These conditions apply to every expedition booked with Odzer Snow Leopard Expeditions, Leh, Ladakh, India ("Odzer", "we", "us"). Please read them before you pay a deposit. By booking, you accept them on behalf of everyone in your party.

1. Your booking

Your place is confirmed when we receive your deposit and send you written confirmation. We then open your Guest Area, where you can download the e-book of LADAKH: Snow Leopard Capital of the World and your pre-departure information.

2. Prices and payment

  • A deposit of 30% of the expedition price confirms your place.
  • The balance is due 90 days before departure. If you book within 90 days of departure, the full price is due at booking.
  • We accept bank transfer and major cards. International guests pay in US dollars; Indian guests may pay in rupees. Bank and card charges are paid by the guest.
  • Prices include the items listed on each expedition page under "What's included".

3. If you cancel

Please tell us in writing, by email to info@odzerexpeditions.com. Charges are based on the date we receive your notice:

  • 90 days or more before departure: your deposit is forfeited, or it can be moved once to another date.
  • Between 90 and 60 days: 50% of the total price.
  • Less than 60 days: 100% of the total price.

We strongly recommend insurance that covers cancellation.

4. If we change or cancel

Every departure runs with four or more guests. If a departure cannot run, you may move to another date or receive a full refund of what you have paid us. Mountain travel can change at short notice because of weather, road closures, flight cancellations or official restrictions. If we have to change your itinerary for these reasons, we will do our best to keep its purpose, and your safety will always come first. We are not responsible for costs outside our control, such as international flights, so please book flexible tickets where you can.

5. The Snow Leopard Promise

If you do not see a snow leopard on your Warden's Expedition, you may join a future Warden's Expedition within two years as our guest. You pay only for your flights. The Promise applies when you have completed at least four full field days. Days lost to flight cancellations or road closures are not counted. Places are offered subject to availability. The Promise is personal and cannot be exchanged for money or transferred.

6. Our Code

Every guest agrees to the Odzer Snow Leopard Viewing Code when booking. In the field, the expedition leader's decision on distance, timing and safety is final. We may ask a guest who seriously or repeatedly breaks the Code, or endangers others, to leave the expedition, without refund.

7. Health, fitness and altitude

Our expeditions take place at 3,500–4,300 metres in severe winter cold. Every guest completes a medical questionnaire before travel, and guests over 70, or with a heart or lung condition, should consult a doctor first. Please tell us about any condition that could affect your safety. Our leaders may change your activities, or arrange your descent, if they believe your health is at risk.

8. Insurance, visas and permits

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. It must cover travel at high altitude, helicopter evacuation and medical repatriation. You are responsible for your passport and Indian visa. We arrange the Protected Area Permits needed in Ladakh. Satellite phones and GPS messengers must not be brought into India without a licence.

9. Souvenirs and gifts

At the end of a Warden's Expedition, guests receive a signed copy of LADAKH: Snow Leopard Capital of the World and a gift hamper made by the village communities we work with. The e-book in your Guest Area is for your personal use only and may not be shared or copied.

10. Photographs

We may take photographs during the expedition. We will only publish images in which you can be recognised with your permission.

11. Our responsibility

We take great care in choosing the people and places you travel with. We are responsible for providing the services we have promised with reasonable skill and care. We are not responsible for events beyond our reasonable control, or for losses caused by your own actions or failure to follow the instructions of your leader.

12. Complaints and law

If something is not right during your expedition, please tell your leader at once so it can be put right. If you are still unhappy, write to us within 28 days of your return. These conditions are governed by the laws of India, and the courts of Leh, Ladakh, have jurisdiction.

Questions about these conditions: info@odzerexpeditions.com