Terms & Conditions Summary

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Our Mission

Bhutan Wine Companytravel programs are designed to engage travelers who wish to increase the diffusion of knowledge. Our tours enrich our guests’ lives and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. Your participation benefits the organization and its vision, and shapes the future through diplomacy, research, agricultural investment and respectful cross-cultural interaction.

Bhutan Wine Companydesigns destination trips and events which are managed by professional tour operators hired as independent contractor for all portions of travel in Bhutan, collectively known as our travel vendors. Client and/or participants of travel products to Bhutan agree to HOLD HARMLESS Bhutan Wine Company, and all respective travel vendors and celebrity hosts, in the event of cancellations, changes, and adverse events.
 

What Is Included in the Travel Package Price:

• Lodging at 5-star accommodations.

• All vineyard activities and wine & beer tastings.

• Business-class roundtrip flights Bangkok, Thailand-Paro, Bhutan.

• All visas and travel permits required to enter into the Kingdom of Bhutan.

• Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner) including special welcome and farewell dinners and all non-alcoholic beverages.

• All land-transportation within Bhutan with 24/7 personal driver, English-speaking guide, luggage handling porters, and in-terminal airport pick-up and drop-off.

• Access to all museums, parks, shrines, and all sightseeing activities as specified in the itinerary.

• Standard service charges.
   

What Is NOT Included in The Travel Package Pricing:

• Airfare from your hometown to arrival city of Bangkok, Thailand. We are happy to assist you with your reservations if you require it.

• Any required overnight stays or airport transfers in route to Paro, Bhutan from your city of origin.

• Personal items such as wines, liquors, a-la-carte orders, and specialty meals other than specified in itinerary.

• Room service and valet/laundry service.

• Spas and hot-stone baths.

• Communication charges (i.e. Internet charges and phone calls)

• Tour extensions and expenses incurred by our tour operators in making individual travel arrangements in conjunction with the tour.

• Equipment shipping and special film permits.

• Additional baggage fees levied directly by the airline(s) may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.

• Required and recommended Travel Insurance

• Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
   

Registrations and Reservations

Space is reserved in the order of receipt of reservations.

To submit a request for a reservation, please order emailing us at: info (at) bhutanwine.com

Or call or text us directly: +1 218 221 4865

Submitting an online request does not guarantee space on a tour. You will be notified of your status when your request has been received and processed. Please note: No new registrations can be accepted within 30 days of the departure of our tours. This does not apply to private travel outside of scheduled departures.

To complete your request, the following is necessary:
 

Required Information

For all international departures, passport information including the following, in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program as well as by our international travel partners: your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, and gender (for further information, please visit www.tsa.gov). In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, or if you use a different passport than originally cited, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
 

Deposits and Payments

A $500 Deposit is required to reserve a position in one of our itineraries. Your deposit is non-refundable but good for life towards any future travel or shopping invoice with the Bhutan Wine Company.

Final Trip payments are due within 120 days of departure travel. If the itinerary date is within the 120days window of departure, Full Trip Payment is due upon reservation.

Payments may be payable by a major credit card, PayPal, Stripe, or by bank check to reserve a travel with us.

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REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION POLICY:

100% Trip Refundable:   cancelation over 120 days from departure
50 % Trip Refundable:    cancelation between 30-119 days from departure
0 %   Trip Refundable:   cancelation under 30 days from departure

FAQ: Why are there no refunds under 30 days of travel to my destination?

A: Within 30 days of departure all non-refundable plane tickets, tour operator costs and Bhutan government tariffs, visas and taxes have been paid. If you cancel your trip within your 30 days of departure, don’t worry. You can use your funds for up to one-year on a trip to Bhutan with the Bhutan Wine Company.

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Each Travel Package Passenger will receive the following refund based on the date they send official notification in writing to Bhutan Wine Company.

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There is No Refund: For any unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, sightseeing, special activities, etc.

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Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. Due to this, Client agrees to purchase adequate travel insurance from a third-party vendor provider to cover travel expenses. Failure to purchase travel insurance voids Client’s ability to bring action against Bhutan Wine Company, and its collective vendors.

Missed flights or unused Travel Package components are non-refundable and non-creditable for any reason whatsoever. If a Passenger is a ‘no-show’, or if the package is cancelled after the departure date of the outbound flight, or if the Passenger leaves a Travel Package which is already in progress, no refund for any unused portion of the Travel Package will be provided by Bhutan Wine Company. Cancellations must be sent to us in writing via electronic notice to: info (at) bhutanwine.com, and are effective on the date of the email time stamp of communication sent by the Client.

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Pricing As Per Industry Norm, the Travel Package pricing is subject to increase based on unforeseeable charges imposed by our activity providers. These fees are to be paid upon notification if such a situation does arise. Typically, we work to absorb or minimize these increases but at times we will need to share these costs with our clients in order to be as transparent as possible.

Air Tickets Purchased Independently of the Tour. All transportation to the Tour point of departure at Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) is the responsibility of each Passenger. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that you do not purchase nonrefundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes.

We urge you to check airline cancellation penalties before purchasing airline tickets since international departure times and flights can change. Bhutan Wine Company nor third party Tour Operators have any liability for any loss resulting from Tour cancellations or changes in international gateways, travel dates, or airline schedule changes – or cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets purchased independently in conjunction with a tour.

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The Passenger agrees that Bhutan Wine Company can not be held responsible or liable for any flights missed by Passenger or any denial of boarding or air security-related delays. Further, the Passenger also agrees that Bhutan Wine Company shall not be held responsible or liable for expenses, lost wages or missed vacation time due to flight time changes and/or delays.

• If an air schedule requires an overnight stay in a gateway city, the cost of the overnight will be at the Passenger’s expense.

Insurance – Catastrophic, Emergency Medical & Evacuation Given the active, often remote and international nature of travel to Bhutan, to ensure the utmost safety, protection and comfort of all clients, we request all Passengers to obtain a minimum coverage of USD$1,000,000 (One million dollars) personal injury, medical expenses, loss of or damage to luggage, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses.

Recommended Insurance – Trip Cancellation, Damage & Loss It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Passenger.

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Passport & Travel Requirements. For all international departures, a passport valid for at least six months after the completion of your tour, and with at least six blank visa pages, is required for U.S. citizens on this tour. A color photo copy of your passport that clearly displays your full name, passport number, date of birth, location of issuance, date of issuance, date of expiration, gender, and photo, must be delivered to the Bhutan Wine Company after final payment for every individual passenger. Passenger agrees that they are responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense suffered or paid by Bhutan Wine Company or any of our third party suppliers which are a direct result of the Passenger’s failure to secure proper travel documentation. Any information or advice given by Bhutan Wine Company regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy to the Passenger, and Bhutan Wine Company are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information provided, or in the information provided to Passenger’s by third parties such as government or travel authorities.

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Physical and Medical Requirements & Considerations. Please note that Bhutan Wine Company requires that participants be in good physical condition. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of two miles over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring.

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Itinerary or Program Modifications. Bhutan Wine Company strives to improve tour itineraries and their features. If improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent.

Accommodations.Bhutan Wine Company chooses hotels based on a combination of their location, service, atmosphere, and price. On adventure tours and cultural immersion experiences in out-of-the-way places, local homestays, eco-camping and other alternative types of accommodations may be used.

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Singles and Roommates. Hotel rooms are always reserved for single travelers; however, the number of single rooms available on a tour may be limited. Therefore, we recommend that you register early.

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Children

Children under the age of 11 may pay 85% of the full adult price of a destination trip, and a parent or guardian must accompany those under 18.

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Photography

Participants on tour may be photographed for the educational and promotional purposes of Bhutan Wine Company. Photographs may be printed in publications and posted on websites to promote Bhutan Wine Company. Travelers who prefer that their image not be used must advise the us at the beginning of the tour.

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Smoking Policy

For the comfort of all participants, we ask that there be no smoking during all group activities, including excursions and meals. Furthermore, Bhutan is a country that has banned smoking with the exception of cases of medical dependency that is documented by a doctor.

 

A Note About Costs

Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, currency values, and on the basis of a minimum number of participants. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. Should actual enrollments fall significantly below minimum numbers, a surcharge may be added. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee (e.g. internal flights, cruises, etc.). Details and costs will be advised prior to departure.

 

Wait List

If the program is fully subscribed, you will be placed on a waitlist. If you choose to withdraw from the wait list, please notify us.

Please note that we are unable to keep you apprised of your status on the wait list. We will call you only if a space becomes available, but you are welcome to email us at your convenience to inquire about your status.

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Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer

Bhutan Wine Company travel packages (i.e. “Tours”) are managed by professional tour operators hired as independent contractors. The use of local Tour Operator partners allows Bhutan Wine Company to offer its members personalized adventures and culturally immersive travel experiences at the widest array of exotic destinations around the world. In this capacity, Bhutan Wine Company act only as an agent for the Tour Operator and their suppliers, who manage and make arrangements for transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, local guides, and other tour-related services.

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All Bhutan Wine Company travel packages are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the Tour Operator and their suppliers, and to the laws of the countries in which these services are supplied.

Bhutan Wine Company and the Tour Operator reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of tour participants.

Bhutan Wine Company and the tour operator also reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the Tour announced, to decline to accept any person as a participant in a Tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant, subject only to the requirement that the recoverable portion of the total amount paid that corresponds to the cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any.

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Bhutan Wine Company accepts no liability for the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets to/from the Tour Departure/Origination city of Paro, Bhutan if a Tour is canceled or otherwise modified subsequent to the participant’s purchase of those tickets. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant. Dates, schedules, program details, and costs, although provided in good faith based on information available at the time of publication of the brochure or catalog, are subject to change and revision.

AS A CONDITION OF ACCEPTANCE OF ANY APPLICATION, EACH APPLICANT MUST AGREE TO THE STATEMENT SET FORTH BELOW: Bhutan Wine Company, (Headquartered in California), its subsidiaries, owners, directors, officers, employees and affiliates, (collectively “Bhutan Wine Company Team”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airlines, vessels, buses, vans or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions or equipment used thereon, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Bhutan Wine Company is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Bhutan Wine Company is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person, property, or luggage, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, zip lining, snorkeling, paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Bhutan Wine Company.

By making a reservation I hereby acknowledge that I fully understand the nature and fitness requirements for the Travel Package I am signing up for. In addition, I release Bhutan Wine Company from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. By registering for a travel program to Bhutan, I the Passenger agree to the Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer and the Terms and Conditions herein.

 

Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to your booking. They are binding and constitute the entire agreement between you (“You”) and Bhutan Wine Company with respect to your booking. You should read them carefully and make sure you understand them. If you do not fully understand them you are encouraged to seek outside assistance, including from an attorney who is qualified to help you. By booking your trip you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, which govern all matters relating to your trip, including the services to be provided, cancellation policy, limitations of liability and your obligations. They also affect your rights, remedies and liabilities in the event of a dispute and the manner the dispute will be resolved. These Terms and Conditions are the complete and entire agreement relating to your trip. There are no verbal or written representations, warranties, promises, prior agreements, or descriptions of services or policies except as expressly set forth in these Terms and Conditions.

1. BINDING EFFECT: By making a booking with Bhutan Wine Company(or by, through or with its Agents), you accept on behalf of yourself and all those Passengers named on the booking to be bound by these Terms and Conditions herein. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date and upon the satisfaction of the events for an Accepted Booking as set forth in paragraph 2 below. Upon an Accepted Booking, these Terms and Conditions become fully binding and controlling, and the only applicable contract and agreement between You and the Passengers named on your booking and Bhutan Wine Company relating to your trip.

2. DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, & ACCEPTED BOOKINGS Once Bhutan Wine Company has received the applicable payment(s) due at the time of booking (see below), Bhutan Wine Company will, subject to availability of the requested arrangements, send you your invoice. It is at the point when we issue this to you that a valid contract will come into existence between us. Please check your confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents carefully as soon as you receive them and contact us immediately if you think any details are incorrect. Bhutan Wine Company regrets we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracies (for which we are responsible) in any document within ten days of our sending it out (five days for tickets). We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so. (ii) Any deposit is part payment for your trip. The deposit required will be shown on the quotation page of your itinerary. In addition to the deposit, full or part payment of certain elements of your trip (such as flights) may be required at the time of booking or at some point between booking and balance due date. The balance must be paid not later than the date specified on the invoice. However, there are a few destinations or trip components that require payment no less than 90 days before the departure date that will be specified on your invoice and quotation. Please note if we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all amounts paid or due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because you have promised to make payment, you must pay the cancellation charges shown in clause 3 depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. (iii) Full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings made after balance due date as above. (iv) On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make payment to them earlier than normal. Such requests may, for example, be made in order to secure accommodation and other services during periods of peak demand. Failure to comply with these requests may result in the loss of confirmed arrangements. Where this situation arises, we reserve the right to ask you to make payment of the requested sum within a stipulated period and prior to balance due date. We will of course endeavor to avoid doing so if we can. Any such early payment will be non-refundable.

Payment Currency & Transaction Fees: Bhutan Wine Company will levy a 3.5% fee on all credit card payments as well as a $40 wire and interchange fee for wiring your funds to Bhutan. Payment for Accepted Bookings will be paid in US Dollars, by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, certified bank check or wire transfer. Bhutan Wine Company will not be responsible for any charges applied to credit card transactions or wire transfers, and will not refund or return any fees charges by third parties for the processing of Deposits or Payments.

Taxes: Tours are priced and advertised exclusive of applicable sales taxes and such taxes will be advised to Passenger at time of booking and itemized on subsequent invoicing.

2.       CANCELLATIONS, MODIFICATIONS & REFUNDS

Cancellation By You: Any cancellation of an Accepted Booking by You must be made in writing, and the receipt of your written cancellation must be acknowledged by Bhutan Wine Company, in writing. The date of Bhutan Wine Company written acknowledgment of receipt, if any, will be the effective date of cancellation (“Cancellation Date”).

NO REFUNDS POLICY. Each Travel Package Passenger will receive the following refund based on the date they send official notification in writing to Bhutan Wine Company: There is No Refund: For any unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, sightseeing, special activities, etc. Cancellation ByBhutan Wine Company: Bhutan Wine Company will not cancel an Accepted Booking except for events of ‘Force Majeure’, unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside of Bhutan Wine Company control, which are more specifically defined below. If Bhutan Wine Company cancels an Accepted Booking before the departure date for any reason (other than an act or omission by You that necessitates the cancellation), You can either: (i) take a substitute trip of equal or superior quality, if there is availability on a trip that Bhutan Wine Company is offering, in which case You will be responsible for paying the difference in price between the cancelled trip and the substitute trip; or (ii) take a substitute trip of lower quality, if there is availability on a trip that Bhutan Wine Company is offering, in which case You will be entitled to receive a refund of the difference in price between the cancelled trip and the substitute trip; or (iii) receive a full refund of the Deposit and all the amount you have paid toward the total trip price. Your acceptance of any of the foregoing will be your sole remedy and constitute a full and final settlement and resolution of any claim you may have against Bhutan Wine Company for cancellation. Bhutan Wine Company not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses You may have incurred as a result of an Accepted Booking, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or other travel costs, loss of earnings or vacation time you may have taken from your job, loss of enjoyment, etc.

If You Change Your Trip. If, after the contract between us has come into existence, you want to change your itinerary we will do our best to pass your request to the relevant supplier, however we cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a change can be made, we will charge for any additional costs incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of our suppliers, and including for example cancellation charges that may be incurred for sectors cancelled. You should note, for example, that a change of name on or other alteration to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% cancellation charge and full rebooking fee.

Alterations or Cancellations by You after Commencement of Travel and Unused Services.We will do our best to implement any changes to your arrangements you request once they have commenced, but we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the event of such amendments being made you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the services originally booked, and for the cost of booking the revised arrangements and the arrangements themselves. As a basic principle, no refunds will be paid to clients who do not complete a tour. However, where we ourselves are able to obtain a refund from hotels or principals for services not used, we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable administration charges.

8.       REQUIRED TRIP MATERIALS

You are responsible for obtaining and maintaining certain documents and materials for your trip, at your sole cost and expense. You should be prepared to provide Bhutan Wine Company with original or true and accurate copies of these documents and materials, for inspection by Bhutan Wine Company or to be kept by Bhutan Wine Company for its files. In addition to those documents and materials that may be designated by Bhutan Wine Company in connection with a Confirmed Booking, the required trip materials (“Required Trip Materials”) are: (a) Valid Passport: You must be in possession of a validly issued passport required for entry, departure and travel through each destination point along the itinerary of your trip. You will need to make sure you have at least 6 months of validity left on your passport before entering Bhutan. All certificates (including vaccination certificates, medical certificates and insurance policies), required for Your entire trip. (b) Medical Form: You acknowledge and understand that some destinations that You may visit on Your trip are remote, isolated, and do not have easy access to hospitals or medical care facilities of any kind, let alone those that You may be familiar with near Your home. Medical facilities vary from country to country and Bhutan Wine Company makes no representations and gives no warranties with respect to such treatment. You also understand that Bhutan Wine Company can not offer medical advice or opine on whether a trip may be suitable for You in light of your current state of health. (c) Health Conditions: At all times prior to the departure of Your trip, You agree to notify Bhutan Wine Companyin writing of any medical conditions, pregnancy, disability or any other mental and or physical condition, or changes in Your condition, that may affect Your ability or fitness to travel on Your trip. Bhutan Wine Company reserves the right to cancel the booking, subject to the applicable cancellation policy herein, in the event of Your failure to so notify Bhutan Wine Company. (d) Insurance: Bhutan Wine Company strongly encourages that You obtain and maintain travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of US$200,000 at all times during Your trip, covering personal injury and emergency medical expenses. Proof of adequate insurance must be provided as part of a Confirmed Booking and as requested by Bhutan Wine Company or the Guide. Bhutan Wine Company strongly encourages that You extend Your insurance coverage to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. You acknowledge that the cost of Your trip does not include insurance, and that You are required to obtain separate insurance coverage at an additional cost. When obtaining travel insurance,You must disclose to the insurance company the trip itinerary, type of travel to be undertaken and these Terms and Conditions. (e) Trip Release Form: The execution and delivery of the Trip Release Form (as defined below).

10.     FLEXIBILITY:

You understand that the type of travel experience being offered by Bhutan Wine Company requires considerable flexibility on Your part, and You should allow for reasonable alterations to the trip by Bhutan Wine Company. Certain trip details may be subject to change without prior notice due to You due to circumstances or events beyond Bhutan Wine Company’s control, which may include sickness or mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, events emanating from political disputes, entry or border difficulties, a change in program speakers, experts or other trip personnel, extreme weather and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances or any other reason whatsoever. Bhutan Wine Company is under no obligation to provide You with any special accommodations unless it has agreed in writing. While Bhutan Wine Company will do its best to meet Your special dietary and other requests, Bhutan Wine Company can not be responsible or liable for any failure to accommodate these requests.

11.     MODIFICATIONS:

Without limiting the applicability of paragraph 9 above, Bhutan Wine Company will endeavor to operate its trips as advertised. Notwithstanding the forgoing, sometimes reasonable changes to trip details may be made where Bhutan Wine Company deems it necessary or advisable, as a result of unforeseen circumstances or local situations, at the discretion of Bhutan Wine Company including the Guide. If the modification is necessary during the trip and is due to force majeure or unforeseen circumstances, You will not be entitled to any compensation, rebate or refund. If Bhutan Wine Company makes a material modification prior to the departure date it will notify You as soon as reasonably possible (if there is sufficient time before departure), and any direct or indirect cost incurred as a result will be Your responsibility; provided, however, that You will have the option to (i) cancel the booking; or (ii) accept the change and proceed with the trip as modified.

1. SURCHARGES AND TAXES Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any Tour is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 30 days before the departure of such Tour. After a Confirmation Invoice has been issued by Bhutan Wine Company to the Passenger, Bhutan Wine Company reserves the right to impose surcharges on any Tour(s), but only for reasons arising from increases in transportation costs, fuel costs, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airport charges, local operator costs, currency and exchange fluctuations, increases in taxes, or government action which impacts the price of the applicable Tour(s), but only where the increase in question is greater than 2% of the original price paid for the Product (excluding add-ons, insurance, and taxes). Bhutan Wine Company shall provide notice to the affected Passenger as soon as reasonably possible upon learning of the necessity to impose a surcharge in accordance with this section. Where the increase in price is greater than 7% of the price of the applicable Product, upon receiving notification from Bhutan Wine Company the affected Passenger(s) may elect to either: • (i) cancel the applicable Tour booking without incurring any penalty; or • (ii) accept the change of price. The Passenger must notify Bhutan Wine Company of their election within 14 days of receipt of notice of the increase, or they shall have been deemed to have accepted the price change and have accepted liability for payment of the increase. We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in quoted prices at any time before your trip is confirmed. 
We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then applicable price at the time of booking.

2. ​ACCEPTANCE OF RISK: You acknowledge and agree that the nature of Bhutan Wine Company’s trips are adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. You hereby assume and agree to bear the consequences of all such risks and do hereby release Bhutan Wine Company, its officers, directors, managers, members, employees, consultants, representatives, agents and contractors from and against all claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, damages, costs and expenses arising from any acts, omissions, events, damages, injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks. Without limiting the foregoing, You agree to execute and deliver to Bhutan Wine Company Trip Release Form stating the following, which is hereby duly incorporated into these Terms and Conditions: “I understand traveling with Bhutan Wine Company may involve certain risks beyond what might be considered standard or reasonable on customary tours or excursions, and that I am aware that I am participating in an adventure trip with certain inherent dangers. I am aware that adventure travel such as that I am undertaking involves hazardous activities, some in remote areas of the world, with a risk of illness, injury, or death which may be caused by forces of nature, animals, insects, or flora, the negligence of Bhutan Wine Company, or other persons and companies known or unknown, or of willful or criminal conduct of third parties. I am aware that weather conditions may be severe, adverse and/or unpleasant. I am also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which I am participating on the trip. I understand I am traveling to geographical areas, sometimes remote and undeveloped where, amongst other things, the accommodations, transportation, infrastructure, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications, law enforcement and political stability may not be similar to what I am familiar with in my home country or in other places I have traveled. In order to partake of the enjoyment and excitement of this adventure travel trip I am willing to accept the risks and uncertainty involved as being an integral part of my adventure. After conducting the level of diligence that I deem necessary, and having received from Bhutan Wine Company and considered all the trip details that I consider important to understanding what is involved, I willfully and voluntarily accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel on the Bhutan Wine Company trip for which I have a Confirmed Booking, and I hereby accept and assume full responsibility for any and all risks of illness, injury, or death and of the negligence of Bhutan Wine Company or of any third parties.”
3. AUTHORITY OF GUIDE ON YOUR TRIP:
   At all times throughout Your trip the decision of Bhutan Wine Company’s trip leader (“Guide”) will be final on all matters relating to the trip, including but not limited to modifications and issues relating to Your safety and wellbeing. Bhutan Wine Company undertakes to select experienced and responsible Guides who are familiar with the local customs, systems and protocol. By making an Accepted Booking You agree to follow and be bound by the authority of the Guide. In addition, You agree to strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and regulations of all countries You will visit on Your trip. If You fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act or, if in the Guide’s sole and absolute discretion You are engaging in behavior that has caused, is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others on Your trip, then Bhutan Wine Company may terminate the remainder of Your trip without any liability or recourse to Bhutan Wine Company You will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred resulting from the termination of the travel arrangements.

FACTORS OUTSIDE Bhutan Wine CompanyCONTROL (FORCE MAJEURE): Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Terms and Conditions, Bhutan Wine Companyshall not be liable or responsible to You (or your heirs) for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property, or financial costs both direct and indirect incurred, or for Bhutan Wine Company’s delay or failure to commence, perform and/ or complete any duty owed to You if such death, delay, bodily injury (including emotional distress or injury), illness, damage or other loss or detriment to person or property is caused by Act of God, war or war like operations, mechanical breakdowns, terrorist activities or threat thereof, civil commotions, labor difficulties, interference by authorities, coups, political disturbance, government shutdowns, martial law, loss or suspension of diplomatic relations, currency issues, no matter how or where any of the same may arise or be caused, riot, insurrection and government restraint, fire, safety and security concerns as deemed by the Bhutan Wine Company, extreme weather or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of the Bhutan Wine Company, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which Bhutan Wine Companyor its contractors, partners or supplier of services, even with all due care, could not foresee.

OTHER LIMITATION OF Bhutan Wine CompanyLIABILITY: (a) Generally: Bhutan Wine Company is not responsible and shall not be liable for (i) any act or omission attributable to You; (ii) the unforeseeable or unavoidable act or omission of a third party unconnected with Bhutan Wine Company; (iii) the provision of any services to be provided on the trip or under these Terms and Conditions; (iv) unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond Bhutan Wine Company’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised including, but not limited to, an event of force majeure (as defined above); (v) or any event that Bhutan Wine Company could not have reasonably foreseen, avoided or prevented. (b) Limitation: In the event that Bhutan Wine Company is responsible for any death, injury or illness caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of its suppliers, contractors or partners, then Bhutan Wine Company, liability is hereby expressly limited to applicable International Conventions, which are expressly incorporated into these Terms and Conditions, and any liability of Bhutan Wine Company for death or personal injury shall be determined solely in accordance therewith. To the extent that any provision in these Terms and Conditions is made null and void by the International Conventions or any legislation compulsorily applicable or is otherwise unenforceable, it shall be void to that extent but not further. Any liability in respect of death and personal injury that You may incur shall always be subject to the limits of liability contained in the International Conventions for death/personal injury. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in these Terms and Conditions, Bhutan Wine Company shall not in any circumstances be liable for any loss or anticipated loss of profit, loss of revenue, loss of use, loss of contract or other opportunity nor for any other consequential or indirect loss or damage of a similar nature. For claims not involving personal injury, death or illness or which are not subject to the International Conventions referred to above, any liability Bhutan Wine Company may incur for the negligent acts and/or omissions of its suppliers, contractors or partners shall be limited to a maximum of the price that You paid for Your trip (not including insurance premiums).

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: You acknowledge that You will be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical climate presents certain risks, dangers and physical challenges that may be greater than those present in Your home country. By making a Confirmed Booking You acknowledge that You have considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges, and expressly assume the risks attendant to such travel conditions. You are solely responsible for acquainting Yourself with customs, weather conditions, physical challenges and laws in effect at each stop on Your trip, and are encouraged to locate or make contact prior to embarkation with Your embassy or consulate in each destination. You are also advised to consult your medical and nutritional professionals regarding health and food matters presented by the geographic location that you are traveling to.

SUPPLIERS AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS: Bhutan Wine Company will at all times endeavor to appoint reputable and competent local suppliers, contractors and partners (“Suppliers”). The terms and conditions of Suppliers will be applicable and are expressly incorporated into these Terms and Conditions. These may limit or exclude liability of the Supplier. Bhutan Wine Company shall not be responsible or liable for the acts or omissions of its Suppliers.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Bhutan Wine Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. Personal belongings lost or stolen while unattended in public lounges or other public areas, whether on board a vessel, train, bus, or other mode of transportation, publicly owned or operated by Bhutan Wine Company, are not reimbursable. Losses due to ordinary wear and tear, and other acts of God are not reimbursable. Bhutan Wine Company can not accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by Bhutan Wine Company such as hotels, homestays, vessels, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation.

COMPLAINTS Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your tour arrangements, you must inform our local representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at the time it occurred could have been resolved there and then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a Passenger traveling in the developing world to be reasonably resourceful if things go wrong. In the unlikely event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you should then write to us within 28 days of your return with full details of your complaint.

USE OF IMAGE: You agree that during Your trip, Bhutan Wine Company personnel and/or other travelers may take photos, videos or other recordings of your image, likeness or voice. You agree that these images may be reproduced, used and disseminated by Bhutan Wine Company in connection with its advertising and marketing, but that such images will not be sold to third-parties for any other commercial use. For the foregoing promotion and publicity purposes, You agree to grant Bhutan Wine Company a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to reproduce such images, photos or video in any and all forms of media now known or hereafter devised.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS (a) These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed under the law of the State of California with respect to contracts fully performed within such state. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of, and venue in the State of California with respect to any dispute or other matter in connection with these Terms and Conditions. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the brochure, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in California, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) California law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. (b) These Terms and Conditions shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Your heirs, legal personal representatives, successors and assigns. Bhutan Wine Company may freely assign a Confirmed Booking and these Terms and Conditions shall inure to the benefit of Bhutan Wine Company’s successor and assigns
(c) The failure of either party at any time to require performance by the other of any provision hereof shall not affect the right of such party to require performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver of either party of a breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a waiver of a provision itself. (d) If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remaining provisions will nevertheless remain in full force and effect. The parties agree to renegotiate in good faith those provisions so held to be invalid to be valid, enforceable provisions which provisions shall reflect as closely as possible the original intent of the parties, and further agree to be bound by the mutually agreed substitute provision. (e) Headings of paragraphs herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement (f) These Terms and Conditions contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements relating thereto, written or oral, between the parties. Bhutan Wine Company reserves the right to update and/or alter these Terms and Conditions at anytime, and it is the Your responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions may be found on the Bhutan Wine Company website. Knowing and Voluntary Execution “I have carefully read the Responsibility Statement & Liability Disclaimer Terms and Conditions Agreement and the General Information document, and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between myself and Bhutan Wine Company and/or its affiliated organizations and sign it of my own free will.”

Paying for Your Trip. We start planning the trips we offer many months in advance.Occasionally, we have to make changes to itineraries, hotels and other details both before and after bookings have been made. Flights and your responsibility The flight details shown in your itinerary quotation are for guidance only and are subject to change. Final details will be confirmed on your travel documentation, sent approximately 28 days prior to departure. The times shown on all tickets are local times and check in for both outward and return flights is at least 3 hours prior to the departure times on the travel documents. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been dispatched – we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. We can accept no responsibility if you arrive late for the check in and miss your flight as a result nor can we accept responsibility for any loss by you of your trip/flight travel tickets, vouchers, or coupons. Air travel is subject to operational decisions of carriers and airports which may result in delays and diversions. Please note that minor carriers sometimes change the departure time of short-haul or domestic flights at short notice, and in some instances, schedules shown in the computers of intercontinental carriers differ from those actually flown by smaller local carriers. We advise you that it is your responsibility to be meticulous in locally reconfirming directly with the carrier operating the flight. We accept no liability for the consequences of flights missed owing to the passenger’s failure to reconfirm. We and our local ground-handlers reserve the right to remove you from any trip if you endanger yourself or others or disrupt the general well-being of the trip itself. In any such case, there will be no refund. When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be paid direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. You must ensure that all your travel documents, full passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency, and travelers checks are in order and valid for travel. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. For up to date visa requirements visit www.travel.state.gov. The name on your airline tickets must be identical to the name that appears on your passport.

The Brochure and Quotation. We have taken every care in ensuring that the information in the brochure and given in itineraries is correct at the time of publication. However, we are sure you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, services, or other particulars contained in this brochure, itinerary, or any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract with you. If there is any change, we will notify you before we enter into such contract. Where we state that additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available on a particular itinerary or program, this information should be regarded as a term of the contract. The hotel classifications given in our brochure, quotations, and dossiers and fact sheets are for guidance only. They are not based on any national or international classification system, they are the opinions of our staff and are quite subjective.

Excursions. Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions other than those listed in your itinerary. Our local representatives or guides may put you in touch with local organizers of excursions if you request but we can have no liability for such excursions, as your contract for such excursions will be with a local company providing the services and not with us.

Prices and Brochure Accuracy. Please note, the information and prices shown in our brochures and/or quotations may have changed by the time you come to book your trip. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the brochures, quotations and prices at the time of printing or when they are given to you, regrettably errors and/or changes do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen trip (including the price) with us at the time of booking.

General Information Travel Insurance. We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are adequately insured, protecting against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your travels. Coverage should include medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. In addition, we also strongly recommend that you have coverage for personal belongings, delay at your outbound or homebound point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses, and cancellation. If you are undertaking any sports or adventurous activities, including hiking, on your trip you should also make sure that your policy covers these. Please also ensure you read the policy conditions and exclusions.

Health. It is essential that you see your physician before booking your trip and before traveling to make sure that you have taken all the necessary health precautions. Some vaccinations require more than one visit with a period of weeks between injections. You should visit your doctor at least six weeks before departure. For up to date medical advice you may wish to use the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It maintains a travelers’ health page: www.cdc.gov/travel/destination. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) The majority of international airlines now issue advice on how to lessen the risk of DVT; however, if you have any concerns, we recommend you consult your physician. Pre-existing medical conditions/Disabled passengers
It is essential that you advise us before booking if you have any disability or pre- existing medical condition which may affect your vacation or any special requirements as a result of any disability or medical condition (including any which affect the booking process) so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking. It will also enable us to make sure you receive the relevant level of assistance when you fly. Full details must be confirmed in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your trip develops after your booking has been confirmed. The nature of many of the destinations featured within our brochures means that in the majority of cases they are unsuitable for those who are wheelchair bound or have a lack of mobility. We will be delighted to discuss the feasibility of creating a custom itinerary for you that takes into consideration your level of mobility. High altitude Your itinerary may include sections where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). If you suffer from circulation, heart or respiratory problems we advise that you

Flights and Airlines. The difference between a direct flight and a non-stop flight can cause confusion. To clarify, on a direct flight no change of aircraft is scheduled but stops will be made en route either to refuel or to board or disembark passengers. On non-stop flights no change of aircraft is required and no stops are made en route. Exact details will be given with your itinerary.

Premium Economy, Business and First Class. Flights from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan will be business class flights, unless sold out. No refunds of fees on package pricing will be awarded due to sold out business class flights.

Specific Seat Requests. We will do all we can to try to reserve a specific seat for you, if you have a preference. However, while airlines may allow us to request seats, they will not guarantee any specific seat reservation. If this is important to you, it is always best to arrive for your flight early, regardless of having made this request in advance. Please make it clear on your booking form if you have a specific request.

Flight Amendments. We generally use special “inclusive tour” fares when we purchase your air tickets from the airline. While these fares are very good value they are inflexible in terms of changes and offer no refunds once the tickets are issued. Once your flight is confirmed the airlines will charge an amendment fee or insist on the purchase of a completely new ticket if you make changes.

Internal Flights. Smaller local airlines are often more likely to change their schedule at short notice. We will try to inform you of any changes in advance of traveling but this may not always be possible.

Special Dietary Requirements. Special diets should be requested on the booking form; however, it may not be possible for special diets to be catered to in some of the destinations we feature. We will advise the hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability.

Travel in the Developing World. Many of our destinations are in the developing world where attitudes, infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles, and cultures are very different from our own. This is often the very reason to visit the destination but certain aspects may be frustrating. We always advise that the first thing you should pack is your sense of humor. This can prove invaluable when traveling over rougher roads, waiting for a delayed aircraft, and communicating with hotel staff whose first language is not English.

Health and Safety Standards. Each country has its own regulations and enforcement levels relating to health and safety standards. These do not always match the very high standards you are used to in the U.S. We therefore recommend that you follow a few precautionary safety procedures. Always check where the nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool before checking the water depth first. For more suggestions please see the Important Information section in your Travel Organizer.

Passport and Visa information for U.S. Citizens. Travelers must hold a passport which is valid for at least six months following the return date of your vacation. U.S. citizens currently require visas, in advance of travel, for a number of countries featured in our programs. For up to date visa requirements visit www.travel.state.gov. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant embassy in their own country.

Travel advice The Bureau of Consular Affairs monitors all overseas destinations and offers safety advice to U.S. citizens traveling overseas. For up-to-date information please visit www.travel.state.gov

Catalog and Itinerary Accuracy. We thoroughly check all the information that is included within our catalogs and individual tour itineraries, however, changes do occur and errors are occasionally made. Airlines may change their schedules, roads may close, and government regulations may change. Should there be any changes to the travel arrangements you have booked, we will do our best to keep you informed prior to departure.

Data Protection.Bhutan Wine Companywill hold your name, address, and any other details you supply us with in our database. This information will be used to make your travel arrangements. In order to make your travel arrangements we may need to pass your details to companies and individuals in countries where less stringent data protection controls may be in place. We will not pass on your details to third parties for any other purposes. Please read the following conditions carefully. All tours are sold by us subject to these conditions and the other general information in this booklet, and in our brochures.