ACROSS THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS - travel with LESLEY ROBIN 18DAYS 1-18April2019 - Exclusive Journeys
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travel with LESLEY ROBIN
ACROSS THE
WESTERN HIMALAYAS
18 DAYS 1-18 April 2019
Tibetan culture, Himalayan hill stations & rural villages
in the Northern Indian states of
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab
1
TRIP DOSSIER
13 pages: A Brief Outline Itinerary, Your Detailed Itinerary, Important Notes,
Booking Form and Booking Conditions.
18 DAYS 1-18 April 2019
$ 7490 LAND ONLY, per person twin sharing
$ 1725 Single Supplement
Date Brief Outline Itinerary Destinations
Day 1 Meeting on arrival at Delhi International Delhi – Radisson Blu Airport
Monday 1 Airport by independent flight arrangements. Hotel
April Transfer to hotel. Check-in from 2pm today.
Day 2 Early flight to Dehradun in the northern Rishikesh – Hotel Aloha on the
Tuesday 2 state of Uttarakhand, our jumping off point Ganges
April for Rishikesh on the sacred River Ganges.
Day 3 Full day sightseeing includes walking tour of Rishikesh – Hotel Aloha on the
Wed 3 Rishikesh bazaar and temples. Attend Ganges
April evening ‘aarti’ rituals on the river.
Day 4 Drive to Chandigarh, capital of Punjab & Chandigarh – Hotel Taj
Thursday 4 Hariyana, a city designed by the Swiss- Chandigarh
April French modernist architect, Le Corbusier.
Day 5 Continue overland to hill station of Simla, Shimla – Hotel Oberoi Cecil
Friday 5 capital of Himachal Pradesh, and once the
April summer capital of British India.
Day 6 Full day sightseeing Simla situated in the Shimla – Hotel Oberoi Cecil
Saturday 6 Himalayan foothills at a height of around
April 7,500 ft.
Day 7 Full day drive through the mountains to Alhilal – Hotel Taragarh
Sunday 7 Palampur in the beautiful Kangra Valley with
April a backdrop of the Dhauladhar range.
2
Date Brief Outline Itinerary Destinations
Day 8 Our visits today include Dongyu Gyatseling Alhilal – Hotel Taragarh
Monday 8 Tibetan Nunnery and Andretta Artists’
April Colony.
Day 9 Visits the 13th century Baijnath temple and Quartz House - Dharamsala
Tuesday 9 Sherab Ling Monastery. Drive to Dharamsala,
October seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile.
Day 10 Visit Norbulingka Institute for traditional Quartz House - Dharamsala
Wed 10 Tibetan arts, crafts and culture. Visit a rural
April community project and Dolma Ling Nunnery.
Day 11 Visit the Tibetan Administration-in-Exile, Quartz House - Dharamsala
Thursday 11 sightsee McLeod Ganj, residence of His
April Holiness the Dalai Lama and many Tibetans.
Day 12 Visits include the Tsug Lhakang main Quartz House - Dharamsala
Friday 12 Tibetan temple, the Museum of Tibet and
April Namgyal monastery.
Day 13 Morning’s drive to our idyllic lakeside Basunti – Maharana Pratap
Saturday 13 retreat with its abundant birdlife and Sagar Lake
April stunning views of the Himalayas beyond.
Day 14 Explore this little-known area, meeting a Basunti – Maharana Pratap
Sunday 14 basket maker in a rural village and visit a Sagar Lake
April Shiva temple.
Day 15 Travel by fishermen’s boats to a village with Basunti – Maharana Pratap
Monday 15 traditional mud houses. Visit the local town Sagar mLake
April with its vegetable market and small shops.
Day 16 Morning drive to Amritsar, spiritual home of Amritsar – Hotel Ramada
Tuesday 16 the Sikhs in the state of Punjab. Afternoon
April visit the Golden Temple and local bazaars.
Day 17 Morning flight to Delhi. Afternoon at leisure Delhi – Radisson Blu Airport
Wed 17 for independent activities and shopping. Hotel
April
Day 18 End of Tour. Rooms are reserved until
Thursday 18 midday today. Transfer to international
April airport for your onward journey.
3
Lesley’s experience of India spans more than three decades, bringing to our travels wide
personal experience of this vast country’s cultures, religions and unique textile heritage.
From Delhi we'll head to Rishikesh, in the northern state of Uttarakhand, where the River
Ganges flows through mountains, with its temples, ashrams and wandering holy men.
We’ll continue by road to Chandigarh, designed by the Swiss-French modernist architect,
Le Corbusier. The next day we journey on to Shimla, capital of Himachal Pradesh in the
Himalayan foothills and once the summer capital of British India.
Westward then to Palampur in the beautiful Kangra Valley, surrounded by tea gardens and
pine forests with incomparable views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Here we’ll visit
an Artist’s Colony in a traditional Indian village with its art gallery and well-known
pottery. Culminating for this part of the journey with Dharamsala, home to His Holiness,
the Dalai Lama we’ll immerse ourselves in the Tibetan community, its Buddhist culture
and crafts, learning about the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, visiting temples, monasteries
and nunneries.
We'll then spend time at a private lakeside retreat, idyllic and peaceful with far-reaching
views of Himalayan mountain peaks, situated off the beaten track with its fabulous bird
life, fauna and flora. Staying here gives us the opportunity to explore this little-known
area, visiting rural villages where traditional life remains timeless… a very personal
experience. Finally to Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural home of the Sikhs, where we’ll
visit the Golden Temple and the colorful markets in the Old City. Every step of the way
there will be fantastic photographic opportunities!
From hill stations and rural villages to the bustle of local bazaars and the eternal silence of
the mountains, a fabulous adventure awaits you!
This group is limited to maximum 14 persons only.
DETAILED ITINERARY: WESTERN HIMALAYAS 2019
Day 1 Arrival in Delhi by your own independent air arrangements.
1 April Rooms available for check-in from 2pm today. Land
MONDAY arrangements begin with a transfer from Indira Gandhi
International Airport to our hotel. We come together this
evening to meet our traveling companions and to go over the
trip details before dinner.
DELHI – RADISSON BLU AIRPORT HOTEL (Dinner)
4
Day 2 & 3 Sunday morning early flight to Dehradun in the northern state
2 & 3 April of Uttarakhand, our jumping off point for Rishikesh, an hour’s
TUE, WEDNESDAY drive away.
The River Ganges considered by Hindus to be a goddess, flows
through the town with its many temples and busy, bustling
bazars where cows freely wander the streets. It attracts sadhus
(religious ascetics) who come to meditate and bathe in the
river and its many centers for spiritual studies draw people
from near and far for meditation and yoga. This afternoon we
explore the town using tempos (small open-sided passenger
vehicles).
Attend the daily sunset ‘aarti’ that takes place on the banks of
the river, a ritual ceremony when lamps are offered to the river
deity with Sanskrit songs and prayer.
Monday morning’s excursion follows the river into the
mountains to Vashista Cave where sadhus come to meditate.
Afternoon at leisure to meander the bazaars, visit the vibrant
and colorful Lakshman Jhula market with its dozens of small
shops selling religious items, hand crafted bags, shawls and
more.
RISHIKESH – HOTEL ALOHA ON THE GANGES (B,L,D daily)
Day 4 Today is a travel day. A 6-hour road journey brings us to
4 April Chandigarh, the capital of the northern Indian states of Punjab
THURSDAY and Haryana and designed by the Swiss-French modernist
architect, Le Corbusier. It is regarded as the best planned city
in India.
CHANDIGARH – HOTEL TAJ CHANDIGARH (B,L,D)
Day 5 A brief orientation drive to see Le Corbusier’s buildings
5 April including the Capitol Complex with its High Court, Secretariat
FRIDAY and Legislative Assembly, as well as the giant Open Hand
Monument. Visit Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, its visionary
landscape and architecture a combination of sculpture,
recycled ceramics and industrial relics.
Drive on to Shimla situated at 7,460ft (2275m) arriving late
afternoon, set in the Himalayan foothills with its steep forested
hillsides and views of mountain peaks. Now the capital of
Himachal Pradesh, it was once the summer capital of British
India.
SHIMLA – HOTEL OBEROI CECIL (B,L,D)
During the times of the British Raj, this was the most exclusive of hotels
in Shimla, known for its fabulous ballroom dances and fashionable
clientele. 130 years later, this restored luxury heritage hotel retains
much of its colonial charm.
5
Day 6 Enjoy a full day sightseeing some of the historic buildings
6 April including the Viceregal Lodge. Visit the State Museum housed
SATURDAY in a colonial mansion with its art collection and Pahari (hill)
miniatures. Meander the main promenade known as The Mall
where everyone comes to shop and chat and the local Lakkar
bazar with its markets and narrow lanes.
SHIMLA – HOTEL OBEROI CECIL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Today is a travel day along mountain roads westwards through
7 April picturesque countryside to Mandi, situated on the Beas River
SUNDAY with its many temples and shrines, and once on the trade route
to Tibet. We lunch at the palace of the local Raja before
continuing to Palampur in the beautiful Kangra Valley,
surrounded by tea plantations with a backdrop of the
Dhauladhar Mountain range.
ALHILAL – HOTEL TARAGARH (B,L,D)
Day 8 Philippa Russell, our specialist guide joins us for the next 5
8 April days as we explore the area. A longtime resident of
MONDAY Dharamsala, she shares with us her expertise and personal
knowledge of Tibetan culture.
Visit Dongyu Gatsal Ling, a Tibetan Nunnery for Himalayan
women, founded in 2008 by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. A British
woman, her biography “Cave in the Snow” about her 12 years
solitary and spiritual retreat in the Himalayas, increased her
profile exponentially. Today the Nunnery has around 100 nuns
currently living, studying and practising Buddhist philosophy.
We spend the rest of the day at Andretta Artists’ Colony, set in a
traditional Indian village with panoramic views of the
Himalayas. Originally established in the 1920s with its art
gallery and well-known pottery, it attracted artists, playwrights
and potters. Today we meet the people closely associated with
this small and vibrant community.
ALHILAL – HOTEL TARAGARH (B,L,D)
Day 9 We continue exploring the Kangra Valley visiting the 13th
9 April century Baijnath temple and Sherab Ling monastery situated in
TUESDAY a stunning situation amidst the pine forested foothills with its
temple and shrines, monastic college, library and museum.
Later we visit a tea estate and continue to Dharamsala, home to
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and our base for the next 4 nights.
DHARAMSALA – QUARTZ HOUSE (B,L,D)
6
Day 10 Spend the morning at Norbulingka Institute, their mission to
10 April preserve Tibetan culture, arts and crafts. Explore the
WEDNESDAY workshops for thangka painting and statue making, wood
carving and appliqué. The Losel Doll Museum houses a
collection of over 150 dolls dressed in traditional costumes
from various regions of Tibet, meticulously researched and
made from the same materials as the originals would have
been.
Visit Nishtha, a community outreach center in the valley with
programs that focus on the well-being of village people who
live in the foothills; children’s education and cultural activities,
organic farming and stitchwork, the environment and health.
Then to Dolma Ling Nunnery, the first institute dedicated
specifically to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist
nuns from all traditions. Currently, almost 240 nuns are fully
engaged in study and practice, training in the ritual arts as well
as nunnery work and handcrafts.
DHARAMSALA – QUARTZ HOUSE (B,L,D)
Days 11 & 12 Over the next 2 days our sightseeing includes the Tibetan
11 & 12 April Administration-in-Exile, Gangchen Kyishong and exploring on
THUR, FRIDAY foot McLeod Ganj bazar situated at around 6,800ft, residence of
the Dalai Lama and home to many Tibetans with its central
stupa (Buddhist shrine) and bustling bazaar.
Visit a workshop for traditional Tibetan carpets and time at
leisure to meander the village with its many small shops selling
artifacts, crafts and textiles. We’ll also be visiting the Tsug
Lhakang, the main temple and Prayer Hall, the Museum of Tibet
and Namgyal monastery.
DHARAMSALA – QUARTZ HOUSE (B,L,D daily)
Day 13 Situated on the western edge of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra
13 April Valley is Basunti, a private and idyllic lakeside eco-retreat with
SATURDAY stunning views of the vast lake that surrounds it and the
Himalayas beyond, its gently landscaped gardens rich in fruit,
flowers and birdlife. Our hosts are David Butterworth (who
was born and raised in India) and his wife Izzy. Staying here
gives us the opportunity to explore this little-known area with
them, where traditional life remains timeless… a very personal
experience.
BASUNTI – MAHARANA PRATAP SAGAR LAKE (B,L,D daily)
Our accommodation for the next 3 nights is in delightful cottages
with en suite bathroom, veranda or balcony. The Main House is
surrounded by an open air, thatch-roofed veranda where meals
are served, being freshly prepared and whenever possible using
fruits and vegetables grown in the gardens.
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Day 14 & 15 Over the next two days we meet a basket maker in a rural
14, 15 April village and visit an old Shiva temple. Travel by fishermen’s
SUNDAY, MONDAY boats across the lake to a nearby village with its traditional
mud houses. Here we’ll meet some of the villagers, warm and
hospitable and glimpse something their daily life and customs.
We’ll visit Talwara, the local town for general supplies, spices
and vegetables as well as local shops for everyday household
items. Excursion to see the water birdlife at Saharanpur
barrage as well as jungle and grassland species. For those who
would like to learn how to make Indian bread or traditional
village dishes, the kitchen at Basunti is always very welcoming!
BASUNTI – MAHARANA PRATAP SAGAR LAKE (B,L,D daily)
Day 16 Morning drive to Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural home of
16 April the Sikhs and capital of the state of Punjab. Afternoon visit the
TUESDAY legendary Golden Temple that draws pilgrims from across the
world and explore the old bazaars that surrounds the temple
area.
AMRITSAR – HOTEL RAMADA (B,L,D)
Day 17 Mid-morning flight to Delhi. The rest of the day is at leisure for
17 April independent activities and shopping. Lesley will advise. Lunch
WEDNESDAY is your own arrangements. This evening we come together for
our farewell dinner.
DELHI – RADISSON BLU AIRPORT HOTEL (B, Farewell D)
Day 18 Rooms are reserved at the hotel until 12noon today. Breakfast
18 April is served during normal hotel breakfast hours. Transfer to
THURSDAY Delhi Airport for your return flight home.
TOUR DIRECTOR, LESLEY ROBIN: Lesley’s experience of India spans more than 30 years,
bringing to our journey a personal and in depth knowledge of this vast country with its
diverse culture. Her interest in textiles began in the late 70s when she settled in
Dharamsala (Western Himalayas) exiled home of the Tibetan Dalai Lama. Here she helped
set up projects with local weavers. Her knowledge of eastern culture, Hinduism and
Buddhism and her interest in the textile & craft heritage of the Indian sub-continent is a
result of her extensive travels throughout the region. Lesley will be using local guides who
live in the area, some of whom are longtime friends. She is really delighted to have these
opportunities to introduce you to places, people and crafts she has known over many
years.
For further information please email Lesley: lesley@exclusivejourneys.com
8
IMPORTANT NOTES
PASSPORTS: Passports need to be valid for 6 months beyond trip dates. A visa is
required for India.
Indian Visas: Holders of British and American passports, as well as citizens from many
other countries, are now able to apply online for the Indian e-Tourist Visa (eTV). An easy
process, this visa allows the holder to enter India at sixteen designated airports for two
visits per year of one-month duration each.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Two months prior to the start of the tour you will be sent
comprehensive pre-departure details pertaining to health, clothing, climate, hotels,
obtaining your Indian visa etc. In the meantime if you have any questions or require
assistance with any arrangements additional to the itinerary please let us know.
FINAL PAYMENT: Is due 12 weeks before departure (7 January 2019) in order to
guarantee hotels and flights within India.
TOUR PRICE:
$ 7490 LAND ONLY per person, twin sharing
$ 1725 SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
Supplement for single rooms pays for privacy and not better accommodation. Single rooms
are available throughout the tour, except 3 nights at Basunti, single rooms are limited.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
International Airport Transfers: Transfers are included on arrival and departure.
Sightseeing & Transport: Sightseeing as per itinerary and transport by private coach,
Innova cars and jeeps as well as 2 domestic flights (Delhi-Dehradun and Amritsar/Delhi) .
Accommodation: Based on twin bedded rooms, double occupancy with shower/bath.
We stay in a variety hotels from 5* and 4* hotels to Heritage hotels & a private eco-lodge,
chosen for their charm and location and the best available in the rural areas.
Meals: All meals are included with tea/coffee. Bottled water is provided with
lunch/dinner. B- breakfast, L – lunch, D – Dinner.
Guides: The services of Tour Director Lesley Robin throughout and local guides where
appropriate.
Baggage: Baggage handling for maximum 2 bags not to exceed 50lbs.
Gratuities: All group tips are included for guides and bus drivers, cars and jeep drivers,
auto rickshaws etc, hotel housekeeping and restaurant personnel, porters, craft visits and
donations, etc. in connection with the services provided. As we will be using a variety of
transport due to the nature of the different terrains in the mountains, and engaging
with a variety of guides throughout our travels, Lesley has therefore included ALL
gratuities. There are no hidden extras.
Entrance Fees & Camera Fees: To all monuments and museums are included.
9
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Round-trip international flights to India
• Indian visa fee and Travel Insurance
• Excess baggage charges on internal flights
• Meals not specified as included
• Personal expenses including alcoholic beverages, room service, laundry charges,
phone calls etc.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: International airfare is NOT included in the price of Land
Arrangements. This tour begins and ends in Delhi.
SPACE IS LIMITED TO 14 PERSONS ONLY
RESERVE EARLY
Jenni Lipa is the CEO of Spa Trek Travel, New York that is fully IATA/CAA protected and
can arrange your international flights to join this trip. Jenni has many years of experience
in the world of travel and she personally takes care of all bookings in the USA for Lesley’s
tours. Should you require assistance with any arrangements additional to the itinerary
please let us know.
In the meantime do not delay in reserving your place on this fabulous trip!
SEE BOOKING FORM & BOOKING CONDITIONS ON THE PAGES BELOW.
To contact Jenni please email jenni@spatrek.com or Tel: (+1) 917–721 8558
10BOOKING FORM
INDIA: ACROSS THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS: 1-18 April 2019
Surname ……………………………………………… Full Name (as on passport) ..……………………………
Nationality ……………………………………………… Date of Birth ………………………………………………...........
Place of Birth (City & Country)………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..
Passport No. ……………………………………………… Place of Issue ………………………………………………………
Date of Issue ……………………………………………… Date of Expiry ………………………………………………………
Address for Correspondence: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………............................
Telephone (day): ……………………………………… Telephone (home): …………………………….
Telephone (cell): ………………………………………
Email: ………………………………………..@.......................................................................
I shall be accompanied by: (optional) …………………………………………………………
Please reserve me a place in a SINGLE YES/NO (delete as appropriate)
NOTE: For hotels and airline bookings we require a copy of your passport details (photograph page) – please
scan and email with your Booking Form.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
Indicate if you would like SPA TREK TRAVEL to book your international flight YES/NO (delete as appropriate)
Indicate if you are arranging your international flights independently YES/NO (delete as appropriate)
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS DURING THE TOUR – Please supply minimum 1 person’s contact details:
NAME & ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
NAME & ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
I have read the Conditions of Booking and I agree on behalf of all persons listed above by whom I am authorized to
make this agreement
Signed: ………………………………………………. Date: ……………………………………………
Deposit(s) @ $500 per person $…………………………………………………………………………………………
Check (payable to SteveJen Inc) enclosed for total: $…………………………………………………………
Please Note: We accept payment only by check or wire-transfer.
SPA TREK TRAVEL 475 PARK AVE SOUTH 34TH FLR NEW YORK NY 10016
Email: jenni@spatrek.com Tel: (+1) 917-721 8558
11Booking Terms & Conditions of SPA TREK TRAVEL
Your contract is with SPA TREK TRAVEL (Company number EIN 13-3708581). We are also an agent for IATA (The
International Air Transport Association) for which our membership number is 33-566153
Making your booking
Please complete the provided booking form and send it to us together with the deposit, or full payment if your booking is within
14 weeks of departure. Provided the tour is available we will make all arrangements and send you a confirmation of your
booking and all relevant details. If the tour is not available, we will return your deposit or full payment. Once we have confirmed
your booking, your deposit is non-refundable except in the special circumstances mentioned below. We will send you a final
invoice approximately 16 weeks prior to departure and this will show any surcharges due. You must pay the full balance of your
holiday 14 weeks before departure. We may otherwise treat the booking as cancelled and apply our cancellation charges. We
will send you your e-tickets and documents approximately 21 days before travel.
What your money buys
The tour price includes: Twin or double-bedded room with private bath or shower at the named hotels or substitutes of the
same standard. Meals are as specified on your confirmation. Meetings, transfers, surface transportation by car, bus or train.
Tour prices cover only the services and duration shown on each itinerary. Check-out time from rooms is generally 12 noon.
Economy class air travel inclusive of all ticketable airport taxes, fuel surcharges which will be secured at the lowest available
fare at the time of booking (with any supplements payable due to lack of flight availability advised to you for your approval
before confirmation). Once booked your airline ticket(s) will be 100 % non-refundable.
Where, for reasons of force majeure, altered services are taken or the duration of the tour is extended, we reserve the right to
pass on additional costs in full. Excluded are all expenses of a personal nature such as drinks or laundry. Group tours are
based on a minimum number of persons travelling. We must regretfully reserve the right not to operate any tour on which there
are insufficient bookings 8 weeks before departure. Full payment, including your deposit, will be refunded.
Your luggage and belongings
Our ground arrangements allow for you to take one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. If you have booked your flights
through us we will advise you of your weight restrictions. Please check with your airline if you have arranged your own flights.
Airlines and Seating
We are able to quote for airline ticketing on the lowest and best routing. If we obtain tickets by using your mileage, there is a
service fee. Specified seating is something not available until 30 days prior to departure.
Delays at Point of Departure
The scheduled airlines we use will generally provide meals and accommodation to passengers already checked-in in the event
of extended delays. Spa Trek Travel and Exclusive Journeys cannot be held responsible for any alterations that are necessary
as a result of any delays caused directly or indirectly to the international flights for reasons within or outside of theirs or the
carrier’s control.
Passports, Visas and Health
You must have a American Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your return date and at least two blank pages
available in your passport. All names on the booking must be exactly as per your passport. If you do not hold an American
passport or do not meet these requirements or have any doubt as to your eligibility to enter INDIA then please contact us for
further advice before confirming your booking.
Age and Health
We do not operate any age limit on our holidays. However if you are over 80 years of age, we strongly recommend that you are
fit and healthy to travel and take your own responsibility. In many of the countries in which we operate, medical facilities are
poor and if you do fall ill appropriate treatment may be difficult to access. There are no formal health requirements except for
those who have recently visited a Yellow Fever area. Recommended precautions will be advised with the confirmation of
booking. All clients are themselves responsible for ensuring that they conform to the health regulations regarding vaccinations.
Surcharges – Our Policy
All costs quoted are the most up-to-date prices available for November 2017. All prices quoted are subject to unforeseen
increases such as currency fluctuation and are in the main based on negotiated group rates and therefore subject to minimum
numbers. The price of your tour is subject to surcharges on the following items for increases in transportation costs, e.g.
scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharge which is part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour
operator, government action such as increases in VAT or any other government imposed increases, currency in relation to
adverse exchange rate variations, fuel for road vehicles. Even in these cases we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the
tour price, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Only amounts in excess of this 2% will be
surcharged. If this means paying more than 10% on the tour price, you will be entitled to cancel your tour with a full refund of all
monies paid except for any deposits paid to the airline which in some circumstances may be non-refundable, and any premium
paid to us for tour insurance and amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel because of this, you must exercise your
right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the invoice.
12Cancellations
If you find you cannot take your tour and have to cancel for whatever reason, you will forfeit your deposit. If you cancel, we
must receive your cancellation in writing.
The penalties are as follows:
Between time of booking and 98 Days before departure - Loss of Deposit
Between 97 - 63 days before departure - 30%
Between 62 - 43 days before departure - 50%
Between 42 - Departure - 100%
For International air travel booked with Spa Trek Travel, rules apply pertaining to ticket issued.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to travel on one of our tours. Please note you must make sure your insurance includes cancellation
& repatriation. Your travel insurance must cover the destinations you will be visiting along with any activities you are taking part
in. (Please ask if you need any assistance with an insurance quote).
Alterations by ourselves
We will do our utmost to provide the tour arrangements that have been confirmed. We reserve the right to modify or cancel any
tour, flight schedule, accommodation or arrangement if unforeseen circumstances arise or if our minimum number of 10
travelers per tour is not met. In such rare circumstances, we will inform you as soon as possible and, should the change be
such that it alters the nature of your tour, we shall offer you the choice of an alternative tour or a full refund of all monies paid to
ourselves.
Our liabilities to you
We do not exclude or limit any liability to our clients which may arise from proven negligence by any person employed directly
by us or by our suppliers and subcontractors, servants or agents of the same whilst acting in the course of their employment in
respect of death, bodily injury or illness. If our suppliers are able to exclude or limit liability by virtue of any international
convention we will claim the benefit of that exclusion or limitation. Such liabilities shall be subject to US law and all proceedings
shall be within the exclusive domain of the US courts. We accept responsibility for ensuring that all parts of the tour are
supplied as described and that all services shall reach a reasonable standard. These obligations and responsibilities shall be
limited where international conventions in respect of air or sea carriers apply. Naturally we cannot assume responsibility for loss
or expense due to war, riots, strikes, terrorist activities or natural disasters.
Complaints
If you have cause for complaint, it makes sense to sort out the problem on the spot, so you can continue to enjoy your tour. If
the matter cannot be rectified whilst you are on tour, please write and tell us as soon as possible after you get back and we will
do our best to sort it out promptly. In the unlikely event that you are still unhappy, IATAN’s arbitration scheme may be called
upon (details on request) by either side to bring matters to a speedy and amicable solution. You may alternatively refer the
matter to any court of law.
Debit, Credit and Charge Cards
We do NOT accept payment by credit or debit cards. Payment by Check only or Bank Wire.
Consumer Protection
For Bookings that originate and paid for in the US, your tour is protected and licensed by VWT, Inc. with IATAN number 33-
566153. When you buy an IATAN protected air inclusive package from us, you will an invoice confirming your arrangements
and your protection under our IATAN number. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, IATAN will ensure that you are not left
stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit
the IATAN website http://www.iatan.org
th
Spa Trek Travel 475 Park Ave South – 34 Floor New York, NY 10016 USA Tel: 917 721 8558
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