Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: November 5, 2025
Welcome to Himalaya Sacred Treks and Expedition (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a premier Nepal-based adventure travel company specializing in Himalayan treks, expeditions, and cultural experiences. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website www.himalayasacred.com, booking services, and participation in our programs, including but not limited to Everest Base Camp treks, Annapurna Circuit hikes, and Nepal’s 8000ers expeditions. By booking a trip, accessing our site, or engaging with our services, you agree to these Terms on behalf of yourself and any participants in your booking (e.g., family or group members). If you do not agree, please do not proceed with a booking.
These Terms are designed to meet international standards while incorporating Nepal regulations, Department of Immigration, and relevant laws. We recommend reviewing them carefully before booking. Minors under 18 must have parental/guardian consent.
1. Booking and Payment
a. How to Book
- Reservations can be made via our website, email ([email protected]), or phone (+977 984-1601325). Full details of your chosen itinerary (e.g., trek duration, inclusions like guides and permits) will be outlined in a confirmation email.
- A minimum deposit of 20-30% (depending on the trip) is required to secure your spot, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings (within 60 days), full payment is due immediately.
- All bookings are subject to availability and our final approval, considering factors like group size, weather, and your fitness level.
b. Payment Methods
- We accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, or PayPal. Payments are processed securely via PCI DSS-compliant gateways.
- Currency: All prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise specified. Nepal Rupee (NPR) equivalents apply for local payments, subject to exchange rates.
- Refunds for overpayments or cancellations are processed within 14-21 days via the original method.
c. Pricing
- Prices include specified services (e.g., permits, meals, accommodations, certified guides like Gelje Sherpa). Exclusions (e.g., international flights, personal gear, travel insurance) are listed in itineraries.
- Prices may change due to fuel surcharges, government fees, or inflation. We notify you of increases before final payment; you may cancel without penalty if the hike exceeds 10%.
2. Cancellations and Refunds
We understand plans change; our policy balances fairness for you and sustainability for our Nepal-based operations.
a. By You (Traveler Cancellation)
- More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee.
- 30-60 days before: 50% refund.
- Less than 30 days before: No refund, but you may transfer to a future date (subject to availability and a 20% fee).
- No-shows or voluntary early departures: No refunds.
- Force majeure (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters) follows our Force Majeure clause (Section 8).
b. By Us (Operator Cancellation)
- We reserve the right to cancel trips for safety (e.g., extreme weather in the Himalayas), minimum group size (typically 1-3), or unforeseen events. We’ll notify you at least 30 days in advance where possible.
- Full refunds or transfers to alternative dates/trips at no extra cost. In rare cases of last-minute changes, we’ll cover reasonable rebooking fees.
Refunds are issued to the original payer. Nepal tourism taxes (e.g., 13% VAT) are non-refundable.
3. Travel Insurance and Health Requirements
- Mandatory Insurance: You must have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation (e.g., helicopter rescue in Nepal’s remote areas), trip cancellation, and adventure activities. We recommend providers like World Nomads or Allianz, with coverage up to USD 100,000 for high-altitude treks.
- Health and Fitness: Participants must be in good health and disclose pre-existing conditions (e.g., heart issues for 8000ers). We may require a medical certificate for high-risk trips. Smoking or alcohol during acclimatization is discouraged.
- COVID-19/Health Protocols: Comply with Nepal’s entry rules (e.g., vaccination proof if required). We follow WHO and Nepal Ministry of Health guidelines for sanitation and masking.
Failure to meet these may result in denied participation without refund.
4. Itinerary Changes and Liability
a. Flexibility
- Himalayan weather and conditions can alter itineraries (e.g., flight delays from Lukla to Everest region). We aim for the published schedule but reserve the right to modify for safety, using experienced NNMGA/IFMGA-certified guides.
- Extra days (e.g., due to delays) incur additional costs, shared proportionally.
b. Liability
- We provide services with due care, but travel involves risks (e.g., altitude sickness, avalanches). You assume inherent risks of adventure travel in Nepal.
- Our liability is limited to the trip cost. We are not responsible for indirect losses (e.g., missed connections) or third-party actions (e.g., airlines).
- In Nepal, claims fall under the Consumer Protection Act 2075; internationally, we adhere to the Package Travel Regulations (EU) or equivalent.
You agree to indemnify us against claims from your negligence or non-compliance.
5. Conduct and Safety
- Respect Local Customs: Follow Nepal’s cultural norms (e.g., modest dress at monasteries, no littering). Violations may lead to early termination without refund.
- Group Responsibility: Listen to guides (e.g., Gelje Sherpa’s instructions on porters’ loads). Unauthorized solo activities are at your risk.
- Prohibited Items: Weapons, drones (without Nepal CAA permit), or illegal substances. Environmental protection: Leave No Trace principles apply.
We prioritize safety with satellite phones, oxygen kits, and 24/7 Kathmandu support.
6. Intellectual Property and Content
- Our website content is copyrighted. Personal use is fine; commercial reproduction requires permission.
- User-generated content (e.g., reviews) grants us a non-exclusive license to feature it (anonymized if requested).
7. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
- These Terms are governed by Nepal law, with disputes resolved in Kathmandu courts or via arbitration under the Nepal International Centre for Dispute Settlement.
- For international clients, we offer mediation first. EU/CCPA users retain rights under their laws (e.g., 14-day cooling-off for distance contracts).
8. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays/cancellations due to events beyond control, including earthquakes, strikes, political unrest in Nepal, or global events. Efforts will be made to mitigate, with proportional refunds where feasible.
9. Amendments
We may update these Terms for legal or operational reasons. Changes are posted online with the new Effective Date; continued bookings imply acceptance. Significant updates are emailed 30 days prior.
10. Contact Us
For questions, bookings, or concerns, reach us anytime:Himalaya Sacred Treks and Expedition
Address: Bouddha- 06, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: [email protected]
Phone: ++977 984-1601325
Thank you for adventuring with us. Himalaya Sacred Treks and Expedition is established under the Company Act 2053 and Tourism Act 2035 (Registration No: 96531/069/070, PAN No: 600760078). The company is licensed by the Tax Department of Nepal as a taxpayer and by the Central Bank of Nepal to accept foreign currency from foreigners. It also holds licenses from the Ward, Valley Tourism Office, TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), and the Department of Cottage and Small Industries (DCSI) and committed to ethical, sustainable travel in Nepal’s sacred mountains. Safe journeys!
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