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At Trekking Club, sustainable tourism is not a separate initiative or a marketing concept. It is a practical approach shaped by how we operate on the ground — in our camps, on our routes and in the regions where we work.

The principles outlined below reflect real decisions, long-term commitments and everyday practices that guide our work with nature, people and local communities.

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Minimising Impact on Nature

Minimising our impact on nature is a practical principle, not a declaration.
Our seasonal Trekking Club camp in Turgen Gorge is built entirely with temporary infrastructure. All tents, shelters, rope park elements and the suspension bridge are installed for one season only and fully removed at the end of summer. There are no permanent structures, foundations or ground alteration. When the camp is dismantled, the area is left exactly as it was.

We work carefully with the landscape and wildlife. We avoid disturbing animals, do not block natural access to water sources and inform our guests about local species and respectful behavior. Trails are maintained selectively to reduce unnecessary damage to vegetation. All rope park installations are mounted with removable protective systems that do not harm trees.

Water is naturally filtered before disposal, with no wastewater released directly into the river. Electricity in the camp comes from solar panels, hot water is provided by gas heaters, and the sauna operates on recycled wood briquettes. All waste is packed and removed in cooperation with the national park services.

The same approach applies to our tours. We deliberately work with small groups and limit numbers even where larger capacity would be possible. This allows us to reduce pressure on fragile environments, avoid overcrowding remote areas and ensure that our presence leaves as little trace as possible — both in the landscape and beyond it.

• Independent Recognition

These practices have been independently recognised at the international level.
In 2019, Turgen Gorge Trekking Camp was selected as a finalist of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations of the World, an initiative supported by Green Destinations, TravelMole, Travelife and ITB Berlin.

This recognition reflects long-term efforts in responsible tourism practices, environmental care and community engagement. For us, it serves as external confirmation that the principles we apply in practice meet internationally recognised sustainability standards.

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People’s Rights and Equal Opportunities

Respect for people and equal opportunities are integral to how we operate — both within our team and in our work with guests. Our approach is based on clear internal policies and written procedures covering recruitment, workplace ethics and interaction between team members and with clients. These principles are embedded in our daily operations and applied consistently in practice.

We follow transparent and fair employment practices. All team members are hired under formal contracts, registered in the national employment system, with full social and statutory contributions. Remuneration is based on qualifications and responsibilities, with equal conditions and opportunities regardless of gender, age or background. Access to training and professional development is open to all members of the team.

Employee health, safety and well-being are treated as a priority. We pay close attention to working conditions and to the specific needs of different groups within our team. Employees with children are supported through flexible arrangements and the creation of safe, practical working environments that allow them to combine professional responsibilities with family life. Where required, additional staff are engaged to support these arrangements during operational periods.

The same principles apply to our guests. We aim to provide equal access to meaningful travel experiences, ensuring respectful treatment, clear communication and an inclusive environment on our tours — regardless of gender, age, background or personal circumstances.

Gender equality is part of our broader approach to sustainable tourism and long-term development. In October–December 2025, our team completed specialised training on gender equality in tourism, strengthening existing practices with internationally recognised knowledge and tools.

• Women make up the majority of our team across all roles — from management to field operations.
  This is not the result of a specific policy or target, but a long-standing reality shaped by how our company has always worked.

We continue to adapt internal rules, develop new products and improve operational processes with a focus on fairness, inclusion and respect — within our team, in our work with guests, and in cooperation with local communities. 

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Long-Term Commitment to the Region

Our approach to sustainable tourism is rooted in long-term presence. Trekking Club has been operating as a local tour operator since 2005, with a clear focus on active and nature-based tourism in the Almaty region and the Northern Tien Shan. Long before the company was established, our team lived, trained and travelled in these mountains. This is our home, not a destination chosen for convenience.

We work, live and raise our families here. That perspective shapes how we treat the landscapes we operate in — with care, respect and responsibility. Preserving the natural character of our mountains, rivers and steppe is a personal responsibility shaped by living and working here.

Our long-term work in the region is closely connected to local communities. We employ local residents, including for seasonal work, not only for practical reasons but because local knowledge, engagement and responsibility are essential for sustainable tourism. These partnerships create strong ties with the communities we work alongside and enrich both our team’s experience and that of our guests.

Returning to the same locations year after year allows us to build trust, understand local realities and work responsibly with both people and places. Long-term presence also means accumulated knowledge — the ability to adjust routes, seasons and tour formats based on real conditions rather than assumptions. We share experience, skills and infrastructure where relevant, while local communities share something equally valuable: openness, hospitality and deep knowledge of their land.

Our growth is deliberately limited by the capacity of the region and by our ability to operate responsibly. Sustainability, for us, means remaining present, relevant and respectful — not expanding at the expense of the places and people we depend on.

• Examples of Long-Term Engagement

Over the years, our long-term presence has taken different forms — from applied research and knowledge exchange to practical community support.

• In 2013, Trekking Club Camp hosted a joint research project with Kazakh-German University and IWM Expert GmbH (Germany), focused on water resources and access for local communities in the Turgen region. Trekking Club acted as a local expert partner, supporting field research, facilitating meetings with local residents and national park authorities, and contributing applied regional knowledge.

• In 2014, our camp served as the venue for the Forum for Sustainable Development of Central Asian Mountain Regions, organized by CAMP Alatoo (Kyrgyzstan), bringing together delegations from across Central Asia to exchange practical experience in community-based ecotourism.

• In 2018, Trekking Club provided full local support for the international Drop of Life initiative, helping implement water and sanitation improvements at Konaev School in Turgen village.