economic conditions. The locals, the government, as well as the tour management company work hand in hand to conserve the Langtang Region. 

In 2015, a powerful earthquake of 7.8 magnitude destroyed the Langtang Valley, with hardly any houses and monuments standing erect. More than 300 people died, including both trekkers and locals. The villagers suffered a huge loss, and it took around 2 years to reestablish. So, a sustainable and supportive tourism practice is expected in this region.

Similarly, the valley is a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and religion. The Tamang community here still follows their traditional rituals. They have a simple and family oriented lifestyle. It is necessary to protect the ancient culture and traditions for future generations. For this, the trekkers can get along with their rituals and experience the uniqueness. 

The Langtang Valley trekking also allows visitors to participate in local handicrafts, food preparation, and cattle rearing. As a trekker, you can also teach them your knowledge regarding planting, animal rearing, and environmental protection. Well, these activities attract tourists on this thrilling journey. Both the community initiative as well as a fun aspect appear strong in this trek.

How Can You Give Back to the Langtang Valley?

Langtang Valley offers you a brilliant tourism experience that gives back. Yes, you will be dealing with the locals and helping them to lead a sustainable life. This concept has a community initiative that not just helps the locals with their livelihood but also protects nature. Just follow the community initiatives and contribute to the improvement of the Langtang Region. You can do that in various ways, such as:

Responsible Travel: Your Langtang Valley trekking should be a responsible trip. You can give back by staying in a local tea house or homestay. Try local cuisines and support the culture. Mostly, Dal Bhat, SelRoti, Dindo, and MoMos are famous. 

Donate to Local Causes: You can donate any amount to a local cause. The Langtang Region has been reestablished after the 2015 earthquake. But it still needs many maintenance and development activities. From temples, monasteries, and lanes to bridges, improvising requires funding. 

Volunteer your skills: If you are a professional, such as a doctor, teacher, or engineer, or possess any skill, you can volunteer for the locals. You can teach them about first aid, the English language, agriculture, and sanitation skills. 

Provide Useful Materials: You can also provide the locals with useful materials. For that, you need to carry lightweight materials in your trekking bags. The materials could be school stuff, solar light, or medicines.

Spread the word: Once you have completed your giving back journey in the Langtang Region, you can share this information on your social media handles. This helps spread the community initiatives in this valley.

Leave a good footprint: Focus on sustainable tourism practices and conserve the environment. Use of local products and careful handling the resources helps leave a good footprint.

Things to Consider While Giving Back

Tourism in the Langtang Trekking will be a smooth give-back journey if you focus on some key points. 

• First, do some research and find out what the actual need of that place is, and volunteer accordingly

• While giving back any donations, hand them over to the locals rather than a third party

• Consult the local authority while giving back major help

• Buy and consume local products such as Yak Cheese, handicrafts, hats, and traditional medicines

• While getting along with the locals, be careful about the dress code and respect the culture

• Be humble and kind to the locals and business owners there

• You can also ask for permission if taking photographs in cultural and religious places