Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you (the "Client") and ACME Adventure Treks ("we," "us," or "our"). By making a booking, paying a deposit, or submitting a booking form, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms on behalf of yourself and all members of your party.
1. Booking and Payment
Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total trip cost or USD 500 per person, whichever is greater. This deposit secures your spot and covers advance permits and logistical preparations.
Balance Payments: Final balances are due 30 days before departure for trekking and 60 days for expeditions (peaks >6,500m). Bookings made within these timeframes require immediate full payment.
Payment Methods: We accept bank transfers or cash upon arrival in Kathmandu (USD, EUR, or GBP).
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
More than 60 days before departure: Deposit is forfeited; balance is refunded.
30 to 60 days before departure: 50% of the total cost is forfeited.
15 to 29 days before departure: 75% of the total cost is forfeited.
Fewer than 15 days before departure: 100% of the total cost is forfeited.
Recommendation: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip-cancellation coverage.
3. Changes and Cancellations by ACME Adventure Treks
We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule departures due to safety, severe weather, political instability, government orders, or insufficient group size. In such events, you may choose:
A full refund of the monies paid to us.
A credit toward a future trip.
A confirmed spot on the next available departure.
Note: We are not responsible for third-party expenses (flights, visas, equipment).
4. Force Majeure and High-Altitude Reality
Trekking and mountaineering occur in remote, high-altitude environments. Itineraries are guidelines. Our guides may modify routes or timing due to weather, snow, landslides, acute mountain sickness (AMS), or local restrictions. Client safety is our priority; no refunds or compensation are provided for changes made in the interest of safety.
5. Mandatory Insurance
Comprehensive travel and rescue insurance is mandatory. Your policy must include coverage for:
Emergency medical treatment.
Helicopter evacuation from the highest altitude of your itinerary.
Trip cancellation and lost baggage.
Requirement: You must email your policy summary, policy number, and emergency assistance contact to us at least 14 days before departure.
6. Liability and Disclaimers
ACME Adventure Treks is liable only for the services we directly provide. We are not liable for:
Acts beyond our reasonable control (Force Majeure).
Loss/injury caused by failure to follow the guide instructions.
Negligence of third-party suppliers (airlines, hotels, lodge operators).
Our maximum liability is strictly limited to the total trip cost paid to us.
7. Code of Conduct
Clients must respect local cultures, religious sites (Buddhist/Hindu), and the environment. We strictly enforce a "Leave No Trace" policy. Recreational drugs are prohibited; alcohol is strongly discouraged above 3,500m. Failure to comply with safety or behavioural standards may result in removal from the trip at the guide's discretion, without refund.
8. Data Privacy
We collect personal data (passport details, health info) solely for permits, insurance, and booking logistics. Your data is kept strictly confidential and will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
9. Photo and Video Consent
We may capture images or film footage during trips for marketing. If you prefer not to be featured, notify us in writing before departure and inform your lead guide on Day 1.
10. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Nepal. Any disputes that cannot be resolved amicably fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Kathmandu.