Redefining staff care

Change begins at home. It is only natural that we treat our staff in the best possible way. While we already pride ourselves as being the company that provides the best staff wages, we have decided it is time to raise the bar.

Under this initiative:

• We have and will continue to invest in better quality clothing and waterproof boots for our porters and staff. Though expensive, to ensure quality, most of the staff gear is imported from the US especially for high altitude treks.  
• We have enacted a new policy whereby guides or sirdar shall not only be accountable for the well-being of the clients but also for the well-being of the staff. A guide shall be directly accountable for any preventable mishap to the staff which could mean immediate termination and/or loss of wages which shall then be given to the injured staff.
• If a sick or injured staff cannot continue and must return, another staff shall always accompany the injured staff; if the injury requires immediate attention, a helicopter evacuation shall be arranged. After being brought to Kathmandu, all hospital expenses for the injured staff shall be borne by Crystal Mountain Treks. (Note, insurance companies in Nepal do not cover for helicopter evacuation, which can easily amount to $4,000 - $5,000; Insurance companies in Nepal only cover minimal hospital expenses)
• We will, depending on the group, either fully pay for or heavily subsidize meals for porters in tea-house treks. Other companies only pay for guide's and assistant guide's meals.

In short, we shall beat the minimum code of conduct as set by the International Porter Protection Group, which is what it is – a minimum.

Back to "Raising the Bar"