Mate In The Mountains Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 28/12/2025

These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Mate in the Mountains (“we”, “us”, “our”) for trekking and hiking experiences in Nepal.

By making a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Role of Mate in the Mountains

Mate in the Mountains operates as a booking platform and intermediary between customers and independent third-party tour operators who deliver trekking and hiking services in Nepal.

Our role includes:

• Facilitating bookings

• Processing payments

• Providing pre-trip information

• Assisting communication between customers and tour operators

Mate in the Mountains does not operate treks directly.

2. Eligibility & Participant Responsibility

By booking a trek, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years of age, or have parental/guardian consent

• You are physically and medically fit to participate

• You have disclosed any relevant medical conditions prior to departure

• You understand trekking in Nepal involves inherent risks, including altitude sickness, extreme weather, difficult terrain, and limited medical access

Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

3. Booking Confirmation

A booking is confirmed once:

• Payment (or payment authorisation) has been successfully completed, and

• You receive written confirmation from Mate in the Mountains

All bookings are subject to availability and acceptance by the tour operator.

4. Pricing & Inclusions

All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD) unless otherwise stated.

Inclusions and exclusions are listed on the individual trek page. Any service not explicitly listed as included is excluded.

We reserve the right to correct pricing errors prior to booking confirmation.

5. Payments & Payment Methods

We accept payment via:

• Credit or debit card

• Third-party payment providers, including Klarna (Buy Now, Pay Later)

By selecting a payment method, you agree to the applicable provider’s terms and conditions.

6. Klarna (Buy Now, Pay Later)

If you choose Klarna as your payment method:

• Klarna is a third-party payment provider and operates independently of Mate in the Mountains

• Approval, payment schedules, fees, interest, and late charges are determined solely by Klarna

• Mate in the Mountains does not control Klarna’s approval decisions or payment terms

Any fees, interest, or charges applied by Klarna are the sole responsibility of the customer.

7. Instalments & Commitment to Full Booking Value

Where payment is made via instalments (including Klarna):

• The full booking value is considered committed at the time of booking

• Cancellation policies apply to the total booking price, not just amounts already paid

• Outstanding instalments remain payable in accordance with the applicable cancellation policy

8. Cancellation by the Customer

If you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify Mate in the Mountains in writing.

Cancellation fees are calculated based on the number of days prior to the scheduled trek start date and apply to the total booking price, regardless of payment method.

Unless otherwise stated on the individual trek listing, the following cancellation policy applies:

• More than 60 days prior to departure:
  80% refund of the total booking price

• Between 31 and 60 days prior to departure:
  50% refund of the total booking price

• 30 days or less prior to departure, or failure to attend:
  No refund

Any non-refundable costs already incurred (including but not limited to permits, accommodation deposits, internal flights, or guide arrangements) may be deducted from any refundable amount.

Cancellation timeframes are calculated based on Nepal local time (NPT).

No refunds will be issued for cancellations due to personal circumstances including illness, injury, visa issues, or travel delays.

9. Refunds

Where a refund is approved under Section 8:

• Refunds will be processed to the original payment method

• Where payment was made using Klarna or another Buy Now, Pay Later provider, refunds will be issued back to that provider in accordance with their procedures

• Mate in the Mountains is not responsible for processing times, fees, or adjustments applied by third-party payment providers

Mate in the Mountains is not responsible for refunds that fall outside the stated cancellation policy. We will assist customers in communicating with the tour operator where required.

10. Changes or Cancellation by the Operator

Tour operators reserve the right to:

• Modify itineraries due to weather, safety, political conditions, or operational requirements

• Cancel a trek where minimum numbers are not met or conditions make operation unsafe

Where a trek is cancelled by the operator, refund or credit arrangements will be determined by the operator’s policy.

11. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants and must include:

• High-altitude trekking cover

• Emergency evacuation

• Medical expenses

Failure to hold adequate insurance may result in exclusion from the trek without refund.

12. Health, Safety & Assumption of Risk

Trekking in Nepal involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Altitude sickness

• Slips, falls, and uneven terrain

• Severe weather

• Remote locations with limited emergency access

By booking, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume these risks.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Mate in the Mountains is not liable for injury, illness, loss, damage, delay, or expense arising from acts or omissions of tour operators, guides, suppliers, or third parties

• We are not liable for events beyond our control, including weather, natural disasters, political unrest, or transportation delays

• We are not liable for loss or damage caused by third-party payment providers, including Klarna

14. Waivers & Operator Terms

You may be required to sign additional waivers or acknowledgements required by the tour operator prior to departure.

These documents form part of your agreement to participate.

15. Privacy

We collect and handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable Australian privacy laws.

Personal information may be shared with tour operators where necessary to deliver the service.

16. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Australia. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Australian courts.

17. Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer rights available under Australian Consumer Law.