Welcome to Heliski Nepal

Himalayan Heliski Guides is the first and only Heliski Company in Nepal,  2013 marks our 12th year in operation, and it’s been great. To date we have heliskied in the Everest, Annapurna, Dhauligiri and Humla regions of Nepal. Although it’s Nepal and the Himalaya, each area is unique and special in their own way. The snow conditions, weather, views, terrain are as good as it gets. Add the Nepalese culture, lifestyle and jungle safaris and you have heliski trip that stands alone. For most, a trip to Nepal is one of the more memorable trips of their life, add heliskiing in the heart of the Himalaya and you wind up with a trip that is almost beyond belief. You can be sure it will be the star of all the campfire talks amongst friends when sharing stories and adventures

Experience Himalayan Heliskiing

In our 12 years of operation, we have found the Annapurna region to be the better area to operate out of. The location is good, access into the areas we heliski out of is good and the sking and snow conditions are excellent. Also, when we heliski in the Annapurna region we stay in Pokhara the entire week which is one of Nepal’s nicest towns that sits along lake Fewa. The entire area has spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range.  We stay in the best 5 star rated hotels Pokhara has to offer, thus making your heliski trip very comfortable and luxurious. While we still run heliski trips in other areas in Nepal, we run them more on request then planned trips.

We heliski in the north and south side of the Annapurna, and both sides are unique in their own way. The south side has spectaular views of the south face of Annapurna I, Fishtail peak and surrounding peaks. The Annapurna south region  is known as the gem of Nepal’s Himalaya. The north side has spectacular views on Annapurna II, III & IV . In both areas these peaks are the main features and are in plain view the entire time, and they’re big, really big, you do not need to use your zoom to capture a picture of these peaks, if anything they may not fit in the frame

We look forward to making some historic turns with you in Nepal's Himalaya.

Daily Skiing Schedule

From experience, we have found it better to begin the day earlier and ski a majority of the runs in the first part of the day, this is due to several reasons, but the main reason is weather conditions, as its not windy in the morning hours and so we prefer to take advantage of those hours while we can, as its not unusual to get high winds in the afternoon and we can get shut down due to it, the other thing which can happen in the afternoon is the cumulous cloud build up can occur early, which could also shut us down due as you cannot fly in those conditions. The other thing is everyone is stronger and they ski better in the morning hours then the late afternoon hours, so in the end its a win win situation for all, as we can get all the runs committed too via this schedule. With this in mind, we have adapted to the schedule below.

• Wake up 5:00 am with breakfast at 5:30 - after breakfast, pack all personal belonging's needed for the day. 6:15 am board helicopter and begin the day heliskiing
• At the bottom of each run we have short break with cold drinks, mineral water, and assorted snacks
• We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day. We will be finished by 11:00 / 12:00 noon, have lunch in Pokhara and the rest of the day you are free to explorer Pokhara and the surrounding area.

Runs and Vertical

On a good day with everyone feeling healthy and strong and under normal conditions, we will make 4 to 6 runs a day, Each run will be between 900 & 1,400 vertical meters, the vertical of each run will be dictated by the individual run and area we are in and or conditions. The first day or two we begin lower at lower altitudes to allow for acclimatization. Although we're professing the adventure and the skiing of a lifetime, and not vertical. Also, conditions will dictate the outcome of how much we ski in the morning, if we see weather moving in, high winds in the early afternoon, etc. we will adjust the departure time to make the best of the conditions thus insuring we get in the runs we have committed too

Acclimatization

Many of you when you see the elevations we are skiing at will immediately think, whoa.. that's really high. While you're right, it is somewhat high, especially when you consider how fast you get there, it is not as bad as you think. What we have found about the acclimatization here is that it is not the same situation that you experience when trekking or climbing at these elevations. Flying in and skiing at these elevations is completely different.

For example, it is not much different then leaving for a ski trip from a lower elevation, say sea level and going to 3,800 meters the first day out. While you might feel a bit light headed, you will find that everything else seems to work just fine. The reason is that you are at these higher elevations for a very brief period of time, and within minutes you are at a lower elevation and you are constantly going lower every time you point them down and within 10 to 20 minutes you can be anywhere from at 3,800 to 3,200 meters - an elevation you normally will feel good at. We then take a 15 to 20 minute break at our fully stocked base camp staffed by our Sherpas where they will serve you coffee, tea, sodas, mineral water, biscuits, cookies, candy bars, soups, etc. After this break, we go back up and do it all over again.

Also, we will not be going to the highest elevations the first day out, we will begin at a comfortable elevation that everyone will feel good at and work our way up throughout the week.

Another reason the elevation is not such a problem is that the lodges we sleep at are at lower elevations. They range from 2,000 meters to 3,200 meters, which allows you an easy night's sleep and a good way to further acclimatize. What we are doing here is following the basic climbing rule of thumb, climb high, sleep low.. in this case it's ski high, sleep low..

Bottom line, it is not as much a problem as one might think. It is much different for example to climb at these elevations then to ski, with skiing being almost effortless when compared to climbing. Example, just try and walk up the same run you just skied and you'll see what we mean here, it is a big difference and after you go skiing with us at these elevations, you will see what it is we are talking about.

As each day goes by, you will feel better and better.. and stronger and stronger, and you'll be wanting to go higher and higher each and every run. Although we will not start much above 4,600 meters on the first day, we just did a trip where on our first day we skied at 5,300 meters! Not one person had any problems dropping in like this and everyone was surprised at how good they felt.

Last but not least, do try to go out in your local mountains and go as high as you can just before coming out, it will be helpful for those first few days. Also, we'll have oxygen available at all times for those who would like a little boost every now and then.

Skier’s Level

We offer trips for both skiers and snowboarders, you should be able to handle all off piste conditions well and comfortably.

Health

All participants should be in good health. Be aware that high altitude can worsen health conditions quickly. Its advisable to have a check-up before the trip.

Insurance

HHSG highly suggest to get a health, evacuation and travel cancellation insurance for unforeseen circumstances.

Inherent Risk

Skiing in general is a risk sport, and injuries are common. Heli Skiing adds a new dimension to these inherent risks. Although we will be providing maximum security for avalanche safety, we cannot give you a 100% guarantee that this will not ever happen, nor can we guarantee that you will not be injured by simple skiing injury. Due to these uncontrollable hazards, HHSG will not be responsible for any accidents or injuries it was not directly responsible for. Before you are allowed to go skiing with us, you must sign a release form that clearly describes what HHSG will and will not be responsible for. We will send this form out to you prior to booking.

1 Week/2 Week Heliskiing/Heliboarding trips to Annapurna/Everest Region

Trip Duration

HHSG offers 1-week and 2-week heliskiing & heliboarding trips to the Annapurna and Everest region from mid-February to mid April. All trips are Saturday to Saturday. We heliski Monday through Friday, and use Saturday for a make up day if needed.  A two week trip would have a rest day between with 10 possible days of skiing

Private groups

You are free to have any size you want for a private group  but we do not reccomend going over 8.  The helicopter is dedicated to this group the entire week, it is not shared with any other groups. HHSG provides one guide for a group of 4 and two guides for any groups over 4 pax

Mixed groups

A mixed group is a group of 8 in total. We use the Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, it fits 4 clients and one guide. HHSG will provide one guide per group of 4. The helicopter and flying time will be shared between the two groups

Safari trips

To get the full Nepal experience, HHSG suggest you go on a safari at the end of your heliski trip.  We via our asociates can organize 2 night 3-day tours in Chitwan National Park. Tours include Elephant back jungle cruises, boat tours,  jungle walks with guides, etc. Lodging is inside the park. Please feel free to ask for more information

Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region is the area for weather, snow and terrain. While we heliski in the Annapurna region, we stay in the town of Pokhara the entire week. The Annapurna south region is unique in that it has its own micro climate, the area is known for getting late afternoon thunder showers which leave us with fresh boot top to knee deep powder the next day with blue skies. It's as close to having a powder making machine as it gets... It's a very unique situation and it only happens in the Annapurna south region.;Due to this we startearly and finish early, to be exact we fly out of Pokhara at 6:30 and ski until the clouds start to come in which is anywhere from 11 to 12 noon, we then pack it up and get out of there before the clouds close off the valley we fly though. Also, just so you know, we ski the same amount if we started later and finished later, so no loss there. In reality you gain, because we have lunch in Pokhara, which is one of Nepal’s nicest towns, that sits along a lake with spectacular views of the Annapurna's. After lunch you’re free to do as you wish, and there is no shortage to choose from. You can go paragliding, hiking, boating, swimming, mt. biking, river rafting, visit monasteries, rent motor cycles and cruise the country side, tennis, golf (challenging course w spectacular views of the Annapurna's), fishing, and there are also many interesting and colorful shops with typical Nepalese and Tibetan goods. There are also a lot of nice restaurants and bars along the lake in Pokhara with beautiful views of the Annapurna’s, which are nice to go too.

We also offer a package where we heliski in the Annapurna north region for a day. It's a longer flight and so we leave Pokhara at 6 in the morning and return back to Pokhara after were done skiing. The north side of the Annapurna is a very spectacular area, with great views of Annapurna II. III and IV, the terrain is excellent, the drops are higher and the runs are longer then on the south side. Heliskiing on both the north and south side of the Annapurna is a great experience and well worth the extra flying time.

Everest Region

The Everest region is another region we can heliski out of, but its more hit and miss due to the fact that valley in this region runs north to south which means we do not have the long north facing slope like the Annapurna region thus it doesn't hold the snow as well. The other factor is that the valley is open to Tibet and India and if the winds kick up after a storm from India or Tibet, it can blow much of the snow away in the exposed areas, but just the same, there are several exposures which are protected by these winds and therefore we are sure we can always count on them holding enough snow for some good runs.

Also, just so you know the Everest region does and will get 1 to 2 meter storms every now and then and we're just waiting for the day to be there when that happens, and when it does we will simply go nuts as to date we have only made 4 descents in the area, which means the place is prime to be opened up and in a big way.

Heliskiing/Boarding Trips to Annapurna/Everest Region for Mixed Groups

1 week Annapurna South Region: 2 groups of 4 pax

Type of group:

Mixed : Two groups of four and one HHSG guides per group

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B

Total flying time:

AS350 B3 / 12 hours shared between the two groups

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

*Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1-week Annapurna North & South Region: 2 groups of 4 pax

Type of group:

Mixed : Two groups of four and one HHSG guides per group

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna North and South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B

Total flying time:

15 hours shared between the two groups

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1-week Everest Region: 2 groups of 4 pax

Type of group:

Mixed : Two groups of four and one HHSG guides per group

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Namche Bazaa Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Namche Bazaar: Hotel "Camp de Base"

Ski areas:

Everest region - Khumbu Area

Skiing days:

Monday through Friday. Using Saturday for a make up day if needed.

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3 & B2

Total flying time:

15 hours shared between the two groups

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday

Heliskiing/Boarding Trips to Annapurna/Everest Region for Private Groups

1 week Annapurna South region: 5 to 6 pax

Type of group:

Private : 5 to 6 pax & 2 HHSG guides

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

12 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1 week Annapurna North & South region: 5 to 6 pax

Type of group:

Private : 5 to 6 pax & 2 HHSG guides

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna North & South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

15 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1 week Everest Region 5 to 6 pax

Type of group:

Mixed : 5 to 6 pax & 2 HHSG guides

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Namche Bazaar Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Namche Bazaar: Hotel "Camp de Base"

Ski areas:

Everest region - Khumbu Area

Skiing days:

Monday through Friday. Using Saturday for a make up day if needed.

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

15 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops Safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday

1-week Annapurna South region: 4 pax

Type of group:

Private : 4 pax & 1 HHSG guide

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

8 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops Safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1-week Annapurna North & South region: 4 pax

Type of group:

Private : 4 pax & 1 HHSG guide

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna North and South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

11 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1-week Everest region: 4 pax

Type of group:

Mixed : 4 pax & 1 HHSG guides

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Namche Bazaar Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Namche Bazaar: Hotel "Camp de Base"

Ski areas:

Everest region - Khumbu Area

Skiing days:

Monday through Friday. Using Saturday for a make up day if needed.

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

11 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday

1-week Annapurna South region: 1 to 2 pax

Type of group:

Private : 1 to 2 pax & 1 HHSG guides

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

6 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1-week Annapurna North & South region: 1 to 2 pax

Type of group:

Private : 1 to 2 pax &12 HHSG guides

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Pokhara Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Pokhara: 6 nights at Hotel Mira Lakeside upgrade to Temple Tree Resort is possible

Ski areas:

Annapurna North & South side

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

9 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday.

1-week Everest region: 1 to 2 pax

Type of group:

Mixed : 1 to 2 pax & 1 HHSG guides

Trip details:

Arrival Kathmandu Saturday, fly to Namche Bazaar Sunday and ski Monday through Friday and use Saturday for a make up day if needed. Fly back to Kathmandu Saturday afternoon and fly home Saturday evening.

Hotels:

Kathmandu: 1 night at the Gokarna Forest Resort and Namche Bazaar: 6 nights at Hotel "Camp de Base"

Ski areas:

Everest region - Khumbu Area

Skiing days:

Monday through Friday. Using Saturday for a make up day if needed.

Ski elevation:

Elevation between 5.200m and 3.400m, average 5.000m and 3.400m

Helicopter:

AS350 B3

Total flying time:

9 hours

Ski runs:

Each run will take approx. 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute rest at the bottom of each run We will ski 4 to 6 runs per day.

Optional Tigertops safari:

Additional 3 day trip to Chitwan National Park with jungle safari from Sunday through Tuesday

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Following receipt of the payment request, payment of the deposit indicated on the payment request is to be made in a single payment within one week by means of the payment method indicated. The deposit shall be at least 25% of the total price of the travel-related products or services that have been booked. The outstanding amount for the travel-related products or services is to be paid no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of travel as a single payment by means of the payment method indicated without any further request for payment. In the case of tour groups, the Group leader is responsible for ensuring consistent payment processing. The total price of a tour booked at short notice (within 30 days of tour commencement) is due immediately.

If due payments are not made or not made in full and the Traveller/Group leader does not pay after a reminder with a final due date, LUEX or the Service provider are able to withdraw from the particular agreement, unless LUEX or the Service provider is already responsible for a significant flaw, failing or shortcoming at this time. If the Traveller is responsible for the cancellation, LUEX or the Service provider can demand compensation in accordance with the agreed fixed rates for compensation. If nothing else has been stipulated within the offer/travel confirmation, the fixed rate in the event of the Traveller cancelling more than 30 days prior to departure is 25% of the price of the tour. The Traveller/Group leader is entitled to provide evidence of lower costs or costs that did not eventuate, while LUEX is free to calculate and demonstrate substantially higher costs.

LUEX assumes no currency risks. In order to minimise currency risks, LUEX shall exchange the travel payments received into the target currency of the country of the respective Service provider as soon as possible after receipt of payment. In the event of major currency fluctuations, the Traveller/Group leader shall indemnify LUEX against any proven currency exchange losses. Reimbursements shall be made solely by means of bank transfers in the currency of the recipient. Bank fees and charges shall be borne by the Traveller/Group leader.

If the Traveller/Group leader pays by bank transfer, LUEX can only facilitate a smooth booking process if the Traveller/Group leader uses the designated booking ID in the purpose field of the bank transfer which is specified in the request for payment. Otherwise LUEX may not be able to assign the payment to the correct booking. A failure to do that correctly can result in the cancellation of a trip in the worst-case scenario.

If the Traveller wishes to book not as a private individual, but as a business traveller acting on instructions or as a legal representative, this must be noted already during the booking process and cannot be subsequently altered. This can have taxation consequences and should therefore be carefully considered.

The customer shall receive a payment receipt in the form of a booking confirmation from LUEX showing the total price, either paid or to be paid to the Service provider.

6. Alterations, cancellations, reimbursements

In the event that a confirmed booking is modified or cancelled, LUEX is to be contacted as quickly as possible in this matter such that a possible solution can be sought in consultation with the Traveller/Group leader. Additional costs that result for LUEX or the Service provider shall be borne by the Traveller/Group leader, whereby LUEX reserves the right to invoice a minimum fee of €50 for changes demanded solely by the Traveller.

Should there be a modification or cancellation by LUEX / the Service provider, LUEX shall also contact the Traveller/Group leader as soon as possible and seek a possible solution.

LUEX notes explicitly that as an intermediary LUEX cannot assume responsibility for the performance of the Service provider. In particular, LUEX offers individual travel-related products and services to exotic destinations. The Traveller recognises that booking and processing these products and services are more difficult and that a higher degree of flexibility is expected of these than for mass tourism.

7. Complaints and ratings

Should the Traveller be dissatisfied with an aspect of the travel-related product or service received in a particular case and wish to submit a complaint, they are to approach the Service provider or their representative directly at the location during their current stay so that this person can attempt to solve the problem. LUEX recommends notifying the Service provider in text form that documents the shortcomings, if possible with the aid of photos.

If the problem cannot be resolved during the stay, the Service provider must be contacted within 30 days of returning from the trip. The Service provider should then respond to the correspondence according to the applicable laws and regulations. Receipt should be confirmed in 14 days and a full response received within 28 days. If this is not the case, an explanation for the delay should be received from the Service provider.

Should the travel-related product or service not match the description on the LUEX platform, the customer must approach the Service provider or their representative directly at the location during the customer's stay. LUEX shall support customers with respect to their complaint. LUEX is to be informed of the facts involved in the situation as soon as possible in order to be able to assist in finding a solution.

The Service provider is to be contacted immediately in the event of flight or transportation problems. Customers are to check information and the general terms and conditions given to customers via the Service provider before the commencement of travel.

8. Visa, passport and travel regulations

The Traveller/Group leader shall pay attention to the special visa, passport and travel regulations for the Travellers and their country of destination. LUEX makes every effort to inform customers as comprehensively and accurately as possible. To the extent that LUEX draws attention to particular details, this can only be considered as non-binding information. Considering the high number and frequency of possible amendments to regulations, Travellers/Group leaders are requested to contact the relevant embassy/consulate for the particular destination. In this respect LUEX can assume no responsibility whatsoever for any assurance, guarantee, currency or accuracy of the information. The information provided by Travellers’ ministries of foreign affairs are a reliable source with respect to many travel destinations.

It is the sole responsibility of the Traveller/Group leader to ensure that all Travellers are in possession of all requisite travel documents (passport, Visa, etc.) at the commencement of travel and that all Travellers fulfil the health requirements.

9. Insurance

To the extent that it is not expressly offered, insurance cover does not constitute part of the travel-related products and services offered. LUEX recommends that customers take out travel insurance, in particular travel cancellation cost insurance and in certain circumstances overseas travel insurance, including an overseas health cover component. LUEX names a reliable partner offering the relevant insurance policies to its customers at: http://www.luex.com/info/insurances.html.

10. Liability, responsibility

LUEX depends on the information provided to it by the Service providers with respect to the details of the travel-related goods and services. LUEX has only extremely limited opportunities to check such information with respect to their accuracy and completeness. Consequently, LUEX is unable to provide any guarantees or assurances with respect to the completeness, accuracy or currency of such information. The same applies for any other information made available by third parties.

LUEX is not liable for the availability of the travel-related product or service at the time of booking or for the performance of the booked travel-related product or service by the Service provider.

Within the scope of its performance obligations, LUEX is only liable for any losses that may result in the following cases, irrespective of legal grounds: The statutory regulations shall apply with the following restriction: Liability or minor negligence on the part of LUEX or its vicarious agents is excluded, provided that neither an essential contractual obligation was breached nor is there a case of initial incapacity, impossibility or default on the part of LUEX. Otherwise liability is limited to the value of the travel-related products and services booked, in any case however to predictable and typical losses. The exclusions of liability or facilitation shall apply in the same manner to the executive bodies of LUEX, as well as to their vicarious agents.

Travellers and Group leaders shall be liable to LUEX for each and every reservation/booking that is made in bad faith or with deceitful intent or with erroneous or incomplete personal data. The opportunity to book travel-related goods and services may only be utilised in order to make legal bookings as a Traveller or as a Group leader for a third party. At the same time, in utilising the offerings the Group leader guarantees that they are authorised and are permitted to act in the name of fellow travellers. In the event that there is a breach of these guarantee, the Group leader is liable without limitation to LUEX and their respective Service providers for the losses resulting from the aforesaid person’s actions.

In many countries there are safety standards that differ from those generally found in Europe, Australia or the USA. Travelers/Group leaders are strongly encouraged, also in their own interest, to access information once again immediately before commencing travel in accessible sources, such as the internet pages of the Foreign Office, with respect to changes in the travel regulations and safety warnings for the country of destination.

11. Final provisions

Should business terms and conditions or parts of the agreement be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining parts of the agreements shall not be affected.

Amendments or additions to all agreements, including a divergence from these general terms and conditions, are only possible in text form (written, by fax or e-mail). Oral agreements require written confirmation to be valid.

All communication between LUEX and a Traveller/Group leader is to be undertaken by e-mail if possible. The Traveller/Group leader therefore promises to receive and read e-mails and implement the information/instructions from LUEX accordingly. LUEX must be informed immediately of changes in contact details.

All contractual relations between LUEX, its customers and Service providers are subject exclusively to German law - with the exception of the UN Contract for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) convention. Köln shall be the mutually agreed place of jurisdiction for non-German Travellers.