1. Booking & Payment Policy

• Bookings are subject to availability and written confirmation.
• The booking advance secures arrangements only after payment and confirmation.
• The remaining balance must be paid in full on or before the due date stated on the invoice, unless an alternative schedule is agreed in writing.
• Hotels, vehicles, permits and activities remain subject to availability and supplier requirements.
• Any additional service or expense not listed as included in the confirmed quotation may be charged separately after communicating the applicable cost.

2. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to GoHills Holidays. The cancellation date is generally the date the written request is received.

Proposed cancellation schedule — charges calculated on the booking advance received:

Important: This is a proposed GoHills policy and must be approved before publication. The applicable booking confirmation may specify different cancellation terms for hotel advances, homestays, private vehicles, permits or other third-party services. Any additional non-refundable supplier cost must be disclosed before booking and handled according to the confirmed terms and applicable law.

• Any refund due will be calculated after applicable cancellation charges and properly payable, disclosed supplier costs.
• Refunds are processed through the original payment method where practicable; bank and supplier processing times may vary.
• Cancellation deductions will not exceed amounts properly due under the applicable terms and law.
• Guests should check specific hotel and package cancellation conditions before paying the advance.

3. Sikkim, Darjeeling & Sightseeing

• Itineraries are subject to weather, road conditions, traffic, opening hours, permit availability and official restrictions.
• Mountain views, sunrise visibility and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Entry tickets, parking, tolls, guide fees and other expenses are included only when stated in the confirmed quotation.
• Forest areas, national parks, trekking routes and restricted destinations may require separate permits or entry permissions.

4. Cab, Driver & Transport Policy

• Vehicle category, pickup, route, sightseeing and service dates follow the confirmed itinerary.
• A vehicle category does not guarantee a specific make, model or colour unless confirmed in writing.
• Passenger and luggage limits must be observed.
• Extra sightseeing, route changes, extended duty, parking, tolls, state taxes or night charges are payable separately if excluded from the quotation.
• Local or authorised vehicles may be required for certain routes and restricted areas in Sikkim.
• Road closures, landslides, snowfall, traffic or official orders may require route changes or replacement transport.
• Safety instructions from the driver and authorities must be followed.

5. Hotel & Homestay Policy

• Accommodation, room category, occupancy, meal plan and stay dates are as stated in the confirmation.
• Check-in and check-out times follow the property's policy. Early check-in, late checkout and upgrades depend on availability and may cost extra.
• All guests must present valid identification required by the property and applicable regulations.
• Room allocation, views, bed configuration, heating, hot water, Wi-Fi and other facilities depend on the confirmed property and its operating conditions.
• Guests are responsible for personal incidental expenses and damage charges properly assessed by the property.
• If a confirmed property becomes unavailable, a reasonable alternative may be proposed, subject to availability and agreement on any price difference.

6. Sikkim Permits & Required Documents

Permit requirements vary by destination, nationality, age and current government rules. Documents must be provided in the format and timeframe advised for the specific itinerary.

Indian nationals

• Carry an original valid photo ID accepted by the relevant permit authority.
• Keep passport-size photographs and copies of required identity documents available where requested.
• For children, carry the birth certificate or other documents required by the permit authority.
• Carry approved permits and follow check-post instructions.

Foreign nationals

• Carry a valid passport, applicable Indian visa and any required Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Protected Area Permit (PAP) or other authorisation.
• Eligibility varies by destination. Certain restricted destinations may not be accessible to foreign nationals.
• Confirm eligibility and required documents before making non-refundable arrangements.

• Permit approval is not guaranteed and may be affected by security, weather, document verification or government restrictions.
• Permit fees and vehicle charges are included only if explicitly stated in the package.

Official links: Sikkim PAP information | Sikkim RAP information

7. Weather, Safety & Unforeseen Events

Heavy rain, landslides, snowfall, road closures, permit suspensions and other events may affect travel in the Himalayas. Government and safety instructions take priority over the planned itinerary. GoHills Holidays will communicate available alternatives where reasonably practicable. Refunds or adjustments depend on the confirmed terms, recoverable supplier amounts and applicable law.

8. Customer Responsibilities

• Provide accurate guest details and valid travel documents.
• Submit permit documents within the advised deadline.
• Follow local laws, hotel rules, permit conditions and safety instructions.
• Raise service concerns as soon as possible while the service is taking place.