Welcome to GB Trek & Tours

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: [Insert the date this policy was last reviewed]

Welcome to GB Trek & Tours. These Terms and Conditions explain the rules that apply when you inquire about, book, or participate in our trekking tours, mountaineering expeditions, sightseeing trips, and other travel services in Pakistan. By booking a tour with GB Trek & Tours (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), you (“Client” or “you”) agree to the terms applicable to your booking.

Please read these terms carefully before confirming a reservation. Your booking confirmation, selected package description, inclusions, exclusions, and any written arrangements agreed with our team should also be reviewed.

1. Agreement and Definitions

1.1 Acceptance of Terms

These Terms and Conditions apply to bookings made with GB Trek & Tours. They should be read alongside the relevant tour itinerary, booking confirmation, payment instructions, and Privacy Policy. Any additional written terms agreed for a particular booking may also apply.

1.2 Definitions

• Tour: A trekking trip, mountaineering expedition, sightseeing tour, or other travel package offered by GB Trek & Tours.
• Services: Travel arrangements such as guiding, accommodation, transportation, permits, and other services specified in a package.
• Client: The individual or group member booking or participating in a tour.
• Force majeure: An event beyond reasonable control that may affect the delivery of travel services, as described in Section 7.
• High-altitude trek: A trek involving significant altitude exposure. The risks and requirements depend on the route, elevation, duration, and conditions.

2. Booking and Payment Policy

2.1 Booking Confirmation

• A booking is confirmed when the required deposit has been received and GB Trek & Tours has provided written confirmation.
• We may decline a booking where operational, safety, documentation, or other legitimate requirements cannot be met.
• Clients must provide accurate and complete information needed to arrange the tour, including relevant health and travel-document information.

2.2 Tour Prices and Inclusions

• Prices are quoted in US dollars (USD) or Pakistani rupees (PKR), as stated in the relevant package or written quotation.
• The package price covers only the services specifically identified as included in the tour description or booking confirmation.
• Excluded services and additional costs should be reviewed before booking.
• Where permitted by applicable law and the agreed booking terms, prices may be adjusted because of government tax changes or significant currency fluctuations. The existing policy provides for 30 days’ notice for qualifying changes involving currency fluctuations greater than 10%.

2.3 Payment Schedule

• Deposit: 30% of the total tour price is due at booking.
• Final balance: The remaining balance is due 60 days before the tour start date.
• Late bookings: For bookings made fewer than 60 days before departure, full payment is required immediately unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Payment methods: Bank transfer, credit card, or cash in Skardu or Islamabad by prior arrangement. The existing payment terms specify a 3% credit-card processing fee; confirm this fee and any applicable disclosure requirements before booking.

2.4 Late or Missing Payments

If the required balance is not received by the stated due date, the Company may cancel the booking in accordance with the agreed booking terms. Any deposit forfeiture, reinstatement, or price adjustment will be subject to the applicable cancellation terms and law.

3. Cancellation, Refunds, and Itinerary Changes

3.1 Cancellation by the Client

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. The original cancellation schedule specifies the following refund terms:

Notice Before Departure	Refund Terms in Existing Policy
More than 90 days	Deposit forfeited; no refund of the deposit
60–89 days	50% of the total tour price refunded
30–59 days	25% of the total tour price refunded
Fewer than 30 days	No refund under the existing policy

The existing policy also excludes refunds for unused services and early departure from a tour. Refund eligibility remains subject to the booking agreement and applicable law.

3.2 Cancellation by GB Trek & Tours

• Insufficient enrollment: For group departures subject to a minimum participant requirement, the existing policy allows cancellation if the minimum is not met 45 days before departure. The stated typical minimum is four participants. A full refund or an alternative departure may be offered.
• Force majeure: A tour may be affected or cancelled by circumstances beyond reasonable control. See Section 7.
• Major service changes: If a major tour component cannot be provided, we will communicate the available alternatives and any refund arrangements applicable to the affected services.

3.3 Changes to Itineraries and Services

Mountain travel and remote-area logistics can be affected by weather, road conditions, flight disruptions, permit decisions, and safety considerations. Where reasonably necessary, GB Trek & Tours may adjust:

• Itinerary order, trekking routes, or planned activities.
• Accommodation, with an equivalent standard where reasonably available.
• Transportation arrangements.
• Guides, support staff, or logistical arrangements.

We will communicate significant changes as promptly as reasonably possible. Any alternative services or refund arrangements will depend on the circumstances, the booking terms, and applicable law.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Travel Insurance

Clients must arrange suitable travel insurance before participating in trekking tours or mountaineering expeditions. The policy should explicitly cover the activities and altitudes involved in the selected itinerary.

Depending on the trip, appropriate coverage may include:

• Emergency medical treatment and evacuation at the relevant altitude.
• Repatriation and emergency assistance.
• Trip cancellation and interruption.
• Personal liability, where available and appropriate.
• High-altitude trekking, mountaineering, and other planned adventure activities.

The existing policy specifies proof of insurance 30 days before departure and minimum coverage figures of USD 200,000 for emergency medical evacuation from 6,000 metres and USD 1,000,000 for personal liability. Confirm that these requirements are suitable for each product and that appropriate insurance is available for the planned activity. If mandatory insurance is not provided, participation may be refused under the applicable booking terms.

4.2 Health and Fitness

• Clients are responsible for assessing whether they are fit for their chosen itinerary.
• Consulting a qualified medical professional before a strenuous or high-altitude trip is strongly recommended.
• Clients must disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, and medication requirements where needed for safe trip planning.
• Clients should carry sufficient personal medication and follow appropriate medical advice.
• High-altitude travel carries risks, including altitude sickness, and requires appropriate preparation and awareness.

4.3 Passports, Visas, and Permits

Clients are responsible for obtaining valid travel documents and meeting applicable entry requirements. Depending on the itinerary, this may include:

• A valid passport meeting the relevant entry requirements.
• Any required visa or travel authorization for Pakistan.
• Photographs, identification details, or other documents needed for permits.
• Registration or other formalities required by the relevant authorities.

GB Trek & Tours may assist with permit applications and travel formalities where included in the package. Clients must provide accurate information and documents on time. Decisions concerning entry, visas, and permits remain with the relevant authorities.

4.4 Conduct and Safety

Clients agree to:

• Follow reasonable safety instructions from guides and trip leaders.
• Respect local customs, communities, and cultural practices.
• Comply with applicable laws and avoid illegal substances or activities.
• Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Follow applicable rules for protected areas, campsites, and wildlife.

Where a client’s conduct creates a serious safety risk, involves illegal activity, disrupts the group, or includes refusal to follow essential safety instructions, the Company may take appropriate action, including removing the client from an activity. Any refund or additional-cost decision will be subject to the booking terms and applicable law.

5. Adventure Travel Risks and Liability

5.1 Inherent Risks

Trekking, high-altitude travel, mountaineering, and remote-area tourism in Pakistan’s Karakoram and Himalayan regions involve inherent risks. These may include:

• Altitude-related illness, including acute mountain sickness and serious altitude emergencies.
• Falling rocks, avalanches, landslides, and unstable terrain.
• Extreme weather, cold, and changing mountain conditions.
• Road incidents on remote mountain routes and river crossings.
• Limited access to medical facilities and delays in emergency evacuation.
• Transportation disruptions, public safety incidents, and other regional hazards.
• Illness, injury, and other unforeseen events associated with outdoor travel.

Clients should understand the risks, prepare appropriately, follow safety instructions, and obtain suitable insurance before participating.

5.2 Limitation of Liability

GB Trek & Tours will perform its contractual responsibilities subject to the applicable booking terms and law. Any limitation or exclusion of liability applies only to the extent legally permitted. Nothing in these terms is intended to exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

Third-party services, including airlines, hotels, and transport providers, may be subject to their own terms and operating conditions. We will address issues involving those services in accordance with our responsibilities under the booking agreement and applicable law.

5.3 Guide and Trip Leader Authority

Guides and trip leaders may adjust, delay, or stop an activity where they reasonably consider it necessary for safety, weather, health, or operational reasons. They may recommend descent, evacuation, or withdrawal from an activity if a client’s condition or circumstances create a significant risk.

Clients may be responsible for additional expenses arising from an early departure or evacuation where the booking terms and applicable law allow. Emergency assistance and evacuation arrangements depend on local conditions, available resources, and insurance coverage.

6. Permits and Environmental Requirements

6.1 Government Permits

• Where included in the package, we may assist with obtaining required trekking or expedition permits using the documents supplied by the client.
• Permit fees are included only when stated in the tour description or booking confirmation.
• Clients must provide complete and accurate documents within the required timeframe.
• Permit approval is determined by the relevant authorities and cannot be guaranteed by the Company.

6.2 Environmental Responsibility

Clients must follow applicable environmental and protected-area rules. This includes carrying out waste where required, respecting wildlife, avoiding damage to natural and cultural sites, and using designated camping areas where applicable.

7. Force Majeure and Unforeseeable Events

7.1 Events Beyond Reasonable Control

Travel services may be disrupted by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including:

• Earthquakes, floods, avalanches, and other natural disasters.
• Severe weather or unsafe mountain conditions.
• Political unrest, armed conflict, terrorism, or official travel restrictions.
• Epidemics, pandemics, or public health measures.
• Transportation strikes, operational failures, or flight cancellations.
• Government decisions or permit restrictions affecting the itinerary.

7.2 Response to Disruptions

If such an event affects a tour, we may need to change, postpone, or cancel some or all of the planned services. We will communicate relevant changes and discuss reasonable alternatives where possible.

The existing policy proposes a future travel credit valid for 24 months instead of a cash refund in certain force majeure situations. The availability of a credit, refund, or other remedy will depend on the circumstances, the booking agreement, third-party terms, and applicable law. Clients may also incur additional expenses, such as accommodation or replacement transportation, depending on the disruption and their insurance coverage.

8. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

8.1 Resolving Disputes

If a dispute arises, both parties should first attempt to resolve it through good-faith communication. The existing policy proposes mediation in Skardu, Pakistan, where appropriate and legally available.

8.2 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are intended to be governed by the laws applicable in Pakistan, subject to any mandatory legal protections that apply to the client or booking. Any court or dispute-resolution arrangements must comply with applicable law.

9. General Terms

9.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, the relevant tour description, booking confirmation, and any additional written booking arrangements form the basis of the agreement between the client and GB Trek & Tours.

9.2 Severability

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

9.3 Changes and Assignment

Changes to a booking or these terms should be confirmed in writing. Any assignment of contractual rights or responsibilities is subject to the agreement and applicable law.

9.4 Notices

Booking-related notices should be sent using the contact details provided in the booking confirmation or the official contact information listed below.

10. Acknowledgment Before Booking

By confirming a booking with GB Trek & Tours, clients acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to review these Terms and Conditions and the relevant tour details. Clients are responsible for understanding the applicable payment and cancellation rules, obtaining appropriate travel insurance, supplying accurate documentation, preparing for the selected activity, and following reasonable safety instructions.

11. Contact GB Trek & Tours

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, bookings, payments, cancellations, or tour arrangements, contact us:

GB Trek & Tours
Email: legal@gbtrekandtours.com
Phone: +92 319 0003232
Address: 2nd Floor, Kazim Vilas, near Tak Hotel, Satellite Town, Skardu, Baltistan, Pakistan
Website: https://gbtrekandtours.com/
Contact page: Contact GB Trek & Tours

These Terms and Conditions should be read with the terms and details confirmed for your individual booking. The version published on this page may be updated from time to time.