This policy applies to all tours, packages and travel services booked with Global Safari Tours and Treks ("we", "us"). By confirming a booking and paying a deposit, you agree to these terms.
Booking and payment
- A booking is confirmed once we receive the advance payment stated in your quotation, together with the documents required for permits.
- The balance is due on or before the date stated in your confirmation, normally before the start of the tour.
- For international visitors, the SDF and visa fee must be paid in full before the visa can be processed.
Cancellation by the traveller
Cancellations must be made in writing by email or WhatsApp. The cancellation date is the date we receive your written request. The following charges apply to the total tour cost, excluding government fees (see below):
| Notice before arrival date | Cancellation charge |
|---|---|
| 31 days or more | 10% of tour cost (processing & supplier charges) |
| 21 – 30 days | 25% of tour cost |
| 8 – 20 days | 50% of tour cost |
| 7 days or less, or no-show | 100% of tour cost |
During peak festival periods, or where hotels or airlines apply stricter non-refundable terms, different charges may apply. These are stated clearly in your quotation.
Government fees: SDF and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): SDF paid for nights not used is refunded according to the procedures of Bhutan's Department of Tourism. We pass on the refund as soon as we receive it, less any bank or transfer charges.
- Visa fee (USD 40): non-refundable once the visa has been processed.
- Permits already issued cannot be refunded.
Flights, trains and third-party services
Airline tickets (Drukair, Bhutan Airlines or others), train tickets and other third-party bookings follow the supplier's own fare rules. Refunds for these depend entirely on the supplier's policy and are passed on when received.
Unused services and early departure
No refund is given for unused services, such as missed meals, sightseeing or hotel nights, or for leaving a tour early by choice. Unused SDF for nights not spent in Bhutan may be refunded as described above.
Changes to your booking
- We will try to accommodate date or itinerary changes, subject to availability. Any extra cost charged by hotels, airlines or the government is payable by the traveller.
- A change of travel dates made less than 21 days before arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking.
Cancellation or changes by us
- If we must cancel a confirmed tour for reasons within our control, you will receive a full refund of all amounts paid to us.
- We may need to change itineraries, hotels or routes because of weather, landslides, road closures, festival schedule changes, government directives or other circumstances beyond our control. We will offer suitable alternatives of a similar standard.
Force majeure
We are not liable for cancellations, delays or extra costs caused by events beyond our control. These include natural disasters, extreme weather, landslides, epidemics, strikes, border closures, political unrest or government restrictions. In such cases we will work with you to reschedule your trip or issue a credit note, and refund any amounts recovered from suppliers.
Refund timeline and method
Approved refunds are processed within 14 working days of the cancellation being confirmed, or of receiving funds back from suppliers or government authorities, whichever is later. Refunds are made to the original payment method or by bank transfer. Bank and currency conversion charges are deducted where applicable.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies and evacuation, to protect you against unexpected costs.
Contact us
To cancel or change a booking, or if you have questions about this policy, contact us at info@globalsafaritoursandtrek.com or call / WhatsApp +975 17 76 37 44.
Last updated: 15 October 2026