1. General Travel Policies

Tour Pricing

The cost of a trip may vary depending on the number of participants joining a particular departure. Prices displayed at the time of booking are based on prevailing operational costs and may change due to external factors such as fuel prices, vendor charges, or government regulations.

Accommodation Standards

Many Driftmates journeys take place in remote mountain regions or offbeat destinations where luxury infrastructure may not be available. Travelers should expect simple accommodation facilities and may occasionally encounter limitations such as restricted electricity supply, limited hot water availability, or inconsistent internet connectivity.

Room Categories

Trip packages are generally based on standard room categories regardless of the hotel category chosen. Requests for upgraded rooms or additional facilities must be arranged directly with the property and may involve additional charges.

Similar Accommodation

For large groups, it may not always be possible to accommodate all travelers in the same property. In such situations, Driftmates may arrange accommodation across multiple nearby properties offering comparable standards.

Special Requests

Requests such as early check-in, specific room views, bed preferences, adjoining rooms, smoking or non-smoking rooms, or floor preferences are subject to availability at the time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Meal Plans

Meals included in travel packages are generally served as fixed menus or buffet-style meals. Items such as snacks, beverages, soups, desserts, or alcoholic drinks may not be included and may require additional payment if ordered separately.

Alcohol Consumption

Driftmates does not encourage alcohol consumption during high-altitude travel or adventure activities. If guests choose to consume alcohol at accommodation properties, they must follow the rules and regulations set by the hotel or property management.

Triple Sharing Accommodation

Triple sharing accommodations generally include an additional mattress rather than a separate bed.

Water and Electricity Availability

Certain destinations, especially mountainous regions, may face natural limitations in water supply and electricity. Some properties may operate hot water supply during specific hours.

Identification Requirements

As per government regulations, all travelers must carry valid government-issued identification. Guests may also be required to submit identification details prior to arrival to facilitate smooth check-in procedures.

Camp Accommodations

Accommodation in remote areas such as high-altitude camps may be basic. Even where camps are categorized as premium or Swiss camps, running hot water and uninterrupted electricity may not be available due to the remoteness of the location.

2. Transportation Policies

Vehicle Usage

Vehicles arranged for the trip are strictly allocated for itinerary-based travel only and cannot be used for personal transportation.

Possible Travel Delays

Travel delays may occur due to traffic congestion, road conditions, strikes, diversions, government restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Travelers are expected to cooperate with the trip coordinator in such situations.

No Air Conditioning in Hill Regions

In mountainous terrain, vehicles such as Tempo Travelers, SUVs, or similar vehicles may operate without air conditioning due to road conditions and weather factors.

Volvo Bus Services

Where Volvo bus transportation is included, these services are typically operated by third-party transport providers. In case of mechanical issues or operational delays, replacement vehicles will be arranged; however, some delay may occur.

Scheduled Meal Stops

Food stops during long-distance bus journeys are determined by the transport vendor and cannot be modified as per individual preferences.

3. Tour Participation & Conduct

Adherence to Itinerary

Travelers are expected to follow the trip itinerary and schedule. Driftmates cannot provide refunds for missed activities due to late arrival or voluntary absence from group activities.

Early Departure from Trip

If a traveler decides to leave the trip midway due to illness, personal reasons, or loss of travel documents, Driftmates will not be responsible for refunds for unused services.

Pre-Tour Services

If a traveler uses services arranged prior to the main tour but does not join the primary travel program, no refund will be provided for such services.

Participant Behaviour

Driftmates reserves the right to remove any traveler from the trip if their behavior disrupts the safety, comfort, or experience of other participants.

Compliance with Local Laws

All participants must comply with local laws, cultural practices, and safety instructions provided by the trip leader or local authorities.

Time Limits

If you have any issues with the tour, you must bring a legal claim within 10 days after the tour ends.

4. Health & Safety

Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they are physically and medically fit to participate in the selected travel experience.

Driftmates shall not be liable for:

  • illness or medical emergencies

  • accidents or injuries

  • altitude-related complications

  • travel delays or discomfort

  • theft or loss of personal belongings

Travelers are encouraged to consult a medical professional prior to participating in high-altitude or physically demanding trips.

If a traveler’s condition is considered unsafe for continuation of the trip, the trip leader may advise them to travel in the support vehicle or discontinue the activity for safety reasons.

5. Liability Limitations

Driftmates acts as a travel organizer and collaborates with independent service providers such as:

  • hotels

  • transport operators

  • local guides

  • adventure vendors

While Driftmates carefully selects these service providers, we cannot control their operational decisions or actions. Driftmates shall not be liable for negligence or service failures by independent contractors.

Driftmates’ liability for any claim arising out of a travel booking shall be limited to the total amount paid for the travel package.

5 (A). Liability in Case of Itinerary Changes

In certain situations, Driftmates may be required to modify or adjust a travel itinerary after a booking has been confirmed. These changes may arise due to weather conditions, operational requirements, safety concerns, government regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

In such situations, travelers may choose to:

  • proceed with the modified itinerary, or
  • opt for an alternative travel option suggested by Driftmates (subject to availability).

Driftmates shall not be liable for any compensation, damages, losses, or additional expenses arising from such changes.

If Driftmates is unable to operate a particular trip due to unavoidable circumstances, the company may provide a refund after deducting actual expenses already incurred in relation to the booking.

Once such a resolution is provided, no further claims shall be entertained.

5 (B). Additional Liability Exclusions

Driftmates shall not be responsible for:

  • injuries, illnesses, accidents, or medical emergencies occurring during the trip
  • travel discomforts, delays, or disruptions during the journey
  • theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings or baggage
  • airline overbooking, flight delays, cancellations, or route changes
  • inability to board transportation due to airline or transportation policies
  • disruptions caused by force majeure events or circumstances beyond the company’s control

Travelers are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance to cover such risks.

5 (C). Brochure & Website Accuracy

Driftmates organizes travel experiences and collaborates with independent service providers such as hotels, airlines, transport operators, and local vendors.

While we carefully select and coordinate these services, Driftmates does not own or operate these facilities and therefore cannot control their operational decisions, staff conduct, or service standards.

Any issues arising from the actions, omissions, or defaults of these independent providers are beyond the direct control of Driftmates.

All descriptions, images, and itineraries presented on the website or promotional materials are intended to provide a general overview of the travel experience.

Actual conditions may vary depending on operational factors and destination conditions.

5 (D). Scope of Activity / Indemnification

Travelers agree that during participation in Driftmates trips, their actions should not cause damage, disruption, or financial loss to vendors, accommodation providers, transport operators, or other service partners.

If a traveler’s actions result in damage to property, equipment, or services provided by our partners, the traveler agrees to indemnify and hold Driftmates harmless from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from such incidents.

5 (E). Additional Operational Terms

To confirm a booking, travelers must pay the required deposit or advance payment as specified for the selected travel package.

Full payment must be completed according to the payment schedule communicated during booking. Failure to complete payments may result in cancellation of the booking along with applicable cancellation charges.

By accepting these Terms & Conditions, travelers consent to receive transactional communication related to their bookings through channels including:

  • email
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • phone calls

Such communication may include booking confirmations, travel updates, payment reminders, and itinerary information.

If a traveler chooses to discontinue the trip voluntarily after it has begun, they may be required to submit a written request to the trip leader. The final decision regarding such discontinuation will be taken by Driftmates’ operations team. No refunds will be issued in such situations.

Driftmates reserves the right to:

  • terminate a booking before the trip begins, with a refund of the initial deposit without interest
  • make necessary substitutions or changes to travel arrangements, accommodations, or activities
  • modify or withdraw promotional offers or schemes at its discretion

No individual or third party other than Driftmates, through written authorization, has the authority to modify these Terms & Conditions.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable under applicable law, the remaining provisions shall continue to remain valid and enforceable.

6. Personal Belongings

Travelers are responsible for safeguarding their personal belongings during the trip. Driftmates shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to luggage, equipment, or personal items.

7. Bike Expedition Guidelines

For bike expeditions organized by Driftmates, the following additional conditions apply.

Participants must:

possess a valid motorcycle driving license

have prior riding experience

follow all traffic regulations

comply with safety instructions given by the trip leader

Travelers are responsible for the safe handling of their motorcycle and any passenger accompanying them.

Drinking alcohol or consuming intoxicating substances before or during riding is strictly prohibited.

If a participant is found to be riding irresponsibly or creating safety risks, Driftmates reserves the right to restrict their participation in the riding segment and arrange alternative travel in the support vehicle.

8. Payment Policy

The following payment terms apply to all bookings made through Driftmates for trips, expeditions, treks, backpacking journeys, and other travel experiences.

Booking Confirmation

To confirm a booking with Driftmates, travelers are required to pay an initial booking amount (advance payment) at the time of reservation. This amount secures the traveler’s seat in the selected departure.

Bookings are considered confirmed only after the advance payment has been successfully received and acknowledged by Driftmates.

Payment Structure

The payment structure for most trips typically follows the format below:

  • A booking amount (advance payment) must be paid at the time of booking.
  • The remaining balance amount must be paid before the departure date of the trip.

The exact payment deadlines and amounts may vary depending on the nature of the trip and will be communicated during the booking process.

Failure to complete the payment within the specified timeline may result in cancellation of the booking without prior notice.

Scheme Changes: We can change or withdraw any discount or offer at any time unless we specifically state otherwise.

Payment Methods

Driftmates accepts payments through the following methods:

  • Secure payment gateway transactions
  • Bank transfer
  • UPI payments
  • Other approved digital payment options

Payment details will be shared by the Driftmates team during the booking process.

Booking Through Third Parties

If a booking is made through a travel agent or third-party partner, payment policies may also be subject to the terms and conditions of that agent.

Driftmates will act as the service provider while the contractual relationship may exist between the traveler and the booking partner.

Price Adjustments

Trip prices may change due to factors beyond the company’s control including:

  • increase in fuel prices
  • airline/rail charges
  • changes in government taxes
  • changes in vendor costs
  • currency fluctuations (for international trips)

Any such price changes must be paid by the traveler prior to the departure date.

Non-Payment

Failure to make the required payments within the specified timeline may lead to:

  • cancellation of the booking
  • forfeiture of the advance payment
  • release of the seat to other travelers

Transaction Confirmation

After successful payment, travelers will receive a confirmation message through email, WhatsApp, SMS, or other communication channels confirming the booking details.

9. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Driftmates understands that travel plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. The following cancellation policy outlines how cancellations and refunds are handled.

Cancellation by Traveler

If a traveler chooses to cancel their booking, the following cancellation terms may apply depending on the time remaining before the trip departure.

More than 30 days before departure

  • Full refund of the paid amount excluding the non-refundable booking amount.

16 – 30 days before departure

  • 50% of the total trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

8 – 15 days before departure

  • 75% of the total trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

1 – 7 days before departure

  • 100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

These timelines may vary for certain trips and will be communicated during booking.

Non-Refundable Booking Amount

The initial booking amount paid at the time of reservation is generally non-refundable.

In certain cases, Driftmates may issue a credit note at its discretion instead of a refund.

Credit Notes

If applicable, a credit note may be issued to travelers who cancel within eligible timelines.

Credit notes:

  • may be used for future trips with Driftmates
  • may be transferable subject to company approval
  • must be used within the validity period mentioned in the credit note

Cancellation by Driftmates

In rare situations, Driftmates may cancel a trip due to operational reasons such as:

  • insufficient participants
  • safety concerns
  • government restrictions
  • natural disasters

In such cases, travelers may be offered:

  • transfer to another departure date
  • transfer to a different trip
  • refund of the amount paid

Refund timelines may vary depending on payment processing timelines.

No Refund Scenarios

Refunds will not be provided in the following cases:

  • voluntary withdrawal from the trip after it begins
  • failure to join the trip on time
  • unused services during the trip
  • personal reasons including illness or document issues
  • removal from the trip due to misconduct

10. Force Majeure

Driftmates shall not be liable for failure to perform obligations when such failure results from events beyond reasonable control including but not limited to:

natural disasters

extreme weather conditions

landslides

government restrictions

strikes or protests

pandemics

war or civil unrest

If such events significantly impact the trip, Driftmates may modify or cancel the itinerary for safety reasons.

 

11. Promotional Content

During trips organized by Driftmates, photographs and videos may be captured for promotional purposes. These materials may be used on Driftmates’ website, social media channels, or marketing materials.

By participating in the trip, travelers grant Driftmates permission to use such content unless they specifically request otherwise in writing.

 

12. Website Content Disclaimer

While Driftmates strives to maintain accurate and updated information on its website, certain details such as itineraries, travel conditions, and service availability may change due to operational requirements.

Driftmates does not guarantee that all information published on the website will always remain current.

 

13. Cookie Policy – Driftmates

This Cookie Policy explains how Driftmates uses cookies and similar technologies when users interact with our website.

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit and improve your browsing experience.

Cookies allow Driftmates to recognize returning visitors, analyze website performance, and personalize content.

Types of Cookies Used

Essential Cookies

These cookies are required for the website to function properly. They enable features such as account login, booking functionality, and security verification.

Preference Cookies

Preference cookies store information about user preferences such as language settings or region.

Analytics Cookies

Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the website. This information helps improve site functionality and user experience.

Marketing Cookies

Marketing cookies may be used to display relevant advertisements on third-party platforms such as Google or Meta.

Third-Party Cookies

Driftmates may use third-party services such as:

  • Google Analytics
  • advertising platforms
  • analytics tools

These services may place cookies on your device to collect data related to website usage.

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies. However, users can control or disable cookies through browser settings.

Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on the Driftmates website.

Updates to Cookie Policy

Driftmates may update this Cookie Policy periodically. Any updates will be published on the website along with the updated effective date.

14. Disclaimer Policy

The information provided on the Driftmates website is intended for general informational purposes regarding travel experiences, itineraries, destinations, and services offered by Driftmates.

While we strive to ensure that all information presented on our website is accurate and up to date, Driftmates does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the information at all times.

Travel conditions, itineraries, accommodations, transportation services, and other trip components may change due to operational requirements, weather conditions, government regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Driftmates reserves the right to modify, update, or replace any travel itinerary, service, or component of a trip without prior notice when necessary for safety or operational reasons.

Images and videos used on the website are for illustrative purposes only and may not always represent the exact experiences, accommodations, or locations included in the trip.

Driftmates shall not be held responsible for any indirect losses, travel disruptions, delays, or inconvenience caused due to circumstances beyond its control including but not limited to natural disasters, road conditions, political disturbances, or vendor-related issues.

By using the Driftmates website or booking a trip, users acknowledge and accept these limitations.

15. Responsible Travel Policy

At Driftmates, we believe that meaningful travel should respect the environment, local cultures, and communities that make each destination unique.

We encourage travelers to adopt responsible travel practices throughout their journeys.

Travelers are expected to:

  • respect local traditions, cultures, and customs
  • avoid littering and minimize environmental impact
  • use reusable products where possible
  • avoid disturbing wildlife or natural habitats
  • respect local communities and their way of life

Driftmates promotes sustainable travel by:

  • working with local guides and service providers
  • encouraging environmentally conscious travel practices
  • supporting local communities and small businesses
  • minimizing the environmental impact of adventure tourism

Travelers who engage in behavior that harms the environment or disrespects local communities may be asked to discontinue their participation in the trip.

Responsible travel ensures that destinations remain beautiful and culturally vibrant for future generations.

16. Risk & Acknowledgement Clause

By participating in a Driftmates trip, travelers acknowledge that adventure travel may involve certain risks including but not limited to:

  • high-altitude environments
  • unpredictable weather conditions
  • physical exertion
  • terrain-related challenges
  • remote locations with limited medical facilities

Travelers voluntarily accept these risks and confirm that they are physically and mentally fit to participate in the chosen travel experience.

Driftmates strongly recommends that participants consult a medical professional before joining physically demanding trips such as treks or bike expeditions.

Travelers must follow all safety instructions provided by the trip leader and local guides.

Failure to comply with safety instructions may result in removal from certain activities for the safety of the traveler and the group.

17. Media Consent

During trips organized by Driftmates, photographs and videos may be captured by trip leaders or media teams for promotional purposes.

These materials may be used across Driftmates marketing channels including:

  • website
  • social media platforms
  • digital advertisements
  • promotional campaigns

By participating in a Driftmates trip, travelers grant permission for such media to be used for promotional purposes unless they explicitly request otherwise in writing.

18. Adventure Activity Waiver

Some travel experiences organized by Driftmates may include adventure activities such as trekking, biking, hiking, camping, rafting, or other outdoor experiences.

Participation in such activities is voluntary.

Travelers must ensure that they:

  • have the required skill level for the activity
  • follow safety instructions from the trip leader
  • use safety equipment where required

Driftmates shall not be responsible for injuries resulting from failure to follow safety guidelines or participation beyond personal capability.

19. Communication Policy

By booking a trip with Driftmates or creating an account on the website, users agree to receive communication related to their booking including:

  • booking confirmations
  • trip updates
  • itinerary information
  • payment reminders
  • travel guidelines

Such communications may be sent through:

  • email
  • SMS
  • WhatsApp
  • phone calls

Users may opt out of marketing communications at any time.

However, transactional messages related to bookings may still be sent as necessary.

20. Minimum Participation Policy

Certain trips organized by Driftmates require a minimum number of participants to operate.

If the minimum number of participants is not reached, Driftmates reserves the right to:

  • reschedule the trip
  • merge the group with another departure
  • offer an alternative trip
  • provide a refund of the booking amount

Travelers will be informed in advance in such situations.

21. Itinerary Flexibility Clause


Travel itineraries may be adjusted due to operational reasons including:

  • weather conditions
  • road closures
  • safety considerations
  • government regulations
  • local conditions

Driftmates trip leaders reserve the right to modify the itinerary when necessary to ensure traveler safety and trip continuity.

Such modifications will be communicated to travelers during the trip.

22. Legal Jurisdiction

All disputes arising from these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts Uttarakhand Nainital. 

Time Limits: If you have any issues with the tour, you must bring a legal claim within 07 days after the tour ends. Any claim not filed within 07 days after the tour ends will be barred and will not be considered. 

Search

Millions of experiences. One simple search.

Filter