Safarnama

Community Rules & Guidelines

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Safarnama is built on trust. These guidelines ensure every trip is safe, enjoyable, and respectful for everyone involved — travelers, organizers, local communities, and the environment.

For Travelers

Age & Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years old to book a trip independently. Minors (under 18) may travel only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who books and attends the trip.
  • For adventure trips (high-altitude trekking, white-water rafting, rock climbing), you must be physically fit and free from conditions that could put you or others at risk. Check the trip's specific age and fitness requirements before booking.
  • Some destinations require Indian citizenship or a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP). Ensure you hold the required permits before booking trips to restricted areas such as Ladakh's Nubra Valley, Spiti, or Northeast India.

Documents to Carry

  • Carry at least one valid government-issued photo ID at all times: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.
  • For trips to Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Northeast India, carry multiple copies of your ID and the relevant ILP or Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
  • Foreign nationals must carry their Passport and valid Indian Visa.
  • The organizer is entitled to verify your ID before the trip begins. Failure to produce valid ID may result in denial of participation without a refund.

Conduct During the Trip

  • Treat your fellow travelers, trip organizer, guides, and local communities with respect. Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated.
  • Follow all instructions given by the trip organizer, lead guide, and local authorities. During adventure activities, safety instructions are non-negotiable.
  • Avoid consuming excessive alcohol during the trip. Drunkenness that puts you or others at risk may result in removal from the trip without a refund.
  • Illegal substances are strictly prohibited on all trips.
  • Maintain personal hygiene and keep shared accommodation clean and tidy.
  • Do not cause damage to any property, vehicle, accommodation, or natural environment.
  • Noise should be kept to a minimum during night hours, especially in shared accommodations and local villages.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Follow "Leave No Trace" principles — carry your waste back or deposit it at designated points. Never litter on trails, at campsites, or near water bodies.
  • Do not pick flowers, disturb wildlife, or remove any natural objects from protected areas, forests, or beaches.
  • Respect plastic-free zones. Many popular trekking areas in India ban single-use plastic — carry a reusable water bottle.
  • Do not build open fires unless explicitly permitted and in designated areas. Forest fires are a serious hazard.

Photography & Social Media

  • Always obtain consent before photographing or filming fellow travelers, especially for content you intend to post publicly.
  • Photography at military installations, border areas, and certain government buildings is prohibited by Indian law.
  • Respect local cultural sensitivities — always ask before photographing in places of worship, rural communities, or tribal areas.
  • Do not post photos or videos that violate the privacy of other travelers without their consent.

Travel Insurance

  • Safarnama strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before every trip. Insurance should cover medical emergencies (including evacuation from remote areas), personal accident, trip cancellation, and loss of baggage.
  • For high-altitude trips (above 3,500 metres) such as Ladakh, Spiti Valley, or Himalayan treks, ensure your policy specifically covers altitude sickness and emergency evacuation.
  • Safarnama and organizers are not responsible for medical or evacuation costs in the absence of insurance.

For Trip Organizers

Eligibility & Verification

  • You must be at least 21 years old and a resident of India to register as a trip organizer.
  • You must complete our KYC (Know Your Customer) process, providing valid government-issued ID, business registration documents (if applicable), PAN Card, and bank account details for payouts.
  • You must not have any prior history of fraud, financial crimes, or consumer complaints upheld against you in relation to travel services.
  • Only approved organizers may list trips on Safarnama. Listing trips before KYC approval is not permitted.

Accurate Trip Listings

  • All trip descriptions, itineraries, pricing, inclusions, and exclusions must be accurate, honest, and up-to-date.
  • Photos used in listings must be genuine representations of the trip — stock photos or images from other trips are not permitted unless clearly labelled as illustrative.
  • Any changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or inclusions after booking must be communicated to all booked travelers immediately and in writing through the Safarnama platform.
  • Pricing must include all mandatory charges. Hidden fees that are not disclosed at the time of booking are a violation of these guidelines.
  • Group size limits (minimum and maximum) must be set accurately. Over-booking beyond the stated maximum is not permitted.

Safety Standards

  • All vehicles used for transportation must have valid registration, fitness certificates, permits, and insurance under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
  • Drivers must hold a valid commercial driving licence appropriate for the vehicle class.
  • For adventure activities (trekking, rafting, zip-lining, etc.), certified and experienced guides must be present at all times. All necessary safety equipment must be provided.
  • You must conduct a pre-trip safety briefing for all participants before the activity begins.
  • Accommodation provided must meet basic hygiene, safety, and fire safety standards.
  • Maintain a first aid kit on all trips. For remote trips, carry a comprehensive wilderness first aid kit and have an emergency evacuation plan in place.
  • For trips to high-altitude areas, you must be trained to recognise and manage Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen are strongly recommended.

Communication with Travelers

  • Respond to traveler inquiries and messages within 24 hours.
  • Send a detailed pre-trip communication (packing list, meeting point, contact number, weather forecast) to all booked travelers at least 48 hours before the trip departure.
  • In case of any trip modification or emergency, communicate immediately through the Safarnama platform so all travelers are informed.
  • Do not attempt to move travelers to off-platform communication channels for the purpose of avoiding Safarnama fees or policies.

Cancellation Obligations

  • If you must cancel a trip, notify all booked travelers and Safarnama with as much advance notice as possible — at a minimum, 48 hours before the trip start.
  • All travelers on a cancelled trip will receive a full refund from escrow regardless of the cancellation policy.
  • Repeated cancellations will result in suspension of organizer privileges and investigation by the Safarnama team.
  • Cancellation for reasons within the organizer's control (insufficient bookings, logistical failures) that are not communicated in advance may result in penalties and negative rating impact.

Prohibited Organizer Conduct

  • Accepting payments outside of the Safarnama platform to circumvent escrow or platform fees.
  • Listing trips you do not have the rights, permits, or capacity to operate.
  • Discriminating against travelers on the basis of religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Sharing traveler personal information with any third party for purposes other than trip management.
  • Soliciting or manipulating traveler reviews.
  • Creating multiple organizer accounts to circumvent a suspension.

Reporting a Violation

If you witness or experience a violation of these guidelines — by a traveler, organizer, or any other party — please report it to us immediately:

  • Use the in-app support chat during an active trip
  • Email support@safarnama.in with your booking reference and a description of the incident

Safarnama takes all reports seriously. Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or permanent removal from the platform, and — where appropriate — referral to law enforcement.

Questions about these guidelines? Visit our FAQ or contact support.