Effect of Climate Crisis and Future of Adventure Businesses in Himalayas of Nepal : A case-study of Langtang National Park

Abstract

This thesis explored the effect of climate crisis in the Himalayas of Nepal and how the adventure businesses should prepare for the future. The thesis was commissioned by Summit Adventure Academy, which is a dynamic adventure institute and has been providing its services in Nepal for almost a decade. Summit Academy is a strong advocator of sustainable and ecotourism and has already initiated many practices aligned with these values.

Recognising the growing threats of the climate crisis on livelihood, availability of fresh water and public health, this thesis was interested in exploring and understanding the current and projected impacts of the climate crisis on Himalayas of Nepal. Additionally, it examined how adventure and outdoor businesses around the Himalayas of Nepal are likely to be affected in coming years. The thesis proposes basic solutions for running the sustainable adventure business in Nepal too.

To meet the exploratory aim of this research, a mixed method approach was adopted. Secondary data were collected from scientific and academic studies examining effects of the climate crisis in Himalayan region. Primary data were collected via online questionnaire, observation and interviews, with Langtang National Park serving as the case study area. More than 50 participants contributed to the research directly, including local residents of Langtang region, adventure tourism professionals and tourism-related stakeholders. The thesis incorporated both qualitative and quantitative data.

This thesis documents various effects of climate crisis around Himalayas and presents a checklist of sustainable practices for adventure businesses. The checklist serves as a practical tool for Summit Adventure Academy, which can be used in their mountain guide trainings or as promotional material. The output may also benefit other adventure businesses with limited knowledge of sustainable practices

The thesis’s findings highlight the increasing threats and hazards posed by the climate crisis, particularly for adventure tourism sector. Despite the severity of these challenges, there is a notable lack of adequate preparation and planning. This thesis emphasizes the need for further research and development of robust strategies for adventure businesses to mitigate and adapt to the changes being brought by the climate crisis.