u/Due-Energy-5219

I am so angry right now. I just found out about a massive trap MakeMyTrip is using to steal your money when you book bus tickets.

A few weeks ago, I booked a bus trip for 6 people on MMT. Plans changed for two of them, so I went to the app to cancel just those 2 seats. Simple, right?

Nope. The app did not allow me to cancel them at all.

I called their customer support, and the agent told me something shocking. They said you cannot cancel the "primary passenger" seat. And get this: whichever seat you click first when choosing your layout automatically becomes the primary passenger. It is completely locked from cancellation.

Think about how stupid this is. If you book for a group of 6, and the person whose seat you clicked first cannot go, MMT forces you to cancel the entire booking. You either lose massive amounts of money in cancellation fees for everyone, or you just lose the money for that one seat.

I asked the support guy to show me where this is written in their Terms & Conditions, or where it warns you during the booking.

The agent literally told me: "Sir, we have not updated it in our T&C yet."

Let that sink in. They are charging people and blocking refunds based on a rule that does not even exist in their official terms. It is a textbook trick to keep your money.

I already emailed their grievance officer to demand a refund, and of course... total silence. No reply at all.

Has anyone else faced this scam with MMT bus bookings? I am going to tag the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) on Twitter because this is completely unfair and illegal.

TL;DR: If you book multiple bus seats on MMT, the first seat you click becomes an un-cancellable "primary passenger." They openly admit this rule isn't even in their own T&C.

Batch: Hampta Pass (1-5 June 2026)

Batch Size: 44 trekkers (solo travelers, families, and friend groups)

Pre-Trek Experience

The website mentioned pickup from Mall Road, Manali. However, the pickup location was later changed through the WhatsApp group to Hotel Himalayan Grand Aloe.
Pickup was scheduled for 9:30 AM, but the group finally left around 12:00 PM after waiting for other participants.
The trek briefing was conducted by Digvijay (Trek Manager), although he did not accompany the group. Trek leaders on the trail were Vishal and Rhythm.

During the briefing, trekkers were informed about:

•Group introduction session

•Sleeping bag usage guidance and few others.However, some of these activities never actually happened during the trek.

•Itinerary Change Due to Sheagoru Closure

Day 1: Manali → Jobra → Chika

Day 2: Chika → Balu Ka Ghera

Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass Summit → Chika (for summit group) or Balu Ka Ghera → Chika

Day 4: Chika → Jobra → Chatru

Day 5: Chatru → Chandratal → Manali

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Day 1: Manali → Jobra → Chika

The journey to Jobra was by Tempo Traveller. We stopped at a local dhaba for lunch where Rajma Chawal and Kadhi were served. Surprisingly, this turned out to be one of the better meals of the entire trip.
While having lunch, I casually asked one of the trek leaders, Vishal, about the food quality at the campsites. He confidently mentioned it would be even better than the dhaba food, but that wasn't the case.

After reaching Chika campsite:

•Basic stretching session was conducted.

•An acclimatization walk to a nearby waterfall was organized.

•Evening snacks were served.

•Tea quality was below average.

•Dinner was decent.

Concerns

The washrooms at Chika were poorly maintained. Some female trekkers in our group were uncomfortable using them. Nearby camps operated by other trekking companies had noticeably better pit toilet arrangements, including soil and tools for covering waste. We used their toilets.

Given that campsite toilets are always challenging in remote locations, similar basic management practices would have made a significant difference.

Day 2: Chika → Balu Ka Ghera

The trek itself was beautiful, but the campsite experience was disappointing.

It had rained before our arrival and several tents were not properly prepared for incoming trekkers.

Issues Observed

•Plastic wrappers and litter were found inside some tents.

•Previous groups appeared to have entered tents wearing shoes.

•Some sleeping bags were damp and had to be replaced after repeated requests.

•Campsite cleanliness was not checked before allotment.

While previous trekkers deserve some blame for leaving tents in poor condition, campsite management should ensure tents are cleaned and inspected before the next group arrives.

Accommodation

The campsite followed a triple-sharing tent arrangement.

Challenges included:

•Limited space for three trekkers plus luggage.

•Extra difficulty managing gear during rain.

•Requests for double-sharing tents were declined.

Food

Dinner included Baingan Bharta, which our group chose not to eat due to allergic condition.

Lunch and dinner throughout the trek were fairly basic and repetitive.

Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass Summit → Chika

Trekkers were given two options due to Sheagoru was not accessible because the section was covered with snow.

Option 1: Hampta Pass Summit and return to Chika on the same day.

Option 2: Descend directly without attempting the summit.

The summit group started early because they had to cover a much longer distance and return to Chika.

Pack Lunch was extremely basic, consisting mainly of no masala aloo sabzi and plain parathas. We preferred stopping at dhaba and purchasing Maggi for some variety. Maggi: ₹100 Tea/Coffee: ₹50

Dinner Management Issues

There was:

•No serving system

•No queue management

•People taking rotis directly from serving bowls

A simple serving process would have greatly improved the dining experience.

Day 4: Chika → Jobra → Chatru

Day 5: Chatru → Chandratal → Manali

Future Trekkers Should Know

•Tent floors are often uneven and may affect sleep quality.

•Triple-sharing tents can feel crowded.

•Washroom quality may vary significantly.

•Hot drinking water is limited and usually available on request.

•Carry snacks if you prefer food variety during the trek.

•Weather can make campsite conditions more challenging than expected.

What Himalayan Hikers Did Well

Despite the operational shortcomings, safety and trail support were handled well.

•Four guides accompanied the group.

•Slower trekkers were never left behind.

•The sweep guide remained with the last trekkers throughout the trek.

•The team ensured everyone reached camps safely.

MakeMyTrip’s "Primary Passenger" trick is a complete scam.

Hampta Pass Trek Review with Himalayan Hikers