The Mountain Connections Company

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made more than 60 days prior to departure are fully refundable.
Refunds for cancellations made between 30 and 60 days of departure are subject to the amounts that The Mountain Connections Company (“Mountain Connections”) can recover from in-country vendors.
Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure are non-refundable.

Cancellations of individual room nights or non-use of prepaid meals during the trip are not refundable. Transportation vouchers, rail passes, or other bearer documents cannot be refunded if lost or stolen.

A final payment for your trip is due 60 days before departure, unless otherwise specified in your booking confirmation. If payment is not received by that date, Mountain Connections reserves the right to cancel your reservation and apply the above cancellation terms.

If the number of guests in a private group changes before the final payment, trip pricing for all guests may be adjusted accordingly. Once final payments are made, any guest who cancels is responsible for their own cancellation fees and any resulting price increase to the remaining group members. If a cancellation results in a participant now in a single room, the single supplement will be deducted from any refund due.

If Mountain Connections cancels a trip for any reason, its liability will be limited to a full refund of payments made to Mountain Connections. No additional compensation will be provided.

Trip Insurance

Mountain Connections strongly recommends that all participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and baggage coverage.
We suggest the following providers:

• www.insuremytrip.com

• Chubb Travel Insurance

Approximately 5% of adventure travel participants end up canceling due to unforeseen circumstances. For the greatest flexibility, consider a “Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)” policy, which may reimburse up to 75% of covered costs, subject to purchase timelines and policy conditions.

Awareness of Risk

By registering for a Mountain Connections trip, you acknowledge that adventure travel involves inherent risks. These may include, but are not limited to, inclement weather, rough terrain, accidents, transportation delays, and the challenges of outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking. Risks include potential injury, illness, disability, or death. You accept full responsibility for your participation and assume all risks, known or unknown, associated with the trip.

Medical Considerations

If you have any medical or psychological conditions that may affect your participation, please inform Mountain Connections prior to departure so we can make appropriate arrangements if possible.

Mountain Connections and its guides reserve the right to disqualify any participant deemed physically or mentally unfit to continue a trip or whose continued participation may jeopardize the safety or well-being of the group.

Mountain Connections is not a medical facility and assumes no responsibility for medical advice or care. Participants are responsible for the cost of any medical treatment or evacuation that may be necessary. By registering, you agree to cover any such expenses.

Your Obligations as a Participant

By joining a Mountain Connections trip, you agree to:

• Select a trip that matches your fitness level and interests.

• Read and understand all pre-departure materials provided by Mountain Connections.

• Bring appropriate clothing and gear.

• Maintain good hygiene and considerate social behavior toward other participants.

• Respect local cultures, communities, and environments by minimizing waste, staying on established trails, and following Leave No Trace principles.

• Follow all instructions, rules, and safety guidelines provided by Mountain Connections staff or affiliates.

Mountain Connections reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant if that person’s behavior, health, or condition impedes the trip or affects others’ enjoyment.

Guided and Trekking Tours

Our guided tours may include hiking or trekking at moderate altitudes and varying terrain. Participants are expected to maintain a reasonable pace, generally:

• 2.5 miles per hour on flat terrain

• 1,200 feet of ascent per hour

• 2,000 feet of descent per hour

Failure to maintain group pace may result in the guide arranging alternative activities or transportation at the participant’s expense.

Legal Limitations

Mountain Connections may work with independent contractors (e.g., hotels, transport providers, local guides). Mountain Connections is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage to person or property resulting from the actions or negligence of these third parties, or from acts of God, weather, strikes, civil disturbances, government restrictions, or other circumstances beyond its control.

We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to itineraries, accommodations, or activities where deemed necessary for participant safety or comfort.

By submitting your deposit and registration, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Release and Indemnification

You hereby release and discharge Mountain Connections, its owners, staff, affiliates, agents, and contractors from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from participation in any trip, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

You agree not to sue and to indemnify Mountain Connections against any claims, damages, or legal expenses arising from your participation in the trip.

Medical Release

In the event of an emergency, you authorize Mountain Connections and its representatives to secure medical treatment deemed necessary for your health and safety, and you agree to assume financial responsibility for such care. You also authorize the release of medical information to providers as needed.

Photography and Promotion

Mountain Connections and its representatives may take photographs or videos during trips for promotional purposes. By participating, you grant permission for your likeness to be used in such materials without compensation.
If you prefer not to appear in photos or media, please notify Mountain Connections in writing before departure.

Data and Third Parties

Mountain Connections shares relevant information with third parties as necessary to operate the trip (e.g., hotels, transport companies, and local guides). Personal information will not be sold or used for unrelated purposes.

Binding Agreement

By submitting your reservation and payment, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. You acknowledge that this is a legally binding contract and that participation is undertaken at your own risk.

(If the participant is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign on their behalf.)