PAYMENT POLICY

For most Trans Bhutan Trail journeys, a deposit of USD 500 per person is required to confirm your booking. Final payment will usually then be due 60 days prior to your arrival in Bhutan. For some programs, including but not limited to those involving luxury or 5-star hotels or travel around major festivals in Bhutan, a greater deposit and/or an earlier final payment may be required. Where this is a necessary, your tour consultant will confirm the amounts and dates with you at the time of making your booking.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be made in writing to Trans Bhutan Trail. Our standard cancellation and refund policy is as follows: 

Cancellations received 45 days or more before departure: a full refund of your tour cost will be made

Cancellations received 44-30 days before departure: a 50% refund of your tour cost will be made

Cancellations received less than 30 days before departure: no refund will be made

For some programs, including but not limited to those involving luxury or 5-star hotels or travel around major festivals in Bhutan, cancellation and refund terms may differ from the above. Where this is the case, your tour consultant will confirm the exact conditions with you at the time of making your booking.

Cancellations on account of covered medical conditions or bereavement may be eligible for refund if Trans Bhutan Trail Cancellation Protection is purchased at the time of registration. Appropriate documentation must be submitted to Trans Bhutan Trail in support of any such refund request.

No refunds, neither full nor partial, will be made after the journey has begun. No refunds will be made for passengers who voluntarily withdraw during the journey. 

FLIGHTS

Flights supplied by Trans Bhutan Trail, whether domestic or international, will usually need to be paid in full shortly after the time of booking. Your travel consultant will confirm the exact amounts and deadlines with you at the time of making bookings with the airline. As soon as your flight payment is received and tickets are issued, cancellation either of flights or your whole package will incur a penalty of 10% of the flight cost. From 44 days prior to departure onwards, our standard cancellation terms above will apply equally to flight payments.

CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY

Trans Bhutan Trail reserves the right to alter the itinerary, location, dates, accommodation, or transportation of any scheduled journey in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Alternatives of equal value and quality will be provided and we would endeavour to minimize the changes.

Trans Bhutan Trail reserves the right to withdraw a trip due to insufficient enrolment or unforeseen circumstances, such as public health risks or political unrest. 

TRAVEL PORTION

Travel services, including all air travel, accommodations, transfers, and excursions, are arranged by Trans Bhutan Trail, TICO registration # 50025648. The travel portion of your fees is protected by The Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund in case of default.

Flight changes may be permitted depending on the airline being used for your journey, should you book airfare through Trans Bhutan Trail. Airline change fees and/or additional airfare may be applicable. You will be informed of costs prior to any changes made.

 

DOCUMENTS, VISA REQUIREMENTS, AND VACCINATIONS

All individuals require a valid passport for our trips. Travellers must make sure that their passport is up-to-date and valid for at least six months after their expected return date. All non-Bhutanese citizens require a pre-arranged visa to enter Bhutan, regardless of nationality. Trans Bhutan Trail will assist in arranging your visa as part of your package as soon as your itinerary has been finalized and final payment has been received. Please be aware that visas can take between two to three weeks to be issued and, for that reason, last-minute trips to Bhutan should be carefully considered. If you wish to travel to Bhutan in less than one month, please contact us to discuss your options. It is the responsibility of each individual traveller to ensure that they are in possession of a visa for Bhutan, as well as any visa required to transit through or visit any other country en route to Bhutan, before leaving their home country. Trans Bhutan Trail cannot be held responsible for losses incurred by travellers who depart their home country without the relevant documents. 

There are no requirements for proof of any particular travel vaccination status in order to enter Bhutan. However, we strongly recommend you consult your doctor for general advice on travel vaccinations and travel health prior to travelling to Bhutan or any other overseas country. For the latest COVID vaccination entry requirements, please contact us.  

 

LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Trans Bhutan Trail will accept no responsibility for any travel arrangements or recreational activities that are not related to the trip or the housing portion. Travellers who choose to participate in Trans Bhutan Trail trips understand that there are certain elements of risk associated with travel including but not limited to environmental hazards, forces of nature, and personal injury. Trans Bhutan Trail, its agents and/or suppliers of services, act only as agents for the traveller and accept no responsibility for the services of any aircraft, vessel, train, motorcoach, or any other conveyance used in connection with these trips, nor for any delay, loss or accident to travellers or baggage occasioned by such services from whatsoever cause. In the event that it becomes necessary for the comfort and/or well-being of the passenger, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operator. The right is reserved to cancel any journey and to decline to accept any person as a member of the program at any time. Any IATA or ATC member carrier may be used for the programs. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The passenger ticket in use by the airline, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchasers of those tickets and/or passengers.

 

DISCOUNTS

Discounts cannot be combined. This includes all discounts, or special offers. Seasonal discounts may be released periodically, and can only be applied between the dates advertised.

 

DEPARTURE TAXES & OTHER SURCHARGES

Trans Bhutan Trail reserves the right to pass on to you additional charges when, for reasons beyond our control, it becomes necessary to do so. Additional charges may include but are not limited to airport taxes, fuel surcharges, departure taxes, new or changed visa costs, increases or changes in the Bhutanese Sustainable Development Fee or other government levies, and inflation in ground transportation, accommodation, or other activity costs.

CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS

Whilst Trans Bhutan Trail does everything possible to minimize risks arising from currency, additional charges may apply if there is a material change in exchange rate between the time of booking and your departure date.