Ali Bedni Bugyal

1. Trekking Risk Acknowledgement & Participant Declaration
(GoAdven India)

I understand that trekking is an outdoor adventure activity and involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

Natural & Environmental Risks

Unpredictable Weather: Sudden rain, cloudbursts, flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and rapid drops in temperature may occur during the trek or at campsites. Such conditions may require changes to the itinerary or cancellation of the trek without prior notice.
Wildlife & Insects: Encounters with wild animals, reptiles, insects, and arthropods are possible and may pose a safety risk.
Vegetation Hazards: Certain plants may be toxic, poisonous, or harmful. Any contact, consumption, or misuse may result in injury or illness.
Natural Disasters: Landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, whiteouts, or other natural events may occur in mountainous terrain and can be life-threatening.

Health, Altitude & Injury Risks

Altitude-Related Illnesses: Risks include Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
Physical Injuries: Uneven trails, loose rocks, slippery surfaces, or water crossings may lead to slips, falls, fractures, drowning, or other injuries.
Equipment-Related Accidents: Improper use, damage, or failure of trekking or safety equipment may cause injury.
Serious Accidents: Incidents may result in emotional distress, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, or paralysis.
Third-Party Actions: Injuries may occur due to the actions or negligence of other trekkers or individuals in the region.
Environmental Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sun, cold, wind, or altitude may cause dehydration, sunburn, hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, hypoxia, heat-related or cold-related illnesses.

Medical & Evacuation Challenges

Limited Medical Support: Remote trekking regions may have minimal or no access to medical facilities or trained professionals.
Evacuation Difficulties: Rescue or evacuation during emergencies can be delayed, complex, or weather-dependent.

Additional Risks

Social or Political Situations: Civil unrest, strikes, protests, or regional instability may disrupt travel or pose safety concerns.
Security Threats: Risks related to terrorism or other security issues cannot be ruled out.
Logistical Issues: Transportation delays, road closures, vehicle breakdowns, or cancellations may affect the trek.
Equipment Failure: Personal or group gear may malfunction or fail despite precautions.
Health Risks: Exposure to local diseases, infections, or illnesses is possible.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Any unexpected event beyond human control may impact safety or itinerary.

Participant Acknowledgement
By choosing to participate in this trek, I confirm that:
I have carefully read and understood the risks involved.
I am voluntarily participating in the trekking activity.
I agree to follow all safety instructions, guidelines, and decisions made by the trek leaders.
I take full responsibility for the care and use of my personal and provided equipment.
I understand that GoAdven India’s staff and team members are trained and experienced, but trekking involves unpredictable conditions, and absolute safety cannot be guaranteed.
I accept that no individual or organization can foresee or prevent every possible risk.
I take full responsibility for my own health, safety, and well-being during the trek.

Personal Preparation & Fitness Responsibility

I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for ensuring that I am physically and mentally prepared for this trek. I confirm that I have reviewed and met the fitness and eligibility requirements prescribed for participation and have taken appropriate steps to prepare myself.

Health Declaration
I confirm and declare that:

I am in sound physical and mental health at the time of joining the trek.
I do not suffer from any illness, injury, or medical condition that may affect my ability to safely participate.
I have not been medically advised to avoid strenuous physical activity or high-altitude travel.
I agree to disclose any relevant medical information to the organizers if required for safety reasons.

2. Responsibility & Legal Acknowledgement
I further acknowledge and agree that:

I am personally responsible for my safety, health, and well-being throughout the trek.
I willingly accept and assume all risks associated with trekking, whether foreseeable or unforeseen.
I understand and agree that GoAdven India shall not be held responsible or liable for any injury, accident, illness, loss, or damage that may occur during or after the trek.
I accept full responsibility for any medical treatment, evacuation, or related expenses incurred during or following the trek.

3. Indemnity & Liability Declaration
I hereby acknowledge and agree that:

I shall be fully responsible for my actions and conduct during the trek.
In the event that my actions, whether intentional or unintentional, cause injury to any person or result in loss or damage to property or life, I accept complete responsibility for the consequences.
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GoAdven India, its team members, staff, guides, and associates from any claims, liabilities, losses, or expenses arising due to my actions.
I undertake to bear all costs related to repairs, compensation, medical treatment, or any other expenses incurred as a result of such incidents caused by me.

4. High Altitude Awareness & Safety Protocol
I acknowledge that this trek involves high-altitude conditions, and I may experience symptoms related to altitude sickness or reduced oxygen levels. I understand that for my safety, the trek leader has full authority to assess my condition at any stage and may require me to descend to a lower altitude if continuing is considered unsafe.
I understand and agree that:
Routine health monitoring will be conducted at camps, including checks of oxygen saturation (SpO₂), pulse rate, and blood pressure.
If my vital readings fall outside the safe range for a particular altitude, the trek leader may restrict my ascent or remove me from the trek, without any entitlement to a refund.
The accepted safety parameters for each altitude are defined by GoAdven India and are available with the trek leadership team.

Terrain, Fitness & Trek Leader’s Authority
I am aware that this is a physically demanding high-altitude trek involving uneven, rocky, snowy, and challenging terrain. I accept that:
The trek leader has the final authority to turn back or discontinue my participation if, in their judgment, I am unable to complete the itinerary safely or require exclusive assistance.
I confirm that I have honestly and realistically evaluated my fitness level, endurance, and suitability for this trek before registering.

Zero-Tolerance Policy (Alcohol, Smoking & Drugs)
I fully understand that the consumption of alcohol, smoking, or use of recreational or narcotic substances is strictly prohibited during the trek.
I accept that:
If I am found consuming or carrying any such substances, I will be immediately removed from the trek.
I will be required to descend and exit the trek/basecamp at my own responsibility, without any claim for refund or compensation.

Additional Medical Requirement for Participants Aged 58 Years and Above
If I am 58 years of age or older, I acknowledge and agree to the following safety protocol:

a. High-altitude trekking places significant stress on the cardiovascular system. With increasing age, this stress may increase the risk of serious or life-threatening complications, particularly for individuals with a history of high blood pressure or heart-related conditions.
b. A Treadmill Test (TMT) provides a clear medical assessment of cardiovascular fitness and helps determine readiness for high-altitude trekking. This test, along with proper fitness preparation, significantly improves trek safety.
c. GoAdven India encourages trekking for all age groups while prioritizing safety. This protocol has been introduced solely to reduce health risks and ensure a safe and successful trekking experience.
d. I agree to submit a valid Treadmill Test report within 7 days of trek registration.
If the report confirms healthy cardiovascular function, I may continue with the trek and focus on fitness preparation.
e. If the report indicates medical concerns, GoAdven India may advise me to postpone participation and improve my health before reapplying. In such cases, the trek fee will be refunded as per applicable policies.

5. Final Acknowledgement & Agreement
I confirm that I have thoroughly read, understood, and accepted all terms, conditions, and legal implications of this agreement. I voluntarily agree to be bound by all provisions contained herein.
I further acknowledge that if any clause or part of this agreement is held to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue to remain effective.

I understand and agree that GoAdven India has determined the pricing, structure, and offering of this trek based on my acceptance of these terms. I acknowledge that without my consent to this agreement, GoAdven India would not be able to provide or conduct the trekking services.

I also agree that my acceptance of this agreement through electronic means, including digital signatures or online confirmation, shall be considered legally valid and equivalent to signing a physical, original document.

6. Travel Documents & Identification Consent
I acknowledge that it is solely my responsibility to arrange, carry, and maintain all documents required for my travel and participation in the trek, including but not limited to valid identification, passports, visas, permits, or any other mandatory paperwork.
I understand that I may be required to present these documents to government authorities, local officials, or trek staff during travel or while on the trek. I agree that GoAdven India shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from my inability to produce the required documents when asked.
I further accept that GoAdven India is not liable for any loss, theft, misplacement, or damage to my personal travel or identity documents at any stage of the trip.

Personal Identification & Data Consent
I voluntarily submit a copy of my valid Personal Identification (such as my latest Aadhaar Card or Passport) to GoAdven India strictly for limited purposes, including identity verification, permit processing, regulatory compliance, and administrative requirements directly related to my participation in the trek.
I understand and agree that:
My personal information will be used only for the purposes stated above.
GoAdven India will handle and process my data in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and data protection standards.
Reasonable measures will be taken to maintain confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access or misuse of my personal data.
I retain the right to withdraw my consent by providing written notice, provided such withdrawal occurs before the information is utilized for the stated purposes.

7. GoAdven India Reasons to Terminate My Trek
(GoAdven India)
I clearly understand and agree that smoking, consumption of alcohol, or use of any intoxicating or recreational substance is strictly prohibited throughout the trek. This restriction applies at all locations, including but not limited to the basecamp, campsites, trails, accommodation areas, and any premises associated with GoAdven India.
I acknowledge that GoAdven India reserves the full right to immediately discontinue my participation in the trek if I am found violating this policy at any point.

Trek Discontinuation on Safety or Fitness Grounds
I further understand and accept that GoAdven India has the authority to require me to withdraw from the trek under the following circumstances:

If I suffer from any injury, illness, or medical condition that makes it unsafe or impractical for me to continue.
If my physical fitness level significantly impacts the pace, schedule, or safety of the rest of the group.
If my health indicators, including blood pressure or oxygen saturation (SpO₂) levels, fall outside the safe and acceptable range for the altitude and terrain.

Unacceptable Behaviour & Immediate Removal
I agree that GoAdven India may immediately terminate my participation and remove me from the trek or basecamp if I engage in any conduct deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or disruptive. This includes, but is not limited to:

i. Sexual misconduct or harassment towards fellow trekkers, staff members, guides, or any other individual.
ii. Non-compliance with trek rules, safety protocols, or instructions issued by the trek leaders, which are applicable equally to all participants.
iii. Aggressive, abusive, or threatening behaviour, whether verbal or physical, including but not limited to:
- Use of abusive language or profanity during disagreements
- Issuing threats toward trekkers or GoAdven India staff
- Shouting, screaming, or intimidating behaviour
- Physical contact such as pushing or shoving
- Making offensive religious, political, sexist, or discriminatory remarks
iv. Intentional misuse, mishandling, or damage of trekking, camping, or safety equipment provided by GoAdven India.

Consequences of Termination
I fully understand and agree that if my participation in the trek is ended due to any of the reasons stated above:
- I shall not be entitled to a trek completion certificate.
- I shall not be eligible for any refund, partial or otherwise, of the trek fees paid.
- I shall bear all costs associated with my return to the basecamp or exit point, including expenses for transport, mule, porter, guide, or any other logistical arrangements required.