Bhutan Tour

1. Hotel Amenities: Hotels in Bhutan and Nepal provide European-standard 24-hour hot water showers, but do not supply single-use toiletries (such as toothbrushes, slippers, combs, shampoo, body wash, soap, or shower caps). Travelers should pack these items independently. European-standard rooms are generally smaller than standard regional hotels. Keep the hotel business card with you when exploring independently to prevent getting lost.
2. Power Supply: Voltage in Nepal and Bhutan runs at 220V or 240V. Plugs typically feature two round pins; travelers are advised to bring universal power adapters.
3. Time Zone: Nepal is 2 hours and 15 minutes behind standard regional east coast time. Bhutan is 2 hours behind standard regional east coast time.
4. Currency & Payments: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) trades at parity with the Indian Rupee (INR). Foreign exchange must be processed through authorized banks or licensed exchange bureaus; retain your exchange receipts. Major shopping centers accept international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, though merchants typically apply a 3.5% transaction processing fee.
5. Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary in Bhutan and Nepal. Standard practice involves tipping 10% of service costs at hotels, restaurants, and for taxi services. Hotel porters generally receive 5 to 10 rupees, while river rafting or elephant safari handlers in Chitwan receive between 15 and 100 rupees.
6. Climate & Clothing: Both countries are year-round destinations; pack clothing appropriate to your travel season. Summer daytime temperatures in Kathmandu (May–July) average around 26°C with cooler evenings, while Bhutan experiences slightly lower overall temperatures.
7. Communications: Travelers can activate international mobile roaming or purchase local SIM cards. Local international calls cost approximately 30–40 Nepalese Rupees per minute. Acquiring a local SIM card requires two passport-sized photos and a passport copy.
8. Health & Medical: Traveling requires physical well-being. Pack personal first-aid items including cold medicine, anti-inflammatories, anti-diarrheals, and motion sickness pills.
9. Religion & Etiquette: Nepal features a diverse population where over 40% practice Hinduism alongside Buddhists, Muslims, and secular individuals. Respect local customs by removing shoes before entering temples or private residences. Avoid touching food or utensils with used cutlery or hands intended for others, and never touch people or objects with your feet. Always circumambulate religious structures in a clockwise direction. Leather goods are strictly prohibited inside temple perimeters. Always request permission before taking photographs of individuals or sacred objects. Maintain modest attire, particularly for female travelers, and avoid public displays of affection.

Welcome to Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition. By booking a tour, trek, or expedition with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to comply with the following Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming your reservation.

1. Booking & Reservation Policy

Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed only after Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition has received the required deposit or full payment and has issued official written confirmation of the reservation.

Personal Details

Travelers are responsible for providing accurate and complete personal information, including passport details, arrival and departure flight schedules, and other required information. This information is necessary for processing visas, permits, hotel reservations, transportation, and other travel arrangements.

2. Payment Terms

Currency & Payment Methods

All payments must be made in the designated currency through our authorized international payment gateways, such as Cybersource, or through our official bank transfer channels.

Additional Fees

Any bank transfer charges, intermediary bank fees, or merchant transaction and credit card processing fees are the responsibility of the traveler unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Our cancellation and refund policy is as follows:

• Cancellation 10 or More Days Before Departure: Full refund with no cancellation penalty.
• Cancellation 6–9 Days Before Departure: 40% of the total tour fee will be deducted.
• Cancellation 1–5 Days Before Departure: 60% of the total tour fee will be deducted.
• After Departure / Mid-Tour Withdrawal: If a traveler withdraws from a tour after its commencement due to special circumstances, such as medical illness or an unforeseen emergency, a refund may be provided for eligible unused services, including accommodation, meals, and entrance fees. Such refunds are subject to the submission of valid official documentation and the terms of the relevant service providers.

4. Passport, Visas & Travel Documentation

Passport Validity

Travelers must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of return and must provide the required passport copies when requested.

Permits & Visas

Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition assists travelers with the processing of Bhutanese tourist visas, Sustainable Development Fees (SDF), and necessary local travel permits based on the information and documentation provided by the traveler.

Travelers are responsible for ensuring that all information and documents submitted for visa and permit processing are accurate and valid.

5. Force Majeure & Itinerary Modifications

Unforeseen Circumstances

Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition reserves the right to modify, adjust, postpone, or cancel an itinerary when circumstances beyond our reasonable control make it necessary. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

• Severe weather conditions
• Natural disasters
• Political unrest or strikes
• Road blockages or obstructions
• Government regulations or restrictions
• Flight cancellations or significant delays
• Other unforeseen circumstances affecting the safety or operation of the trip

Additional Expenses

Any additional expenses arising from delays, stranded situations, itinerary changes, alternative transportation, additional accommodation, meals, or other arrangements resulting from force majeure events shall be the responsibility of the traveler unless otherwise agreed.

6. Health, Medical Conditions & Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants. Insurance should ideally cover:

• Medical treatment
• Emergency and high-altitude evacuation
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Baggage loss or delay
• Travel delays
• Other unforeseen travel-related expenses

Fitness & Medical Information

Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they are physically fit and adequately prepared for their selected tour, trek, or expedition, particularly for mountain travel and high-altitude destinations such as Dochula Pass and Tiger's Nest.

Travelers should inform Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition of any relevant pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or other health-related concerns at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements and precautions can be considered.

7. Exclusions & Personal Expenses

Unless specifically stated in the individual tour package, tour prices generally exclude:

• International and domestic airfares
• Personal travel insurance
• Excess baggage charges
• Laundry services
• Alcoholic beverages
• Telephone and communication charges
• Premium room upgrades
• Single-room supplements
• Personal medical expenses
• Tips and gratuities for local guides, drivers, and other service staff
• Other personal expenses not specifically included in the itinerary

Please refer to the individual tour or package description for a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions.

8. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws and regulations of Nepal.

Any dispute, claim, or disagreement arising out of or relating to services provided by Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition shall, where necessary, be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Kathmandu, Nepal.