Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Himalayan Shepherd. We request all guests to carefully read the following Terms & Conditions before confirming any booking. By confirming a booking with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.

1. Booking Confirmation

• A booking is confirmed only after receipt of the required advance payment.
• The balance amount must be paid on or before the commencement of the tour unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• All bookings are subject to availability of hotels, vehicles, flights (if applicable), and other travel services.

2. Package Rates

• All package prices are quoted in Indian Rupees (INR).
• Rates are valid only for the specified travel dates.
• Any increase in government taxes, permit fees, fuel prices, or statutory charges after booking may be charged additionally.
• Prices are subject to change until the booking is confirmed.

3. Hotel Check-in & Check-out

• Standard check-in time is generally between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
• Standard check-out time is generally before 10:00 AM.
• Early check-in and late check-out are subject to hotel availability and may attract additional charges.

4. Vehicle Services

• All vehicles operate on a point-to-point basis as per the confirmed itinerary and are not at disposal unless specifically mentioned.
• Air conditioning is generally not used in the Ladakh region due to weather conditions and local taxi regulations.
• The vehicle provided will be according to the confirmed booking and group size.

5. Road Conditions & Route Changes

Ladakh is a high-altitude Himalayan region where road conditions can change due to landslides, snowfall, flash floods, military restrictions, weather conditions, or road closures.

If any change in route, overnight stay, or vehicle rerouting becomes necessary for the safety of the guests, additional charges may apply.

Such additional charges shall be calculated strictly as per the prevailing Leh Ladakh Taxi Union rates and will always be communicated transparently before implementation.

6. Inner Line Permits

Certain areas of Ladakh require government permits.

Permit fees are not included unless specifically mentioned in your quotation.

Guests must provide valid identification documents for permit processing.

7. Acclimatization

Ladakh is located at an altitude of over 3,500 metres.

We strongly recommend spending at least two nights in Leh before travelling to Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Hanle, Tso Moriri, or other higher-altitude destinations.

Guests should follow medical advice and travel responsibly.

8. Health & Fitness

Guests are responsible for ensuring that they are medically fit for high-altitude travel.

Himalayan Shepherd shall not be responsible for any illness, injury, altitude sickness, or medical emergency arising during the tour.

Guests with existing medical conditions should consult their doctor before travelling.

9. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering:

• Medical emergencies
• Trip cancellation
• Personal accident
• Baggage loss
• Flight delays
• Adventure activities (if applicable)

10. Cancellation Policy

Cancellation charges will apply as follows:

• More than 30 days before arrival: 25% of the total package cost
• 30–15 days before arrival: 50%
• 14–7 days before arrival: 80%
• Less than 7 days before arrival or No Show: 100%

Refunds, where applicable, will be processed after deducting cancellation charges.

11. Force Majeure

Himalayan Shepherd shall not be held responsible for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters
• Landslides
• Snowfall
• Floods
• Road closures
• Political unrest
• Government restrictions
• Military regulations
• Flight cancellations
• Pandemics or epidemics

Any additional expenses arising from such situations shall be borne by the guest.

12. Guest Responsibilities

Guests are expected to:

• Carry valid government-issued photo identification.
• Respect local customs, traditions, monasteries, wildlife, and the environment.
• Avoid littering and help preserve Ladakh's fragile ecosystem.
• Follow the instructions of drivers, guides, and local authorities.

13. Liability

While Himalayan Shepherd takes every reasonable precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, we shall not be liable for:

• Loss or damage of personal belongings
• Flight delays or cancellations
• Accidents beyond our control
• Medical emergencies
• Weather-related disruptions
• Decisions made by government or local authorities

14. Website Information

We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate and up to date. However, itineraries, hotel availability, road conditions, and prices may change without prior notice.

15. Jurisdiction

Any dispute arising out of bookings made with Himalayan Shepherd shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh, India.

By confirming your booking with Himalayan Shepherd, you agree to all the above Terms & Conditions.