Terms & conditions

A booking exists when you have accepted our written itinerary and quotation, paid the required deposit and received a confirmation from us.

The lead traveller must be at least 18 years old and is responsible for providing accurate information for everyone in the party, including full names exactly as they appear in passports.

Prices are quoted in US dollars per person unless stated otherwise, and are based on the hotel class, season and party size set out in your itinerary.

A deposit of 20% is due on confirmation. The balance is due 30 days before arrival, or immediately for bookings made inside that window.

We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. Any card processing fee is shown before you pay.

Once confirmed, your price does not change — with the single exception of government taxes or entrance fees introduced after your booking, which we pass on at cost with evidence.

Changes requested more than 30 days before arrival are usually free, apart from supplier charges already incurred (for example, non-refundable hotel deposits or issued train tickets).

Changes inside 30 days are subject to availability and may carry supplier charges. We will always tell you the cost before proceeding.

We may occasionally need to change a hotel, guide or the order of an itinerary because of weather, local conditions or supplier issues. Where this happens we provide an equivalent or better alternative at no extra cost.

If we cannot provide a materially equivalent arrangement, you may accept the alternative offered, or cancel the affected portion and receive a refund for it.

You are responsible for holding a valid passport, obtaining the correct visa and meeting any health or entry requirements for China. We provide guidance and supporting documents, but the responsibility remains yours.

We are not liable for costs arising from denied boarding or refused entry caused by incorrect documents.

Comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of booking. It should cover medical treatment, evacuation, cancellation, curtailment and loss of belongings. We may ask for proof of cover before departure.

Some itineraries involve walking on uneven surfaces, altitude (notably Tibet) or long drives. Tell us about any condition that may affect your trip so we can plan appropriately.

Tibet itineraries require medical clearance for travellers with heart or respiratory conditions.

We are responsible for arranging the services described in your confirmed itinerary with reasonable skill and care.

We are not liable for circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to war, civil unrest, natural disasters, epidemics, government action, strikes or airline failure.

Where we are liable, our liability is limited to the value of the travel arrangements we supplied, except where a lower or higher limit is required by law.

We may end a traveller’s participation in a tour, without refund, where behaviour seriously affects the safety or enjoyment of others, or where a traveller is unable to participate safely.

If something is not right during your trip, tell your guide or our 24/7 line immediately — most issues can be fixed the same day.

If it cannot be resolved on the spot, email us within 28 days of returning home and we will investigate and respond in writing.

These terms are governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Disputes will first be addressed through good-faith negotiation.