As a traveler, you can assist with the sustainable development of the GHNP ecozone and can help alleviate poverty by supporting community-based tourism. Here are five things that you can do to help out while traveling in Tirthan Valley
1. Eat Local food – Purchasing fresh foods in the market and eating local dishes ensures that your money stays local and supports farmers.
2. Purchase local crafts - Purchasing handicrafts in markets or villages directly supports local artisans and their traditional crafts.
3. Use local guides – Taking a village guide and/or a local guide from town will make your trip more enjoyable and will help employ local people. Inquire about packaged tours that include local guides, local food and local accommodation.
4. Stay overnight in villages – Staying overnight in a village as part of an organized tour provides a genuine experience with Himalayan culture and Seraji people. Remember to compensate villagers for accommodation and for food and to visit villages with a local guide.
5. Visit National Protected Areas – Visiting the GHNP area can help generate income and awareness to support the protection of threatened wildlife and forest ecosystems.
In addition, we recommend that you click on the Do’s and Donts to learn about what you can do to minimize negative impacts on Tirthan culture and the environment.
