Channarayana Durga Trek

I understand that trekking is an adventure sport that involves:

Natural Hazards:

• Extreme Weather: Sudden rainfall, flash floods, hailstorms, thunderstorms and lightning strikes. It might even cause your trek to be called off without notice. 
• Wildlife Encounters: Encounters with dangerous animals from the animal kingdom such as bears, snakes, arthropods, insects, ticks, etc can pose a serious threat. 
• Encounter with different kinds of plants. Touching, eating, or any kind of interaction with a toxic, poisonous, or harmful plant can pose a serious threat too. 
• Natural Disasters: Landslides, earthquakes, avalanches, and other natural disasters can occur in mountainous regions, posing significant risks.

Trail-Related risks and personal injuries:

• Slips and Falls: Uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, and smooth or loose rocks can increase the risk of falls, accidental drownings, and other injuries.
• Accidents Involving Equipment: Improper use or malfunction of equipment such as climbing gear or trekking poles can lead to accidents.
• Accidents that may cause emotional trauma, disfigurement; temporary or permanent disability, including paralysis.  
• Injuries Caused by Third Parties: Accidents or injuries caused by other trekkers or individuals in the area.
• Exposure to Harmful Elements: Prolonged exposure to the sun, cold, or other elements can cause sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps or other heat-related illnesses.

Medical Emergencies:

• Limited Access to Medical Facilities: Remote trekking areas often have limited access to hospitals, clinics, or medical professionals.
• Difficulty in Evacuation: Evacuating an injured person from a remote location can be challenging and time-consuming.

Other Risks:

• Civil Disturbances or War: Political instability or conflicts in the region can pose security risks.
• Terrorism: Terrorist activities can threaten the safety of trekkers.
• Social or Labor Unrest: Protests or strikes can disrupt travel plans and create safety concerns.
• Equipment Failures: Gear failure or malfunction can lead to accidents or discomfort.
• Transportation Issues: Delays, cancellations, or accidents involving transportation can affect the trek.
• Unexpected Events: Unforeseen circumstances such as weather changes, road closures, transportation failures or natural disasters can impact the trek.
• Diseases: Trekkers may be exposed to diseases or infections prevalent in the region.

By participating in this trek, you acknowledge that:

• I am aware of these risks.
• I am voluntarily taking part in the activity.
• I will follow the safety guidelines provided.
• I am responsible for taking care of the equipment I use during the trek. 
• I understand Indiahikes’ employees are qualified but have difficult jobs to perform. They seek safety, but they are not infallible. No one can predict the risks mentioned with 100% accuracy. 
• I am responsible for my own safety and well-being.

I assume full and complete responsibility for physically preparing for the trek as prescribed in the eligibility criteria of the trek.

Health declaration:

I certify that:

• I am in good physical and mental health.
• I have no medical conditions that would prevent me from participating in the trek.
• I have not been advised against participating by a doctor.

Legal declaration:

I certify that:

• I am responsible for my own well-being during the trek.
• I assume all risks associated with the trek, known and unknown.
• I understand that Indiahikes is not liable for any injuries or losses I may experience.
• I understand that Indiahikes is not responsible for any medical expenses I may incur during or after the trek.

I certify that:

• I will defend/ reimburse/ pay Indiahikes in case I do anything during the trek that hurts someone else or causes damage to life or property. Be it intentional or by accident. I will pay for any repairs or medical bills that result from my actions.

• I understand that there are chances that I may feel the effects of dehydration, heatstroke or any injuries while on this trek. I am aware that the trek leader may deem it unsafe for me to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for me to descend to the base or any safer location.
• I understand that the trek leader will conduct routine health checks at all camps to measure pulse and blood pressure. I understand that Indiahikes reserves the right to exclude any trekker from continuing the trek without a monetary refund if the trekker's vital readings are below accepted norms. These norms are available with Indiahikes trek leaders.
• I understand that this is a trek with rough, rocky and slippery terrain. I understand that Indiahikes reserves the right to turn around a trekker if in the opinion of the trek leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without requiring exclusive assistance. I have realistically self-assessed my fitness and suitability for this trek before registering.
• I understand that drinking, smoking and taking any recreational drugs are strictly prohibited on the trek. I understand that I will be sent down from the trek if found using any of it. From there, I will have to exit from the basecamp immediately.

• I have carefully read and understood the provisions and legal consequences of this agreement, and I hereby agree to all of its conditions. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.
• I understand that in calculating the cost of the trek, Indiahikes has relied on my consent to these terms and their enforceability. Without this agreement, Indiahikes would not be able to offer these services. I agree that the execution of electronic transmission of this agreement shall be deemed execution of the original agreement.

• It is my responsibility to obtain information and have all the necessary documents for my trek/ trip, including medical certificates and any other required paperwork.
• I understand that I may be asked to show the documents during my travel or on the trek by officials. Indiahikes is not responsible for my failure to show the documents required.
• Indiahikes is also not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to my travel documents.
• I hereby voluntarily provide my personal ID (latest Aadhaar card or Passport) to Indiahikes for the limited and specific purposes of identity verification, obtaining trek permits, and fulfilling administrative requirements directly related to my participation in the trek. I understand that Indiahikes shall use this information only for the stated purposes and in compliance with applicable laws and guidelines. I acknowledge that Indiahikes is responsible for ensuring the confidentiality and lawful processing of my personal data. I may withdraw this consent at any time before the use of my personal information by providing written notice.

I accept the Indiahikes Cancellation Policy as follows:

The Indiahikes Standard Cancellation Policy

• Smoking, drinking, or consumption of any intoxicating substance is not permitted on an Indiahikes trek. Indiahikes has the right to terminate my trek if I’m found flouting the no drinking/smoking rule anywhere on the trek, including near or anywhere at the base camp, campsites, or Indiahikes premises. 
• Indiahikes has the right to send me back from the trek in case I am affected by any form of injury or illness that renders me unable to complete the trek. 
• Indiahikes has the right to send me back from the trek in case my lack of fitness affects the average trekking time of the rest of the team. 
• Indiahikes has the right to send me back from the trek if I am physically ineligible to continue based on the display of blood pressure or oximeter readings beyond the acceptable range. 
• Indiahikes has the right to immediately terminate my presence on the trek or basecamp in case I display any of the following unacceptable behaviours. They include:
  
  i. Any sexual misconduct towards fellow trekkers, Indiahikes team members, or others 
  ii. Not adhering to the trek rules (which are laid out for everyone equally) or the trek leaders' instructions 
  iii. Physically and verbally aggressive/abusive towards fellow trekkers or Indiahikes team members. Which can constitute these actions:
  a. If bad words/profanity are used in arguments
  b. If threats are made towards Indiahikes team members or any trekker
  c. If you scream/shout to express your dissatisfaction
  d. If you physically push/shove any trekker 
  e. If I make religious, political or sexist remarks 
  iv. Mistreating any of the Indiahikes trekking equipment.

I agree that if my trek is terminated because of any of these reasons, I will not receive the trek completion certificate or a refund of the trek fees. In addition, I will have to bear the cost of a mule/vehicle/guide/porter to come back to the base camp.