Trekking & Expedition Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all trekking, expedition, and adventure travel services operated by Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition, Nepal. By confirming a booking with us, clients acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined below.

  1. Booking & Payment Policy

To ensure proper planning and safe operations, advance booking is strongly recommended.

  • 30% deposit of the total trip cost is required to confirm your booking.
  • An additional 30% payment is due one month prior to departure.
  • The remaining 40% balance must be paid before arrival in Nepal, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

All payments may be made via bank transfer or other approved methods.
Any bank charges, international transfer fees, or currency conversion costs are the responsibility of the client.

Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition is not responsible for errors, delays, or losses caused by third-party financial institutions or incorrect payment details provided by the client.

  1. Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that travel plans may change. However, trekking, tours, and expeditions all require significant advance commitments, including permits, staffing, transport, and accommodation. For expeditions, the preparation is especially extensive. It involves months of planning, such as purchasing food and equipment, arranging for the transportation of gear by helicopter to base camp, and pre-booking climbers and staff. Because of these unique logistical requirements and the substantial upfront costs, a separate cancellation policy applies to expeditions

Cancellation Policy for Trekking and Tours:

  • 45 days or more before departure: No cancellation fee.
  • 30–44 days before departure: 20% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • 15–29 days before departure: 40% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • 7–14 days before departure: 60% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • Less than 7 days before departure: No refunds will be provided for unused services.

Cancellation Policy for Expeditions:

  • 90 days or more before departure: No cancellation fee.
  • 60–89 days before departure: 30% of the total expedition cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • 30–59 days before departure: 50% of the total expedition cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • 15–29 days before departure: 70% of the total expedition cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • Less than 15 days before departure: No refunds will be provided for unused services or cancellations.

Eligible refunds, if any, will be processed after deducting applicable bank or government processing fees. Alternatively, refund amounts may be retained as credit for a future Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition trip, subject to mutual agreement.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

  1. Late Bookings

Late bookings may be accepted up to 10 days prior to departure, subject to availability and operational feasibility. Additional charges may apply.

Certain treks and expeditions may not be eligible for late booking due to permit or logistical requirements.

  1. Required Documentation

Clients must provide accurate and complete documentation, including but not limited to:

  • Passport copy
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Completed booking and medical forms

For high-altitude expeditions (generally above 7,000 meters), prior mountaineering experience details may be required.

Failure to submit required documentation on time may result in delays or cancellation, for which Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition is not responsible.

  1. Health, Insurance & Travel Risks

Trekking and mountaineering involve inherent risks, particularly in remote and high-altitude environments.

  • All clients must hold valid travel insurance covering trekking or mountaineering activities, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and search and rescue.
  • Insurance details may be collected to assist in emergency coordination.
  • Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition assumes no financial liability for costs not covered by a client’s insurance policy.

Air or helicopter evacuation may be limited or unavailable due to weather, terrain, or regional restrictions.

  1. Incomplete or Interrupted Trips

No refunds or compensation will be provided if a client is unable to start or complete a trip due to:

  • Personal illness or injury
  • Voluntary withdrawal
  • Fitness or acclimatization issues
  • Permit revocation or force majeure events
  1. Client Conduct & Authority of Staff

Clients must comply with all local laws, regulations, and cultural customs.

The guide or expedition leader holds final authority regarding safety-related decisions. Clients agree to follow all instructions provided by Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition staff.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the trip without refund. The company bears no responsibility for consequences arising from illegal or disruptive behavior by clients.

  1. Itinerary Changes & Additional Costs

All itineraries are carefully planned but may be adjusted due to weather, safety concerns, road or flight disruptions, or government regulations.

Client-requested changes, delays, or additional services may result in extra charges. Damage to company equipment or unscheduled logistical support will be charged accordingly.

  1. Early Completion of Itinerary

If a trip is completed earlier than scheduled due to operational or safety considerations, no refunds will be issued for unused days or services.

  1. Early Trip Termination

Clients choosing to terminate their trip early may incur additional costs related to logistics, porter return, transport, or staffing adjustments. These costs are the responsibility of the client.

  1. Non-Transferability of Services

All bookings and services are strictly non-transferable. Services booked under one individual’s name cannot be transferred, shared, or reassigned to another person.

Unused services cannot be substituted or exchanged.

  1. Flight Delays & Cancellations

Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition is not liable for flight delays or cancellations caused by airlines, weather, or operational factors. Assistance will be provided where possible; however, additional costs are the responsibility of the client unless directly caused by the company.

  1. Accommodation & Meals During Delays

If delays result in overnight stays or additional meals:

  • Costs caused by airline or weather disruptions are the client’s responsibility
  • Costs caused directly by Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition will be covered by the company
  1. Service Expectations

Travel in remote Himalayan regions may involve basic infrastructure and unpredictable conditions. While we strive to provide the highest possible standard of service, specific comforts or preferences cannot be guaranteed.

  1. Meals

Meals are prepared using the best available local facilities and ingredients. Taste and variety may differ from home countries. Clients are expected to follow guides’ dietary recommendations, particularly at altitude.

  1. Equipment & Company Property

Any equipment provided by Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition must be returned in good condition. Clients are responsible for loss or damage and may be charged accordingly.

  1. Photography & Media Use

With client consent, photographs or videos taken during trips may be used for marketing and promotional purposes. Client privacy will always be respected.

  1. Children

In accordance with Nepal Government regulations, mountaineering is prohibited for individuals under 16 years of age. Trekking is permitted for minors only when accompanied by a legal guardian.

  1. Additional Activities

Activities such as drone usage, skiing, paragliding, filming, or special displays require prior approval and government permits. Unauthorized activities may result in legal consequences for which the client is solely responsible.

  1. Modifications to Bookings

Requests for itinerary changes must be submitted at least two weeks prior to departure. Any non-refundable permits, flights, or services cancelled due to changes will be charged to the client.

  1. Force Majeure

Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition shall not be liable for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, border closures, strikes, political unrest, or extreme weather conditions.

  1. Third-Party Services

Certain services, including flights, accommodation, transportation, and emergency rescue, are provided by independent third parties. Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition acts solely as a coordinator and is not responsible for the acts, omissions, or failures of third-party providers.

  1. Limitation of Liability

Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition’s liability is limited to the services directly provided by the company. The company shall not be liable for indirect losses, personal property damage, or incidents arising from activities outside its direct control.

  1. Assumption of Risk

By participating in trekking or expedition activities, clients acknowledge and accept the inherent risks involved, including injury, illness, altitude-related conditions, environmental hazards, and logistical challenges.

  1. Privacy & Personal Information

Personal information provided by clients is used solely for operational, legal, and safety purposes. Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition does not sell or misuse personal data and shares information only when required for permits, insurance, or emergency response.

  1. Acceptance of Terms

By confirming a booking with Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition, the client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

  1. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Nepal, and any disputes shall be subject to Nepali jurisdiction.