How we work
Travelling responsibly in Nepal
A plain account of what we do — and don't do — when it comes to wildlife tourism, local partners, and the communities and environments we operate in.
No exploitative wildlife tourism
We do not offer or promote elephant rides, elephant bathing sessions, or animal performances. Chitwan wildlife experiences we arrange are observation-based — jeep safaris, canoe trips and guided walks led by trained naturalist guides, respecting animals as wild residents of a national park, not entertainment.
Locally owned & registered partners
Wherever standards and availability allow, we favour locally owned, appropriately registered accommodation, transport and guiding partners over large international chains, so more of what you spend stays in Nepal's communities.
Honest, non-mystical framing
Yoga, meditation and spiritual-site experiences are presented as genuine cultural and wellness practice — led by qualified local teachers where relevant — not as spectacle, and never as medical treatment or a guaranteed cure for any condition.
Respect for places & communities
At religious and heritage sites (temples, stupas, monasteries), we brief travellers on appropriate dress, behaviour and photography etiquette in advance, and encourage respectful conduct at all times.
Why this matters to us
Shakurma is a young company, built on nearly a decade of one team member's hands-on Pokhara hospitality experience rather than a long operating history. We think the most credible way to build trust from here is to be plain about what we do and don't do — rather than making broad sustainability claims we can't yet back up with independent certification.
The commitments below are things we can genuinely stand behind today. As the business grows, we intend to formalise more of this into written partner standards and, where relevant, pursue recognised certification rather than simply asserting it.
Wildlife tourism in Chitwan
Chitwan National Park is a genuine wild habitat, not a managed wildlife park. We do not guarantee sightings of any specific species — no responsible operator honestly can — and we do not arrange or promote elephant rides, elephant bathing displays, or any activity that uses captive animals for entertainment.
The safari and walking activities we arrange are guided by trained naturalists, follow park rules on distance and behaviour around wildlife, and prioritise observation over disturbance.
Community & environment
Where practical, we route travellers towards locally owned guesthouses, restaurants and guiding services, particularly around Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini, so tourism spending has a more direct local benefit.
We also encourage travellers to minimise single-use plastic where alternatives exist (reusable water bottles with filtered refill options in Pokhara and Kathmandu, for example) and to follow marked trails on trekking routes.
Planning a wildlife or cultural experience?
Tell us what interests you, and we'll suggest options that fit these principles.