Terms of Service & Expedition Agreement
Transparent, equitable, and safety-focused terms governing your expeditions, bookings, and digital operations with Mystery Himalaya.
Acceptance of Terms & Authority
By browsing, booking, or utilizing any services offered by Mystery Himalaya Pvt. Ltd. (including website browsing, trekking packages, hotel reservations, expedition logistics, and vehicle rentals), you enter into a legally binding contract and agree to adhere to these Terms of Service.
If you are making a reservation on behalf of a group or other participants, you confirm that you possess the requisite legal authority to bind all group members to these terms and conditions. If you disagree with any provision herein, you must refrain from using our platforms and services.
Bookings, Deposits & Payment Schedules
All reservations are subject to field availability, route permit quotas, and official confirmation by the Mystery Himalaya operations desk.
A 20% to 30% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure local flight tickets (e.g., Lukla, Jomsom), national park permits, and alpine lodge allocations.
The remaining balance is due prior to departure from Kathmandu or Pokhara, payable via verified international bank transfer, major credit cards, or cash in USD/EUR/NPR.
All prices are quoted in USD unless specified otherwise. We reserve the right to adjust pricing prior to confirmation in the event of unforeseen regulatory permit increases or statutory tax adjustments by the Government of Nepal.
Cancellation, Rescheduling & Refund Policy
High-altitude trekking requires advance logistics, non-refundable government permits, and reserved alpine guides. Consequently, the following cancellation schedule applies:
| Cancellation Notice | Refund Entitlement |
|---|---|
| 60+ days prior to start | Full refund minus bank processing fees & deposit |
| 30 to 59 days prior to start | 50% refund of total package price |
| 15 to 29 days prior to start | 25% refund of total package price |
| Less than 15 days or No-Show | Non-refundable (Trip transfer or credit option available) |
No refunds are granted for early departures, unused hotel nights, or missed meals once the trek has officially commenced.
High-Altitude Risks & Mandatory Emergency Insurance
You must provide a copy of your insurance policy, policy number, and 24-hour emergency assistance hotline to Mystery Himalaya before the expedition departure.
Our guides possess ultimate field authority on the mountain. If an expedition leader deems it unsafe for a trekker to ascend further due to altitude sickness, hypothermia, or injury, their safety decision is final and non-negotiable.
Porter & Guide Welfare Standards
Mystery Himalaya operates strictly in compliance with the guidelines of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Maximum baggage weight per porter is restricted to 20 kg (44 lbs).
- All support crew receive comprehensive medical and rescue insurance.
- Fair living wages paid well above standard government minimums.
- Warm high-altitude clothing, footwear, and sheltered lodging guaranteed.
Clients are expected to treat all Sherpas, guides, and porters with dignity, kindness, and mutual respect.
Passports, Visas & Government Permits
Travelers are solely responsible for possessing a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond their planned departure date from Nepal, along with appropriate tourist entry visas.
Mystery Himalaya will obtain required national park permits, TIMS cards (Trekker’s Information Management System), and restricted area permits (e.g., Upper Mustang, Manaslu) on your behalf. You agree to provide accurate passport scans, photographs, and personal details in a timely manner.
Limitation of Liability & Force Majeure
The Himalayas represent a dynamic alpine environment where weather conditions (fog in Lukla, blizzards on high passes, landslides, road closures) can cause itinerary delays or diversions.
Mystery Himalaya shall not be held liable for failure or delay in performance resulting from acts of God, extreme meteorological events, domestic airline cancellations, border closures, pandemics, civil unrest, or governmental decrees beyond our reasonable control.
In cases of force majeure, our team will coordinate alternative routing, ground transport, or lodging; however, any additional costs incurred (such as charter helicopter flights or extended hotel stays) remain the traveler's financial responsibility.
Environmental Stewardship & Code of Conduct
We are strict practitioners of Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics. All clients agree to:
- Pack out all non-biodegradable waste (plastic wrappers, batteries, bottles).
- Respect Buddhist monuments, prayer flags, mani walls (always walk to the left/clockwise).
- Never purchase wildlife relics, historic artifacts, or sacred stones.
Questions Regarding Our Expedition Terms?
Our legal and operations department is happy to explain any specific itinerary conditions, custom group waivers, or medical insurance criteria before you book.