Read before you book
Assumption of risk, waiver of liability, and release of liability agreement
Read this agreement carefully. A parent or guardian must accept it on behalf of minors (under 18 years of age).
I acknowledge that trekking at high altitudes entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, property, or third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. The risks include, among other things: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can further escalate to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE); exposure to the natural elements can be uncomfortable and/or harmful; I am aware that this exposure could cause sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps; prolonged exposure to cold can result in hypothermia, frostnip, or frostbite, which can even turn fatal; exposure to potentially dangerous wildlife, insects, plants, falling rocks, landslides, accidental drowning, accidental slips and falls on snow, ice, and mountainous sections is also a possibility. I also know that there is a risk of equipment malfunction or injury due to third parties.
Furthermore, I understand DevTrails employees are qualified but have difficult jobs to perform. They seek safety, but they are not infallible. No one can predict the weather, the elements, the terrain, or altitude sickness with 100% accuracy. I am cognizant of the basic safety rules and instructions concerning these trekking activities. I also understand that it is not the purpose of DevTrails to teach safety rules. I also understand that I am responsible for the safety and good operating condition of any equipment I use.
I am voluntarily participating in this adventure sport with the knowledge of the numerous risks, as described above, attached to it.
Preparation
I assume full and complete responsibility for physically preparing for the trek as prescribed in the eligibility criteria of the trek.
Representation of good health
I certify that I am in good health, have no medical, mental, or physical conditions that affect my ability to travel and/or participate in the trekking expedition, and have not been advised otherwise by a medical practitioner. I acknowledge that DevTrails is in no way responsible for any costs related to my medical care during or after the trek.
Release of liability
As lawful consideration of, and as part of the payment for, the right to participate in the trek, and as part of the payment for the services arranged for me by DevTrails, I HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY OWN WELFARE AND ASSUME ALL OF THE ABOVE RISKS, INCLUDING BOTH THOSE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN TO ME. I ALSO HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND HOLD HARMLESS FOREVER DevTrails, their owners, employees, affiliated entities, employees, agents, representatives, officers, directors, associates, volunteers, successors, and assigns from and against any liability, actions, causes of actions, debts, suits, claims, and demands of any and every kind and nature whatsoever which I now have or which may hereafter arise out of or in connection with my trek with DevTrails.
Indemnification
I further agree to “indemnify” (meaning to defend and to pay or reimburse) DevTrails against any claim by any person, including minors, arising in whole or in part from an injury or other loss suffered or caused by me in connection with the expedition or my participation in the trek.
Agreement with the safety protocols on the trek
- A.I understand that there are chances that I may feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation while on this trek. I am aware that the trek leader may deem it unsafe for me to continue trekking at any time and arrange for me to descend to a lower altitude.
- B.I understand that the trek leader will conduct routine health checks at all camps to measure oxygen saturation, pulse, and blood pressure. I understand that DevTrails reserves the right to exclude me from climbing higher on the trek without monetary refund if my vital readings are below accepted norms for that altitude. These norms are available with DevTrails trek leaders.
- C.I understand that this is a high-altitude trek with rough, rocky, and snowy terrain. I understand that DevTrails reserves the right to make me turn around if, in the opinion of the trek leader, I am unable to complete the itinerary without requiring exclusive assistance. I have realistically self-assessed my fitness and suitability for this trek before registering.
- D.I understand that drinking, smoking, and taking any recreational drugs are strictly prohibited on the trek. I understand that I will be sent down from the trek if found using it.
- E.I understand that there are chances that I may get exposed to viral or bacterial infections on this trek. Hence, I am aware that in such cases, the trek leader may deem it unsafe for me to continue the trek and send me back to the base camp, either for my safety or to prevent further risk of infection to other participants.
Situations where DevTrails may discontinue my participation in a trek
Treks organized by DevTrails take place in remote mountain environments where safety, teamwork, and responsible conduct are essential. DevTrails reserves the right to discontinue a participant’s trek if any of the following situations arise.
1. Smoking or alcohol consumption
Smoking or consuming alcohol is not permitted during the trek, including at basecamp and campsites. These substances can affect health, judgment, and group safety in high-altitude conditions. Violation of this rule may result in removal from the trek.
2. Altitude-related illness (AMS / HAPE / HACE)
If I show symptoms of altitude-related illness, DevTrails may require me to descend and discontinue the trek. Early descent is often the safest course of action in high-altitude environments.
3. Insufficient fitness affecting trek progress
If my fitness significantly affects the group's ability to safely maintain the planned pace or itinerary, I may be asked to discontinue the trek and return to basecamp. The trek leader will make this decision based on safety and group progress.
4. Health readings outside safe limits
DevTrails may ask me to discontinue the trek if my health readings (such as blood pressure or oxygen saturation) fall outside acceptable safety ranges during routine monitoring.
5. Behaviour that affects group safety or well-being
DevTrails expects respectful and responsible behaviour throughout the trek. Participation may be terminated if I engage in behaviour that compromises safety or group harmony, including:
- Sexual misconduct toward trekkers or staff
- Failure to follow trek rules or leader instructions
- Abusive, aggressive, or threatening behaviour
- Damage or misuse of trekking equipment
If my participation is discontinued
If my participation in the trek is discontinued for any of the above reasons:
- I will not receive a trek completion certificate
- No refund of trek fees will be provided
- I agree to bear the cost of my return to basecamp or the nearest accessible point, including guides, porters, animals, vehicles, or other logistical support if required.
These measures help ensure the safety, fairness, and overall experience of the entire trekking group.
Knowing and voluntary execution
I have carefully read and understand the provisions and legal consequences of this agreement, and I hereby agree to all of its conditions. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.
I understand that in calculating the cost of the trek, DevTrails has relied on my consent to these terms and their enforceability. Without this agreement, DevTrails would not be able to offer these services. I agree that the execution of an electronic transmission of this agreement shall be deemed acceptance and execution of the original agreement.
Minors under 18 years of age
A parent or legal guardian must accept this agreement on the minor’s behalf. The parent or guardian must submit their own signed agreement separately if they are also participating in the trek.
I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor. I understand the legal consequences of accepting this agreement, including a) releasing DevTrails from all liability on my and the minor’s behalf, b) promising not to sue on my and the minor’s behalf, c) assuming all risks of the minor’s participation in the trek, and d) indemnifying DevTrails. I understand that I am responsible for the obligations and acts of the identified minor as described in this document. I accept the terms of this agreement and will abide by them. I have read this agreement in its entirety, and I am accepting it freely. No other representations concerning the legal effect of this document have been made to me.
How you accept this agreement
The consent checkbox in our booking form records your acceptance of this agreement in full, on behalf of every trekker in your booking. Emergency contact details (name, relationship and number, blood relative or spouse only) are collected in the same form.
Also see our cancellation & refund policy.