Terms & Conditions

1. Booking and Confirmation

• 1.1 A contract between you ("Traveller", "you", "your") and Chalo Folks comes into existence only when we send you a booking confirmation and receive your payment.
• 1.2 You must ensure that all information you provide (name, date of birth, contact details, passport details, emergency contact, medical information, etc.) is true, complete and accurate. We are not responsible for errors arising from incorrect details provided by you.
• 1.3 If payment is not received by the due date, we may treat the booking as cancelled and apply cancellation charges.

2. Payments and Price Changes

• 2.1 Trip prices are as advertised at the time of booking. We reserve the right to amend prices prior to confirmation due to changes in costs imposed by suppliers or currency fluctuations. Any price change will be communicated in writing.
• 2.2 Once you receive a booking confirmation, the price is locked except for any optional services you choose after confirmation.
• 2.3 Our trips are priced for international travellers with no taxes added. Optional services or supplier surcharges may be passed on to you only if they apply after you have booked.

3. Deposit and Final Payment

• 3.1 A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking as specified on the trip page.
• 3.2 The balance payment must be received no later than the date specified in your booking confirmation.
• 3.3 If final payment is not received by the due date, we may cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply.

4. Cancellation by You

• 4.1 If you cancel your booking in writing, cancellation fees apply as follows:
  • More than 60 days before departure: Deposit is forfeited.
  • 30-60 days before departure: 50% of total trip cost.
  • Less than 30 days before departure or no show: 100% of total trip cost.
• 4.2 Cancellation charges reflect the costs we incur in arranging your trip, including supplier fees.
• 4.3 If your booking includes optional services (e.g., balloons, activities), separate cancellation terms for those services may apply.

5. Changes by Us

• 5.1 We plan trips as accurately as possible. However, circumstances beyond our control (weather, local conditions, political events, supplier changes, safety concerns) may require itinerary changes.
• 5.2 We reserve the right to update the itinerary at any time. Most changes are minor, but if a change affects a significant portion of the trip (e.g., length, key destinations), we will notify you at the earliest reasonable opportunity.
• 5.3 If a major change occurs before departure, you may choose to:
  • Accept the revised arrangements, or
  • Cancel the booking and receive a refund of trip monies paid (less any unrecoverable costs).
• 5.4 After departure, changes may be necessary due to local conditions or emergencies, and you agree to reasonably support such changes.

6. Force Majeure and Unforeseen Events

• 6.1 "Force Majeure" means an event outside our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government action, war, epidemics, pandemics, strikes, airport closures, weather, or terrorist activity.
• 6.2 If a Force Majeure event affects the trip before departure, we will:
  • Offer you a suitable alternative date or itinerary, or
  • Provide a credit or refund of unused trip monies (less supplier non-refundable costs).
• 6.3 If a Force Majeure event occurs after departure, additional costs incurred (accommodation, meals, transport) are your responsibility unless otherwise agreed.

8. Health, Fitness & Pre-Existing Conditions

• 8.1 You are responsible for assessing your fitness for the trip. Our trips may include walking, heat exposure, and uneven terrain.
• 8.2 You must notify us of any medical condition or disability that may affect your ability to travel safely. We may require a medical clearance.
• 8.3 If you require specific assistance that we cannot provide, we may cancel your participation and cancellation charges will apply.

9. Visas, Passports & Entry Requirements

• 9.1 It is your responsibility to obtain and carry all necessary travel documents, including valid passport, visas, permits, vaccinations, and entry/exit requirements.
• 9.2 We may provide guidance, but we do not guarantee visa approvals.
• 9.3 Failure to obtain required documents will be treated as a cancellation by you and cancellation fees apply.

10. Behaviour & Conduct

• 10.1 You agree to behave in a manner that does not endanger yourself or others and respects local customs, cultures, laws, and Chalo Folks values.
• 10.2 If your behaviour jeopardises the group or safety, we may exclude you from the trip without refund.
• 10.3 Optional activities arranged outside the main itinerary are at your own risk. Assistance from Chalo Folks does not transfer liability for those activities to us.

11. Supplier Services

• 11.1 Some services on your trip (hotels, transport, restaurants, guides) are provided by independent suppliers.
• 11.2 We act as an organiser and are not responsible for the acts or omissions of third-party suppliers beyond what local law permits.

12. No Wildlife Exploitation

• 12.1 Chalo Folks will not promote or include activities that exploit wildlife (e.g., elephant riding, captive animal interactions).
• 12.2 Any optional wildlife experiences you choose outside the itinerary are your responsibility.

13. Payment Methods & Fees

• 13.1 We accept payment by the methods described at booking.
• 13.2 You are responsible for any bank or transaction fees.

14. Photography & Media

• 14.1 Chalo Folks may capture photos or videos during the trip for marketing.
• 14.2 By travelling with us, you consent to use of your likeness in future promotional material unless you notify us in writing prior to departure.

15. Data Protection & Privacy

16. Claims & Complaints

• 16.1 If you have a complaint, inform your tour leader or local representative immediately so we can seek to resolve it.
• 16.2 Unresolved issues should be submitted in writing within 30 days after trip completion.

17. Indemnification

• 17.1 You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Chalo Folks from any claims, losses, damages, or legal fees arising from:
  • Your conduct
  • Your violation of local laws
  • Your breach of these Terms

19. Chargeback Protection

• 19.1 The traveller agrees that any dispute regarding payments shall first be raised directly with Chalo Folks prior to initiating a chargeback or payment dispute. Unjustified chargebacks may result in recovery action including administrative and legal costs.

20. Amendments & Jurisdiction

• 20.1 We may update these Booking Conditions; the version applicable is the one in force at the time of your booking.
• 20.2 This agreement is governed by the laws of India. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of NCR, India.