1. Purpose
This Refund Policy explains when a refund may be available, what deductions may apply and how long processing takes after cancellation, postponement or service change for a Himalayan Locals trip.
Refunds are linked to the nature of mountain travel, supplier commitments, permit rules, transport bookings and the cancellation timeline applicable to your trip.
2. Booking amount rules
- The initial booking amount is used to reserve seats, rooms, vehicles, motorcycles, guides, permits and operational slots.
- Unless specifically mentioned in writing, booking amounts are non-refundable once the booking is confirmed.
- For fixed departures, the booking amount may be transferable to another eligible traveller or future departure only if Himalayan Locals approves it in writing.
3. Refund eligibility
A refund may be considered only where:
- The customer cancels within a timeline that allows recoverable supplier costs under the Cancellation Policy.
- Himalayan Locals cancels a trip and no suitable alternative date, route, service or credit note is accepted by the customer.
- A duplicate payment, excess payment or payment reconciliation error is verified by our team.
- A specific package or written confirmation clearly states refundable terms.
4. Non-refundable components
- Permit fees, environment fees, inner line permits, wildlife fees and government charges once applied for or paid.
- Payment gateway charges, bank fees, foreign exchange charges and card issuer fees where not returned by the provider.
- Hotel, homestay, camp, transport, motorcycle, guide or vendor advances that are non-refundable under supplier terms.
- Personalised planning, custom route design, special equipment sourcing and confirmed third-party services.
5. Hotel and transport vendor deductions
Many Himalayan services require advance blocking because inventory is limited in remote regions. If hotels, homestays, camps, taxis, tempo travellers, motorcycles, mechanics, guides or logistics vendors deduct cancellation charges, those deductions will be passed through before any refund is calculated.
6. Custom itinerary handling
- Custom itineraries may involve route research, stay blocking, permit planning, specialist guides and dedicated vehicle arrangements.
- Planning fees, confirmed vendor advances and non-recoverable customisation costs are not refundable once work has started.
- If feasible, recoverable amounts may be converted into a credit note for a future Himalayan Locals trip.
7. Expedition-specific clauses
Motorcycle expeditions, high-altitude SUV journeys, winter routes, trekking departures, snow leopard expeditions and remote cultural journeys often involve permits, backup teams, oxygen, mechanics, equipment and remote accommodation commitments. These components may become non-refundable earlier than standard leisure travel services.
Refund decisions for expedition products will consider supplier deductions, safety planning costs, departure status, documentation stage and the cancellation timeline.
8. Emergency cancellation handling
If a customer cancels due to medical, family or other emergency reasons, Himalayan Locals will review the case compassionately. However, emergency reasons do not automatically override supplier deductions, non-refundable booking amounts or permit costs.
- Where possible, we may help with date transfer, name transfer or credit note conversion.
- Customers should maintain travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip interruption and evacuation.
9. Refund processing time
Once a refund is approved in writing and all supplier deductions are reconciled, refunds are normally processed within 7–14 working days. Bank, card issuer or payment gateway timelines may add additional time before the amount appears in the customer account.
10. Refund method
- Approved refunds are usually returned to the original payment method where technically possible.
- Bank transfer refunds may require verified account details from the original customer.
- Credit notes may be issued where a cash refund is not available or where the customer chooses future travel credit.
11. How to request a refund
- Email team@himalayanlocals.com with booking name, trip name, travel date, payment reference and cancellation reason.
- Our team will review booking status, cancellation timeline, supplier deductions and applicable policy terms.
- Refund approval or rejection will be communicated in writing.
12. Contact
- Email: team@himalayanlocals.com
- Phone / WhatsApp: +91 95015 09591