Sustainable Hiking through the Green Trails: Examples of Exceptional Responsible Practices

Abstract

Summary ‘Indiahikes’ is a leading trek team in India, leaving a thoughtful impact on the trekkers as well as the mountains. Through different initiatives for sustainability, and their iconic eco bags, the company leaves the mountains better than they found them. The mission titled Green Trail Initiative focuses on green ways of trekking. Over the years, the programme collected over 100 tonnes of litter from the trails and disposed of it through proper segregation methods. Working with sustainability at its core, the green trail focuses on the six golden practices of green sweeping, 1 segregation at source, food composting, bio-toilets, and saving water and energy. This study addresses this exceptional case as an example of stakeholder initiative towards effective sustainable practices of destination management. The trekkers are an important aspect of the study, they collect waste and follow eco-sensitive practices at the camp sites. The act has a significant impact on the travel behaviour of trekkers by transforming them into environmentally responsible travellers. As an exceptional initiative for the mountain travel system, the act of creating green trails sets ideal guidelines for various trek companies to follow. Information © The Authors 2024