LEGAL & CONTRACTUAL FRAMEWORK

Terms & Conditions

Comprehensive guidelines, rider commitments, booking policies, and safety protocols governing your journey with The Horizon Expeditions.

Effective: Season 2025 / 2026 All Motorcycle Expeditions Version 2.1
01

Preamble & Company Identity

Legal Status & Scope

The Horizon Expeditions (hereinafter referred to as "The Horizon Expeditions", "we", "us", or the "Company") is a premier adventure travel and motorcycle expedition organizer operating curated guided tours, self-guided journeys, and tailor-made expeditions primarily utilizing Royal Enfield motorcycles, adventure tourers, and support vehicles across India and high-altitude Himalayan territories.

By accessing our website, booking an itinerary, paying a deposit, or participating in any expedition (hereinafter referred to as the "Tour" or "Expedition"), every participant (hereinafter referred to as the "Rider", "Client", or "Participant") enters into a binding legal contract governed by these Terms and Conditions of Sale.


02

Purpose & Contractual Documents

The Indivisible Contract

The purpose of these Terms and Conditions of Sale is to govern all rights, duties, and liabilities between the Participant and The Horizon Expeditions during the booking, preparation, and execution of any motorcycle adventure.

The contract between the Parties consists of the following indivisible documents:

  • These General Terms and Conditions of Sale.
  • The Expedition Registration Form & Official Itinerary Quote specifying package details, pricing, inclusions, exclusions, and payment milestones.
  • The Rider Safety Commitments & Assumption of Risk Declaration (Appendix).
  • The Vehicle Rental & Security Deposit Agreement signed at vehicle handover.

03

Tour Formats & Difficulty Grades

Guaranteed, Private & Explorer Routes

The Horizon Expeditions offers multiple expedition formats adapted to different riding styles:

Guided Group Expeditions

Fixed departure dates with lead road captain, support backup truck, certified mechanic, spare parts, luggage transport, and medical oxygen.

Tailor-Made / Private Tours

Custom-crafted itineraries, exclusive group dates, and bespoke accommodation tiers for private clubs or rider groups.

Difficulty Levels: High-altitude Himalayan routes (e.g. Leh-Ladakh, Zanskar, Spiti) involve crossing mountain passes exceeding 17,500 feet (such as Khardung La and Chang La), water crossings, gravel roads, and extreme climatic variations. Riders must ensure they possess the necessary motorcycle handling proficiency and stamina.


04

Included & Excluded Services

Clarity on Pricing & Provisions
Typically Included
  • Royal Enfield Motorcycle
  • Standard Third-Party Bike Insurance
  • Accommodations (Hotels, Heritage Havelis, Camps)
  • Breakfast & Dinner as per detailed itinerary
  • Dedicated Tour Leader / Road Captain
  • 4x4 Support Vehicle with luggage capacity & spares
  • Royal Enfield Expert Mechanic
  • Oxygen cylinders & First Aid emergency kit
  • Inner Line Permits (ILP) for restricted Indian regions
Strictly Excluded
  • International and domestic flight tickets (Unless specified in the itinerary)
  • Personal Medical & High-Altitude Evacuation Insurance
  • Visa fees, passport issuance, and vaccination costs
  • Riding gear (Helmets, armored jackets, gloves, boots)
  • Refundable motorcycle damage security deposit
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Monument, monastery, museum and photography permits
  • Expenses arising from personal delays or early exits

05

Transportation & Flights

Arrival & Departure Logistics

The Horizon Expeditions does not book international airfares. Every Participant is solely responsible for arranging and financing their flights to and from the designated expedition start/finish cities (e.g. Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Udaipur).

The Company accepts no responsibility for flight cancellations, delays, airline schedule changes, or lost luggage. Participants must arrive on Day 1 in time for the mandatory evening briefing and motorcycle handover.


06

Accommodation Standards

Hotels, Havelis, Lodges & Wilderness Camps

Accommodations are booked on twin-sharing basis (or single occupancy upon payment of the designated single supplement). Depending on the remote nature of certain routes (such as Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Sarchu, or Jispa), accommodations may range from premium heritage boutique properties to insulated alpine wilderness dome tents with private or shared bathroom facilities.


07

Mandatory Insurance Requirements

Essential Rider Protection
Mandatory Prior to Departure

Motorcycle touring in remote and high-altitude mountain territories carries inherent physical risks. It is strictly mandatory for all riders and pillion passengers to be covered by international medical and travel insurance prior to the expedition start date.

  • Medical Expenses & Hospitalization: Comprehensive coverage abroad for illness and road accidents.
  • Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: Must explicitly include coverage for motorcycle riding and high-altitude emergency airlift/evacuation up to 18,000 feet.
  • Personal Accident & Civil Liability: Individual coverage for personal injury.

The Horizon Expeditions reserves the right to deny participation without refund if a rider fails to present proof of valid insurance during arrival registration.


08

Visas, Permits & Health Formalities

Passports, ILP & Acclimatization

Passports & Indian Visa: International participants must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the expedition and secure a valid Indian Tourist Visa or e-Visa prior to departure.

Driving Licenses: Every rider must present a valid national motorcycle driving license (with at least 2 years of motorcycle riding endorsement) and an International Driving Permit (IDP) where applicable.

High-Altitude Acclimatization: For Ladakh and Himalayan tours (altitudes above 10,000 feet), riders must follow mandatory rest protocols on arrival in Leh, hydrate adequately, and declare any pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.


09

Rider Eligibility & Physical Fitness

Age & Stamina Criteria
  • Age Limit: Riders must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Physical Fitness: Riders must be in sound health, free from conditions incompatible with riding 5–8 hours a day across demanding terrains and temperature fluctuations.

10

Booking Procedure & Payment Milestones

Deposit, Invoicing & Final Balance

1. Enquiry & Official Quote: Upon receiving your request, we provide a detailed itinerary quote outlining available dates, motorcycle models, and transparent pricing.

2. Booking Deposit: A deposit (typically 50% of the total package cost) is required to secure your motorcycle, hotels, and permits.

3. Balance Payment: The remaining balance of 50% is due no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the expedition departure date. If the balance is unpaid by this deadline, The Horizon Expeditions reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply standard cancellation charges.

Payment Methods: Payments are processed via encrypted online credit card gateways, bank wire transfers, or verified corporate invoicing.


11

Cancellation, Termination & Refund Policy

Transparent Cancellation Scales

If a participant wishes to cancel their booking, written notification must be transmitted to The Horizon Expeditions via email. Cancellation charges are calculated based on the date written notice is received prior to departure:

Cancellation Notice Period Cancellation Fee Refund Amount
More than 45 days before departure 15% of trip cost 85% of total trip cost refunded (less $150 admin fee)
45 to 30 days before departure 50% of trip cost 50% of total trip cost refunded (less $150 admin fee)
Less than 30 days or No-Show 100% of trip cost No refund (100% retained)

Cancellation by Organizer: If an expedition is cancelled by The Horizon Expeditions due to failure to reach the minimum group size (minimum 6 motorcycles), riders will be notified at least 20 days prior to departure and offered a 100% full refund or alternative tour date with no penalty.


12

Transfer of Booking to a Third Party

Rider Substitution

A participant may transfer their booking to an eligible third party who meets all tour criteria (license, fitness, insurance). Notice must be given in writing at least twenty (20) days before departure. Both the original rider and the replacement are jointly liable for any administrative permit re-issuance fees and remaining balance.


13

Motorcycle Security Deposit & Responsibility

Vehicle Care & Handover

Prior to receiving the motorcycle, every rider must deposit a refundable security caution (typically $600 USD).

The deposit is fully returned at the conclusion of the expedition, subject to deductions for any damage, broken accessories (mirrors, levers, crash bars, headlights), or traffic fines incurred through rider negligence. If repair costs exceed the deposit amount, the rider remains liable for the actual cost of replacement parts.


14

Limitation of Liability & Force Majeure

Unforeseen Mountain Events

The Horizon Expeditions maintains professional indemnity insurance and is responsible for the proper execution of contractual tour services.

Exoneration of Liability: The Company cannot be held liable for delays, rerouting, or non-performance caused by:

  • Natural disasters, heavy snowfall, landslides, avalanches, flash floods, or high-altitude mountain pass closures.
  • Strikes, civil unrest, or official military/border administration closure orders.
  • Reckless driving, traffic law violations, or failure by the rider to wear required protective armor.

In case of impassable mountain roads, our Road Captains reserve full authority to modify the itinerary in the interest of group safety.


15

Rider Commitments & Code of Conduct

Safety, Sobriety & Group Riding Ethics

Every participant formally commits to the following safety declarations:

Strict Zero-Tolerance Sobriety Policy

The consumption of alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drugs prior to or during motorcycle riding is strictly prohibited. The Road Captain has absolute authority to permanently expel any participant violating this rule without refund.

Mandatory Protective Riding Gear

Full-face/modular DOT/ECE certified helmet, armored jacket, riding pants/knee guards, reinforced motorcycle gloves, and sturdy ankle-protecting riding boots must be worn at all times while the motorcycle is in motion.

Group Riding & Road Captain Authority

Riders agree to respect staggered formation guidelines, maintain safe following distances, not overtake the lead marshal recklessly, and adhere to local traffic regulations.

Assumption of Adventure Risk

Riders acknowledge that adventure motorcycling in remote mountain environments involves calculated physical risks, varying road conditions, and medical remoteness, which the rider voluntarily assumes.


16

Claims & Dispute Resolution

Support & Amicable Settlement

Any claim regarding the execution of a expedition must be submitted in writing with supporting receipts to contact@thehorizonexpeditions.com within thirty (30) days following the conclusion of the expedition.

Both parties agree to seek an amicable resolution to any dispute prior to initiating legal proceedings. The contract is governed by the applicable laws of India, and any litigation shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in India.


17

Personal Data Protection & Privacy

Confidentiality & Security

Personal information, driving license copies, and passport details collected during the booking process are strictly utilized for processing inner line permits, hotel bookings, flight tickets, and emergency rescue manifests. We never sell or distribute your private data to unauthorized third parties.

For full information regarding our cookie choices and data handling practices, please refer to our Privacy Policy and interactive Cookie Choices.

Plan Your Ride