Sustainable Trekking Practices in Nepal: Assessing The Role of Travel Companies and Guide in Promoting Responsible Tourism

Abstract

This thesis examines how Nepalese trekking companies and guides promote sustainable trekking in the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions, and how trekkers perceive and practice sustainability. A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was carried out with trekkers who had recently visited these areas. The number of survey responses was 55. The questionnaire explored environmental awareness, sustainability information received, trekking behaviors, evaluations of company and guide performance, willingness to pay for sustainable services, and overall satisfaction. The results found that most trekkers reported moderate environmental awareness, yet many received little sustainability guidance from their company or guide. Sustainable behaviors such as managing waste responsibly, staying in local lodges, and conserving resources were commonly reported but not consistently practiced. While most trekkers viewed company and guide efforts positively, some expressed the promotion of sustainability could be stronger. A majority were willing to pay extra for more sustainable services and encourage responsible practices to others. Overall, sustainable practices are present but uneven across Nepal’s major trekking regions. The study concludes that improved guide training, clearer sustainability standards, and stronger communication with trekkers are needed to support more consistent responsible trekking in Nepal.