Guest Safety & Adventure Activity Disclaimer

At Pahadi House, your safety is our priority. Our properties are nestled in the heart of the Himalayas — surrounded by forests, rivers, mountains, and wildlife. This natural setting is what makes the experience special, but it also comes with inherent risks that every guest should understand before visiting.

This disclaimer covers both general safety at our properties and specific risks related to adventure activities.

By booking a stay or participating in any activity at Pahadi House, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accept the risks outlined below.

1. The Mountain Environment

1.1 Altitude

Our properties are located at varying altitudes:

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, inform our staff immediately.

1.2 Weather

Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly:

• Sudden rainfall, fog, and temperature drops are common
• Snowfall can occur at Kanatal and George Everest during winter months (December–February)
• Monsoon season (July–September) brings heavy rainfall, trail erosion, and potential landslides
• Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, even in summer

Pahadi House is not responsible for disruptions, discomfort, or changes to plans caused by weather conditions.

1.3 Wildlife & Natural Hazards

Our properties exist within natural habitats. You may encounter:

• Insects — mosquitoes, bees, ants, and other mountain insects
• Snakes — rare but possible, especially in forested areas and during monsoon
• Monkeys and langurs — common near George Everest and Rishikesh areas
• Wild animals — leopards, bear, deer, and other species may be present in the wider area (especially Kanatal and George Everest)
• Leeches — common during monsoon season on forest trails

Safety guidelines:

• Never feed or approach wild animals
• Do not leave food in tents or open areas
• Wear closed shoes when walking on trails, especially after dark
• Use insect repellent
• Stay on marked trails and paths
• Follow instructions from your host or guide at all times

2. Adventure Activities

2.1 Activities Offered

Pahadi House facilitates the following adventure and outdoor activities across its locations:

2.2 Third-Party Operators

Important: Most adventure activities are operated by licensed third-party adventure providers, not directly by Pahadi House. Pahadi House acts as a facilitator — helping you discover and book these experiences.

• Third-party operators carry their own licenses, insurance, and safety certifications
• Safety equipment, guides, and instructors are provided by the activity operator
• Pahadi House verifies that operators meet basic safety standards but does not independently certify their equipment or personnel
• Any financial transaction for activities may be directly between you and the operator

Pahadi House is not liable for injuries, accidents, property loss, or any incident occurring during activities operated by third parties.

2.3 Assumption of Risk

By choosing to participate in any adventure activity, you voluntarily acknowledge and accept:

• Inherent risks exist in all outdoor and adventure activities, including but not limited to: physical injury, drowning, falls, equipment failure, animal encounters, weather-related incidents, and in extreme cases, death
• You are participating voluntarily and of your own free will
• No amount of preparation, instruction, or safety equipment can completely eliminate these risks
• You have not been coerced or pressured into participating

2.4 Health & Fitness Requirements

Before participating in any adventure activity:

• You must be in good physical health and reasonably fit for the activity
• You must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to Pahadi House and the activity operator, including but not limited to:
• Heart conditions or cardiovascular issues
• Respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD)
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Back, neck, or spinal injuries
• Recent surgeries
• Pregnancy
• Mental health conditions that may affect participation
• Allergies (especially severe/anaphylactic)
• You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during any activity
• You must follow all safety instructions provided by guides and instructors

Pahadi House and activity operators reserve the right to refuse participation if they believe a guest’s health, fitness, behaviour, or sobriety makes participation unsafe. No refund will be provided in such cases.

2.5 Age Requirements

Age requirements are set by the activity operator and may vary. Parents and guardians are responsible for assessing their child’s fitness for participation.

3. General Safety at Our Properties

3.1 Campfire & Bonfire Safety

• Bonfires are conducted in designated areas only and supervised by Pahadi House staff
• Guests must not start their own fires at any property
• Keep a safe distance from the fire — loose clothing, especially synthetic fabrics, can catch fire easily
• Children must be supervised near bonfires at all times
• Bonfire availability is weather-dependent and subject to local fire safety regulations

3.2 Water Bodies

• At Himalayan Ganga Retreat, the Ganges is nearby. Swimming in the river is strictly at your own risk and is not recommended without a guide or life jacket
• River currents can be deceptively strong, even in shallow areas
• Guests must supervise children near all water bodies at all times

3.3 Terrain & Walking

• Mountain terrain is uneven, rocky, and may be slippery, especially during or after rain
• Wear appropriate footwear (sturdy shoes with grip — not sandals or flip-flops) when walking outdoors
• Use a torch/flashlight after dark — our eco-camp locations have limited artificial lighting
• Stay on marked paths and follow signage

3.4 Electrical Safety

• Some locations (especially George Everest Camping) have limited power supply
• Do not overload electrical points
• Keep electrical devices away from water and damp areas

4. Emergency Procedures

4.1 First Aid

Basic first-aid facilities are available at all Pahadi House properties. Our staff are trained in basic first response.

4.2 Medical Emergencies

In case of a medical emergency:

• Inform Pahadi House staff immediately
• We will arrange transport to the nearest medical facility
• Guest consents to emergency medical treatment being arranged if the guest is unable to provide consent themselves

Nearest medical facilities:

• George Everest: Mussoorie — approximately 6 km / 20 minutes
• Himalayan Ganga Retreat: Rishikesh — approximately 8–10 km / 30 minutes
• Kanatal: Chamba — approximately 15 km / 30–40 minutes

Please note: Our properties are in mountain locations. Response times for ambulances and emergency services may be longer than in urban areas.

4.3 Emergency Contact Numbers

• Pahadi House Emergency: +91-9528730156
• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 108
• Disaster Helpline (Uttarakhand): 1070

5. Insurance

Pahadi House strongly recommends that all guests purchase personal travel insurance that covers:

• Adventure and outdoor activities
• Medical emergencies and evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Personal accident and liability

Pahadi House does not provide personal insurance to guests. Participation in activities without insurance is at your own risk.

6. Photography & Media Consent

• During your stay and activities, Pahadi House or its staff may take photographs or videos for operational, marketing, or social media purposes
• If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform our team at check-in
• By participating in group activities or events, you grant Pahadi House permission to use images that may include you, unless you have specifically opted out

7. Indemnity

By staying at any Pahadi House property or participating in any activity, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Pahadi House, its owners, employees, agents, and partners from any claims, demands, damages, costs, or liabilities arising from:

• Your participation in adventure or outdoor activities
• Your failure to disclose relevant medical conditions
• Your violation of safety instructions, house rules, or these terms
• Injury or damage caused by your actions to other guests, staff, or property

This indemnity does not limit Pahadi House’s liability in cases of proven gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

8. Physical Waiver Form

In addition to this online disclaimer, guests participating in adventure activities may be required to sign a physical waiver/consent form at the property or before the activity begins. This form is supplementary to — and does not replace — this disclaimer.

9. Contact Us

For questions or concerns about guest safety, please contact:

Pahadi House Rishikesh Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

• Email: depahadihouse@gmail.com
• Phone: +91-9528730156 / +91-9528730156
• WhatsApp: +91-9012166400 / +91-9528730156

For emergencies during your stay, contact your property host directly or call +91-9528730156.

Your safety is part of our promise. We want every guest to leave with mountain memories — not mountain mishaps.

Pahadi House — A Himalayan Way of Living