Terms and Conditions – High Hills Tours and Travels

1. Introduction

Welcome to High Hills Tours and Travels (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a registered travel agency based in Guwahati, Assam, India. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website www.highhills.co.in (the “Site”) and our travel services, including tour packages, hotel bookings, flight arrangements, visa assistance, and vehicle rentals. By accessing our Site or booking our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

2. Definitions

• “We,” “us,” “our”: High Hills Tours and Travels, located at PIN – 781019, Guwahati, Assam, India.
• “You,” “user,” “client”: Any individual or entity accessing the Site or using our services.
• “Services”: All travel-related services, including tour packages, hotel bookings, flight tickets, visa assistance, and vehicle rentals.

3. Use of the Website

• Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a contract to use our Site and services.
• Access: By accessing the Site, you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions. We reserve the right to modify or terminate access to the Site at any time without prior notice.
• Prohibited Activities: You may not use the Site for unlawful purposes, attempt to hack or disrupt the Site, or use it in a way that infringes on the rights of others.

4. Booking Policy

• Booking Process: Bookings for tours, hotels, flights, vehicle rentals, or other services must be made through our Site, email (info@highhills.co.in), or authorized representatives. All bookings are subject to availability.
• Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only upon receipt of a written confirmation from us, typically via email, after the required payment is made.
• Payment Terms:
  • A non-refundable deposit (30% of the total cost, depending on the service) is required at the time of booking.
  • Full payment must be completed at least 21  days prior to the travel date for tour packages or as specified for other services (e.g., flights or rentals).
  • Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other methods specified at booking.
• Pricing: Prices are quoted in Indian Rupees (INR) unless otherwise stated and include only the services explicitly listed in the booking confirmation. Additional costs (e.g., taxes, surcharges) will be clearly communicated.
• Modifications: Changes to bookings (e.g., dates, destinations, or group size) are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Requests must be submitted in writing to connect@highhills.co.in.

5. Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation Requests: All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to connect@highhills.co.in. Verbal cancellations are not accepted.
• Cancellation Fees for Tour Packages:
  • More than 30 days before departure: 25% of the total package cost is non-refundable.
  • 15–30 days before departure: 50% of the total package cost is non-refundable.
  • 7–14 days before departure: 75% of the total package cost is non-refundable.
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100% non-refundable.
• Cancellation of Other Services:
  • Flights: Subject to airline policies; non-refundable tickets will incur 100% cancellation fees.
  • Hotels: Subject to hotel policies; typically, 1–2 nights’ charges apply for cancellations within 7 days of check-in.
  • Vehicle Rentals: See Section 7 for specific vehicle rental cancellation terms.
• Refunds: Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 15–30 business days after approval, minus applicable fees. Refunds are issued via the original payment method.
• No-Show Policy: Failure to appear for a booked service without prior cancellation notice will result in a 100% forfeiture of the booking amount.

6. Visa Policy

• Visa Assistance: We provide guidance and assistance for visa applications for international destinations (e.g., Thailand, Bhutan, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka) as part of our tour packages or as a standalone service.
• Client Responsibility:
  • You are responsible for providing accurate and complete documentation (e.g., passport, photographs, financial statements) as required by the relevant embassy or consulate.
  • You must ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel and has sufficient blank pages.
• Fees: Visa fees, service charges, and any additional costs (e.g., courier fees) are non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected.
• Processing Time: Visa processing times vary by country and are subject to embassy/consulate discretion. We recommend applying at least 45 days before travel.
• Liability: We are not liable for visa rejections, delays, or additional costs incurred due to incomplete documentation, embassy decisions, or other factors beyond our control. We will provide reasonable assistance to resolve issues.

7. Vehicle Rental Policy

• Rental Services: We offer vehicle rentals for tours and transfers, including sedans, SUVs, and buses, for travel within Northeast India and other destinations.
• Booking and Payment:
  • A minimum 50% deposit is required to confirm a vehicle rental booking.
  • The remaining balance must be paid before the rental period begins.
• Outstation Travel with Driver:
  • Daily Limits: For outstation trips, vehicle usage is limited to 240 kilometers and 10 hours per day, inclusive of travel time and distance.
  • Excess Usage Policy: Usage beyond 240 km or 10 hours per day will incur additional charges as per the usage policy. Typical rates (subject to confirmation at booking) are:
    • Extra Kilometers: INR 10–20 per km, depending on the vehicle type (e.g., sedan, SUV, bus).
    • Extra Hours: INR 100–300 per hour, depending on the vehicle type and driver overtime.
  • Clients will be informed of the exact rates for excess usage at the time of booking.
• Cancellation of Vehicle Rentals:
  • More than 7 days before rental start: 25% of the rental cost is non-refundable.
  • 3–7 days before rental start: 50% of the rental cost is non-refundable.
  • Less than 3 days or no-show: 100% non-refundable.
• Usage Terms:
  • Vehicles must be used only for the agreed purpose (e.g., tour itinerary, airport transfers).
  • Clients are responsible for any damage to the vehicle caused by misuse or negligence, with repair costs charged accordingly.
  • Fuel costs are included unless otherwise specified in the booking agreement.
• Driver Services:
  • Drivers are provided for all outstation rentals. The 10-hour daily limit includes driving and waiting time.
  • Overtime beyond 10 hours may require additional driver rest periods, as per local regulations.
• Liability: We are not liable for delays, accidents, or breakdowns due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., road conditions, weather). We will provide a replacement vehicle where possible.

8. Changes to Bookings and Itineraries

• Client-Initiated Changes: Modifications to bookings are subject to availability and may incur fees. Requests must be submitted in writing.
• Our Right to Modify: We reserve the right to alter itineraries, accommodations, or transportation due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, political unrest, supplier issues). We will provide comparable alternatives where possible.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on the Site, including text, images, logos, and designs, is the property of High Hills Tours and Travels or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use this content without prior written permission.

10. Liability

• Limitation of Liability: We are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage incurred during travel, except where caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.
• Third-Party Services: We act as an intermediary for third-party services (e.g., hotels, airlines, vehicle providers). We are not responsible for their actions, omissions, or service quality.
• Travel Risks: You acknowledge that travel, especially to remote areas like Northeast India or international destinations, carries inherent risks. You are responsible for obtaining appropriate travel insurance.

11. Privacy Policy

Your use of our Site and services is governed by our Privacy Policy, available at www.highhills.co.in/privacy-policy, which details how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• Jurisdiction: These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of India. Disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Guwahati, Assam.
• Dispute Resolution: Disputes should first be addressed through good-faith negotiations. If unresolved, they will be settled in accordance with Indian laws.

13. Changes to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. The current version is available at www.highhills.co.in. Continued use of the Site or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

14. Contact Information