Rural Tourism & Environmental Education Society (RTEES) Nepal
About US
´´Rural Tourism and Environment Education Society´´ (RTEES Nepal) is a non governmental, non-political, non-profit development organization. It was established by Durga Tamang in 2009 in order to support remote villages in the Rasuwa district in the north of Nepal. The Rasuwa district, which is mainly inhabited by the Tamang ethnical group, includes 18 village development committees (VCD) of which, the 6 most impoverished VDCs (Gatlang, Goljung, Chilime, Thuman, Timure and Briddim) are in our special focus. While rich in culture, religion and history the people from these 6 VDCs are economically very poor and they lack the availability of health and education facilities. Even only 151 km from the capital, the district’s geographical and topographical features have made it hard to gain access to development aid.
However, the region has proven to be very well suitable for outdoor tourism such as trekking and hiking. Although tourism offers a great opportunity to generate income it also has a serious impact on biodiversity and thus potentially endangers the traditional culture and livelihood of the communities.
Therefore it is RTEES Nepal’s mission to promote sustainable or eco tourism for the region and thereby creating a fertile future for the communities and the Tamang people with their unique culture.
Background on Ecotourism
Ecotourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strive to be low impact and (often) small scale (as an alternative to mass tourism). Its purpose is to educate the traveler; provide funds for ecological conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention.
Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or volunteerism, personal growth and environmental responsibility. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.
Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities.
Ecotourism in Nepal
In the Nepalese context, the prime aim of ecotourism has been to promote a symbiotic relationship between tourism and the environment with a particular focus on uplifting the local village economies. In order to fully tap Nepal’s tourism potential and give it long-term sustainability, the impact of tourism needs careful assessment. Ecotourism has been touted as an attractive sustainable development alternative to mass tourism for two main reasons. The first is that ecotourism has fewer negative impacts on natural resources than mass tourism, while the other reason is that ecotourism-related activities can enhance conservation of natural resources, community development and overall socio-economic improvement of the area. In this light, the practice of ecotourism, per se, is a new phenomenon in Nepal. However, the country has seen environmental conservation and tourism being integrated in the name of sustainable development for quite some time. This is largely due to management of the protected areas such as Annapurna and Sagarmatha where considerable conservation works are being carried out. It is interesting to note that when the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, one of the pioneer projects, was launched, ecotourism as such was not in the planners’ minds. It was what their initiatives have been labeled more recently.
RTEES Nepal’s main objectives
Activities
Expected results
Target groups
Target group 1: The youth of the Rasuwa district who currently have very little economic perspective in the region
Target group 2: International tourists with an interest in nature and outdoor activities
To fulfill our objectives, the support and help of volunteers, partners and local people is required.
Those interested in volunterring, please check out our volunterring projects and programs in the section VOLUNTEERING
We also welcome new members at all times. To become a member, please contact us for further details.
Partnerships and cooperation
In order to reach our targets we are working in close partnership with various national and international organizations some of them listed below:
The Mountain Institute (TMI)
The Mountain Institute empowers communities in the world’s great mountain systems through education, conservation and sustainable development. Since its founding more than 38 years ago, TMI has worked closely with the people who know mountains best – those who actually live there – to help identify and implement solutions to challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the health of their local environments. Mountains matter to all of us, as providers of natural resources such as water, barometers of climate change, and places of beauty and inspiration. Through a dedicated staff based in mountain communities themselves, The Mountain Institute facilitates processes that promote education and capacity building, enabling those communities to take responsibility for the well-being of mountain environments upon which we all depend. TMI works to ensure that the mountains continue to sustain and enrich our world for generations to come.
TMI has been working in close cooperation with RTEES Nepal with their Medical and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) cultivation and conservation program. Together, we have been implementing the MAPs program since 2008 in the Rasuwa and Dhading districts of Nepal.
Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain
We are in the process of implementing a cooperation project “Technical support for the water sanitation and organic waste management in Gatlang (Nepal)” with the Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya in Spain.
In addition we are looking forward to be working with Orche-Nepal regarding above mentioned sanitation and waste management program. Also the Orche Nepal has house reconstruction program and rebuilding traditionally culturally house those which was destroyed by earthquake in 2015 back then. This time we try to rebuild traditional house there, so you can join the program with them .
Organization Registration details:
Bonjour Durga Tamang, Tout s’est bien passé à Katmandou, nous avons pu prendre le temps de visiter la ville tranquillement. Nous sommes rentrés un peu fatigués du trek mais nous sommes contents, c’était vraiment une bonne expérience et nous sommes ravis… [More]
Hélène Theodori et sa famille, Trekking, FranceHello, Durga my friend. The trek was an amazing experience and despite having to shorten the trip we both are grateful for the experience. Both Krisna and Nyima were a big part of the reason that we had a great experience.… [More]
David William Merrifield, United StatesNamaste Tamang, I think Pasang is a really good guide, just a must take more attention for the most powerless person in a group. The guide has the responsibility for the tourist, and must be so slow during Trekking like the last… [More]
Ayu Mielke, GermanyOrginally I wanted to do some trekking but having only 14 days, I wanted to see Temples and World Heritage locations too, like where Buddha was born, so with Durga's help decided to do the 10 day "Exploring Hertiage side" and… [More]
Gary Michael Clark, United StatesCannot recommend enough! Durga is extremely friendly and went above and beyond to make our trip welcoming and smooth (not just on the trek- before and after as well)
Samdu (our guide) was extremely friendly and helpful, couldn't have done… [More]
The best thing you'll ever do! The trek was unbelievable, Durga was extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful. Making the whole thing so smooth. Samdu our guide was perfect, couldn't have been more helpful. Hassan our porter was amazing, I don't know… [More]
MR DANIEL HORROCKS, United KingdomGreat experience at Langtang Valley. Durga the owner took care of meeting all my requests and tailor-made the experience according to my needs. My guide was enthusiastic and nice. Highly recommended.
[More] Esteban Camargo, ColombiaTamang Heritage Trail, Langtang Valley Trek
Nach der Empfehlung im Stefan Loose Reiseführer hatten wir uns bereits zuhause bei der Vorbereitung unserer Reise mit Durga Tamang in Verbindung gesetzt. Das persönliche Gespräch in Kathmandu hat uns dann voll bestätigt, mit Himalayan… [More]
Heinz und Elisabeth, GermanyIt was my first visit to Nepal and I was anxious about my ability to manage the trek. I am 58 and keep active and fit but I am not used to the heights of the Himalayas. Thanks to Durga's care… [More]
Katherine Westfold, AustraliaChoosing Himalayan Unforgettable Adventure and Durga Tamang as our (local!) travel company and trekking guide was definitly the best decision for our Nepal trip. Not only that the trekking was organized in a thoughtful way! Durga showed us through spectacular landscapes… [More]
Leonhard Jungwirth, AustriaI came to Kathmandu with the idea in mind to do some trekking, but without having anything planned. When I first arrived there I got in touch with some agencies in Thamel but I didn't trust them much because they seemed… [More]
Allen, ItalyChoosing to have Durga guide my trekking partner and I was one of the best decisions Ive ever made. We trekked Langtang valley at the end of monsoon season and truly experienced the culture of the Nepali and Tibetan. Plus, you… [More]
Noah Willison, United States"Langtang valley Trek"
Mar 28th 2016 Namaste: We really enjoyed out trip to Langtang with you Durga Tamang. Everything was planned perfectly and we were thrilled to get the whole family onto the top of Kyanjin Ri. Langtang is safe now.
… [More]
"Tamang Heritage Trek"
May 17 2016 Namaste: Overall our experience in Nepal with you was really amazing, the days we spend in the Tamang Valley, walking around that beautiful views of mountain peaks, forests and little villages were the best part of… [More]
Oriol Fonos, SpainDonna and I had a great experience on our trek of the Annapurna circuit. The scenery, the trail, mountain villages, and the Nepalese people were exceptional as we expected.
Himalayan Unforgettable Adventure provided the transportation, guide, porters, meals and accommodation for… [More]
Bill and Donna Bauer, CanadaWhen we began planning our trip to Nepal in 2015 we began to quickly realise just how many decisions we were going to need to take to put together our itinerary, not least being the extensive options available to you when… [More]
Simon and Caroline, British Indian Ocean TerritoryIn October 2015, my husband and I went trekking in Nepal with our friends Bill and Donna. We were a private group and originally our plan was to hike the Langtang valley. We decided to book our trek through Durga Tamang who runs Himalayan… [More]
Anne and Harry Range, CanadaI just finished the Langtang Valley trek with Durga Tamang as my guide and Nima Lama as my smiling hard-working porter. Unfortunately, the weather was uncooperative – constant clouds, drizzle, mist – making mountain views elusive. (But even with that, I… [More]
Mike, United StatesDear Durga ,I want to say thank you so much for the outstanding trip up to the top of kala pather! We had sucha great time with you and Ram. You are an excellent guide and a wonderful person. We felt… [More]
Joe Michael and Kim, ItalyLe treck etait super! Nous sommes passes de village en village, les paysages sont magnifiques. Nous avons vu les differents métiers, des tisseuses, des bergers, des gens dans les cultures, le travail se fait a l’ancienne, c’ est tres interessant. Le… [More]
Jeanne, Jenny and Sarah, LuxembourgFebruary 10 2014 Namaste: We have very much appreciated an approach combining volunteering for RTEES during one week in the small Tamang village of Gatlang, and a 10 days trek in the Langtang valley, organized by Himalayan Unforgettable Adventure.
This… [More]
Isabelle and Alexis, FranceNamaste. We wanted to organise our trek before we arrived in Kathmandu, and after some extensive research came across Durga Tamang and his organisation (that are doing wonderful things for the villages of the Tamang Heritage Trail). Durga was very responsive… [More]
Nelly and Nathan, AustraliaNamaste. We wanted to organise our trek before we arrived in Kathmandu, and after some extensive research came across Durga Tamang and his organisation (that are doing wonderful things for the villages of the Tamang Heritage Trail). Durga was very responsive… [More]
Nelly and Nathan, AustraliaNamaste. We wanted to organise our trek before we arrived in Kathmandu, and after some extensive research came across Durga Tamang and his organisation (that are doing wonderful things for the villages of the Tamang Heritage Trail). Durga was very responsive… [More]
Nelly and Nathan, AustraliaWe contact Durga to make the Heritage Trail and Langtang Trail (1 march to 13 march 2014) and he offer us to go before starting the trek two days at his village, Gatlang, to see the LOSAR FESTIVAL (feb- march Buddhist… [More]
Margarida and Jorge, SpainThis was undoubtedly a unique, an unforgettable experience that I waited for years to fulfill. Thank you so much for turning it real and for showing me the simplicity and greatness of the Himalayan Tamangs and their own kingdom.
Making your… [More]
Miguel Buto, Portugal6 January 2014 Namaste. We wanted to organise our trek before we arrived in Kathmandu, and after some extensive research came across Durga Tamang and his organisation (that are doing wonderful things for the villages of the Tamang Heritage Trail). Durga… [More]
Nelly and Nathan, AustraliaThe highlight of our trip to Nepal was our amazing two week trek along the Tamang Heritage and Langtang trails. The scenery and moutain views in this area are absoutely gorgeous, something we will remember for years to come. The trip… [More]
Margit McLaughlin, United StatesWe contact Durga to make the Heritage Trail and Langtang Trail (1 march to 13 march 2014) and he offer us to go before starting the trek two days at his village, Gatlang, to see the LOSAR FESTIVAL (feb- march Buddhist… [More]
MARGARITA AND JORGE, SpainFebruary 10 2014 Namaste: We have very much appreciated an approach combining volunteering for RTEES during one week in the small Tamang village of Gatlang, and a 10 days trek in the Langtang valley, organized by Himalayan Unforgettable Adventure.
This approach… [More]
Isabelle and Alexis, FranceNamaste: We did the Heritage Trail and Langtang Valley Trail with Durga and his team and was a wondurful experience. That mountains are so beautiful and the village people are very friendly and kind. I really recommend do that trails with… [More]
Margarida and Jorge, FranceDate: 22 Oct 2013 Our Upper Mustang trek was an amazing experience both in terms of the unusual physical beauty and the ever-present stream of spirituality, especially in the extraordinary medieval city of Lo Manthang. Durga Tamang, our trekking guide, made… [More]
Mylo Schaaf and Dan Lowenstein, United StatesDurga is a really nice men. when we first met him we already had some bad experiences with tour guides in Kathmandu who tried to sell very hard there trekking trips. but durga wasn't like those man. he made directly a… [More]
Antilia and Luc, FranceTravelling alone, and with the idea of going trekking, I started to inform myself, which trail I should choose. I read about different treks and choose the Heritage Trail, because it is a relatively new trek, easy to walk and everyone… [More]
Michael, United StatesDurga is a really nice men. when we first met him we already had some bad experiences with tour guides in Kathmandu who tried to sell very hard there trekking trips. but durga wasn't like those man. he made directly a… [More]
Alex , Jana and Adrian, Germany