Bengaluru: Planning a monsoon trek to the mist-covered hills in Karnataka’s Western Ghats? You can now plan your adventures much earlier, with the forest department extending the advance booking window for trekking slots from 15 days to 30 days.The revised rules, however, come with a catch. Trekkers cancelling their bookings will now receive only a 50% refund, unlike the earlier provision of a full refund for cancellations made at least seven days in advance. Besides, trekkers must carry the original hard copy of their identity documents used while making the online booking.The changes assume significance during the monsoon season, when trekking destinations across the Western Ghats and other parts of Karnataka witness a surge in demand, particularly from Bengaluru’s adventure enthusiasts. With weekend slots at popular trekking destinations often in high demand, the 30-day advance booking window will allow trekkers to secure their slots and plan their travel well ahead of time. The new rules are expected to crack down on the monopoly of private trekking firms, homestays and resorts in booking slots.“The 15-day advance booking window was too short for many trekkers, particularly those who needed to plan their leave or adjust work shifts. Extending it to 30 days will give them sufficient time to make necessary arrangements at work and plan their treks accordingly,” explained a senior forest department official.However, the revised cancellation policy could make trekkers think twice before booking their slots well in advance. Earlier, those cancelling their bookings at least seven days before the trekking date were eligible for a 100% refund. Under the new rules, cancellations made up to seven days before the trek will fetch only a 50% refund. Those cancelling within seven days of the trekking date will not receive any refund, officials said. All bookings and payment shall be made on www.aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in, according to the officials.“Earlier, some agents were exploiting the 100% refund provision by booking tickets in bulk well in advance and blocking available slots. These slots were later offered to last-minute visitors at exorbitant prices. To curb this practice, we have done away with the full-refund provision. We have also decided that once a ticket is cancelled, the vacated slot will not be reopened for fresh bookings,” the official explained.
