1. Purpose
This Cancellation Policy explains the charges and options that apply when a customer cancels, postpones or does not show up for a Himalayan Locals trip, and when Himalayan Locals must cancel or change a departure.
2. Standard customer cancellation slabs
Exact deductions may vary by trip type, supplier rules, permit stage and custom itinerary commitments. Any written trip-specific cancellation terms override the standard slab where clearly communicated before payment.
45+ days before departure
- Booking amount and non-refundable costs are deducted.
- Recoverable balance, if any, may be refunded or converted into credit note after supplier reconciliation.
30–45 days before departure
- Cancellation charges may apply up to 50% of the package cost, plus non-refundable permits, payment fees and supplier deductions.
15–30 days before departure
- Cancellation charges may apply up to 75% of the package cost, plus non-refundable permits, payment fees and supplier deductions.
Less than 15 days before departure
- No refund is normally available because stays, transport, permits, crew and logistics are already committed.
3. No-show policy
Failure to arrive at the reporting point, pickup point, airport, bus boarding point, hotel or activity start point at the communicated time is treated as a no-show. No refund is available for no-shows, missed transfers, missed activities or unused services.
4. Weather cancellation and route disruption
Weather, snowfall, landslides, road closures, avalanches, river levels, border restrictions or local administration decisions may require route changes, activity changes, delayed starts, alternate stays or revised transport plans. These are common risks in Himalayan travel.
If the trip can operate with a reasonable alternate plan, the booking remains active and no automatic refund applies. Additional costs arising from extended stays, alternate vehicles, emergency routing or customer-requested changes may be payable by the customer.
5. Natural disaster and force majeure cases
In cases of natural disaster, extreme weather, political unrest, strikes, government orders, pandemics, road shutdowns or other force majeure events, Himalayan Locals will prioritise safety and practical recovery options.
- We may postpone, reroute, issue a credit note or offer an alternate trip where feasible.
- Cash refunds are subject to recoverability from hotels, transport, permit offices and other vendors.
- Himalayan Locals is not liable for flight changes, personal expenses, missed connections or costs beyond the package inclusions.
6. Trip postponement by customer
- Postponement requests should be made as early as possible and are subject to availability, supplier approval and seasonal feasibility.
- Postponement may attract fare difference, hotel rate difference, permit re-application fees, transport charges or administrative costs.
- Less than 15 days before departure, postponement is usually treated like cancellation unless suppliers agree otherwise.
7. Credit note option
Where a cash refund is not possible or where the customer prefers to travel later, Himalayan Locals may issue a credit note for the recoverable amount after deductions. Credit note validity, transferability and eligible trips will be mentioned in writing at the time of issue.
8. Operator cancellation handling
If Himalayan Locals cancels a trip before departure due to minimum group size, operational issue, safety concern or supplier failure, we may offer an alternate date, alternate trip, credit note or refund of recoverable amount after non-refundable third-party costs where applicable.
If cancellation is caused by force majeure, government restriction, natural disaster or unsafe route conditions, refunds remain subject to actual recoveries from vendors and permit authorities.
9. Name transfer
Customers may request to transfer their seat to another eligible traveller. Approval depends on permit rules, documentation timelines, vendor policies, medical/fitness suitability and written confirmation from Himalayan Locals.
10. How to cancel
- Send cancellation requests by email to team@himalayanlocals.com with booking name, trip name, departure date and reason for cancellation.
- The cancellation date is counted from the time Himalayan Locals receives the written request, not from a phone call or informal message alone.
- Refund or credit note eligibility will be assessed under this policy and the Refund Policy.
11. Contact
- Email: team@himalayanlocals.com
- Phone / WhatsApp: +91 95015 09591