These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your participation in guided treks, road trips, and outdoor experiences organized by Aarohana Trails ("we", "our", or "us"), as well as your use of our website (aarohanatrails.com).
Last Updated: 1 August 2025
1. Booking Enquiry & Confirmation Process
- Reservation Enquiry: Submitting a booking form on our website registers a reservation request (Status:
NEW_ENQUIRY) and connects you with our team via WhatsApp Business. - Payment & Confirmation: A booking is formally confirmed (Status:
BOOKING_CONFIRMED) only upon receipt and verification of the advance deposit or full trek fee via our authorized payment channels (UPI / Bank Transfer). - Slot Holding: Trek slots cannot be held indefinitely without payment. In high-demand seasons, slots are allocated on a first-paid, first-confirmed basis.
2. Trekker Eligibility & Medical Disclosures
- Minimum Age: The standard minimum age for Western Ghats day treks is 12 years, and 14 years for multi-day expeditions. Trekkers under 18 years of age must have written parental/guardian consent.
- Fitness & Health: Trekking involves sustained physical exertion. Participants must honestly disclose pre-existing medical conditions (including asthma, heart conditions, severe allergies, or joint injuries) in their booking notes.
- Right to Decline: In the interest of individual and group safety, Aarohana Trails reserves the right to decline or modify participation if a medical condition poses an unmanageable risk in wilderness terrain.
3. On-Trail Safety & Trek Leader Authority
- Trek Leader Decisions: The assigned certified Trek Leader exercises absolute operational authority on the trail. Their decisions regarding pacing, turnaround times, route modifications, and emergency responses are final and binding on all participants.
- Prohibited Substances: Consumption of alcohol, narcotics, smoking, or illegal substances is strictly forbidden throughout the entire duration of the trek, including campsites and homestays.
- Environmental Stewardship: All participants must strictly adhere to our Leave No Trace Policy. Littering or disturbing wildlife will result in immediate disqualification without refund.
4. Forest Department Permits & Local Regulations
Many trails in the Western Ghats (e.g. Kudremukh National Park, Kumara Parvatha) are governed by strict daily quota regulations issued by the Karnataka Forest Department. Participants must carry valid Government-issued photo identification (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License) for permit verification at forest checkpoints.
5. Force Majeure & Itinerary Modifications
Aarohana Trails is not liable for itinerary disruptions, delays, or cancellations caused by Force Majeure events, including sudden forest closures by authorities, landslides, flash floods, extreme weather advisories, national/state strikes, or road blockages. In such instances, we provide trek credit vouchers or free rescheduling in accordance with our Cancellation & Refund Policy.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable Indian law, Aarohana Trails, its directors, employees, guides, and partners shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, loss of personal gear, missed onward travel connections, or injuries resulting from participant non-compliance with safety instructions. Total liability for any verified claim shall be capped at the total amount paid by the participant for the specific booking.
7. Governing Law & Dispute Jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of India. Any legal dispute or proceeding arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Bangalore (Bengaluru), Karnataka.