Terms & Conditions
Last updated July 30, 2026
These Terms & Conditions govern every booking made with Arise Bhutan Tours & Travels, a DOT-licensed tour operator (Lic. No. 50001567) based in Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan. By paying a deposit or confirming a booking with us, you accept these terms.
1. Booking & Visa Process
All Bhutan tourist visas must be arranged by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — Arise Bhutan submits your visa clearance application to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) on your behalf once your booking is confirmed and passport details are provided. We recommend finalizing bookings at least 3 weeks before travel.
2. Payment Schedule
- 50% deposit to confirm your booking — this secures your flights and hotel rooms
- Remaining 50% due within 60 days of arrival — this covers your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and starts visa processing
- Payment by bank transfer, or credit/debit card (a processing fee applies to card payments); SAARC nationals may pay by bank transfer in INR/Nu.
3. Cancellation & Refund Policy
Tour packages and air tickets are refunded separately, according to how close to departure you cancel:
| Cancellation Period | Policy |
|---|---|
| Tour Package — 60+ days before departure | USD $250/person flat fee + bank transfer charges |
| Tour Package — 60–10 days before departure | 45% of package cost retained |
| Tour Package — Under 10 days / No-show | 100% of package cost retained (non-refundable) |
| Air Ticket — 30+ days before travel | 75% refund |
| Air Ticket — 10–30 days before travel | 50% refund |
| Air Ticket — Under 4 days before travel | 25% refund |
| Air Ticket — Within 4 days / No-show | Non-refundable |
Flight reschedules requested less than 72 hours before departure incur a USD $50 fee per change (waived for Business Class tickets). All cancellations must be submitted in writing to arisebhutan@gmail.com.
4. What's Included / Not Included
Standard inclusions and exclusions are itemized on every tour page and quote — they typically include accommodation, a licensed English-speaking guide, private vehicle and driver, the SDF, monument/dzong entry fees, meals as per itinerary, and international flights (economy class). Personal expenses, gratuities, and travel/medical insurance are not included. Exact inclusions for your trip are confirmed in your itinerary and voucher.
5. Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and high-altitude activity for the duration of your trip. Arise Bhutan is not responsible for costs arising from a traveler's failure to obtain adequate insurance.
6. Traveler Responsibilities
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Accurate passport and personal details submitted in time for visa processing
- Reasonable fitness for the itinerary's activities (e.g. altitude, trekking) — please tell us about any medical conditions before booking
- Compliance with Bhutanese law and your guide's safety instructions while in-country
7. Force Majeure
Arise Bhutan is not liable for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by events beyond our reasonable control — including but not limited to severe weather, flight cancellations, natural disasters, government travel restrictions, or civil unrest. Where possible we will help rearrange your itinerary; refunds for third-party costs (e.g. flights) follow that provider's own policy.
8. Liability
Arise Bhutan arranges accommodation, transport, guiding, and activities through licensed and vetted local partners, but is not liable for injury, loss, or damage arising from the independent acts of these third-party providers, or from circumstances outside our control. Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded under Bhutanese law.
9. Website Content & Intellectual Property
All text, photography, and itineraries on arisebhutan.com are the property of Arise Bhutan Tours & Travels unless otherwise credited, and may not be reproduced without permission.
10. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Any dispute arising from a booking with Arise Bhutan Tours & Travels is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Bhutan.
11. Changes to These Terms
We may update these terms from time to time; the version in force at the time you confirm a booking applies to that booking. Material changes will be reflected by updating the “Last updated” date above.
12. Contact Us
Questions about these terms? Email arisebhutan@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +975 77 319 405. See also our Privacy Policy.