Last updated: 22nd August 2025
1. Introduction and Acceptance
Welcome to Pithoragarh Backpackers. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our services and participation in our trekking, adventure, and spiritual tour programs. By booking any service with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.
Pithoragarh Backpackers reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on our website, and continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any modifications.
2. Service Description
Pithoragarh Backpackers provides guided trekking, adventure tours, spiritual pilgrimages, and related services in the Himalayan region, with particular expertise in:
• Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra
• Himalayan trekking expeditions
• Spiritual and cultural tours
• Adventure activities in Uttarakhand
• Local guide services and logistics support
3. Booking and Payment Policy
3.1 Booking Confirmation
All bookings are subject to availability and must be confirmed in writing by Pithoragarh Backpackers. A booking is considered confirmed only after:
• Receipt of completed booking form with all required information
• Payment of the required deposit
• Written confirmation from Pithoragarh Backpackers
3.2 Deposit Requirements
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. Deposit amounts vary by program:
• Standard Treks: 30% of total cost
• Adi Kailash/Om Parvat Yatra: 40% of total cost
• Custom/Private Tours: 50% of total cost
3.3 Final Payment
Full payment must be received no later than 30 days before the departure date. Failure to complete payment may result in booking cancellation without refund of deposit.
4. What's NOT Included - Important Exclusions
Participants are responsible for the following expenses, which are NOT included in our package prices:
4.1 Medical and Emergency Expenses
Any kind of medical or evacuation expenses including but not limited to:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Helicopter rescue or evacuation
• Hospital expenses
• Medical insurance claims
• Ambulance services
• Emergency transportation costs
4.2 Delay-Related Expenses
Additional accommodation and food expenses at ₹3,500 per day in case of delays due to:
• Weather conditions
• Natural disasters
• Flight/transport cancellations
• Government restrictions
• Force majeure events
• Personal health issues
4.3 Personal Expenses
Personal expenses or any medical/health check-up costs incurred during the yatra including:
• Personal shopping and souvenirs
• Additional meals and beverages not specified in itinerary
• Laundry services
• Telephone calls and internet charges
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal medical check-ups
• Prescription medications
• Personal insurance
4.4 Transportation
• Train tickets to and from the starting point of the tour
• Flight tickets (unless specifically mentioned as included)
• Local transportation not mentioned in the itinerary
• Airport/railway station transfers (unless specified)
4.5 General Exclusions
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the 'What's Included' section of your chosen package
• Permit fees (unless specified as included)
• Camera fees at monuments or restricted areas
• Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not provided)
5. Medical Responsibilities and Medication Policy
5.1 Client Medical Responsibilities
• Personal Medication: As per your health condition, clients must carry their own medication as suggested by their doctor
• Medical Fitness: For high-altitude trekking participants must be in good physical and mental health
• Medical Disclosure: All pre-existing medical conditions must be disclosed at the time of booking
• Medical Clearance: Participants may be required to provide medical clearance from a qualified physician
5.2 Company Medical Support
We Provide:
• Oxygen cylinder during Adi Kailash and Om Parvat yatra
• D-Mox tablets for altitude sickness prevention
• Basic first aid supplies
• Trained guides with wilderness first aid knowledge
We Do NOT Provide:
• Personal prescription medications
• Comprehensive medical treatment
• Medical evacuation services
• Medical insurance coverage
6. Participant Responsibilities
6.1 Physical Fitness
Participants must:
• Be physically fit for high-altitude activities
• Inform us of any medical conditions or physical limitations
• Undergo proper training and preparation as recommended
• Follow all safety instructions provided by guides
6.2 Required Documentation
Participants must carry:
• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Required permits and permissions
• Medical certificates (if requested)
• Travel insurance documentation (recommended)
6.3 Conduct and Behavior
Participants must:
• Follow all instructions from guides and local authorities
• Respect local customs, traditions, and environmental regulations
• Not engage in any illegal activities
• Maintain appropriate behavior throughout the tour
7. Cancellation and Refund Policy
7.1 Cancellation by Participant
• More than 45 days before departure: 75% refund (deposit forfeited)
• 31-45 days before departure: 50% refund
• 15-30 days before departure: 25% refund
• Less than 15 days before departure: No refund
7.2 Cancellation by Company
Pithoragarh Backpackers reserves the right to cancel any tour due to:
• Insufficient bookings
• Weather conditions or natural disasters
• Government restrictions or security concerns
• Force majeure events
In case of company cancellation, participants will receive a full refund or alternative tour options.
8. Liability and Risk Acknowledgment
8.1 Assumption of Risk
Participants acknowledge that:
• Himalayan trekking involves inherent risks including altitude sickness, weather changes, and terrain challenges
• Adventure activities carry risks of injury or death
• Medical facilities may be limited or unavailable in remote areas
• Participants assume all risks associated with the tour
8.2 Limitation of Liability
Pithoragarh Backpackers' liability is limited to the cost of the tour package. We are not liable for:
• Personal injury, illness, or death
• Loss or damage to personal property
• Delays or changes in itinerary
• Additional expenses incurred due to circumstances beyond our control
9. Force Majeure
Pithoragarh Backpackers is not liable for any failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
• Natural disasters, earthquakes, floods, or extreme weather
• Government actions, restrictions, or policy changes
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Pandemic or health emergencies
• Transportation strikes or cancellations
10. Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend that all participants obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering:
• Medical expenses and evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Personal accident and liability
• Loss of personal belongings
• Adventure sports coverage
11. Intellectual Property
All content, materials, and intellectual property related to our tours remain the property of Pithoragarh Backpackers. Participants may not use our materials for commercial purposes without written permission.
12. Dispute Resolution
12.1 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of India and the jurisdiction of Uttarakhand courts.
12.2 Dispute Resolution Process
Any disputes will be resolved through:
1. Direct negotiation between parties
2. Mediation through a mutually agreed mediator
3. Arbitration in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
4. Legal proceedings in appropriate courts of Uttarakhand
13. Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
Pithoragarh Backpackers
Phone: +91 9368 009 899
Email: pithoragarhbackpackers@gmail.com
Website: pithoragarhbackpackers.com
14. Acknowledgment
By booking with Pithoragarh Backpackers, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions. You also acknowledge that you understand the risks involved in Himalayan trekking and adventure activities and assume full responsibility for your participation.
Important Note: These Terms and Conditions are designed to protect both Pithoragarh Backpackers and our valued clients. Please read them carefully and contact us if you have any questions before booking your adventure with us.