Tail of the Monkey, July 2025

Safety is non-negotiable at Juniper Outdoor. Every trip is led by a certified wilderness first responder (WFR) or trained mountain guide, equipped to handle altitude sickness, minor injuries, and emergencies. We carry comprehensive first aid kits, pulse oximeters, and oxygen cylinders on all high-altitude expeditions. Our campsites are chosen for safe terrain and proximity to evacuation routes when needed. For more remote trips, we have satellite communication devices and access to rescue services. We limit group sizes to ensure individual attention and regularly conduct risk assessments during the journey. Additionally, we brief all participants on mountain hygiene, hydration, and acclimatization best practices. Your pre-departure pack will also include a checklist of safety essentials you should carry personally. Our ethos is simple: the mountain will always be there — we don’t take unnecessary risks. Your health and well-being come before any summit.

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Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.

Food is a big part of the Juniper experience. Whether you’re in a guesthouse, mountain lodge, or remote campsite, you’ll be served nutritious, locallynutritious,locally inspired meals designed to fuel your journey. On the trail, our kitchen team prepares hot breakfast (think porridge, eggs, paratha), packed or hot lunches, evening snacks, and hearty dinners (dal, rice, vegetables, pasta, or local dishes). We use clean water, fresh ingredients, and avoid oily or spicy food at altitude. Hot drinks like tea, coffee, and soups are always available. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets on request. If you have allergies or specific preferences, let us know in advance — we take dietary needs seriously. Meals are timed to your exertion, ensuring you’re energized for the climb and able to recover properly. Expect delicious mountain hospitality: soul food with a view.

Preparation depends on your trip’s difficulty, but as a rule, cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and leg strength are key. We recommend you start training at least 4–6 weeks in advance with regular walks, jogs, stair climbing, or hikes with a loaded backpack. Add some strength training for your core and lower body. Consistency matters more than intensity. For moderate or advanced treks, aerobic exercises like cycling, swimming, or running 3–4 times a week are ideal. If your trip involves altitude, building endurance over long, slow sessions will help simulate trail effort. You don’t need to be an athlete, but being well-prepared means you’ll enjoy the journey, not just survive it. We share Juniper Outdoor - training guidelines and sample routines in your pre-departure materials. If you’d like, our team can even create a personalized plan. Remember: the fitter you are, the freer you’ll feel in the mountains.

Absolutely— many of our travelers come solo and end up making lifelong friendships on the trail. You don’t need to assemble a group to book with Juniper. Each trip that’s tagged under “community trip or mentor led trip”has fixed departure dates where individuals, couples, or small groups can signup and join a larger group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. We limit group sizes to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience. If you’d prefer a private departure for your family or friends, we can customize the trip to your pace and interests. For solo travelers, we pair you in shared twin accommodation (or offer a single supplement if you’d prefer your own room/tent). Our trips attract thoughtful, adventurous people, and the community vibe is a big part of what makes a Juniper experience special. Whether you're flying solo or bringing your tribe, we’re excited to welcome you.

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Life happens — and we aim to be as fair and transparent as possible. If you need to cancel your trip, we request written notice as early as possible. Our standard policy:

• 90+ days before departure: 90% refund
• 60–89 days: 75% refund
• 30–59 days: 50% refund
• Less than 30 days: No refund (though we may offer a partial credit depending on the situation)

Refunds are processed to your original payment method, minus any non-recoverable costs like permits or third-party bookings. In case of trip cancellation due to weather, political unrest, or unforeseen force majeure events, we typically reschedule or offer full credit for future travel. We highly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation due to illness, emergencies, or flightdisruption. Please check individual trip pages, as custom trips or international expeditions may have slightly different policies. Our priority is to find a solution that works for both of us. If you have any additional questions, feel free to connect on our WhatsApp number shared in the contact section.