General FAQs

Yes, more likely than not, but it cannot be promised. Factors such as the weather, personal fitness, the effects of altitude and illness, or conditions on the ground, can upset the best laid plans.

Yes, for all trips (unless you are a UK-resident taking part in a UK-based course but, even then, you should have cancellation insurance). Insurance must cover you for the adventurous activities that you have booked. We recommend you read your policy document in full, before you travel, to make sure it provides the cover you need.

Within Europe, UK-residents should travel with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

For travel to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, UK GHIC and EHIC cannot be used for medical treatment, so Travel Insurance is essential.

Yes. All payments are protected either by ATOL or ABTOT. These organisations vet our financial reliability every year before renewing our memberships. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, ATOL or ABTOT will ensure you will get a full refund or, if you have already travelled, that your trip can be completed without further cost to you.

You must decide. A lot depends on the destination and what you do when you get there; the case for an all-inclusive resort in Dubai is not the same as that for a trek through the wilderness of the Himalaya. In the latter, the money we spend for you and what you spend yourself, helps people who only had subsistence farming to rely upon until the advent of mountain travel. The relative wealth and empowerment of local businesses has seen a tangible improvement in health as well as creating opportunities for employment and education for younger generations that were unknown beforehand.

Yes. We plant trees through Trees4Travel for every booking and encourage you to add to this initiative.

We plan and orgnaise our trips with all due skill and care.  Adventures among the mountains can provide life-long physical, social and mental health benefits in amazing environments.  However, such adventures carry inherent risks, especially in remote regions and at high altitude.  We use our knowledge, experience and judgment to manage risks but absolute safety cannot be promised and it would be wrong for any organisation to do so.

Each participant must take personal responsibility for their involvement.  Please read the Participation Statement before you book.

Check your government’s travel advice before departure (UK travellers: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice).

Generally, airlines operating in developing countries cannot be relied upon to meet an acceptable standard for safety as would be applied to airlines operating in the UK, Europe or, generally, in the West. This is true of Nepal, where all airlines are black-listed by the EU and the UK.

Flying in the mountains adds considerably to the risks. Nevertheless, flying often provides the only pragmatic way to get in and out in the time available.

Alternatives by road and foot can be arranged for most trips (and for all trips to Nepal) if, in your assessment of the risks, you would prefer not to fly on local aircraft.

Travel back from the mountains could be delayed and you could miss your international flight. If the package you booked with us included the international flight, we would rebook it for you. You may have to meet the cost depending on the circumstances. If you booked your own international flight, we will assist as much as we can but the cost would be entirely your own. Please check that your travel insurance covers missed flights caused by an unforeseen delay.

Yes. Please tell us in advance and we will do our best to provide it or, if it is difficult for your destination, we will discuss the options with you.

Yes, probably for North America, Asia and Africa but probably not for Latin or South America, depending on your own nationality. Please check with the destination country’s Consulate or Embassy. Also, please be aware that you may need a visa for countries you pass through in transit (for example, India or Nepal if you are going to Bhutan). We provide some guidance in the trip notes we will send you when you book.

Yes, you will need cash for tips, main meals in towns and personal expenses such as souvenirs; advice in the trip notes we send to you when you book.

Deposits are non-refundable but you may be able to transfer it to another trip (conditions apply).

When we have enough people booked to ensure the trip can run without loss, we will guarantee it. This then means everyone booked and people booking later can be assured the trip will run as planned.

Yes. You can usually extend your trip to arrive early or stay longer. Please ask us for a price and flight availability. We can also arrange extra hotel nights, tours or extensions to help you make the most of your time away. Please call us to discuss the possibilities.