Before booking or participating in any trek organized by GoAdven India (GAI), every participant must carefully read, understand, and accept the following Terms & Conditions.
By making a booking for any trek organized by GoAdven India, the participant shall be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these Terms & Conditions. The participant is responsible for reading and understanding all applicable Terms & Conditions before making a booking. Failure to read, review, or understand these Terms & Conditions before booking shall not be considered a valid reason for refusing or denying their applicability. By proceeding with the booking, the participant agrees to be bound by all the terms, conditions, rules, responsibilities, and policies applicable to the trek.
1. Trekking Risk Acknowledgement & Participant Declaration
I understand that trekking is an outdoor adventure activity involving inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated. I voluntarily choose to participate in the trek and accept the risks associated with mountain travel and trekking.
These risks may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.1 Natural & Environmental Risks
Unpredictable Weather
Mountain weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Conditions may include:
- Rain
- Cloudbursts
- Flash floods
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
- Hailstorms
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning
- Strong winds
- Snowfall
- Sudden drops in temperature
- Fog and whiteout conditions
Such conditions may require changes to the itinerary, route, campsite, schedule, postponement, or cancellation of the trek without prior notice.
Wildlife & Insects
Encounters with wild animals, reptiles, insects, and other arthropods are possible and may result in bites, stings, allergic reactions, injury, or illness.
Vegetation Hazards
Certain plants, flowers, fruits, or other vegetation may be poisonous, toxic, or harmful. Participants must not consume or handle unknown plants or substances.
Natural Disasters
Mountain regions may be affected by:
- Landslides
- Avalanches
- Earthquakes
- Rockfalls
- Flash floods
- Whiteouts
- Other natural events
Such events may cause serious injury, loss of property, delays, route changes, or other risks.
1.2 Health, Altitude & Injury Risks
Altitude-Related Illnesses
- Depending on the altitude and nature of the trek, participants may be exposed to:
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
Physical Injuries
Uneven trails, loose rocks, steep sections, slippery surfaces, snow, ice, boulder sections, and water crossings may result in:
- Slips and falls
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Serious injuries
- Drowning
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Other physical harm
Equipment-Related Risks
Improper use, misuse, damage, malfunction, or failure of personal or provided trekking and safety equipment may result in injury, loss, or damage.
Serious Accidents
Trekking accidents may result in emotional distress, serious injury, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, paralysis, or death.
Third-Party Actions
Injuries, loss, or damage may occur due to the actions, negligence, or conduct of other trekkers, local persons, service providers, or third parties.
Environmental Exposure
Prolonged exposure to sun, cold, wind, rain, snow, altitude, or extreme weather may result in:
- Dehydration
- Sunburn
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite
- Chilblains
- Hypoxia
- Heat-related illness
- Cold-related illness
- Other environmental health conditions
1.3 Medical & Evacuation Challenges
Limited Medical Support
Remote trekking regions may have limited or no immediate access to:
- Hospitals
- Doctors
- Medical professionals
- Ambulances
- Emergency services
Evacuation Difficulties
Rescue or evacuation may be delayed, difficult, complex, expensive, weather-dependent, terrain-dependent, or otherwise restricted by local conditions.
The participant understands that emergency evacuation may not always be immediate or available.
1.4 Additional Risks
Other risks may include:
- Civil unrest
- Strikes
- Protests
- Regional instability
- Security threats
- Terrorism-related risks
- Transportation delays
- Road closures
- Vehicle breakdowns
- Permit-related issues
- Equipment failure
- Local diseases and infections
- Communication failures
- Other unforeseen circumstances beyond human control
2. Participant Acknowledgement
By choosing to participate in the trek, I confirm that:
- I have carefully read and understood the risks involved in trekking.
- I am voluntarily participating in the trekking activity.
- I understand that trekking involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.
- I agree to follow all safety instructions, rules, guidelines, and decisions issued by the trek leader and GoAdven India team.
- I understand that GoAdven India staff, guides, and team members are trained and experienced, but absolute safety cannot be guaranteed in unpredictable mountain environments.
- I understand that no individual or organization can foresee, prevent, or eliminate every possible risk.
- I accept responsibility for my own health, safety, and well-being during the trek.
- I accept responsibility for the proper care and use of my personal belongings and any equipment provided to me.
3. Personal Preparation & Fitness Responsibility
I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for ensuring that I am physically and mentally prepared for the trek.
I confirm that:
- I have reviewed the trek's difficulty, duration, altitude, terrain, and physical requirements.
- I have honestly evaluated my own fitness, endurance, experience, and suitability for the trek.
- I have taken appropriate steps to prepare myself physically and mentally.
- I understand that the trek may involve long walking hours, steep ascents, steep descents, uneven terrain, challenging weather, and other physical demands.
4. Health Declaration
I confirm and declare that:
- I am in suitable physical and mental condition to participate in the trek.
- I do not knowingly suffer from any illness, injury, or medical condition that may make participation unsafe.
- I have not been medically advised to avoid strenuous physical activity or high-altitude travel.
- I agree to disclose relevant medical information to GoAdven India or the trek leadership team when required for safety reasons.
- I understand that concealing relevant medical information may increase the risk to my own health and safety.
- Participants with any existing medical condition are strongly advised to consult a qualified medical professional before booking or participating in the trek.
5. Responsibility & Legal Acknowledgement
I further acknowledge and agree that:
I am personally responsible for my health, safety, conduct, and well-being throughout the trek.
I willingly accept and assume the risks associated with trekking, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable.
I understand that GoAdven India cannot guarantee absolute safety against all risks associated with trekking and mountain travel.
I accept responsibility for medical treatment, emergency assistance, evacuation, transportation, and other related expenses incurred due to my illness, injury, or other emergency.
Emergency Evacuation & Related Expenses
If emergency evacuation, rescue, medical assistance, transportation, mule or porter support, or other emergency services are required due to illness, injury, weather, or any other reason related to the participant, the associated expenses may be charged separately and shall be borne by the participant.
Such expenses may include:
- Emergency transportation
- Local vehicle charges
- Mule or porter assistance
- Medical treatment
- Rescue support
- Transportation to a medical facility
- Additional accommodation or food expenses
- Other costs arising from the emergency or evacuation
- GoAdven India may assist in coordinating emergency support wherever reasonably possible; however, the associated costs shall be the responsibility of the participant.
- Participants are strongly advised to obtain suitable travel or adventure insurance covering trekking, medical emergencies, rescue, and evacuation.
6. Indemnity & Liability Declaration
- I agree that I shall be responsible for my own actions and conduct during the trek.
- If my intentional or unintentional actions, negligence, misconduct, or violation of rules causes injury, loss, damage, or harm to any person, property, equipment, or life, I accept responsibility for the consequences of such actions.
- To the extent permitted by applicable law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless GoAdven India, its owners, employees, staff, guides, trek leaders, representatives, associates, and service providers from claims, losses, liabilities, damages, expenses, or costs arising directly from my own actions, negligence, misconduct, or violation of these Terms & Conditions.
- I agree to bear any applicable costs related to repairs, compensation, medical treatment, or other expenses arising from damage or harm caused by my actions.
7. High-Altitude Awareness & Safety Protocol
I understand that high-altitude trekking may involve reduced oxygen levels and altitude-related health risks.
For my safety, the trek leader has the authority to assess my condition at any stage of the trek.
The trek leader may:
- Restrict my further ascent.
- Ask me to rest.
- Require me to descend to a lower altitude.
- Discontinue my participation in the trek.
- Recommend or arrange evacuation where necessary.
Health Monitoring
Where applicable, routine health monitoring may be conducted at camps or during the trek, including checks of:
- Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
- Pulse rate
- Blood pressure
- Other relevant health indicators
- If my health indicators or physical condition are considered unsafe for the altitude, terrain, or conditions, the trek leader may restrict my ascent or remove me from the trek.
- In such circumstances, I understand that I may not be entitled to a refund of the trek fee.
- The safety decisions of the trek leadership team shall be based on the participant's condition, altitude, terrain, weather, available resources, and overall safety requirements.
8. Terrain, Fitness & Trek Leader's Authority
I understand that the trek may involve:
- Uneven terrain
- Rocky trails
- Steep ascents
- Steep descents
- Snow
- Ice
- Slippery surfaces
- Boulder sections
- Water crossings
- Long trekking hours
- I accept that the trek leader has the authority to turn me back, restrict my participation, or discontinue my trek if, in their judgment:
- I am unable to continue safely.
- My physical condition presents a safety risk.
- I require exclusive or excessive assistance.
- My participation may affect the safety or schedule of the group.
- Weather or trail conditions make continued participation unsafe.
- The decision of the trek leader regarding participant safety shall be final and binding.
9. Zero-Tolerance Policy: Alcohol, Smoking & Drugs
The consumption, possession, or use of alcohol, smoking products, recreational drugs, narcotic substances, or other intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited during the trek.
This policy applies to:
- Basecamp
- Campsites
- Trekking trails
- Accommodation areas
- Vehicles used for the trek
- Any location associated with the trek
- If a participant is found consuming, possessing, or using prohibited substances:
- The participant may be immediately removed from the trek.
- The participant may be required to descend or exit the trek.
- The participant shall be responsible for their own return and associated expenses.
- The participant shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation for the remaining trek.
10. Additional Medical Requirement for Participants Aged 58 Years and Above
Participants aged 58 years or above may be required to provide additional medical clearance for safety purposes.
High-altitude trekking and strenuous physical activity may place additional stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly for individuals with a history of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart-related conditions
- Cardiovascular problems
- Other age-related medical concerns
- GoAdven India may require a valid medical fitness report or Treadmill Test (TMT) report to assess cardiovascular fitness before participation.
- The participant agrees to submit the required medical report within 7 days of trek registration, if requested by GoAdven India.
- If the report indicates that the participant is not medically fit for the trek, GoAdven India may advise postponement or cancellation of participation.
- Any refund in such circumstances shall be processed according to the applicable cancellation and refund policy.
- This requirement is intended solely to promote participant safety.
11. Final Acknowledgement & Agreement
- I confirm that I have thoroughly read, understood, and accepted all terms, conditions, risks, responsibilities, and implications contained in this agreement.
- I voluntarily agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
- I understand that if any clause or part of this agreement is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to remain valid and enforceable to the extent permitted by applicable law.
- I acknowledge that GoAdven India has structured and priced its trekking services based on the terms, conditions, risks, responsibilities, and participant obligations stated in this agreement.
- I agree that my acceptance of these terms through electronic means, including online confirmation, digital acceptance, checkbox confirmation, or electronic signature, shall constitute my acceptance of this agreement to the extent permitted by applicable law.
12. Travel Documents & Identification
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to arrange, carry, maintain, and produce all documents required for travel and participation in the trek.
These may include:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Visa, where applicable
- Permits
- Medical certificates
- Disclaimer forms
- Other mandatory documents
- I understand that I may be required to present these documents to government authorities, local officials, permit authorities, or trek staff.
- GoAdven India shall not be responsible for consequences arising from my inability to produce required documents.
- I further understand that I am responsible for the safety and safekeeping of my personal travel and identity documents.
13. Personal Identification & Data Consent
I voluntarily agree to provide a valid personal identification document, such as an Aadhaar Card or Passport, where required for:
- Identity verification
- Permit processing
- Regulatory compliance
- Government or local administrative requirements
- Other legitimate purposes directly related to my participation in the trek
I understand and agree that:
- My personal information shall be used for legitimate purposes related to the trek and stated administrative requirements.
- GoAdven India shall handle personal information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Reasonable measures shall be taken to maintain confidentiality and protect personal information from unauthorized access or misuse.
- Any request to withdraw consent shall be subject to applicable legal, regulatory, permit, and administrative requirements.
14. Reasons for Trek Discontinuation or Termination by GoAdven India
GoAdven India reserves the right to discontinue or terminate a participant's participation in the trek when necessary for safety, health, discipline, or operational reasons.
14.1 Alcohol, Smoking & Intoxicating Substances
Participation may be immediately terminated if a participant is found:
- Consuming alcohol.
- Smoking where prohibited.
- Possessing or using recreational or narcotic substances.
- Being under the influence of intoxicating substances.
- This policy applies throughout the trek, including the basecamp, campsites, trails, accommodation areas, vehicles, and other locations associated with the trek.
14.2 Safety or Fitness Grounds
Participation may be discontinued if:
- The participant suffers an injury or illness.
- The participant's medical condition makes continuation unsafe.
- The participant's physical fitness is insufficient for the trek.
- The participant significantly affects the pace, schedule, or safety of the group.
- The participant's blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse, or other health indicators are considered unsafe.
- The participant requires exclusive assistance that cannot reasonably be provided without affecting group safety.
- Weather or trail conditions make continued participation unsafe.
14.3 Unacceptable Behaviour & Immediate Removal
GoAdven India may immediately terminate participation and remove a participant from the trek or basecamp for conduct that is unsafe, inappropriate, abusive, disruptive, or unlawful.
This includes, but is not limited to:
i. Sexual Misconduct or Harassment
Any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, inappropriate behaviour, or unwanted conduct towards:
- Fellow trekkers
- Staff members
- Guides
- Trek leaders
- Local residents
- Any other person
ii. Non-Compliance with Safety Rules
Failure to follow:
- Trek rules
- Safety protocols
- Instructions issued by the trek leader
- Group movement instructions
- Environmental guidelines
iii. Aggressive, Abusive, or Threatening Behaviour
Including:
- Abusive or offensive language
- Verbal threats
- Physical threats
- Shouting or screaming
- Intimidation
- Pushing or shoving
- Physical aggression
- Offensive discriminatory remarks
- Sexist remarks
- Religious or political harassment
- Any other threatening or disruptive behaviour
iv. Misuse or Damage of Equipment
Intentional misuse, mishandling, destruction, or damage of:
- Trekking equipment
- Camping equipment
- Safety equipment
- Company property
- Property belonging to other participants or service providers
15. Consequences of Trek Termination
If a participant's participation is terminated due to any of the reasons mentioned above:
- The participant shall not be entitled to a trek completion certificate.
- The participant shall not be eligible for a refund, partial refund, or compensation for the unused portion of the trek.
- The participant shall be responsible for all expenses related to leaving or returning from the trek.
- Such expenses may include transportation, mule charges, porter charges, guide charges, accommodation, food, medical expenses, or other logistical costs.
- The participant must comply with the instructions of the trek leader regarding their safe exit from the trek.
Participant Consent
By booking or registering for the trek, I confirm that:
- I have read and understood the Terms & Conditions Before Booking.
- I understand and accept the inherent risks associated with trekking.
- I confirm that the health and fitness information provided by me is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
- I agree to follow all safety instructions and decisions of the trek leader.
- I understand that emergency evacuation, medical treatment, rescue, transportation, and related expenses may be charged separately and may be borne by me.
- I agree to the rules regarding alcohol, smoking, drugs, safety, conduct, and trek discontinuation.
- I voluntarily agree to participate in the trek under these Terms & Conditions.
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