Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy (2026)
Full refund of balance or full trip credit may be issued for the following reasons:
- Medical proof of serious injury provided more than 90 days before departure. Travel credit equals total balance paid minus non-recoverable expenses.
- Trip cancellation by Karakoram Ascents due to minimum participant numbers not being met. Clients can choose a full cash refund or full future trip credit.
If injury occurs within 90 days of scheduled departure, refund or credit is not guaranteed and remains at company discretion.
Force Majeure, Tour Status Updates, and Payment Protection
Trips may be delayed, modified, or canceled due to events outside our reasonable control, including civil unrest, natural disasters, epidemics, travel restrictions, or other force majeure events. We may take actions necessary to protect clients and staff.
Where reasonably practicable, status updates are shared at intervals, with a final decision issued at least one month before departure. Conditions may still change rapidly after updates.
If Karakoram Ascents cancels due to force majeure, all tour payments are protected through a full travel credit equal to the amount paid, with no expiry.
Pre/post-tour expenses (flights, independent hotels, etc.) are not covered by Karakoram Ascents under force majeure cancellation. Clients should claim those costs via travel insurance where applicable.
Tour Safety and Liability
Adventure travel involves risk. By joining our tours, participants acknowledge the risks associated with remote trekking and mountain environments.
Valid travel insurance is mandatory for all clients. For remote/high-risk itineraries, additional evacuation coverage may be required.
Participants must provide proof of insurance before departure and sign a liability waiver, generally during the first-day briefing. Waiver copies can be requested in advance.
Medical, Visas, and Passports
International flights, passport validity, and visa processing are solely the participant’s responsibility.
Passports must generally be valid for at least six months beyond tour start. Visa/passport failure can lead to loss of deposit and applicable balance.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit for the chosen itinerary and may be asked to provide medical certification where needed.
General Refund Policy
Deposit
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Depending on timing and incurred costs, part of the deposit may be eligible as future trip credit.
Full balance refund with more than 160 days before departure
Trip balance (minus deposit) is refundable. Deposit can be used as future trip credit.
Partial balance refund with more than 90 days before departure
Up to 50% of paid balance (excluding deposit) may be refundable, depending on resale feasibility and trip closure status.
Cancellation within 90 days
No balance refund is guaranteed. Deposit may be credited to a future trip only when sufficient notice is provided and costs permit.
Tour Change Fees
Tour date changes close to departure may not be possible. Approved changes can carry an administrative fee, and additional internal-flight or logistics costs may apply.
For documented emergencies (serious health issues, bereavement, or other major hardship), fee reduction or waiver may be considered at company discretion.
Visa Denial
If a visa is denied despite complete and timely application steps, balance may be refunded minus deposit, subject to required proof and review.
If denial is due to incomplete submission, late action, or applicant-side errors, refunds are not guaranteed.
Paying the Balance
Final balances are generally due 3-4 months before departure. Exact deadlines and payment instructions are shared by email.
For visa-support trips, full payment may be required before invitation letters or visa support documentation is issued.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Direct bank or wire transfer (sender transfer fees apply)
- Credit card payments (processing fees may apply)
- Other approved regional methods when communicated in advance
Tour and Itinerary Adjustments
Published itineraries are planning guides and may change due to weather, local conditions, transport disruption, border issues, emergencies, or other events.
Participants agree to reasonable itinerary flexibility and acknowledge that schedule changes may occur without prior notice where safety or logistics require it.
Acceptance of Risk
By joining a Karakoram Ascents trip, participants acknowledge and accept inherent risks in expedition travel and agree that liability is limited to what is reasonable and stated in these terms.
Trip Leaders
Trip leaders are appointed by Karakoram Ascents and maintain operational authority during expeditions to ensure safety and group welfare.
Participants agree to follow leader instructions and accept leader decisions related to safety, logistics, and group management.
Participant Conduct
Participants are expected to contribute positively to group dynamics and behave respectfully. Disruptive, unsafe, or abusive behavior may result in removal from the trip without refund.
If a participant leaves the scheduled itinerary voluntarily, rejoining may not be permitted and any resulting costs are the participant’s responsibility.
Complaints
Issues should be raised with trip staff promptly so they can be addressed in real time. If unresolved, written complaints should be submitted within 7 days of trip completion.
Questions
For clarification regarding these terms, please contact us through the contact page.