Health, Safety & Adventure Travel Information

Our Tours are not designed to be completely risk-free holidays.

Depending on the itinerary, you may experience:

Long periods of walking

Hiking and trekking

Uneven or rocky ground

Steep paths

Steps and inclines

Mountain terrain

High or changing altitudes

Long road journeys

Winding mountain roads

Variable weather conditions

Heat and strong sunlight

Cold temperatures

Remote locations

Limited access to medical facilities

Changes to plans due to weather or local conditions

Basic facilities in some remote areas

Dust, pollution or poor air quality

Crossing streams or other natural terrain where applicable

Some activities may be physically demanding.

You should therefore consider whether the Tour you are booking is appropriate for your fitness level, health and personal circumstances.

If you are unsure, please contact us before booking so that we can explain the expected conditions for your itinerary.

Walking is an important part of many Alis Journeys experiences.

Depending on the Tour, walking may include:

City walking

Village walks

Historic site visits

Nature walks

Mountain trails

Hiking

Trekking

Walking on uneven terrain

Walking at altitude Walking distances and difficulty will vary between Tours.

Some routes may involve:

Steep uphill or downhill sections

Uneven surfaces

Loose stones

Rocks

Mud

Narrow paths

Steps

Natural obstacles

Limited handrails or barriers

Exposure to sunlight

Changing weather conditions You should wear appropriate footwear and clothing and follow the instructions of your guide.

Do not attempt a route or activity that you believe is beyond your physical ability.

Our guides may change, shorten or stop a walking activity where weather, terrain, safety or other circumstances make continuing inappropriate.

Certain Alis Journeys Tours may involve more strenuous hiking or trekking.

These activities may require a higher level of fitness and preparation.

Before participating, you should consider whether you are comfortable with:

Extended periods of walking

Steep climbs

Descents

Uneven terrain

Carrying a daypack

Walking in changing weather

Reduced oxygen levels at altitude

Remote environments

Longer periods without access to medical facilities Where a Tour includes a particularly demanding hike or trek, we will provide additional information about the expected difficulty and requirements before you travel.

Pakistan contains some of the world's most spectacular mountain landscapes.

These environments can also be unpredictable and challenging.

Mountain areas may involve:

Steep slopes

Rockfalls

Landslides

Loose surfaces

Narrow roads

Rapid weather changes

Snow or ice

Extreme temperatures

Limited communications

Limited medical facilities

Long distances from emergency services Roads and trails may be affected by landslides, flooding, snowfall or other natural events. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) specifically notes that roads in mountainous areas can be of poor quality and that landslides can block or destroy roads.

For these reasons, itineraries in mountainous areas may sometimes need to change at short notice.

Some Alis Journeys Tours may travel to high-altitude areas, particularly in northern Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

More serious altitude-related illness can occur.

The FCDO identifies altitude sickness as a potential risk in parts of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan.

If you develop symptoms that concern you, you should immediately inform your guide or our local team.

Depending on the circumstances, we may recommend reducing activity, descending to a lower altitude or seeking medical assistance.

If you have a medical condition, are taking medication, are pregnant or have previously experienced altitude-related problems, you should obtain appropriate medical advice before travelling.

Pakistan experiences a wide range of weather conditions.

Depending on the location and time of year, you may encounter:

Extreme heat

Cold temperatures

Heavy rain

Snow

Strong winds

Flooding

Landslides

Dust storms

Poor visibility

Extreme sunlight Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly in mountainous regions.

During periods of heavy rain or monsoon weather, flooding and landslides can affect roads and infrastructure.

For your safety, we may change an itinerary, delay a journey or replace an activity when conditions make the original plan unsuitable.

Road travel is an important part of many journeys in Pakistan.

Travel times may be considerably longer than you are accustomed to.

Road conditions can vary significantly, particularly outside major cities.

The FCDO advises that road conditions outside major motorways can be poor and that driving standards can be unpredictable. It also highlights particular risks on mountainous routes.

We use experienced local transport providers and drivers appropriate to the itinerary.

You must remain seated while the vehicle is moving and follow reasonable instructions from the driver or guide.

Seat belts should be worn whenever available.

Medical facilities vary considerably across Pakistan.

In major cities, private hospitals and medical facilities may be available, while access to healthcare can be significantly more limited in rural, remote and mountainous areas.

Emergency response times can also be longer in remote areas.

For this reason, comprehensive travel insurance with appropriate medical and emergency evacuation cover is strongly recommended.

If you become unwell or injured during a Tour, inform your guide or Alis Journeys representative as soon as possible.

Where appropriate, we will assist you in accessing local medical services.

Our team will make reasonable efforts to respond appropriately to emergencies affecting our customers.

Depending on the situation, this may include:

Contacting local emergency services

Contacting medical facilities

Arranging transport to medical care

Contacting your emergency contact

Assisting with communication

Coordinating with your travel insurer

Modifying or suspending an activity

Changing the itinerary

Arranging alternative transportation where reasonably possible In Pakistan, the emergency number for ambulance and other emergency services is 1122, although response times can vary, particularly in remote areas.

Our guides will provide appropriate instructions during an emergency.

You should always follow instructions from guides, emergency services and local authorities.

We strongly recommend that every traveller purchases comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.

Your insurance should ideally include:

Emergency medical treatment

Emergency medical evacuation

Repatriation

Cancellation

Curtailment

Lost or delayed baggage

Personal liability

Adventure activities included in your Tour

Hiking and trekking

High-altitude activities where applicable Please read your policy carefully.

A standard travel insurance policy may not automatically cover trekking, high-altitude travel or other adventure activities.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance provides adequate cover for your specific Tour.

You do not need to be an elite athlete to enjoy an Alis Journeys Tour.

However, you should have a reasonable level of fitness appropriate to the Tour you have booked.

Before booking, consider:

How far you can comfortably walk

Whether you are comfortable walking uphill

Whether you can manage stairs

Whether you are comfortable walking on uneven ground

Whether you can cope with longer journeys

Whether you are comfortable with changing weather conditions

Whether you have previously travelled at altitude, where relevant If you have concerns about your ability to participate, contact us before booking.

We would rather discuss your requirements in advance than have you struggle during your journey.

If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to travel or participate safely, you should seek appropriate medical advice before travelling.

You should also consider any medication you require and ensure that you have sufficient supplies for the duration of your trip.

Do not stop or change prescribed medication because of travel without appropriate medical advice.

Please tell us about any significant allergies or dietary requirements before your Tour.

We will make reasonable efforts to communicate relevant requirements to accommodation providers, restaurants and other suppliers.

However, food preparation environments can vary and we cannot guarantee that every facility will be completely free from traces of allergens.

If you have a severe or life-threatening allergy, please discuss your requirements with us before booking and carry any medication or emergency treatment prescribed to you.

Parts of Pakistan can become extremely hot, particularly during the summer months.

Long periods of walking or travelling in hot weather can increase the risk of:

Dehydration

Heat exhaustion

Heatstroke

Sunburn

Fatigue We recommend that you:

Drink sufficient water

Carry water during walks

Use sun protection

Wear suitable clothing

Wear a hat where appropriate

Take breaks

Follow your guide's instructions

Inform your guide if you begin to feel unwell

Mountain destinations can become very cold, particularly at night and during winter.

Depending on the itinerary and season, snow and ice may also be present.

You should bring suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions expected during your Tour.

Where conditions become unsafe, we may modify or cancel an activity.

Some itineraries may involve visiting or walking near rivers, streams, lakes or other bodies of water.

Water levels can change quickly, particularly after rainfall or snowmelt.

You must follow instructions from your guide and should never enter fast-moving or visibly unsafe water.

Where crossing water is necessary, the guide will determine whether the crossing is appropriate based on current conditions.

Pakistan has a diverse range of wildlife and insects.

Depending on the destination, you may encounter:

Insects

Stray or working animals

Livestock

Dogs

Other wildlife Do not approach, feed, touch or attempt to handle wild animals or unfamiliar animals.

Follow your guide's instructions if wildlife is encountered.

Some of our Tours intentionally visit places away from major cities.

Remote travel can mean:

Limited mobile-phone coverage

Limited internet access

Fewer medical facilities

Longer emergency response times

Basic accommodation

Limited road access

Fewer shops and services

Longer travel times These are part of the nature of travelling beyond the main tourist centres of Pakistan.

We will provide appropriate information about significant limitations before or during the Tour.

Pakistan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Customers are expected to respect local customs, religious practices and communities.

Depending on the destination, this may include:

Dressing appropriately

Respecting places of worship

Asking permission before photographing people

Respecting local privacy

Following local rules

Avoiding inappropriate behaviour

Following the guidance of local guides We encourage our customers to travel respectfully and responsibly.

We encourage you to capture memories during your journey.

However, please be respectful when photographing:

Local people

Children

Religious sites

Government buildings

Security personnel

Military installations

Police or checkpoints Always follow your guide's instructions regarding photography.

Some locations may have restrictions on photography.

You may encounter security checkpoints during your journey.

Follow instructions from security personnel and your guide.

Do not photograph military installations, security facilities, checkpoints or other restricted locations unless you have been expressly permitted to do so.

Where permits or permissions are required for an Alis Journeys itinerary, we will make reasonable efforts to arrange them where this is our responsibility.

Our guides and trip leaders are there to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

You must follow reasonable safety instructions given by your guide or Alis Journeys representative.

This may include instructions to:

Stay with the group

Remain on a designated route

Stop or turn back during a hike

Change vehicles

Change accommodation

Avoid a particular location

Remain indoors

Change the day's itinerary If you choose to ignore reasonable safety instructions, you may increase the risk to yourself and others.

We may stop, shorten, postpone or replace an activity if we reasonably believe that continuing would create an unacceptable or disproportionate risk.

Examples include:

Severe weather

Unsafe trail conditions

Landslide risk

Dangerous river conditions

Extreme heat

Heavy snowfall

Security concerns

Serious illness or injury

Group members being unable to continue safely

Instructions from local authorities Where possible, we will provide an alternative.

Depending on your Tour, we recommend bringing:

Essential

Comfortable walking shoes

Suitable outdoor clothing

Sun protection

Reusable water bottle

Personal medication

Basic personal first-aid supplies

Travel insurance details

Passport and travel documents

For Hiking / Trekking Tours You may also need:

Hiking boots

Waterproof jacket

Warm layers

Gloves

Hat

Headtorch

Backpack/daypack

Walking poles where appropriate

High-SPF sunscreen

Sunglasses

Personal medication

Appropriate altitude equipment where recommended Your specific packing requirements will be communicated for your Tour.

Some Tours may not be suitable for young children because of:

Long walking distances

Hiking

Mountain roads

Altitude

Remote locations

Long travel times

Adventure activities If you are travelling with children, please discuss the itinerary with us before booking.

Parents or guardians remain responsible for supervising children throughout the Tour unless otherwise expressly agreed.

We want as many people as possible to experience Pakistan with us.

However, some destinations and activities may have limited accessibility infrastructure.

If you have mobility, sensory, medical or other accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking.

We will discuss the itinerary with you and explain any known limitations so that you can make an informed decision.

For everyone's safety and enjoyment, we ask that you:

Follow your guide's instructions

Stay with the group where instructed

Wear suitable clothing and footwear

Take responsibility for your own hydration and personal belongings

Tell us promptly if you feel unwell

Tell us if you are struggling physically

Respect local communities

Respect other travellers

Follow local laws

Do not take unnecessary risks

Do not participate in activities you are not comfortable with There is no shame in telling your guide that you need a break or cannot continue.

Your safety is more important than completing an itinerary exactly as planned.

At Alis Journeys, we take the safety and wellbeing of our customers seriously.

We aim to:

Use appropriate and reputable local suppliers

Work with experienced guides and drivers

Consider weather and local conditions

Monitor relevant security information

Make reasonable adjustments when conditions change

Communicate significant risks to customers

Encourage responsible participation

Prioritise safety when making on-the-ground decisions Adventure travel requires judgement and flexibility.

We will always aim to balance the planned experience with the conditions we encounter on the ground.

Travel always carries some degree of risk.

This is particularly true when travelling in mountainous, remote or developing environments and when participating in walking, hiking or other outdoor activities.

By choosing an Alis Journeys adventure, you acknowledge that some risks are inherent to the nature of the experience.

However, this does not mean that Alis Journeys accepts no responsibility for your safety.

We will fulfil our responsibilities in accordance with our Terms & Conditions and applicable law.

Nothing in this document excludes or limits any liability or consumer right that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

We strongly recommend that you:

1. Obtain comprehensive travel insurance.

2. Check the health requirements for your destination.

3. Speak to a medical professional if you have relevant health concerns.

4. Check your passport and visa requirements.

5. Read your complete itinerary carefully.

6. Make sure you understand the physical requirements of your Tour.

7. Tell us about any important accessibility, dietary or medical requirements before departure.

If you experience an emergency during your Tour, contact your Alis Journeys guide or designated emergency contact immediately.

Alis Journeys Email: info@alisjourneys.com Telephone / WhatsApp: +44 7761 835499 Pakistan Emergency Services Rescue / Ambulance / Fire: 1122 Police: 15 Emergency response times can vary significantly depending on your location.

This Health & Safety information is intended to help customers understand the general nature of our Tours and the risks that may be associated with travel in Pakistan.

It does not replace:

professional medical advice;

travel insurance;

official government travel advice;

specific safety instructions provided for your Tour; or

the terms of your booking.

Risk information can change as conditions change.

Travel Responsibly. Explore Boldly. Stay Safe.

Pakistan is an extraordinary country with incredible landscapes, mountains, cultures, communities and experiences.

Some of the most rewarding experiences require stepping outside your comfort zone.

Our role is to help you do that responsibly, safely and with the right preparation.

Alis Journeys Where Journeys Become Stories.