Policies & Rules

Last updated: [DATE]

These Policies & Rules apply to all travellers, guests, customers, visitors, and website users who enquire about, book, purchase, or participate in any tour, expedition, safari, stay, transfer, activity, experience, or other service arranged or facilitated by Highlander Expeditions.

For the purposes of these policies:

• “We,” “us,” and “our” refer to Highlander Expeditions, operating under the brand Highlander Expeditions.

• “Traveller,” “guest,” “customer,” “you,” and “your” refer to the person making the booking and all persons travelling under or included in that booking.

• “Service” or “Experience” may include expeditions, safaris, guided tours, accommodation, transportation, transfers, activities, sightseeing, meals, local experiences, permits, and other travel-related arrangements.

By making a booking, paying a deposit or full amount, using our website, or participating in an experience arranged by Highlander Expeditions, you agree to the applicable terms set out below.

Terms & Conditions

1. General

Highlander Expeditions organises and facilitates travel experiences that may include wildlife safaris, nature tours, expeditions, guided journeys, adventure activities, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, local experiences, and customised itineraries.

All services are subject to:

• availability;

• local conditions;

• weather;

• government regulations;

• forest and wildlife department rules;

• permit availability;

• transportation conditions;

• accommodation availability;

• safety considerations; and

• circumstances outside our reasonable control.

We reserve the right to modify itineraries, schedules, routes, accommodation, transportation, activities, or other arrangements where reasonably necessary for operational, safety, environmental, regulatory, or logistical reasons.

Where possible, we will inform travellers of significant changes before or during the trip.

2. Eligibility to Book

The person making the booking must:

• be at least 18 years of age;

• have the legal capacity to enter into a contract;

• provide complete and accurate booking information;

• make payments according to the agreed schedule; and

• accept responsibility for all travellers included in the booking.

The lead traveller is responsible for ensuring that every member of the group is aware of and complies with these policies.

3. Accuracy of Traveller Information

Travellers must provide accurate information including:

• full name;

• age or date of birth where required;

• contact details;

• nationality where relevant;

• identification details;

• passport details where required;

• visa information where applicable; and

• any other information required for permits or bookings.

For safaris, protected areas, permits, hotels, transport, or government registrations, traveller details may need to exactly match valid government-issued identification.

Highlander Expeditions cannot be held responsible where entry, boarding, permits, accommodation, or participation is refused because the traveller provided incorrect, incomplete, expired, or mismatched information.

4. Travel Documents

Travellers are responsible for carrying all documents required for their journey, including where applicable:

• valid government identification;

• passport;

• visa;

• travel permits;

• safari permits;

• medical documents;

• insurance documents; and

• any certificates required by local or government authorities.

Highlander Expeditions may assist with information regarding documentation, but the ultimate responsibility for carrying valid travel documents remains with the traveller.

5. Itineraries

Itineraries are planned carefully, but travel to remote, natural, mountainous, forested, or wildlife areas can be unpredictable.

Itineraries may change because of circumstances including:

• weather;

• road conditions;

• wildlife movement;

• forest restrictions;

• government orders;

• landslides;

• floods;

• snowfall;

• closures;

• transport delays;

• permit restrictions;

• safety concerns; or

• local conditions.

Where an itinerary changes, Highlander Expeditions will make reasonable efforts to provide a suitable alternative.

An itinerary change does not automatically entitle a traveller to a refund where the change is caused by circumstances outside our reasonable control.

6. Traveller Conduct

Travellers are expected to behave respectfully toward:

• local communities;

• other travellers;

• guides;

• drivers;

• accommodation staff;

• wildlife;

• forest officials;

• government officials; and

• Highlander Expeditions team members.

Behaviour that may result in removal from an experience includes:

• abusive or threatening behaviour;

• harassment;

• violence;

• deliberate damage;

• illegal activity;

• disregard of safety instructions;

• harassment or disturbance of wildlife;

• intoxicated or dangerous behaviour; or

• refusal to follow instructions issued for safety or legal compliance.

A traveller removed from an experience for serious misconduct may not be eligible for a refund.

7. Safety

Many Highlander Expeditions experiences take place in natural or remote environments.

These environments may involve risks such as:

• uneven terrain;

• wildlife encounters;

• changing weather;

• altitude;

• insects;

• reptiles;

• remote roads;

• poor road conditions;

• vehicle travel;

• river crossings;

• forest environments;

• limited mobile connectivity; or

• delayed access to medical facilities.

Travellers must follow all reasonable safety instructions provided by guides, drivers, authorities, accommodation providers, and Highlander Expeditions representatives.

8. Personal Fitness and Suitability

Travellers are responsible for assessing whether they are physically and personally suited to participate in an activity, expedition, safari, trek, or tour.

Where an activity requires a particular fitness level, Highlander Expeditions may provide general guidance.

Travellers should disclose relevant mobility requirements or special assistance needs before booking so that suitability can be assessed.

We cannot guarantee that all destinations, vehicles, accommodations, or activities will be suitable for every accessibility requirement.

9. Children and Minors

Children and minors must remain under the supervision of a responsible adult.

Certain activities may have:

• minimum age requirements;

• height restrictions;

• fitness requirements; or

• government-imposed restrictions.

Parents or guardians are responsible for determining whether an activity or destination is appropriate for the child travelling with them.

10. Personal Belongings

Travellers are responsible for safeguarding their own:

• luggage;

• money;

• cameras;

• mobile phones;

• jewellery;

• passports;

• identification documents;

• electronic equipment; and

• other personal belongings.

Highlander Expeditions is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

11. Alcohol, Drugs, and Prohibited Substances

Travellers must comply with applicable laws regarding alcohol, restricted substances, and prohibited items.

Participation in certain activities may be refused if a traveller appears intoxicated or is behaving in a manner that could create a safety risk.

Illegal drugs and prohibited substances are strictly forbidden.

12. Force Majeure

Highlander Expeditions will not be responsible for failure or delay in delivering services where caused by events outside our reasonable control.

These may include:

• severe weather;

• natural disasters;

• landslides;

• floods;

• earthquakes;

• forest fires;

• epidemics;

• public-health restrictions;

• political unrest;

• strikes;

• government orders;

• wildlife-related closures;

• road closures;

• transport disruption;

• technical failures;

• security incidents; or

• any other extraordinary or unavoidable event.

Where such events affect a booking, we will make reasonable efforts to assist with alternative arrangements.

Privacy Policy

Highlander Expeditions respects your privacy and is committed to handling personal information responsibly.

1. Information We May Collect

We may collect information including:

• full name;

• email address;

• phone number;

• postal address;

• nationality;

• age or date of birth;

• identification details;

• passport or visa information where required;

• emergency contact details;

• booking history;

• travel preferences;

• accommodation preferences;

• dietary preferences;

• activity selections;

• payment and transaction information;

• enquiries and communication records;

• feedback and reviews;

• browser and website usage data; and

• other information voluntarily provided by you.

2. Why We Collect Information

We may use personal information to:

• respond to enquiries;

• prepare itineraries;

• confirm reservations;

• arrange accommodation;

• arrange safaris and permits;

• arrange transportation;

• provide guides and activities;

• process payments;

• process refunds;

• communicate itinerary changes;

• meet legal requirements;

• maintain business records;

• improve our services;

• provide customer support;

• prevent fraud;

• maintain safety; and

• send marketing communication where permitted.

3. Sharing Your Information

We may share relevant information with third parties where necessary to provide the services included in your booking.

These third parties may include:

• hotels and lodges;

• safari operators;

• forest authorities;

• government departments;

• guides;

• drivers;

• transport companies;

• activity providers;

• airlines or transport operators where applicable;

• payment processors;

• booking systems;

• accountants;

• professional advisers; and

• law-enforcement or government agencies where required.

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

4. Payment Information

Payments may be processed using third-party payment gateways or financial institutions.

Where payments are processed directly by an external payment provider, Highlander Expeditions may not store complete card, UPI, or banking credentials.

The payment provider's privacy and security terms may also apply.

5. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• operate website functionality;

• remember preferences;

• analyse site performance;

• understand visitor behaviour; and

• improve the user experience.

Visitors may manage cookies through their browser settings.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect personal information from:

• unauthorised access;

• misuse;

• loss;

• alteration; or

• unauthorised disclosure.

However, no digital transmission or storage method can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

7. Data Retention

We may retain personal information for as long as reasonably required to:

• manage bookings;

• provide services;

• meet accounting obligations;

• meet tax requirements;

• comply with applicable law;

• handle disputes;

• maintain business records; and

• protect legitimate business interests.

8. Privacy Requests

Subject to applicable law, travellers may contact us to request correction or updating of personal information.

Privacy-related enquiries may be sent to:

Email: expeditionshighlander@gmail.com
Phone: +91 86509 72391

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation terms may vary depending on the experience, season, property, safari permit, transport arrangement, expedition, activity, promotional offer, or third-party supplier.

Any specific cancellation terms communicated in the booking confirmation will take priority over the general conditions below.

General Cancellation Schedule

Unless otherwise specified:

Any non-refundable third-party charges may be deducted before calculating the refund.

Safari and Permit Cancellations

Safari permits, forest entry fees, vehicle charges, guide charges, conservation fees, and government portal fees may be governed by the policies of the relevant authority.

Once issued, some permits may:

• be non-refundable;

• allow only partial refunds;

• be non-transferable; or

• restrict changes to traveller details.

Highlander Expeditions cannot provide a refund for an amount that has already been paid to a third-party authority or supplier and is non-refundable to us.

No-Shows

Failure to arrive at the agreed starting point, hotel, safari gate, pickup location, or meeting point without prior cancellation may be treated as a no-show.

No-show bookings are generally non-refundable.

Late Arrival

Travellers are responsible for arriving on time for scheduled activities.

Safaris, transport, guided tours, or activities may operate according to fixed schedules.

If a traveller misses an activity due to late arrival, the amount paid may be non-refundable.

Early Departure

If a traveller voluntarily leaves a trip, tour, expedition, or accommodation before the scheduled completion date, unused services are generally non-refundable.

Booking Changes

Requests to change:

• travel dates;

• traveller names;

• destinations;

• activities;

• hotels;

• transport;

• safari dates; or

• itinerary components

are subject to availability and supplier policies.

Price differences, amendment charges, or non-refundable supplier costs may apply.

Refund Policy

Approved refunds will normally be returned to the original payment method wherever reasonably possible.

Eligible Refunds

A refund may be considered where:

• the booking is cancelled within the applicable cancellation period;

• Highlander Expeditions cancels a service and an alternative is not accepted;

• duplicate payment has occurred;

• an incorrect amount has been charged; or

• a refund is required under applicable law.

Non-Refundable Charges

Depending on the booking, the following may be non-refundable:

• government permits;

• safari permits;

• forest entry fees;

• conservation charges;

• guide fees already committed;

• transport reservations;

• accommodation deposits;

• payment gateway charges;

• bank fees;

• booking fees;

• third-party supplier charges;

• promotional fares;

• services already provided;

• no-shows; and

• taxes or charges that cannot be recovered.

Refund Processing Time

Approved refunds will generally be initiated within 7–14 business days.

After a refund has been initiated, the time taken for the amount to appear in the traveller's account depends on the bank, card issuer, payment gateway, or financial institution.

Safari Rules

Wildlife safaris are one of the most sensitive and regulated experiences we may arrange.

All safari participants must respect wildlife, forest regulations, local authorities, and the natural environment.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve: forest department rules

The following rules are published by Rajaji Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand Forest Department). Similar rules apply in Corbett Tiger Reserve. All guests must follow them:

• Enter the park only after obtaining the necessary permits, and follow all the rules.

• Use the services of nature guides, subject to availability.

• Drive slowly in the park.

• Keep to the specified roads and trails.

• Respect the wild animals and maintain a safe distance from them.

• Do not carry guns or arms of any kind.

• Do not smoke or light campfires in the forest.

• Do not get off the vehicle at any point in the park, except where it is allowed.

• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are not allowed.

• Help keep the park pollution-free.

• Obey the rules and directions given by forest staff from time to time.

• Day visits are strictly prohibited before sunrise and after sunset.

Tourist seasons and safari timings are set by the forest department for each zone. For example, the Chilla zone of Rajaji is open to tourists from 15 November to 15 June, with morning visits from 6 am to 10 am and afternoon visits from 2 pm to 6 pm. We confirm the season and timings for your zone at the time of booking.

1. Safari Permits

Safari participation is subject to permit availability.

Submitting a booking request does not guarantee a safari permit.

Permit confirmation depends on:

• government availability;

• forest department systems;

• safari zone availability;

• travel dates;

• identification requirements; and

• applicable regulations.

2. Identification Requirements

Travellers may be required to carry the original government-issued identification used when making the safari booking.

If the identification details do not match the permit, entry may be denied by the relevant authority.

Highlander Expeditions cannot guarantee entry where documentation requirements are not met.

3. Wildlife Sightings

Wild animals move freely in their natural habitat.

Therefore, Highlander Expeditions does not guarantee sightings of:

• tigers;

• leopards;

• elephants;

• bears;

• rare birds; or

• any other particular species.

A safari should be experienced as an opportunity to explore and observe a natural ecosystem rather than as a guaranteed wildlife sighting.

No refund will be issued solely because a particular animal was not seen.

4. Follow Guide and Forest Instructions

Travellers must follow instructions issued by:

• forest guides;

• safari drivers;

• naturalists;

• park authorities;

• government officials; and

• authorised representatives.

These instructions exist for the safety of visitors and protection of wildlife.

5. Respect Wildlife

Travellers must not:

• feed animals;

• call or imitate animals to attract them;

• throw objects;

• chase wildlife;

• leave the vehicle without permission;

• intentionally disturb animals;

• litter;

• damage plants or natural habitats; or

• interfere with wildlife behaviour.

6. Noise

Guests should maintain appropriate noise levels during safaris.

Loud music, shouting, unnecessary noise, or disruptive behaviour may disturb wildlife and may violate forest rules.

7. Safari Routes and Zones

Safari zones, routes, gates, guides, and vehicles may be allocated by the relevant authority.

Highlander Expeditions may not control these allocations.

Requests for a specific route or zone can be noted but cannot always be guaranteed.

8. Safari Timing

Forest authorities normally operate strict entry and exit timings.

Travellers must be ready at the agreed pickup or reporting time.

Late arrival may result in:

• missed entry;

• shortened safari time; or

• cancellation without refund.

9. Photography and Filming

Personal photography may be permitted subject to local rules.

Commercial photography, filming, drones, professional productions, or specialised equipment may require additional permissions and fees.

Travellers are responsible for complying with the relevant regulations.

10. Alcohol and Intoxicants

Travellers who appear intoxicated may be refused safari participation.

Alcohol, narcotics, illegal substances, and prohibited items must not be carried into protected areas where prohibited.

11. Children on Safari

Children should remain under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

Parents should consider:

• long vehicle journeys;

• early morning departures;

• extreme temperatures;

• uneven roads;

• noise restrictions; and

• wildlife-related risks

when deciding whether a safari is appropriate for their child.

12. Closures and Restrictions

Safari operations may be cancelled, delayed, shortened, or modified because of:

• heavy rain;

• flooding;

• forest fires;

• animal movement;

• conservation work;

• government orders;

• security concerns;

• road conditions;

• seasonal closure; or

• other official decisions.

Refunds in such situations will depend on the amount, if any, refunded by the relevant authority or supplier.

Booking Terms

1. Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed only when:

• required traveller details have been received;

• the required deposit or full payment has been received; and

• Highlander Expeditions has issued written confirmation.

An enquiry, quotation, WhatsApp message, itinerary proposal, or telephone conversation does not by itself constitute a confirmed booking.

2. Pricing

Prices may vary depending on:

• season;

• availability;

• traveller numbers;

• accommodation category;

• vehicle type;

• safari availability;

• permits;

• government charges;

• taxes;

• fuel costs;

• special events; and

• supplier pricing.

3. Taxes and Government Charges

Applicable GST, government taxes, conservation fees, permit charges, entry fees, tourism fees, or other statutory charges may be added where required.

Where government fees change after a quotation has been issued, the difference may need to be paid by the traveller.

4. Booking Deposit

A deposit may be required to confirm a booking. The deposit amount varies by booking and will be communicated before confirmation.

Certain experiences may require:

• full advance payment;

• immediate payment for permits;

• non-refundable deposits; or

• different payment terms.

These requirements will be communicated before confirmation.

5. Balance Payment

The outstanding balance must normally be paid 2–3 days before departure unless otherwise agreed.

Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in cancellation.

6. Package Inclusions

Only the services expressly mentioned in the confirmed itinerary or booking document are included.

Possible inclusions may include:

• accommodation;

• meals;

• transport;

• safaris;

• guides;

• entrance fees;

• sightseeing;

• activities;

• transfers; and

• permits.

Travellers should review their confirmation carefully.

7. Package Exclusions

Unless specifically included, the following may be excluded:

• flights;

• visas;

• personal insurance;

• personal purchases;

• tips;

• laundry;

• alcoholic beverages;

• additional meals;

• optional activities;

• camera fees;

• medical expenses;

• emergency evacuation;

• extra transport; and

• any service not listed as included.

8. Third-Party Suppliers

Some services are provided by independent third parties.

These may include:

• hotels;

• lodges;

• transport providers;

• safari operators;

• government authorities;

• activity providers;

• guides; and

• local service providers.

Such services may be governed by the supplier's own terms and conditions.

9. Special Requests

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests relating to:

• room preferences;

• dietary preferences;

• bedding;

• accessibility;

• safari zones;

• photography;

• transport;

• guide preferences; and

• other arrangements.

However, special requests cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in writing.

10. Promotions and Special Offers

Promotional rates may be:

• non-refundable;

• non-transferable;

• date-restricted;

• subject to blackout periods;

• available only for a limited time; or

• subject to separate terms.

Disclaimer

1. Nature of Travel

Travel, safaris, expeditions, and outdoor experiences involve a degree of unpredictability.

Highlander Expeditions carefully plans experiences but cannot control every circumstance affecting travel.

2. Wildlife Disclaimer

Wildlife sightings are dependent on natural conditions.

No particular animal sighting is guaranteed.

Photographs, videos, and wildlife content displayed on our website or marketing materials represent possible experiences and should not be interpreted as guaranteed sightings.

3. Website Information

We aim to keep website information accurate and current.

However:

• prices may change;

• activities may change;

• hotels may change;

• routes may change;

• images may be illustrative;

• travel times may vary; and

• facilities may differ from photographs due to seasonal or operational conditions.

4. Travel Times

Driving and transfer times shown in itineraries are estimates.

Actual journey duration may vary because of:

• traffic;

• road conditions;

• weather;

• road closures;

• checkpoints;

• local events;

• wildlife movement; or

• unforeseen delays.

5. Remote Destination Conditions

Some destinations may have:

• limited mobile coverage;

• limited internet;

• intermittent electricity;

• basic medical facilities;

• limited ATM access;

• challenging roads; or

• limited availability of certain products or services.

These conditions are part of travelling in remote areas and may be outside the control of Highlander Expeditions.

6. Third-Party Services

While we make reasonable efforts to work with appropriate service providers, Highlander Expeditions does not directly control all third-party services.

A third-party provider may operate according to its own terms, safety procedures, schedules, and regulations.

7. Traveller Responsibility

Travellers are responsible for making reasonable preparations before travelling, including:

• carrying valid identification;

• obtaining visas where required;

• purchasing suitable travel insurance where appropriate;

• carrying required medication;

• reviewing weather conditions;

• following packing guidance;

• arriving on time; and

• complying with applicable rules.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Highlander Expeditions will not be responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses resulting from circumstances outside our reasonable control.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.

Responsible Travel & Wildlife Ethics

Highlander Expeditions believes memorable travel should also be responsible travel.

We encourage every traveller to:

• respect local cultures and traditions;

• avoid littering;

• minimise unnecessary plastic use;

• avoid disturbing wildlife;

• respect protected landscapes;

• follow local conservation rules;

• support responsible tourism;

• respect local communities;

• avoid purchasing products made from protected wildlife; and

• leave natural environments as they were found.

Wildlife should always be observed from a respectful distance.

A great wildlife experience is one where the traveller witnesses nature without changing its natural behaviour.

Contact Us

For enquiries regarding bookings, payments, cancellations, refunds, privacy, or these policies, please contact:

Highlander Expeditions

Phone: +91 86509 72391
Email: expeditionshighlander@gmail.com
Website: [WEBSITE URL]

Governing Law

These Policies & Rules and bookings made with Highlander Expeditions will be governed by the applicable laws of India.

Subject to applicable consumer protection laws and other mandatory legal requirements, disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Agreement

By confirming a booking with Highlander Expeditions, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the applicable:

• Terms & Conditions;

• Cancellation Policy;

• Refund Policy;

• Safari Rules;

• Booking Terms; and

• other conditions communicated as part of your confirmed itinerary.

Specific booking conditions stated in your quotation, itinerary, invoice, permit, or booking confirmation may supplement these general policies.