Sharing the load

IMAGINE... carrying a heavy load up and down the mountains, all day long, day after day in all sorts of weather, sometimes only equipped with flip-flops for footwear and a plastic bag as protection from the rain...

Trekking porters are often from the lower valleys. They frequently have to carry heavy loads in remote areas, sometimes higher than many base camps (well over 5000 meters) and with the potential for severe weather.

Do you know that porters suffer from more accidents and illness than Western trekkers?

Every year, trekking porters die unnecessarily in the mountains.They may be affected by frostbite, accidents or injuries that may render them unable to work.

Can you imagine the difficulties faced by dependents if a porter dies or can no longer work? There is no government social security in trekking countries other than family.