High up in the Himalayas, where the winds carry stories and the trails hold memories of countless wanderers, there’s a quiet plea from nature — “Leave no trace.” At JustWravel, we’ve heard that call loud and clear. Our Keep The Trails Alive campaign is more than a checklist of eco-friendly practices. It’s a movement to protect the fragile ecosystems we trek through and the sacred landscapes we revere. As explorers, we’re guests in these pristine regions. And as responsible trekkers, it’s our duty to ensure we leave behind nothing but footprints and take away only memories.
Why Keep the Trails Alive?
The mountains are more than just trekking routes—they are ecosystems, homes to unique flora and fauna, and sacred spaces for local communities. However, with the increasing number of trekkers each year, trails are facing the brunt of human carelessness. From discarded plastic wrappers to improperly buried waste, the signs of overuse are becoming alarmingly visible.
JustWravel launched the Keep the Trails Alive campaign to directly address this issue. Through awareness, education, and strict environmental practices, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility among every trekker who journeys with us.
Carry In, Carry Out: Our Core Philosophy
At the core of the campaign is a simple principle: “Carry in, carry out.” This means that everything you bring with you on a trek—be it food wrappers, tissue paper, sanitary products, or any form of non-biodegradable waste—must be carried back and disposed of responsibly.
We do not allow littering of any kind. Every trekker is expected to carry their own trash bag and ensure no waste is left behind on the trail. We believe that nature should remain as we found it—untouched, unspoiled, and beautiful.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics
One of the easiest and most impactful changes trekkers can make is to avoid single-use plastics. We encourage all participants to bring reusable water bottles, personal cutlery, and food-grade containers. These not only reduce the amount of plastic waste but are also more practical for remote trekking conditions.
By minimizing the dependency on disposable items, we take a significant step toward reducing our environmental footprint.
Proper waste management is crucial when trekking through ecologically sensitive areas. Every piece of waste, including food wrappers, bottles, tissues, and sanitary items, must be packed out and discarded at designated disposal points in towns or villages.
Burning waste is strictly prohibited, as it contributes to air pollution and poses risks to wildlife and vegetation. Instead, our trekkers are trained to follow ethical waste segregation and disposal practices that align with local environmental guidelines.
Sanitation: Toilet Tents and Dry Pits
In remote mountainous areas where modern plumbing is unavailable, maintaining hygiene without harming the environment is essential. We use toilet tents and dry pits for human waste management. Dry pits are deep holes dug into the ground that facilitate the natural decomposition of waste, preventing contamination of water sources and minimizing ecological impact.
All toilet paper and sanitary waste are packed out in separate bags. These practices ensure a hygienic and sustainable trekking experience for everyone involved.
Managing Food Waste Responsibly
Even biodegradable waste, such as fruit peels and leftover food, can harm local ecosystems if not managed properly. We instruct trekkers to bury organic waste away from campsites and water sources, ensuring it doesn’t attract wildlife or disrupt the natural balance of the area.
Feeding wild animals is strictly discouraged, as it can lead to dependency on human food and increase the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Protecting Water Sources
Glacial streams, alpine lakes, and remote rivers are often the only sources of drinking water during treks. It is critical to keep these sources clean. Washing dishes, clothes, or bathing directly in water bodies is not allowed. We recommend washing at least 60 meters away from water sources and using biodegradable soap sparingly.
This simple practice helps prevent contamination and maintains the purity of these vital resources.
Education and Community Awareness
At JustWravel, we believe that change begins with awareness. Our trek leaders and support staff are trained in sustainable trekking practices and actively educate trekkers throughout the journey. We also collaborate with local communities to understand and implement traditional waste management methods.
By spreading awareness among both trekkers and locals, we aim to build a culture of conscious travel that extends beyond the trail.
Beyond Clean Trails: A Holistic Trekking Ethos
The Keep the Trails Alive campaign is part of our broader commitment to responsible adventure travel. Our approach to trekking is shaped by years of experience, and it encompasses much more than waste management:
Certified and Trained Trek Leaders
Our Trek Captains are certified in Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses and trained in wilderness first aid. Their expertise ensures a safe and enriching experience for all trekkers.
Support for Local Communities
We hire local guides and work with vendors from mountain regions, promoting sustainable tourism and giving back to the communities that host us.
No Bonfires Policy
Bonfires, while tempting, are prohibited on our treks due to the environmental harm caused by wood collection and the risk of wildlife encounters.
Vegetarian Food Only
We provide wholesome vegetarian meals during treks. Vegetarian food is easier to preserve, safer in terms of attracting animals, and supports local agricultural practices.
Backup Plans for Safety
Our teams always prepare alternative routes and emergency protocols. This flexibility ensures that your safety is never compromised, regardless of changing conditions.
Conclusion: Be a Trekker, Not a Polluter
Trekking is about more than conquering peaks—it’s about understanding the environment, respecting local cultures, and treading gently on the Earth. With Keep the Trails Alive, JustWravel is creating a community of responsible travelers who value nature and are committed to protecting it.
We invite you to be a part of this movement. Let’s keep our trails clean, our mountains sacred, and our memories everlasting.
Leave nothing behind but your footprints. Carry with you only memories.
