Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Manifest Bhutan. These Terms & Conditions govern the relationship between you (the "Client," "you") and Manifest Bhutan ("Manifest Bhutan," "we," "us," or "our") concerning the booking and provision of travel services, including tours, treks, and related activities within the Kingdom of Bhutan. Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before booking any services with us. By making a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

 

1. Booking and Confirmation

 

1.1 Inquiry & Proposal: Your booking process begins with an inquiry. We will provide you with a proposed itinerary and quotation based on your requirements.

 

1.2 Acceptance & Deposit: To confirm your booking, you must accept the proposed itinerary and pay the required deposit amount as specified in your quotation. The deposit amount typically covers initial booking requirements and is non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

 

1.3 Booking Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit payment by Manifest Bhutan and our issuance of a formal Booking Confirmation document to you.

 

1.4 Full Payment: Full payment for the tour package must be received by Manifest Bhutan no later than 3 days prior to your scheduled arrival date in Bhutan, or as otherwise specified in your Booking Confirmation. Failure to make full payment by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking, and cancellation charges will apply as per Section 3.

 

1.5 Late Bookings: For bookings made less than [Specify number, e.g., 60] days prior to arrival, full payment is required at the time of booking to secure confirmation.

 

2. Pricing and Inclusions/Exclusions

 

2.1 Pricing: All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated and are based on costs and government levies (including the Sustainable Development Fee - SDF) at the time of quotation. We reserve the right to adjust prices due to significant changes in government taxes, SDF rates, or exchange rates prior to full payment. However, once full payment is received, your tour price is guaranteed.

 

2.2 Inclusions: The specific inclusions for your tour package will be detailed in your confirmed itinerary and Booking Confirmation. Typically, this includes the SDF, visa processing fee, accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), private guide, private vehicle/driver, entrance fees for sites in the itinerary, trekking crew/equipment (if applicable), and relevant taxes.

 

2.3 Exclusions: Unless explicitly stated as included, the tour price generally excludes: international airfare to/from Paro, travel insurance, personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry, souvenirs, communication costs), tips/gratuities for guide/driver/crew, optional activities not in the itinerary, and expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., flight delays, natural disasters).

 

 

3. Cancellation Policy

 

3.1 Cancellation by You: Should you need to cancel your confirmed booking, you must notify Manifest Bhutan in writing (email acceptable). Cancellation charges will be applied based on the date we receive your written notification, calculated as a percentage of the total tour cost:

 

[Specify number, e.g., 61] days or more prior to arrival: Loss of deposit.

 

[Specify number, e.g., 46-60] days prior to arrival: [Specify percentage, e.g., 30%] of total tour cost.

 

[Specify number, e.g., 31-45] days prior to arrival: [Specify percentage, e.g., 50%] of total tour cost.

 

[Specify number, e.g., 30] days or less prior to arrival, or no-show: [Specify percentage, e.g., 100%] of total tour cost.

 

 

 

3.2 Cancellation by Manifest Bhutan: We reserve the right to cancel a tour prior to departure due to unforeseen circumstances, force majeure events (see Section 7), or failure to reach minimum numbers for group tours (if applicable). In such cases, we will offer you the choice of:

 

A full refund of all payments made to Manifest Bhutan for the tour package.

 

An alternative tour of comparable standard, if available (with price adjustment if necessary).

We are not liable for any incidental expenses you may have incurred (e.g., non-refundable flights, visa costs for other countries).

 

4. Travel Documents and Visas

 

4.1 Passport: You must possess a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan.

 

4.2 Visa: Manifest Bhutan will process your Bhutanese visa upon receiving full payment and a clear colour scan of your passport photo page. We will provide you with a Visa Clearance Letter required for boarding your flight to Paro and for visa stamping upon arrival.

 

4.3 Accuracy: It is your responsibility to ensure all passport information provided to us is accurate. Manifest Bhutan is not responsible for issues arising from incorrect information provided by you.

 

4.4 Other Visas: You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas for transit countries en route to Bhutan.

 

5. Travel Insurance

 

5.1 Mandatory Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all clients booking with Manifest Bhutan. Your insurance must cover, at a minimum: medical emergencies, emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue if trekking), repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, and loss/theft of luggage and personal belongings.

 

5.2 Proof of Insurance: We may require you to provide proof of your travel insurance policy details prior to your departure.

 

5.3 Responsibility: Manifest Bhutan is not liable for any costs incurred due to your failure to obtain adequate travel insurance.

 

6. Client Responsibilities

 

6.1 Health & Fitness: You must ensure you are medically and physically fit for your chosen itinerary, especially for treks or adventure activities. You must inform us at the time of booking of any pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities that might affect your ability to participate fully.

 

6.2 Conduct: You agree to comply with the laws and customs of Bhutan and follow the instructions of your guide. We reserve the right to remove any client from a tour whose conduct is deemed disruptive, dangerous, or detrimental to the enjoyment or safety of others, without any right to a refund.

 

6.3 Itinerary Changes: While we strive to adhere to the confirmed itinerary, you accept that changes may be necessary due to local conditions, weather, unforeseen circumstances, or force majeure events. Your guide will make necessary adjustments in consultation with you where possible, prioritizing your safety.

 

7. Force Majeure

Manifest Bhutan shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, government restrictions, flight cancellations/delays, natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, landslides), epidemics/pandemics, or other unforeseen circumstances that make it impossible or unsafe to operate the tour as planned. In such events, we will endeavor to make alternative arrangements or offer postponement options, but refunds may be limited by non-recoverable costs incurred.

 

8. Liability

 

8.1 Limitation: Manifest Bhutan acts as an agent for hotels, airlines, transport providers, and other suppliers. We exercise all reasonable care in making arrangements, but we cannot accept liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity caused by these suppliers or resulting from events beyond our direct control.

 

8.2 Adventure Activities: Participation in adventure activities like trekking, rafting, or cycling involves inherent risks. By booking such activities, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

 

8.3 Personal Belongings: You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. Manifest Bhutan is not liable for loss or damage to luggage or personal effects.

 

9. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

 

9.1 On Tour: If you have a complaint during your tour, please inform your guide immediately so that they can attempt to resolve the issue locally.

 

9.2 Post Tour: If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, please submit your complaint in writing to Manifest Bhutan within [Specify number, e.g., 28] days of your return.

 

9.3 Governing Law: These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Bhutan.

 

 

10. Acceptance of Terms

Payment of the deposit or full tour cost constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

 

(Contact Information)

Manifest Bhutan

Phone: +97517661648

 

Email: info@manifestbhutan.com or travel@manifestbhutan.com

 

Address: Manifest Bhutan Tours and Expeditions, Ngabiphu, Thimphu, Bhutan, 11001