How we trek

Responsible Travel

The Himalayas are extraordinary because they are still largely unspoiled, and we intend to keep them that way. Our guides, porters and founders come from these communities. The mountains are their home. Here is what that looks like on a MountainKick trek.

Not a marketing line. It is how we have worked since 2016.

1 : 2One porter for every two trekkers
30 kgMaximum porter load, checked before the trek
100%Nepali guides and porters
InsuredEvery guide and porter, with fair wages and proper gear

Respecting local culture

We brief every traveller on local customs, dress and behaviour before the trek begins, because it matters to the people you will meet.
We do not encourage or tolerate behaviour that is disrespectful or taboo in local communities.
We support businesses that keep cultural heritage alive over tourist-facing imitations.
We never impose outside values on the communities we walk through.

Supporting the local economy

We hire local guides, porters and support staff. Everyone on your trek is from Nepal, most from the regions you walk through.
We buy supplies from small, locally owned businesses and encourage our travellers to do the same.
We pay every service provider fairly, from teahouse owners to transport drivers.
We choose community-run guesthouses over larger lodges where we can, so your money goes to local families. Read about our community work.

Protecting the environment

We follow Leave No Trace principles on every trek. What comes in, comes back out.
We cut waste with refillable water bottles and less single-use plastic on all our routes.
We support teahouses and lodges that use cleaner energy and look after their water.
Our guides run regular trail cleanups, collecting litter left by others and carrying it out to proper disposal sites.

Looking after our team

All guides and porters get fair wages, proper equipment and insurance. No exceptions.
One porter carries for two trekkers, with a maximum load of 30 kg. We check bags at the pre-trip meeting to make sure of it.
We make sure our team has proper beds and meals throughout the trek.
Our guides and porters are part of the MountainKick team, not hired help picked up at the trailhead. Meet our team.

Our commitment

Small company, honest about it

We do not have a corporate sustainability report. We have a team that comes from these mountains and takes this personally. We train our guides on sustainable practices every season, support local conservation work, and keep improving how we operate.

When you trek with us, you help keep the Himalayas in good shape for the people who live here and the trekkers who come after you. See why booking local makes the difference.