Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions of Service and Trek Participation Agreement
The booking of any trekking, mountaineering, adventure activity (“Trek”) or any Trek with WTM, constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth herein and forms a legally binding contract between WTM and the Participant.
01
Acceptance of Risk and Participant Responsibility
- The Participant acknowledges that participation in any Trek involves inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, loss, or death, due to unpredictable weather, terrain, or other environmental and non-environmental conditions.
- The Participant voluntarily assumes all such risks and agrees to be solely responsible for their personal safety, fitness, and decision to participate.
- The Participant agrees to disclose any relevant medical, psychological, or physical conditions prior to booking and undertakes that they are fit and well-prepared for the selected Trek.
- WTM undertakes reasonable measures to minimize risks but cannot guarantee a risk-free experience.
02
Booking and Payments
- Booking of a Trek constitutes unconditional acceptance of this Agreement by the Participant and all persons represented by the Participant.
- The Participant is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all details, including Trek dates and personal documentation, at the time of booking.
- Payments must be made in accordance with the timelines and instructions provided by WTM. Late payments may result in cancellation of booking without refund.
- In the event of a cash refund, only the portion of the payment made in cash shall be eligible for refund in cash. Any booking made using voucher, discounts, promotional codes, or through any non-cash mode of payment shall not be eligible for a cash refund under any circumstances.
- Refunds, if applicable, shall be processed within 15–30 working days of confirmation without interest.
Voucher Terms
- This is a non-transferable voucher
- The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Walking The Mountains
- The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Walking The Mountains in India
- To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
- All the other Terms of booking a Trek with Walking The Mountains are applicable to the voucher
03
Minor Participation Policy
- Participants under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must submit a signed consent form.
- Participants between 15 to 18 years can come solo with the disclaimer form signed by parent/guardian.
04
Promotional Material
- Photographs and videos used on WTM’s website, social media, or promotional content are illustrative and do not form part of the Trek package or service guarantee.
05
Documentation and Permits
- All required documentation must be submitted by the Participant prior to the Trek. WTM is not liable for failure to provide services due to incomplete, incorrect, or missing documentation.
06
Communication
- All official communication shall be made via the email ID submitted during registration. Participants must notify WTM at info@walkingthemountains.com of any changes.
07
Insurance Advisory
- WTM strongly encourages all Participants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, illness, hospitalisation, evacuation, and Trek cancellations. If a participant fails to obtain insurance then one is provided by default at the time of booking provided you are an Indian citizen. This insurance is a third party insurance and solely between the Participant and the Insurance Company. WTM holds no liability or responsibility arising from this relationship.
08
Amenities and Conditions
- Participants acknowledge that these regions offer limited amenities. Environmental and logistical constraints may affect comfort. WTM is not liable for discomfort arising therefrom.
09
Expenses and Exclusions
- Unless specifically stated in the itinerary, the following are excluded from the Trek cost:
- WTM shall not be liable for any consequential costs such as Insurance, Domestic and international airfares or other travel expenses, Visa and documentation costs arising from trek cancellation or modification. Evacuation or emergency rescue expenses, Excess baggage charges, Personal expenses such as phone, laundry, gratuities, beverages, Tip, etc. shall also form part of exclusions.
10
Luggage and Personal Belongings
- All baggage and personal belongings are the sole responsibility of the Participant. WTM shall not be liable for loss, damage, or theft.
11
Optional Activities
- Optional activities not included in the Trek package are undertaken at the Participant’s own risk. WTM shall not be held liable for any resulting loss, injury, or damage.
12
Force Majeure
- WTM shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, or service modification caused by events beyond its control including but not limited to earthquakes, landslides, strikes, curfews, war, pandemic, government restrictions, heavy rainfall or snowfall, windstorms, road blockages, trail disruption, or withdrawal of permits.
- No refunds, liability, or compensation shall arise from such Force Majeure events.
13
Itinerary and Modifications
- WTM reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any part of the Trek due to transportation delays, weather, health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances including Force Majeure.
- Any extra transportation cost due to detours or changes in the mode of transport, caused by rain, landslides, snow, government restrictions, or Force Majeure shall be borne by the Participant.
- Additional expenses arising from such changes shall be borne by the Participant.
14
Cancellations and Refunds
- No refunds or vouchers, partial or otherwise, shall be provided for voluntary withdrawal, non-utilisation of services, or removal from the Trek.
- If WTM cancels the Trek before arrival at the designated pick-up point due to unforeseen circumstances or Force Majeure, the Participant may choose from:
- An alternate Trek/date.
- A credit voucher valid for one (1) year.
- Transfer to another Trek, with cost differences payable by the Participant.
- If the Trek is abandoned post-arrival at the designated pick-up point, no cash refund or voucher shall be issued. The Trek Again Policy may apply at WTM’s discretion.
- WTM shall not be liable for any associated travel costs such as flights, accommodation, or visa fees.
15
Conditions to Discontinue a Trek for a Participant.
- AMS Unconscious / AMS Conscious / Ill critical / Injured - unable to walk.
- High Blood pressure, Oxygen saturation (below 80%) and Heart rate higher or lower.
- Symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, Fast breathing, behaving (confusion).
- Unable to meet group average speed.
- Use or possession of alcohol, smoking, illegal drugs, on trails or campsites, offensive language, can cause harm, disturbance, or danger to others, misbehaving.
- No refunds or vouchers, partial or otherwise, shall be provided for non-utilisation of services, or removal from the Trek.
16
Medical Emergencies and Evacuation
- In the event of illness or injury, all related expenses including hospitalisation, doctor’s fees, evacuation, or repatriation shall be borne by the Participant.
- WTM may assist with coordination but is not financially liable.
17
Third Party Services and Manpower
- WTM hires porters, guides, mule operators, and other manpower through third-party vendors. These individuals are not employees of WTM.
- WTM is not liable for non-performance, illness, misconduct, or sudden departure of any support staff.
- No refund or compensation shall be provided for loss, delay, or inconvenience caused by such manpower issues.
18
Loyal Customer Policy
18.1. Eligibility
- The Loyal Customer Policy is available exclusively to WTM Trekkers.
- Eligibility begins after completion of five (5) unique treks with WTM.
18.2. Referral Code
- Eligible participants shall receive a unique referral code.
- Referral codes may be used only by new customers.
- Existing or previously registered WTM participants are excluded.
18.3. Trek Points Allocation
- Trek points are credited upon successful booking using the referral code.
- Points are allocated as follows:
- Easy: ₹500
- Moderate / Moderate to Difficult: ₹700
- Difficult: ₹1,000
- Challenging: ₹1,500
- One (1) Trek Point equals ₹1.
18.4. Redemption
- Trek points may be redeemed against any WTM trek, domestic or international.
- There is no minimum redemption threshold.
- Trek points are non-cashable and non-refundable.
18.5. Transferability
- Loyalty points are freely transferable to third parties.
- Partial or split transfers are permitted.
18.6. Validity
- Loyalty points are valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance.
- Expired points shall lapse automatically.
18.7. Monitoring & Communication
- Point balances can be tracked via the WTM dashboard.
- WTM may notify participants via email, SMS, or system alerts.
18.8. Misuse
- Any abuse, manipulation, or fraudulent activity may result in immediate cancellation of points.
- WTM reserves the right to suspend or terminate participation without compensation.
18.9. Blacklist Clause
- Blacklisted individuals are restricted from redeeming loyalty points.
- Transfer of points to third parties remains permitted.
- No refund or claim shall arise from revoked access.
18.10. General
- WTM reserves full discretion to amend or discontinue this policy.
- All interpretations and decisions by WTM shall be final and binding.
19
Photography and Media
- By participating in the Trek, the Participant grants WTM a royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide license to use their photographs or videos for promotional purposes.
- If the Participant does not consent, they must inform WTM in writing at the time of booking.
20
Merchandise
20.1. Delivery Timeline
- Merchandise orders will be dispatched and delivered within 7–14 working days from the date of order confirmation.
- Delivery timelines are indicative and may vary due to logistics, location, or circumstances beyond WTM’s control.
20.2. Replacement Policy
- Replacement requests will be considered only after the originally delivered product is returned to WTM.
- Returned products will be inspected and evaluated upon receipt.
- Replacement shall be processed only upon approval by WTM.
- Once approved, the replacement product will be delivered within 7–14 working days.
20.3. Refund Policy:
- Refund requests are subject to review and approval by WTM.
- Approved refunds shall be credited to the original mode of payment only.
- Refund processing time shall be 7–14 working days from the date of approval.
- No cash refunds shall be issued under any circumstances.
20.4. General Conditions
20.5. Used, damaged, or altered products may not be eligible for replacement or refund.
20.6. WTM reserves the right to reject any replacement or refund request at its sole discretion.
20.7. Decisions taken by WTM regarding merchandise disputes shall be final and binding.
21
Website Terms of Use
- Website content is subject to change without notice. WTM does not guarantee its accuracy or performance.
- Unauthorised use of any content, layout, or media is prohibited and subject to legal action. Linking to the website without permission is not allowed.
22
Collaboration Terms
- Content must be original, high-quality, and brand-aligned. The WTM logo must be visible.
- Only three collaborations are approved monthly. One collaboration per trek per creator. Prior approval is mandatory.
- WTM reserves the right to reject collaborations without explanation.
23
Blacklist Policy
- WTM reserves the right to blacklist any individual for misconduct, safety violations, defamation, harassment, or misuse of services.
- Blacklisted individuals will be permanently barred from all future WTM Treks, offers, or collaborations.
- No refund or compensation will be provided for any booking made by a blacklisted person. WTM’s decision is final.
24
Implied Acceptance and Waiver of Objection
- Participants must communicate any service-related concerns contemporaneously to the Trek leader or Trek coordinator.
- Failure to do so and continued utilization of services shall constitute implied acceptance, waiving rights to retrospective claims or refunds on grounds of service dissatisfaction.
25
Data Privacy & Usage
- WTM collects and stores Participant data for operational and legal purposes only. Data will not be sold or shared externally except where required by law.
26
Complaints & Dispute Resolution
- Complaints must be submitted via email within 7 days of Trek completion. If unresolved, the matter may be escalated to arbitration.
- Arbitration shall be conducted in Maharashtra under Indian law. The arbitrator will be jointly appointed by both parties.
27
Governing Law & Jurisdiction
- This Agreement shall be governed by Indian law.
- All legal disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Nashik, Maharashtra.
- Walking The Mountains holds rights to add/remove any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Participants have accepted the above Terms and Conditions.
