Booking Terms and Conditions
PAYMENTS
Payments may be made by bank transfer in US Dollars (USD) as outlined in the booking confirmation. Any bank transfer or currency conversion fees are the responsibility of the sender.
In accordance with Bhutan tourism regulations, payments relating to travel within Bhutan may be processed through our licensed Bhutanese operational partners.
Our Bhutanese partners are licensed Bhutanese tour operators responsible for processing government fees, permits, visas, accommodation, transport, and local travel arrangements.
Payment instructions will be provided once a booking has been confirmed.
All Bhutan government fees, including the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), are paid through a licensed Bhutanese operator as required by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
To comply with Bhutan tourism regulations, tour payments must normally be completed before visa approval and final travel documentation can be issued.
BHUTAN GOVERNMENT FEES
Travel in Bhutan includes government charges such as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and visa processing fees.
These fees are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change without notice. If government fees increase after booking, Bhutan Dragon Riders reserves the right to adjust the tour price accordingly.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
If you cancel your booking, the following charges will apply:
More than 45 days before departure – Deposit retained
45 days or less before departure – 100% of tour price
Certain costs such as flights, permits, accommodation bookings, motorcycle reservations, and government fees may already have been committed and may not be refundable.
Any refund due will be calculated after deduction of any unrecoverable costs incurred on behalf of the participant.
CHANGES TO BOOKINGS
If you need to change your booking, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Changes may be subject to availability and additional costs.
In some cases it may be possible to transfer your booking to another departure date.
MINIMUM GROUP SIZE
Our tours are normally designed for a minimum number of riders.
Once your booking has been confirmed, the trip is guaranteed to run. However, if the final group size is smaller than the normal operating group, Bhutan Dragon Riders reserves the right to apply a small-group operating surcharge.
Any potential surcharge will be clearly highlighted at the time of booking.
Because international and regional flights are often booked in advance to secure availability, confirmed departures will not normally be cancelled due to smaller group sizes.
CHANGES TO ITINERARY
Motorcycle journeys in Bhutan travel through remote mountain regions where weather, road conditions, government regulations, and flight schedules can change.
Bhutan Dragon Riders reserves the right to modify itineraries, routes, accommodation, motorcycles, support arrangements, or schedules if necessary for safety, operational, or regulatory reasons.
No refund will be due for reasonable itinerary changes made for safety, weather, operational, or regulatory reasons.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants.
Insurance should cover:
- Medical treatment
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Motorcycle riding activities
Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure.
PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visitors to Bhutan must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Bhutan visas are arranged in advance through our licensed Bhutanese operational partners once travel details and payments have been confirmed.
MOTORCYCLE LICENCE & RIDING REQUIREMENTS
Participants must hold a valid motorcycle licence for riding the motorcycle provided on the tour.
Riders are responsible for ensuring they hold any licences, permits, or documentation required by Bhutanese regulations at the time of travel.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and may be required for certain nationalities.
Riders should be confident riding on mountain roads and in varying weather conditions.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Our journeys involve long riding days and travel at altitude. Riders should be in good physical condition and comfortable with multi-day motorcycle travel.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to undertake the tour and should disclose any condition that may affect their ability to ride safely or participate in the itinerary.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels and lodges throughout the journey.
Single occupancy may be available subject to availability and an additional supplement.
FLIGHTS
International flights are normally not included unless specifically stated.
Regional flights included within the itinerary (for example Kathmandu–Paro) are subject to airline schedules, weather conditions, and operational requirements.
Bhutan Dragon Riders cannot be held responsible for delays, cancellations, or schedule changes imposed by airlines.
MOTORCYCLE RESPONSIBILITY
Motorcycles are provided in good mechanical condition and maintained throughout the journey.
Each rider must pay a refundable US$300 damage deposit at the start of the tour to cover minor damage, scratches, or incidental repairs to the motorcycle. The deposit is refundable at the end of the trip subject to inspection.
Fair wear and tear resulting from normal use is excluded.
In the event of major damage caused by negligence, misuse, reckless riding, or failure to follow guide instructions, riders may be responsible for repair costs not covered by the motorcycle insurance.
Bhutan Dragon Riders reserves the right to remove a rider from the tour without refund if their riding behaviour is considered unsafe.
RESPONSIBILITY & FORCE MAJEURE
Bhutan Dragon Riders works with licensed Bhutanese operators, accommodation providers, airlines, transport providers, motorcycle suppliers, and other service providers in delivering its tours.
We cannot be held responsible for changes, delays, cancellations, loss, damage, injury, or additional costs caused by circumstances beyond our control, including weather, flight cancellations, road closures, landslides, government regulations, natural disasters, civil disturbances, political events, or other unforeseen circumstances.
In such cases itineraries may need to be modified. Any additional costs resulting from such changes may be the responsibility of the participant.