FAQ
Questions we get most often.
Booking, deposits, altitude, permits, insurance, group sizes. If yours isn’t here, WhatsApp us.
How does the deposit work?
Most journeys book with a 20–25% deposit. The balance is due 45–60 days before departure (60 for expeditions with permit fees). We’ll send a payment link and a reminder. Payment is via Stripe (card) in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD or CAD.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is tiered by days-before-departure. Roughly: 60+ days out, full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days out, 50% refund. Under 30 days, 0% refundable — travel insurance is your friend. Exact terms are in the Booking Conditions page and confirmed on the quote.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, and for any journey involving trekking above 3,000 m your policy must explicitly cover trekking to that altitude plus helicopter evacuation. World Nomads, SafetyWing and Battleface all offer suitable cover — check the exclusion list carefully. We do not sell insurance ourselves.
How does altitude sickness get handled?
Every trek above 4,000 m carries an oximeter with twice-daily readings, a portable altitude chamber (Gamow bag) on treks above 4,500 m, and bottled oxygen on expeditions. Our leaders are trained in AMS/HAPE/HACE recognition. We build in acclimatisation days by default; you can add extra ones on request.
Which permits do you handle?
Most of them. NoC for Gilgit-Baltistan, Central Karakoram National Park, Inner Line for Ladakh, and Wakhan Corridor access — all handled by us on your behalf. You provide passport scan four weeks before departure. Pakistan tourist visa, Indian tourist visa and Tajik visa are your responsibility; we send a letter of invitation on request.
What currencies can I pay in?
We charge in USD by default via Stripe. Stripe also lets you pay in EUR, GBP, AUD and CAD — the conversion happens at Stripe’s spot rate at checkout time. All prices displayed on the site are in USD unless you switch the currency chip in the header (V2).
What’s the group size?
Small. Minimum 4 travelers, maximum 12. On technical expeditions we cap at 10; on cultural/homestay journeys we can go to 14 if a private group asks.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, on cultural and homestay journeys with a recommended minimum age of 8. Treks and expeditions have per-journey minimum ages listed on the detail page. Private family departures are always possible — talk to us.
Do you run trips just for women? For solo travelers?
Women-only departures on selected journeys twice a year, led by our Ladakhi and Chitrali women guides. Solo travelers welcome on any journey — twin-share is the default, with a single-supplement option; roommate matching for solos comes in V2.
How do I reach a real human?
Email hello@wanderingyaks.com, WhatsApp us via the button in the header, or use the enquiry form on Plan Your Trip. Meherban (Karakoram) and Dolma (Himalaya) answer most enquiries within a day.
Still stuck? Email us — we usually reply within a day.
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