Terms and Conditions

Lost in the Himalaya
Updated: 2 Dec 2025

Thank you for choosing to travel with us. These Terms and Conditions apply to all trips, retreats, and custom tours operated by Lost in the Himalaya.

1. Business Details

Lost in the Himalaya
8 Buller Rd, Artarmon NSW, Australia
info@lostinthehimalaya.com.au
0428 032 211
lostinthehimalaya.com

2. Booking and Payments

  • A deposit is required to secure your place.

  • The remaining balance must be paid by the final due date listed on your invoice.

  • Bookings are confirmed only after we receive your deposit and send written confirmation.

  • Prices are listed per person unless noted otherwise.

3. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance requirements vary depending on the type of trip.

High Altitude Treks & Custom Tours

Insurance is mandatory. Your policy must include:

  • Coverage up to 5,500 meters

  • Emergency helicopter evacuation

  • Medical treatment and hospital bills

  • Trip delays caused by weather

  • Lost or damaged luggage

Proof of insurance may be requested before departure.

Yoga Retreats

Insurance should cover:

  • Medical treatment and hospital bills

  • Theft or loss of belongings

If your policy also includes missed flights, trip changes, cancellations, or delays, that is preferred.

You are responsible for confirming your policy meets your needs.

4. Health and Fitness

You are responsible for assessing your own fitness level. Many of our trips involve:

  • Long hiking days

  • Basic accommodation

  • High altitude

  • Dusty or uneven trails

  • Long travel times

Please inform us of any medical conditions at the time of booking.

5. Itinerary Changes

Himalayan travel can be unpredictable. Weather, trail conditions, transportation issues, or local events may require changes.

We may adjust:

  • Routes

  • Daily schedule

  • Accommodation

  • Transportation

  • Start or end locations

Any changes will be made with your safety and overall experience in mind.

6. Risk Acknowledgment

Adventure travel comes with natural risks including:

  • Altitude sickness

  • Weather changes

  • Flight delays

  • Road closures

  • Wildlife encounters

  • Illness or injury

By joining our trips, you accept these risks and agree to follow guide instructions.

7. Liability

Lost in the Himalaya is not liable for injury, illness, death, damages, delays, or losses caused by:

  • Natural disasters

  • Acts of nature

  • Weather

  • Transportation issues

  • Political events

  • Personal negligence

  • Theft or lost belongings

You participate voluntarily and accept responsibility for your personal safety.

8. Passports, Visas, and Entry Requirements

You must have:

  • A valid passport with at least six months remaining

  • Required visas

  • Any necessary travel permits

We can offer guidance, but we are not responsible for visa denials or delays.

9. Accommodation and Services

Accommodation standards vary:

  • Tea houses and lodges during treks are basic

  • Rooms may not have heating

  • Hot showers and charging may involve extra cost

  • Wi-Fi availability varies

We partner with reliable local operators, but occasional changes may occur.

10. Respectful Behaviour

We expect respectful behaviour toward guides, porters, locals, and other guests.

We may remove a participant from the trip without refund if their behaviour:

  • Harms the safety of the group

  • Disrupts the experience for others

  • Violates local customs or laws

11. Personal Belongings

You are responsible for your belongings.
We recommend:

  • Keeping valuables in your daypack

  • Using hotel safes when available

  • Not leaving gear unattended

We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

12. Photography and Media

We may capture photos and videos during trips for marketing and social media.

If you prefer not to be photographed, let us know before your trip begins.

13. Complaints

If something isn’t right during your trip, speak to your guide immediately so we can help.

For post-trip feedback, email us at info@lostinthehimalaya.com.au.

14. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Australia and Nepal, depending on where your booking is processed.

Privacy Policy

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your details when you visit our website or book a trip with us.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following:

  • Name and contact details (email, phone number, address)

  • Passport details for permits and travel documents

  • Emergency contact information

  • Payment information (processed securely through payment providers — we never store full card details)

  • Health or fitness information needed for trip safety

  • Website usage data (cookies, analytics)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process bookings and send confirmations

  • Arrange permits, accommodation, transportation, and guides

  • Communicate trip updates and safety information

  • Improve our website and services

  • Send marketing emails only if you subscribe or consent

We will never sell your data to third parties.

3. Sharing Your Information

We may share limited information with trusted partners when necessary to run your trip:

  • Local guides and porters

  • Accommodation providers

  • Permit offices and authorities

  • Airlines and transport companies

We share only what is required to deliver your trip safely.

4. Data Storage and Security

We take steps to keep your information safe:

  • Encrypted storage where applicable

  • Limited access for staff

  • Secure payment gateways

While we do our best to protect your data, no system can guarantee 100% security.

5. Cookies and Website Analytics

lostinthehimalaya.com uses cookies for:

  • Site performance

  • Visitor analytics

  • Booking and form functionality

You can adjust cookie settings in your browser.

6. Email Communication

You may receive:

  • Booking confirmations

  • Important trip updates

  • Optional newsletters or offers (unsubscribe anytime)

7. Access or Correction

To access, update, or delete your information, email us at:
info@lostinthehimalaya.com.au

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally. Changes will be posted on this page.

Liability Waiver / Participant Agreement

Please read this agreement carefully. By booking and participating in any trip or retreat with Lost in the Himalaya, you acknowledge and accept the following.

1. Assumption of Risk

Adventure travel involves risks including but not limited to:

  • Altitude sickness

  • Slips, falls, injuries

  • Weather changes

  • Road travel incidents

  • Wildlife encounters

  • Delays or cancellations

  • Illness and medical emergencies

You voluntarily accept these risks.

2. Medical Fitness

You confirm that:

  • You are physically able to join the trip

  • You have disclosed relevant medical conditions

  • You will follow the guidance of your trip leader

We may recommend you not participate in certain activities if we believe it is unsafe.

3. Responsibility During the Trip

You agree to:

  • Follow guide instructions

  • Respect local culture and communities

  • Stay within designated trails or areas

  • Use recommended gear

  • Behave safely around other guests

We may remove participants who jeopardize safety or group well-being.

4. Liability Release

To the extent permitted by law, you release Lost in the Himalaya from liability for:

  • Injury, illness, or death

  • Damage or loss of personal belongings

  • Delays, closures, or cancellations beyond our control

  • Events caused by natural or political situations

You agree that you take part in activities at your own risk.

5. Insurance Requirement

You agree to hold valid insurance as described in our Travel Insurance Requirements page.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

1. Deposits

All deposits are non-refundable.

2. Cancellation by You

Refunds apply to the remaining balance of your booking:

  • More than 45 days before departure: full refund minus deposit

  • 20–45 days before departure: 50% refund

  • Less than 20 days: no refund

No refunds are given for:

  • Late arrivals

  • Early departures

  • Missed activities due to your health, fitness, or preparedness

3. Cancellation by Us

We may cancel a trip for reasons such as:

  • Weather or natural conditions

  • Political events

  • Low enrolment

  • Safety concerns

  • Operational issues

If we cancel, you will receive:

  • A full refund of payments made
    or

  • A transfer to another date

We are not responsible for:

  • Flight tickets

  • Visa costs

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Gear purchases

4. Changes to Itinerary

Due to the nature of Himalayan travel, itineraries may change. No refunds apply for itinerary adjustments.

Travel Insurance Requirements

1. High Altitude Treks & Custom Adventure Tours (Mandatory)

Your insurance must include:

  • Emergency helicopter rescue

  • Medical treatment

  • Hospital bills

  • Altitude coverage up to at least 5,500 meters

  • Trip delays caused by weather

  • Lost or damaged luggage

You may be asked to show proof of insurance before your trip.

2. Yoga Retreats (Strongly Recommended)

Your insurance should cover:

  • Medical treatment for injuries

  • Hospital expenses

  • Theft or loss of belongings

We recommend choosing a policy that also covers:

  • Missed or delayed flights

  • Trip changes or cancellations

  • Baggage delays

  • Unexpected disruptions

3. What Insurance Does Not Cover

Common exclusions include:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions

  • Alcohol-related incidents

  • Reckless behaviour

  • High-risk activities not listed in your policy

Please read your policy carefully.

4. Failure to Hold Insurance

For treks, participants without valid insurance may not be permitted to join the trip