Mountain Pass
Legal & Operating Framework

Terms & Conditions

Please read these terms carefully before booking any trekking, 4x4 overland, or motorcycle expedition with Skypath Travels.

Effective Date: January 1, 2026 • Last Updated: August 2026
01

Booking Contract & Registration

By booking a trek, overland 4x4 road tour, single seat transit, or motorcycle expedition with Skypath Travels Pvt. Ltd. ("Company", "we", "us"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be legally bound by these terms.

A reservation is deemed confirmed only after successful payment processing and generation of the official Expedition Dossier / Booking Confirmation PDF containing a unique booking reference identifier (e.g. SKP-XXXXXX).


02

Single Seat System & Vehicle Allocation

Our proprietary Single Seat System allows solo adventurers and small groups to book designated seats across Swift Dzire (4-Seater), Maruti Ertiga (6-Seater), Force Tempo Traveller 12-Seater, and Force Tempo Traveller 17-Seater (+Driver) layouts.

  • Assigned Seats: Your booked seat number (e.g., F1, R1-R3, S1-S17) is reserved exclusively for you. Swapping seats during transit is strictly by mutual consent among co-travelers.
  • Luggage Limits: Each single seat passenger is allocated space for 1 standard duffel/backpack (up to 15 kg) and 1 small daypack. Overloading vehicles with excess hard-shell suitcases is strictly prohibited on mountain circuits.
  • Punctuality: Single seat services depart strictly at the scheduled time from designated basecamps (Old Manali, Chandigarh, Shimla, or Leh). Passengers missing scheduled departure due to personal delays forfeit their fare without refund.

03

High-Altitude Inherent Risks, AMS & Medical Protocol

Expeditions across Himachal Pradesh, Spiti, Ladakh, and Zanskar operate between altitudes of 6,700 ft and 19,024 ft (Umling La). High-altitude travel entails inherent physiological risks, including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

Marshal Authority & Medical Evacuation:

Our certified mountain marshals and expedition leads hold unconditional veto power regarding a traveler's physical suitability. If an individual shows severe symptoms of altitude sickness or has an SpO2 reading dropping dangerously below acceptable thresholds, the marshal will mandate an immediate descent to a lower elevation. Any expenses related to emergency transport, private ambulances, or hospital stays remain the traveler's responsibility.


04

Payment Schedule, Cancellation & Refund Policy

To maintain small batches, guaranteed vehicles, and verified permits, the following cancellation schedule applies to all bookings:

Notice Window Cancellation Fee / Refund Applicable
30+ days prior to departure 90% refund (or 100% credit voucher for future trip)
15 to 29 days prior to departure 50% refund
7 to 14 days prior to departure 25% refund
Less than 7 days / No Show 0% refund (strictly non-refundable)

* Refunds are processed back to the original payment source (UPI, Credit/Debit Card, or Net Banking) within 5 to 7 business days.


05

Force Majeure, Landslides & Itinerary Modifications

Mountain roads are subject to sudden weather extremes, cloudbursts, unseasonal snowfall, swollen glacial water crossings, army convoys, and landslides causing road closures (particularly on Rohtang, Baralacha La, Kunzum La, and Sach Pass).

  • Alternate Routes: In the event of a blocked pass, Skypath Travels reserves the right to reroute the convoy (e.g. diverting Spiti routes via Kinnaur instead of Manali) or substitute camps to ensure participant safety.
  • Additional Costs: Incurred costs for additional unplanned hotel stays, emergency vehicle detours, or extra meals due to natural roadblocks or political strikes are borne directly by the travelers.

06

Motorcycle Expeditions (Royal Enfield Himalayan 450)

Riders booking self-ride motorcycle tour slots must strictly comply with the following equipment and legal requirements:

  • Valid Driving License: Riders must present an original, valid, non-expired driving license permitting gear motorcycles in India. Learners' licenses are not accepted.
  • Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of ₹10,000 per motorcycle is collected at vehicle handover in Manali or Leh via cash or UPI. This deposit is returned post-expedition inspection.
  • Damage Liability: Minor wear-and-tear is covered. However, major accidental damages, chassis bends, crushed exhausts, or broken engine casings resulting from reckless driving or stunting will be billed at actual spare parts cost.
  • Protective Armor: A full-face DOT/ECE certified helmet, knee/elbow armor, and riding boots are mandatory at all times. Riders without helmets will not be permitted into the convoy.

07

Inner Line Permits & Government Documentation

All Indian nationals must carry original government-issued photo identification (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport). PAN cards are not recognized at army checkpoints.

Foreign nationals / Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) must hold a valid Indian Tourist Visa and original Passport. Specific border zones (e.g., Hanle, Chushul, Demchok) have variable access rules set by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Indian Army; Skypath Travels will arrange permitted alternative circuits if civilian access is restricted by authorities.


08

Leave No Trace & Environmental Code of Conduct

The Trans-Himalayas represent an ecologically fragile cold desert ecosystem. All travelers must adhere to our zero-waste ethics:

  • Single-use plastic bottles must be packed out; water should be refilled from boiled water points at camps and basecamps.
  • Defacing rocks, monasteries, stupas, or historical prayer stones is strictly prohibited.
  • Consumption of alcohol or non-prescribed narcotics during active trekking trails, cycling sections, or riding hours is strictly forbidden and results in immediate expulsion from the group without refund.

09

Governing Law & Legal Jurisdiction

These terms and conditions, along with any disputes arising out of expedition bookings, reservations, or claims against Skypath Travels Pvt. Ltd., shall be governed exclusively by the laws of India. Any legal proceedings shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Manali / Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Have questions about our terms?

Contact our basecamp legal & operations team for clarifications.

Contact Legal Desk