As part of our commitment to responsible and ethical travel, we encourage our guests to choose souvenirs that support local artisans and communities, without harming wildlife or heritage.
Our Commitment
We promote sustainable shopping and strictly prohibit the purchase, sale, or promotion of items that are illegal, unethical, or environmentally damaging. We do not allow the purchase of souvenirs containing:
- Threatened flora and fauna species — such as ivory, fur, bones, feathers, coral, or rare plants protected under the CITES Treaty and the IUCN Red List.
- Illegally obtained cultural or archaeological artefacts — including statues, thangkas, manuscripts, or religious items that are more than 100 years old or taken without authorization.
- Fossils and sacred geological items — such as ammonites (shaligrams) or stones collected from protected or heritage sites.
- Drugs or psychotropic substances — whether illegal or decriminalized in the guest’s home country.
- Counterfeit or unlicensed replicas — of religious or cultural artefacts that misrepresent our heritage.
What You Can Buy Responsibly
We encourage travelers to support local craftsmanship and sustainable enterprises by purchasing:
- Handcrafted metal, wood, paper, or textile products
- Ethically sourced jewelry and accessories
- Local tea, coffee, spices, and dry food items
- Pashmina, wool, and felt goods made by community cooperatives
Your mindful choices help preserve culture, empower artisans, and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Together for a Sustainable Future
Our guides and local partners are trained to advise guests on responsible purchases, ensuring that every souvenir carries a story of respect, authenticity, and sustainability.
“We do not allow the purchase of souvenirs containing threatened flora and fauna species, any illegally obtained historic or archaeological artefacts, drugs or illegal substances, and abide by local and international laws in place to prevent this.”
Thank you for traveling responsibly with Dharma Adventures, helping us safeguard the Himalayas for generations to come.
