Kathmandu, Dec. 13 -- Altitudes over 5,000 meters, snow, and temperatures well below zero. Trekkers in hiking boots, down jackets, and small backpacks walk slowly, saving their energy and breathing heavily.

They are overtaken by men in canvas shoes, carrying bags weighing 40 to 60 kilograms. Porters carrying very heavy loads, often in thin clothing and poor shoes, are a common sight on trekking routes such as the Manaslu and Annapurna circuits.

There are thousands of porters in Nepal; not all are treated fairly, and not all are aware of their rights. One organisation based in Kathmandu is working to change this: The Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) has been advocating for porters' rights and providing education since 199...