Green Hiker tips

HIKING

• Hike in a single file in the middle of the track to avoid further erosion.
• Keep noise levels low, especially when traveling through a forest
• Minimise the use of automobiles wherever possible

CAMPING

• Choose a homestay or a community-run camping site wherever possible
• Set camp 30m away from lakes and streams
• Set up a temporary dustbin to dispose of waste by all campers. Make sure to carry it away

FIRE

• Never leave a fire unattended this will rule out chances of a devastating forest fire
• Minimize the use of growing vegetation as firewood. Opt for kerosene or fuel efficient stoves
• Avoid burning plastic or other toxic substances

COOKING

• Carry food that cooks faster and more easily, to reduce fuel consumption
• A small solar cooker will serve the purpose keeping the environs clean too

WATER

• Never discard rubbish into water bodies.
• For washing, carry water 30 m away from the lake
• Use biodegradable organic soaps for washing and cleaning. These will minimize water pollution

WILDLIFE

• Do not feed wild animals since human food may be damaging to them
• Avoid flash photography. Take pictures from a distance
• Observe wildlife from a distance, especially at sensitive times like mating, nesting and raising young

WASTE

• Never leave behind litter while hiking or camping. Stuff the rubbish into your pocket/backpack/garbage bag to take back with you
• Try and sort your garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable at the base camp itself. Ensure that the mouths of the bags are tightly fastened. This will prevent the contents from scattering and emitting foul odour
• Use toilet facilities and where not available, dispose of solid human waste like this – Dig a 15cm hole in the ground, more than 30m away from the lake, campsite and track. Cover it up with soil when finished
• Opt for light, unbreakable utensils instead of plastic or Styrofoam

PEOPLE

• Respect the local people, culture and customs
• Get local guides or choose homestays so that the economic benefits remain in the region
• Help your guides/porters to follow the rules as well. They will then be mindful of them in the future