At Altitude Quest, we realize that unforeseen circumstances may cause you to change your travel plans. To that end, we have implemented a cancellation policy that treats both our guests and our operations team fairly and transparently. We allow reasonable change requests within the bounds of responsibly managing all logistical commitments and local arrangements made on your behalf.
Booking and Confirmation
All reservations are considered confirmed upon the receipt of a deposit, which is paid according to the details enclosed during the booking process. This deposit secures your place on the selected trip and enables us to start making arrangements concerning accommodations, permits, and field logistics. Once this deposit is received, a formal confirmation and trip details, including pre-departure information, will be provided by the company.
Last-minute booking
Altitude Quest welcomes last-minute bookings for treks, tours, and adventure activities in Nepal. We know that some people suddenly decide to go on an adventure, and so our experienced operations team is ready to make the required arrangements as quickly as possible.
Bookings for domestic trips in Nepal can be made up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure if full payment is made and logistical conditions allow, but this condition applies only on trips within Nepal.
No last-minute bookings are entertained for all international or outbound expeditions organized by Altitude Quest, including destinations outside Nepal. So, travelers can make reservations a minimum of 30 days in advance of the departure date to ensure timely permits, flights, and travel documentation.
Our team will always do its best to accommodate last-minute travel requests where possible, ensuring that safety and quality of service are upheld.
Deposit Requirement
Altitude Quest requires a deposit of 30% in advance for confirmation of your booking. This is regarded as a formal confirmation, and we can proceed with reservations for permits, accommodations, guides, and transportation.
Your booking will be officially confirmed upon receiving and approving your deposit. Our team will then begin all pre-departure arrangements. Payment of the outstanding balance must be made upon arrival in Nepal prior to the departure of the trip unless otherwise stated in writing.
We accept the following methods of payment:
- Credit Card (Online Payment Gateway)
- Bank Transfer (Direct)
- SWIFT or International Wire Transfer
- Money Transfer Services (such as Western Union or similar)
Flight Delays and Route Changes
Travel in mountainous areas is sometimes affected by weather conditions, as well as other factors like road and trail conditions. Delays or cancellations of internal flights into or out of mountain airports (such as Lukla, Jomsom, Simikot, or Phaplu) can occur due to poor visibility, bad weather conditions, or technical issues.
In such an event, Altitude Quest will be there to assist and minimize inconvenience to our travelers.
- If your outbound flight is delayed, accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided at the departure city as per itinerary.
- If the return flight from the mountains is delayed, for whatever reason, you are responsible for the extra cost for lodging and meals.
- If travelers choose to organize alternative means of transport, e.g., helicopter charter, ahead of time to avoid the delays, the extra costs are completely theirs.
Although Altitude Quest is not liable for international flight delays caused by domestic flights, the company will assist in making alternative arrangements whenever possible. Your safety and comfort remain our foremost concern, and all route modifications will be made keeping your well-being in mind.
Injuries and Personal Responsibility
While our team at Altitude Quest prioritizes your safety, following all standard safety protocols, trekking and adventure travel have some inherent risks. The company will not be held liable for any injuries, accidents, illness, or emotional trauma that may occur during the journey.
Prices for our trips do not include personal insurance of any kind. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants. The policy should cover:
- Medical emergencies and treatment
- Helicopter evacuation and rescue
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Loss or theft of personal belongings
Cancellation by the Client
If you wish to cancel your trip after confirmation, you must let us know in writing at the earliest time possible. The cancellation will be valid from the date Altitude Quest receives your written notice. The following cancellation charges apply:
More than 60 days prior to departure: Full refund of deposit, less a 10% administrative fee.
- 45–59 days before departure: 25% of the total trip cost will be retained.
- 30–44 days before departure: 50% of the total trip cost will be retained.
- 15–29 days before departure: 75% of the total cost of the trip will be retained.
- Less than 15 days before departure or no-show: No refund will be provided.
Refunds will be processed within 15 business days after the written cancellation notice has been received and approved.
Cancellation by the Company
Altitude Quest reserves the right to cancel the trip under some circumstances like natural disasters, political unrest, pandemic restrictions, or other unseen events beyond our control that may compromise safety. In such circumstances, you will be offered:
- You can transfer your booking to another trip of equal value.
- Postpone the trip to a later date.
- Complete refund of the money paid by you, minus any non-refundable costs incurred on your behalf, such as flight tickets, permits, or hotel reservations.
- Client safety and fairness are always taken key consideration in such decisions.
Trip Rescheduling or Postpronation
If you need to postpone your journey, we can help with rescheduling your trip to a future date within 12 months of the original departure. However, the requests must be made at least 15 days before the scheduled start date. Postponement is subject to availability and may include administrative fees based on the policy of third-party vendors.
Refund Process
All refunds will be made through the same mode of payment as in booking. Credit card refunds might entail further time, depending on bank procedures. Please note that certain costs, including permit fees, domestic flight tickets, or third-party service charges, may be non-refundable under any circumstances because these are paid in advance to suppliers.
No-Show or Early Termination
Failure to arrive on the scheduled departure date or voluntarily leaving the trip after commencement does not qualify for any refund. Unused services, such as accommodation, flights, and guides, are non-transferable and non-refundable as soon as the journey commences.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. Your policy should cover, without limitation, emergency evacuation and medical treatment, cancellation and loss of personal belongings. This ensures you are properly covered financially in case unforeseen circumstances cause trip interruptions or cancellations.
Force Majeure Clause
Altitude Quest does not accept liability for any cancellations or delays of the nature beyond our control, which may contribute to natural disasters, government actions, strikes, weather conditions, flight cancellations, pandemics, or political instability.We would provide an alternative itinerary and/or reschedule the trip when necessary. However, refunds may not be possible for services that have been paid to third-party vendors in advance.
This is our cancellation policy, and it is subject to change at any time without notice. Changes will be published periodically on our website, and the version applicable to your reservation is the one in force at the time of your booking.