The number of foreign visitors arriving in Nepal has increased by almost 40% in the past three years, according to local Nepalese media. This means that there will be more demand for local services and goods to cater for the increasing number of tourists. Among those services, elephant rides will continue to be offered as part of the “experience”. What does that mean to captive elephants and their welfare?

In this blog post we thoroughly explain why the humane and ethical alternatives to elephant rides should be considered on your next trip to Chitwan, Nepal. You will also find useful etiquette tips to visiting the national park as well as an array of vegan options and the review on Nepal’s only elephant-friendly eco-resort (animal welfare approved!).

Tour operators, travel agencies, resorts and elephant handlers around Asia offer tourists the “exciting” opportunity to ride an elephant . Many say it is the “green way” to experience nature and spot wildlife. However, this is far from ideal as these elephants are kept in miserable conditions in order to work for tourists. Many have complained in online forums that the elephants were mistreated and beaten during the ride, or that they felt very guilty because they saw the elephants tightly chained afterwards. Most wish they had known before about the issue.

You can put your compassion into action. Here are the most appropriate ways to interact with elephants in captivity.

How to Be an Elephant-Friendly Tourist in Nepal - Etiquette Tips & Animal Welfare Approved Sites

We all love elephants, so why can’t we ride them?

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