Nepal, the land of the Himalaya, is full of vibrant colors and stupefying beautiful. Nepal, rich in unique cultural and natural heritage, is one of the leading countries in the world from the viewpoint of tourism heritage.   Given its small size of less than 150,000 square kilometers, the country's extraordinary geographical position make it springboard for an awe-inspiring array of adventures. As an adventure capital, the country's reputation is based on these cliffhangers. From east to west, the Himalayan range is a delightfully steep challenge.   The country has lot to proffer ranging from national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas; river systems; religious sites; unique arts & crafts; cultural artefacts; exotic food; indigenous music; unique cultural, social and economic practices; historical and emerging places; to settlements of various ethnic groups are common. Thus, Nepal's natural scenery, high mountains, and incomparable cultural heritage have made it a well-known destination on the world tourism map.

Recognizing Nepal's immense potential in Tourism, STDRF has entered into this sector, with a strict aim of promoting community-based socio-environmentally friendly tourism. Ecotourism is gradually becoming a priority as it is proved to be the alternative economic activity to the local community. The organization see itself as a social partner for community development through tourism to create economic, social and environmental value in the community. It believes that the overall longevity of the organization success depends upon its ability to create value in these three areas simultaneously. Hence, STDRF is currently working to develop variety of nature-based tourism activities that have been combined with a conservation and community development programme. The main aim for operating social tourism operation is to be able to preserve the forest, respect the culture and traditions of the people and place, and practice self-taught skills in tourism while generating income for the local community in an ecologically sound and sustainable way, raise level of consciousness to the concept of ecotourism and the environment among local community. By introducing tourism, STDRF will demonstrate that economic success lies in social and environmental sustainability. STDRF believes that following positive effects will be seen in the destination:

• Scientific knowledge of the ecosystem and the interaction between human activities and nature
• Basic infrastructure for ecotourism (Information Center, guided tours, printed material etc.)
• Incentives for locals to start new activities or conserve and promote traditional craftsmanship
• Increased awareness (among visitors and locals)
• Economic benefits generated through the project for communities (New employment positions for the locals)
• Contribution to the conservation of natural areas
• Local society became more active in other activities of sustainable tourism
• Higher appreciation of the value of the forest by local people
• Empower local communities in decision making relative to the development and management of ecotourism areas
• Generating direct and indirect benefits for communities (income and social benefits)
• Developing the business and management skills of local operators and service providers
• Creating local ecotourism enterprises that are financially viable and aware of environmental protection problems
• Economic and social revitalization of rural communities by creating new job opportunities, especially for women

  A great effort will be made to involve the local people not only by creating job opportunities in the service sector, but by involving them in the management of tourism development as well. This is a long- term procedure, which requires funds, patience and good will from both sides. The socio-economic environment helps to make community-based tourism a reality.

The STDRF focuses on scientific study and the management plan for public awareness. For this a number of activities are envisaged, which promotes the area in a sustainable way, and contribute in the development of ecotourism. All these activities will be ecologically sustainable, economically profitable and socio culturally acceptable. The STDRF projects aim at reaching out to the local community and conserving the local environment simultaneously establishing and maintaining good business relationships with the local stakeholders. Eventually this will enhance the pride of local communities taking in their natural and cultural resources, thus encouraging their conservation. In short these activities (project) that integrates development with conservation.   The STDRF will initiate different project, among other things will offer:

• volunteer camps
• a real life experience of the locality
• environmental education programs,
• scientific work,
• conferences for specialists,
• organisitaion of medical projects
• educational programme for students/doctors� to visit the area
• educational and interpretation features (educational activities are offered by the information centres, the guide systems for visitors, nature and adventure paths, guided excursions, exhibitions, and educational programmes on the natural and cultural heritage for tourists)

The STDRF through its project is in the process of employing: Environmental practices in the development and operation of ecotourism facilities, establishments and services (Environmentally sound sanitary system, a system that separates solids and liquids, and implement an alternative use of fuel, i.e. biogas for the lodges as well as the surrounding community). The project encourages participation of local communities and will benefit them through tourism activities. Such efforts will satisfy the need of the conscious traveller thereby achieving success for the project.