Commitment to Responsible Travel

Ibex Expeditions is committed to “minimum impact tourism” and environmental stewardship. It was among the first companies to sign the Himalayan Code of Conduct issued by the Himalayan Environment Trust and helped shape the PATA environmental codes.

It is a member of the International Ecotourism Society, the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, and the Responsible Tourism Society of India, and supports conservation groups such as WWF India and the Bombay Natural History Society.

Alongside environmental initiatives, Ibex works with local communities on education, healthcare, and disaster relief, integrating responsible tourism into all journeys to ensure a light ecological footprint and positive local impact.

Creating Meaningful Impact

  • The Responsible Tourism Society of India (formerly Ecotourism Society of India), established in 2008 by the Ministry of Tourism, promotes sustainable tourism through collaboration between government bodies, industry stakeholders, NGOs, and conservation groups.

    Ibex Expeditions and Mandip Singh Soin have contributed to its mission through nationwide workshops on responsible tourism and by helping develop widely adopted Responsible Traveller Guidelines, supporting a broader national movement for sustainable tourism practices.

  • Published by the Ministry of Tourism in association with PATA and Responsible Tourism Society of India, the handbook—edited across four editions by Mandip Singh Soin—promotes responsible tourism practices across tour operations, hotels, lodges, and camps, encouraging ethical and sustainable industry-wide commitments.

  • Ibex Expeditions promotes “minimum impact tourism” through eco-sensitive, responsible travel with strong support for local communities and conservation.

    Its environmental pledge focuses on reducing waste and deforestation, avoiding single-use plastics and open fires, protecting water sources, using renewable energy, and respecting local cultures and ecosystems.

    Guided by transparency and a “Traveler’s Code of Responsibility,” Ibex encourages guests to travel consciously, support local livelihoods, and help ensure tourism benefits both people and nature.

    Limit Deforestation: We will avoid open fires and discourage their use. Where firewood is used to heat water, we will minimise consumption.

    Plant saplings: We will carry saplings and encourage guests to plant them.

    Non-biodegradable Garbage: We will keep campsites clean by carrying back all non-biodegradable waste for proper disposal and only burying biodegradable food waste, using specially designed waste bags for collection.

    Keep local water clean: Toilet facilities will be set up at least 30 metres from water sources, with waste properly covered and no detergents allowed in streams or springs.

    Plants left in their Natural Environment: We will not collect or remove cuttings, seeds, or roots, in line with regulations across the Himalayas.

    Respect Local Cultures: We will respect and preserve religious sites and local villages, and discourage the purchase of religious objects or heirlooms.

    Alternate Source of Energy for Fuel: Where possible, we will use solar energy, including solar lanterns and solar cookers.

    Stationery on Recycled Paper: We will increase the use of recycled or handmade paper for stationery and promotional materials.

    Single Use Plastic Bottles:‍ Ibex Expeditions has pledged to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and encourages guests to carry reusable bottles, refilled with boiled or filtered drinking water.

    We invite you to be partners in this endeavor – to tread lightly and become good trustees of our earth.

  • The Responsible Tourism Society of India, established in 2008, is India’s national body for responsible tourism, bringing together tourism professionals, environmentalists, wildlife experts, and government representatives to promote sustainable practices and support tourism policy development.

    Mandip Singh Soin served as its Founder President, and Ibex Expeditions is a Partner Member, contributing to its mission of advancing environmentally and culturally responsible tourism across India.

  • WWF India’s Green Hiker campaign (launched in 2009 under its “Saving Wetlands Sky-High!” initiative) promoted responsible travel in the fragile Himalaya and encouraged reducing environmental impact with the message: “Nature leaves a mark on you, don’t leave one behind.”

    Ibex Expeditions supported the campaign as an active partner, aligning with its commitment to responsible tourism that benefits both the environment and local communities.

  • In 2002, the International Year of Mountains, Mandip Singh Soin took part in an Indo-Pakistan Friendship Expedition in the Swiss Alps to promote the idea of the Siachen Glacier as a transboundary peace park.

    Conducted under the auspices of the UIAA and IUCN, the initiative encouraged conservation, dialogue, and cooperation through shared mountain heritage. It was later recognised by the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism for its contribution to peace-building through tourism and environmental awareness.

  • For over 15 years (until 2024), Ibex Expeditions partnered with WWF India through its “Give Back to Nature” initiative, now continued with the Responsible Tourism Society of India.

    The programme invites guests to make voluntary contributions toward conservation and community projects, which Ibex matches to double the impact. It enables travellers to directly support sustainability efforts, local communities, and environmental protection.

  • As an ecotourism initiative, Ibex Expeditions worked with the Government of Nagaland and the NGO Equations in Khonoma to promote conservation of the endangered Blyth’s pheasant.

    The project encouraged local youth to move from hunting to roles as naturalists and birding guides, while supporting community homestays and alternative livelihoods. It also helped secure a Ministry of Tourism grant for Khonoma to develop as India’s first “green village,” linking conservation with sustainable tourism.

  • The initiative behind Pack for a Purpose, launched in 2010, encourages travelers to carry small donations for local communities they visit.

    In India, Ibex Expeditions supports selected community projects in regions such as Rajasthan, Central India, and the Himalaya, distributing items like stationery, educational materials, games, and winter clothing through schools and community programs to create meaningful local impact.

  • In 2003, Mandip Singh Soin led an International Ecotourism & Volcano Expedition in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to develop low-impact tourism policy in collaboration with the State Government, Ministry of Tourism, Air India, and Ibex Expeditions.

    The initiative’s recommendations for responsible, low-impact tourism were adopted by the government. Building on this, Ibex continues to promote non-intrusive travel practices that prioritise conservation in ecologically and culturally sensitive regions.

  • As a member of the UIAA commissions, Mandip Singh Soin served for a decade on the Access Commission, promoting safe and responsible access to wilderness areas worldwide.

    Nominated by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, he also serves on the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission and is a member of its Climate Change Task Force, contributing to policies that protect fragile mountain ecosystems while promoting responsible access.

  • An expedition on the Chambal River was undertaken with the Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board, showcasing its rich biodiversity and cultural history.

    The initiative focused on creating alternative livelihoods by training local communities as naturalists and guides through ecotourism.

  • Ibex Expeditions is a Member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, contributing to efforts that support environmental conservation and sustainable travel initiatives within the adventure tourism sector. Mandip Soin has been a member of the Board.

  • Ibex Expeditions advocates for carbon-neutral policies across governments, airlines, and the travel industry through organisations such as PATA, SKAL International, and Adventure Travel Trade Association.

    Within its own operations, Ibex follows sustainable practices including eco-friendly products, local sourcing on treks, and the use of solar energy wherever possible.