Terms and Conditions

LAST UPDATED • 14 FEBRUARY 2024

Introduction & Contents

The terms “we” and “our” refer to Bhutan Travel Guru, a tour operator registered with the Royal Government of Bhutan (registration number 1036403), which offers trips in Bhutan. Please review the terms and conditions carefully prior to booking your trips. By booking your trip with us, you automatically agree to all of the terms and conditions.

Prices & Surcharge

Our prices are shown in US dollars. These prices can be converted from US dollars based on the latest exchange rate and be paid in JPY, EUR and GBP. We charge a single supplement to individual travellers who wish to stay in private rooms throughout a trip.

Deposits & Final Payment

At time of booking a deposit of 30% of tour cost is due from each client to Bhutan Travel Guru. The balance payment is to be made 45 days prior arrival. If the booking is made in less than 45 days prior to arrival, full payment is due at the time of booking. Bhutan Travel Guru designated tours combined with other products (like luxury hotels) may require a higher deposit at the time of booking, which will be advised prior to the confirmation of such booking.

Young Travelers

Travelers who are under the age of 18 years old (minor) on the departure date must be accompanied by elders or guardians throughout the trip. Each adult on a booking with any minor client is jointly and severally responsible for the behavior and wellbeing of all minor client(s) on such booking, and expressly accepts these terms on their behalf, including all assumptions of risk and limitations of liability contained herein.

Airfare

Tour prices do not include international airfare or domestic airfare unless explicitly mentioned in the inclusions. When we arrange flights for you, we act only as a sales agent for the particular airline and you will be governed by their terms and conditions. Bhutan Travel Guru is not responsible for changes in airfare, itineraries or flight times.

Travel documents

The client must be in possession of a passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of departure from Bhutan. While Bhutan visa and permits will be taken care by Bhutan Travel Guru, you are entirely responsible for securing visas and permits for other countries that you may require to travel before or after Bhutan. We are not liable for any expenses or costs arising from any client being prohibited from entering any countries due to the direct result of the client’s failure to secure proper travel documentation.

Gratuities

Gratuities for your tour guide, driver and trekking crew are not included in the trip cost and are discretionary.

External Services

For services outside the scope of Bhutan Travel Guru, we may recommend the services of external companies in response to requests made by the clients. We do not guarantee the services provided by third parties, although we endeavor to recommend only companies that provide the highest levels of service. Bhutan Travel Guru is not responsible for any injury, expenses or costs arising from any inadequate services provided by any third party.

Changes by the Company

Bhutan Travel Guru reserves the right to make reasonable changes in the itinerary of any trip in an unexpected event or unavoidable circumstances that crucially affects smooth running of the planned trip. Bhutan Travel Guru will inform the affected client(s) as soon as reasonably possible, provided that there is sufficient time before departure.

Changes by the Client

The client(s) must confirm any changes to the original booking in writing. Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, their availability cannot be guaranteed. Should there be any cost or expenses arising from changes, it must be borne by the client(s).

Cancellation Policy

A client may cancel their booking by making written notice to Bhutan Travel Guru or agent, where applicable. Since there are expenses in cancelling your travel arrangements, we will apply the following cancellation charges. The applicable cancellation fees shall be determined based on the date on which request for cancellation is received.

45 days & more – 100% Refund of trip cost
30-44 days – 80% Refund of trip cost
20-29 days – 50% Refund of trip cost
15-19 days – 30% Refund of trip cost
0-14 days – 100% Cancellation fee

The client agrees to bear any bank charges or fees incurred while transferring the refund amounts.

Each luxury hotel and airline has their own cancellation policy different from Bhutan Travel Guru. Please check with us if you have any questions on particular hotel/airline and their refund policy.

Public Holidays

During local or national holidays or special events, and during religious occasions, certain facilities such as museums, restaurants, hotels, and shopping may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered whenever possible. Bhutan Travel Guru cannot be held liable for any closures, necessary itinerary changes or curtails for any reason.

Limitation of Liability

During your participation in our trips, certain risks may arise beyond our control, including but not limited to: the dangers of traveling in undeveloped areas, travel by automobile, aircraft, or riding on horse; forces of nature, political unrest; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. While measures for safety and comfort will be taken, we are not responsible for such risks and dangers that may arise beyond our control.

Insurance

The client agrees that the cost of the tour does not include any insurance coverage, and that the client is required to obtain separate coverage from the home country before departure. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise from loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience arising due to unexpected circumstances. It is strongly recommended that coverage include an emergency helicopter airlift out from a remote region if the client is participating in high altitude trek.