Terms and Conditions

Terms of Service & Trip Participation Agreement

These Terms and Conditions apply to all tours, treks, pilgrimage packages, transportation services and other travel services booked with Chaukhamba Travels.

By making a booking or payment with Chaukhamba Travels, the traveller (“Participant”) confirms that they have read, understood and agreed to these Terms & Conditions, along with the itinerary, package inclusions, exclusions, payment terms and cancellation policy applicable to their booking.

Travel, particularly in Himalayan and remote regions, may be affected by weather, road conditions, natural events, government restrictions and other circumstances beyond reasonable control. Travellers are therefore requested to carefully review their itinerary and these terms before confirming their trip.

Chaukhamba Travels will make reasonable efforts to provide the services mentioned in the confirmed package and to ensure a safe, comfortable and well-coordinated travel experience.

Please read the following Terms & Conditions carefully before confirming your booking.

1. Booking Confirmation

A minimum 25% advance payment is required to confirm the booking.
An additional 25% payment is required upon issuance/confirmation of hotel vouchers.
The remaining 50% balance must be paid at least 2 days before the travel date.
A booking will be considered confirmed only after the required advance payment has been received.
All bookings are subject to availability of hotels, vehicles, permits, activities and other services included in the package.
The traveller should carefully check the confirmed itinerary, dates, passenger details and package inclusions before making the payment.

2. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation charges may vary depending on the policies of hotels, transport providers, activity operators and other third-party service providers.
Chaukhamba Travels may deduct a service fee of ₹1,000 or 10% per person, whichever is higher, from refundable cancellations.
If the trip is cancelled 15 days or more before the travel date, up to 50% of the eligible package amount may be refunded, subject to deductions for non-refundable bookings, hotel/transport cancellation charges and applicable service fees.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure and no-shows are non-refundable.
No refund will be provided for services voluntarily missed, unused or discontinued by the traveller during the trip.
Refunds, where applicable, will be processed after receiving the applicable refund from the concerned service providers.

3. Changes & Amendments

Any request to change travel dates, itinerary, hotels, vehicle, destination or other services after booking confirmation is subject to availability.
Additional charges resulting from such changes will be borne by the traveller.
Changes requested during the trip may not always be possible.
Chaukhamba Travels reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the itinerary when required due to weather, road conditions, government restrictions, safety concerns or other circumstances beyond our control.

4. Accommodation Policy

Accommodation will be provided according to the hotel/camp category and room-sharing basis mentioned in the confirmed package.
Specific rooms, views, floors or room numbers cannot be guaranteed unless specifically confirmed in writing.
In case a confirmed hotel becomes unavailable due to operational reasons or circumstances beyond our control, an alternative accommodation of a similar category may be arranged, subject to availability.
Hotel facilities may vary depending on destination, location and property category, particularly in remote or high-altitude regions.

5. Check-In & Check-Out Policy

Hotel check-in and check-out timings will be according to the respective hotel’s policy.
Generally, check-in is around 12:00 PM and check-out around 11:00 AM, but timings may vary from hotel to hotel.
Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and may involve additional charges.
Any such additional charges must be paid directly by the traveller unless specifically included in the package.

6. Transportation Policy

The vehicle will be provided strictly as per the confirmed itinerary and is not available for unlimited or personal use.
Any additional sightseeing, route deviation or transportation not mentioned in the itinerary may involve additional charges.
Vehicle type will be provided according to the confirmed package and group size.
Driver details are generally shared approximately one day before travel.
Requests for a particular driver, vehicle number or specific vehicle model cannot be guaranteed.
Toll, parking, fuel and driver allowances will be included only where specifically mentioned under package inclusions.
Air-conditioning may not operate in certain hill areas or while the vehicle is stationary, depending on local regulations and operating conditions.

7. Travel Documents & Identification

Travellers must carry valid government-issued identification such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID or other accepted ID, as applicable.
For flights, trains, permits or specific destinations, travellers must carry the documents required by the relevant authority or service provider.
It is the traveller’s responsibility to provide accurate personal details at the time of booking.
Chaukhamba Travels will not be responsible for denied boarding, permit rejection or interruption of travel caused by incorrect, expired, incomplete or missing documents.

8. Health & Safety

Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they are medically fit to undertake the selected trip or trek.
Travellers should inform Chaukhamba Travels before departure about any medical condition, allergy, mobility issue or special requirement that may affect the journey.
Travellers visiting high-altitude destinations or undertaking treks should consult a qualified medical professional when appropriate.
Basic first-aid assistance may be provided where included, but it should not be considered a substitute for professional medical treatment.
Any medical treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation, rescue or related expense will be borne by the traveller unless specifically covered by their own insurance.

9. Travel & Medical Insurance

Travel and medical insurance are not included unless specifically mentioned in the package.
Travellers are advised to obtain suitable travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other relevant risks.
Chaukhamba Travels will not be responsible for expenses that would otherwise be covered under the traveller’s insurance policy.

10. Journey Disruptions & Force Majeure

Travel in mountain regions can be affected by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Chaukhamba Travels, including:

Landslides, floods, snowfall, earthquakes, avalanches or other natural disasters.
Road closures, traffic restrictions and trekking-route closures.
Strikes, protests, political disturbances or local disruptions.
Government orders or restrictions.
Extreme or unsafe weather conditions.
Vehicle breakdowns or transport disruptions.
Closure of hotels, tourist attractions, temples or trekking routes.
Other unforeseen or force majeure circumstances.

If such circumstances require an additional hotel stay, transportation, meals, route change or other services, the additional cost will be borne by the traveller.

Chaukhamba Travels will make reasonable efforts to assist travellers and arrange suitable alternatives wherever practically possible.

11. Trekking & Adventure Activities

Trekking and adventure activities involve inherent risks associated with altitude, terrain, weather and physical exertion.
Travellers must follow the instructions of trek leaders, guides and local authorities.
Trek routes or schedules may be changed or cancelled when conditions are considered unsafe.
Personal trekking equipment, porter services, backpack offloading, pony services or other additional services are chargeable unless specifically included in the package.
Forest permits and entry fees will be provided only where specifically mentioned in the package inclusions.

12. Cloakroom & Luggage Storage

Cloakroom, luggage storage, baggage handling, porter or similar services are chargeable unless specifically included in the package.
Any such charges incurred during the journey must be paid directly by the traveller.
Travellers are responsible for looking after their personal belongings, valuables and luggage during the trip.

13. Accommodation in Ghangaria & Remote Locations

Accommodation options in Ghangaria and other remote Himalayan destinations are limited compared with major cities.
During peak season, hotels may become unavailable because of high occupancy or operational circumstances.
In such situations, Chaukhamba Travels may provide accommodation in a camp, guest house or alternative hotel of a similar available category.
Such arrangements will remain subject to availability and the inclusions of the confirmed package.
Facilities such as electricity, hot water, Wi-Fi, room heaters and mobile connectivity may be limited in remote areas.

14. Hotel Change & Upgrade Requests

If a traveller wishes to change or upgrade the hotel after confirmation, the request will be subject to availability.
Any difference in hotel price or additional charges will be borne by the traveller.
Once the journey has started, hotel changes cannot always be guaranteed.
Refunds will not normally be applicable when a traveller voluntarily chooses not to use the confirmed accommodation.

15. Meals

Meals will be provided according to the meal plan mentioned in the package inclusions.
Meals or beverages ordered outside the confirmed meal plan must be paid for directly by the traveller.
Special dietary requests may be communicated in advance; however, availability cannot be guaranteed at every destination, particularly in remote areas.

16. Personal Expenses & Additional Services

Unless specifically included in the confirmed package, travellers are responsible for personal and additional expenses such as:

Laundry, tips and personal purchases.
Mineral water, snacks and extra meals.
Room heaters and additional hotel services.
Porter, pony and backpack offloading services.
Cable car, ropeway and boating charges.
Helicopter and VIP darshan tickets.
Train or flight tickets.
Additional sightseeing or transportation.
Medical, evacuation or rescue expenses.

Any service not specifically mentioned under “Package Inclusions” will be considered excluded

17. Misconduct & Behaviour

Travellers are expected to behave respectfully towards Chaukhamba Travels staff, drivers, guides, hotel staff, local communities and fellow travellers.
Abusive language, threats, harassment, violence, illegal activities or serious misconduct will not be tolerated.
Chaukhamba Travels reserves the right to discontinue services to a traveller whose behaviour creates a safety risk or seriously disrupts the trip.
In such cases, refunds may not be provided for unused services, and legal action may be taken where appropriate.

18. Third-Party Services

Chaukhamba Travels coordinates with hotels, transport operators, activity providers, guides and other independent third-party service providers.
The availability and operation of third-party services remain subject to their respective policies and operating conditions.
Chaukhamba Travels will make reasonable efforts to resolve service-related issues but cannot guarantee matters that are outside its direct control.

19. Limitation of Liability

Chaukhamba Travels makes reasonable efforts to provide safe, comfortable and properly coordinated travel services.

However, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Chaukhamba Travels shall not be responsible for losses, delays, injuries, illness, damage to personal belongings, cancellations or additional expenses arising from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, adverse weather, road closures, government restrictions, strikes, transport disruptions or closure of destinations.

Any additional medical treatment, evacuation, rescue, accommodation, meals or transportation required because of such circumstances will be borne by the traveller unless otherwise specifically included or covered by the traveller’s insurance.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude or limit any liability or consumer right that cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.

20. Acceptance of Terms

Payment of the booking amount will be treated as acknowledgement that the traveller has reviewed and accepted the confirmed itinerary, package inclusions, exclusions, payment terms and these Terms & Conditions.
Travellers are advised to clarify any questions regarding the package before making payment.
The latest Terms & Conditions published by Chaukhamba Travels will apply subject to the terms specifically agreed upon in the confirmed booking.

21. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

The applicable laws of India shall govern these Terms & Conditions.
Any dispute relating to the booking or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction specified by Chaukhamba Travels under applicable law.
Travellers are advised to clarify any questions regarding the package before making payment.
The latest Terms & Conditions published by Chaukhamba Travels will apply subject to the terms specifically agreed upon in the confirmed booking.