Porters keep tourists moving. But who looks after them?
Summary
Porters in Nepal carry heavy loads on high-altitude treks often in poor conditions, and organizations like KEEP work to protect their rights and improve their safety and livelihood.
Key Points
- Porters in Nepal carry heavy loads in challenging high-altitude trekking conditions, often without adequate gear or knowledge of their rights.
- KEEP has been advocating for porters’ rights since 1992 through training, awareness workshops, and providing essential equipment.
- KEEP recommends porters carry no more than 25 kilograms, with lighter loads above 5000 meters to prevent altitude sickness and injuries.
- Tourists and trekking agencies share responsibility for ensuring porters are treated fairly and properly equipped, as porters are vital to Nepal's tourism industry.
