Clear commercial rules for cancellations, postponements, date changes and refunds.
1 General Rule
Only the Lead Booker may cancel a booking. The request must be sent in writing to barunche.treks1@gmail.com or through another written channel expressly approved by Barunche. The effective cancellation date and time are when the notice reaches that approved channel; Barunche’s acknowledgement is evidence of receipt but is not required for the cancellation to take effect. We will provide a written cancellation calculation. Charges reflect planning, administration, permits, staff allocation and supplier commitments and are calculated as a percentage of the total confirmed trip price—not merely the
amount already paid. If the amount paid is less than the applicable charge, the outstanding difference remains payable; if it is more, the refundable balance will be calculated under this policy.
2 Standard Cancellation Charges
Written notice before departure — Cancellation charge
More than 60 days — 30% of total trip price (normally the booking deposit)
31–60 days — 50% of total trip price
15–30 days — 75% of total trip price
14 days or fewer — 100% of total trip price
No-show or cancellation after departure — 100% of total trip price
If the non-refundable costs already committed for a booking exceed the standard charge, the higher actual cost may apply only where this possibility and the relevant special conditions were disclosed before booking. If mandatory law requires a lower charge or refund, that law prevails.3 Expeditions, Peak Climbing and Special Services
Mountaineering expeditions, peak climbing, restricted-area permits, Tibet or Bhutan arrangements, charter flights, helicopter charters, luxury properties, festival departures and large private groups may have stricter or earlier non-refundable commitments. A trip-specific payment and cancellation schedule will be stated in the proposal or booking confirmation and takes priority over the standard schedule.
4 Date Changes and Postponement
A request to postpone or change departure date must be made in writing. When received more than 45 days before departure, we may allow one transfer to a new date within 12 months, subject to availability, season, permit rules and supplier approval. Any non-refundable loss, price increase, change fee or new permit cost is payable by the traveller. Credits are personal, non-transferable and have no cash value unless we agree otherwise in writing.
5 Name and Participant Changes
Participant changes are allowed only when suppliers, permits, tickets and safety requirements permit. Non-transferable permits and tickets may need to be purchased again. The substitute traveller must meet all trip requirements and accept the applicable terms.
6 Cancellation by Barunche Before Departure
If Barunche cancels a trip before departure for a reason within our reasonable control, the traveller may choose an available comparable trip, a credit, or a refund of payments received for the cancelled trip. This does not include separate costs such as international airfare, visa fees or equipment, so travellers should book flexible arrangements and maintain insurance.
7 Events Outside Our Control, Government Restrictions and Safety
If a trip is prevented or materially affected by unavoidable circumstances, we may offer a revised itinerary, postponement or credit. Any cash refund will be based on funds actually recovered from suppliers, less services already provided and reasonable non-recoverable costs. We will provide a reasonable explanation of the calculation when requested. Statutory refund rights, where applicable, are unaffected.
8 Trip Interruption, Missed Services and Early Return
No refund is normally due for late arrival, missed transport, voluntary withdrawal, unused services, early return, lack of travel documents, failure to disclose a relevant condition, failure to follow safety directions or removal for misconduct. Additional arrangements are charged to the traveller. We will reasonably assist with insurance documentation.
9 Refund Method and Timing
After confirming an approved refund in writing, Barunche will normally return it to the original payer using the original payment method where feasible. We will provide a calculation showing the trip price, applicable cancellation charge, non-recoverable supplier costs where permitted, payments received and refundable balance. Processing begins after supplier reconciliation and may take up to 30 business days. Non-recoverable bank, intermediary, card, foreign-exchange and payment-provider fees may be deducted. The receiving bank or payment provider may require additional processing time.
10 Chargebacks
A traveller should contact Barunche first about an unrecognized or disputed charge. Initiating a chargeback does not cancel the booking or override these terms. We may provide the booking record, accepted terms, invoices and service evidence to the payment provider. This clause does not restrict a lawful right to dispute an unauthorized or incorrectly processed payment.