Terms and Conditions – Joyful Eco Treks

Welcome to Joyful Eco Treks. We look forward to guiding you through the stunning landscapes of Nepal. Before you book your adventure with us, please take a moment to read our booking terms and conditions. These terms outline our mutual obligations and form the basis of your contract with us.

1. Booking and Deposit Payment

To secure your spot on any trek, tour, or expedition, you must submit a completed booking form along with a non-refundable deposit.

You must pay a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost at the time of booking.
We require this deposit to secure your domestic flights, hotel reservations, and necessary trekking permits.
We must receive the remaining 70% balance of your trip payment at least one day before your scheduled departure date. If you fail to clear the balance on time, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit.

2. Methods of Payment

You can make payments via bank wire transfer, credit card, or secure online payment gateways, links provided by Joyful Eco Treks.

Credit and Debit Cards: We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Payments made via these cards are subject to a 3.5% processing fee, which you must cover.
Digital Wallets: For local clients or anyone with an active account, we proudly accept secure digital payments through eSewa.
Bank Wire Transfers: You can pay your trip balance via direct bank transfer. You must cover all local or international bank transaction fees incurred during the transfer.
Secure Payment Links: Upon your request, we can also send you a secure online payment link to process your booking deposit or final balance easily.

3. Trip Cancellation by the Client

If you need to cancel your trip, you must notify us in writing via email. We calculate cancellation fees from the day we receive your written notice. The cancellation charges apply as follows:

Cancellation 30 days or more before departure: You forfeit your initial deposit.
Cancellation between 15 and 29 days before departure: We charge a fee of 40% of the total trip cost.
Cancellation less than 72 hours before departure: We charge a fee of 50% of the total trip cost. No refunds are available for non-appearance or early departure from the trek.

4. Trip Cancellation or Alteration by Joyful Eco Treks

We always strive to run our trips exactly as scheduled. However, mountain travel in Nepal involves unpredictable factors like landslides, flight delays, weather conditions, or political unrest.

If we must cancel your trip before departure due to factors within our control, we will refund 100% of your payment.
If uncontrollable events (like natural disasters, government restrictions, or extreme weather) force a cancellation, we will offer you an alternative trip or a trip credit minus any non-refundable costs we already incurred for your permits and bookings.
Our guides reserve the right to modify the itinerary during the trek if it is necessary for your safety. We are not liable for any additional costs arising from these unexpected delays or route changes.

5. Mandatory Travel Insurance

Safety is our top priority on the trail. You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance before joining our treks.

Your insurance policy must cover medical expenses, personal accidents, and trip cancellations.
For high-altitude treks, your policy must explicitly cover emergency helicopter evacuation at altitudes up to 6,000 meters.
You must provide a copy of your insurance policy to our team before setting off on the trek.

6. Health, Fitness, and Personal Responsibility

Trekking in the Himalayas requires good physical fitness and health preparation.

You must inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations at the time of booking.
You are responsible for bringing appropriate personal clothing and gear.
Our guides have complete authority on the trail. If a guide decides that you are unfit to continue due to altitude sickness or injury, their decision is final for your own safety.

7. Passport and Visas

You are fully responsible for ensuring your travel documents are valid and correct.

Your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months from your date of entry into Nepal.
You are responsible for obtaining your Nepalese tourist visa, which you can easily get on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or through a Nepalese diplomatic mission.

8. Eco-Tourism and Environmental Policy

Joyful Eco Treks operates under strict sustainable and eco-friendly tourism rules. We expect you to respect local cultures, wildlife, and natural environments.

You must follow the “Leave No Trace” guidelines on our trails.
You must pack out your non-biodegradable waste and avoid activities that harm local ecosystems or disrespect local traditions.

9. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If you face any issues during your trip, please inform your guide immediately so they can rectify the situation. If the issue remains unresolved, you must submit a written complaint within 7 days of your trip completion. We will review your feedback and resolve the matter under the jurisdiction of the laws of Nepal.