Welcome to Noble Ways Tours & Travels. These Terms and Conditions govern your booking and use of our tourism services in Bhutan. By booking a tour with us, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

1. Definitions

• “Company”, “We”, “Us”, “Our” refers to Noble Ways Tours & Travels, a licensed tour operator in Bhutan.
• “Client”, “You”, “Your” refers to the person making the booking or traveling under the booking.
• “Tour” refers to any travel package, service, or itinerary booked through Noble Ways Tours & Travels.
• “SDF” refers to the Sustainable Development Fee imposed by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

2. Booking and Confirmation

2.1 Booking Process

All bookings must be made through our official website (bhutannobletour.com), email, or authorized agents. A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit and written confirmation from Noble Ways Tours & Travels.

2.2 Deposit Requirements

• A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
• Full payment must be received at least 30 days before the tour departure date.
• For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

2.3 Visa Processing

We will process your Bhutan visa clearance upon receipt of your deposit and required documents. Visa clearance typically takes 5-7 working days. The actual visa will be issued upon arrival in Bhutan.

3. Pricing and Payment

3.1 Tour Prices

All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated. Prices include:

• Accommodation as specified
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Licensed tour guide services
• Private transportation within Bhutan
• All entrance fees to monuments and museums
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as per government regulations

3.2 Exclusions

The following are NOT included in the tour price:

• International airfare to and from Bhutan
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Tips and gratuities
• Any services not mentioned in the itinerary

3.3 Payment Methods

We accept payment through:

• Bank transfer (preferred)
• Credit card (processing fees may apply)
• PayPal or other online payment platforms

3.4 Price Changes

Once your booking is confirmed and deposit paid, the tour price is guaranteed and will not change, except in cases of government-imposed changes to the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) or other mandatory taxes.

4. Cancellation by Client

If you need to cancel your tour, the following cancellation charges apply:

• More than 60 days before departure: 25% of total tour cost
• 30-60 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost
• 15-29 days before departure: 75% of total tour cost
• Less than 15 days before departure or no-show: 100% of total tour cost

Note: Cancellations must be notified in writing via email. The cancellation date is the date we receive your written notice, not the date you decide to cancel.

5. Changes and Amendments

5.1 Changes by Client

If you wish to make changes to your confirmed booking:

• Changes requested more than 30 days before departure: USD 50 amendment fee plus any additional costs
• Changes requested within 30 days of departure: Subject to availability and may incur significant costs

5.2 Changes by Company

We reserve the right to make minor changes to the itinerary if circumstances require. In case of significant changes, we will notify you immediately and offer alternatives or a full refund if the changes are unacceptable.

6. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is MANDATORY for all travelers. Your insurance must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes adventure activities if your tour involves trekking or other adventure sports.

7. Health and Fitness

You must inform us of any medical conditions, disabilities, or special requirements at the time of booking. For trekking tours, you must be in good physical condition. We reserve the right to refuse participation if we believe you are not fit for the tour.

Bhutan is at high altitude. We recommend consulting your doctor before travel, especially if you have heart, lung, or circulatory conditions.

8. Passports and Visas

It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of return. While we process your Bhutan visa clearance, you are responsible for ensuring your passport meets all requirements.

If your visa application is rejected due to incorrect information provided by you, our cancellation policy will apply.

9. Liability and Responsibility

9.1 Our Liability

Noble Ways Tours & Travels acts only as an agent for hotels, transportation companies, and other service providers. We are not liable for:

• Acts of God, war, civil unrest, strikes, or other events beyond our control
• Loss, damage, or injury to persons or property
• Delays or changes in services by airlines, hotels, or other suppliers
• Personal accidents, illness, or death
• Loss or damage to baggage or personal belongings

9.2 Your Responsibility

You are responsible for your personal belongings, following local laws and customs, and any costs incurred due to your actions or negligence. You must follow the instructions of our guides for your safety and the safety of others.

10. Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, pandemics, war, terrorism, or labor disputes. In such cases, we will work with you to provide alternative arrangements or refunds where possible.

11. Complaints and Disputes

If you have any complaints during your tour, you must inform your guide or our office immediately so we can address the issue. Any complaints after your tour must be submitted in writing within 30 days of tour completion.

We will make every effort to resolve any issues amicably. If a resolution cannot be reached, the matter will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Bhutan.

12. Photography and Marketing

By booking with us, you consent to the use of photographs or videos taken during your tour for our promotional and marketing purposes, unless you explicitly opt-out in writing.

13. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Any disputes arising from these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Bhutan.

14. Acceptance of Terms

By making a booking with Noble Ways Tours & Travels, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.