Mongolia in Depth with Naadam Festival

Transcription

1 a Mongolia in Depth with Naadam Festival Departs July 7, 2018 Itinerary correct as at Mar but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed.

2 MONGOLIA IN DEPTH WITH NAADAM FESTIVAL A trip through the Land of the Sapphire Blue Sky is something very unique. If you re looking for a five star type, cushy, comfortable holiday, then Mongolia is probably not for you. If you want to get off the beaten track then Mongolia is unmatched in its wild beauty and rawness. In three weeks you will get a wonderful taste of what this country has to offer. What you will experience, smell, hear, taste and see, will engage all of your senses. Mongolia will be indelibly imprinted on your memory. Mongolia is one of the world s least-developed, least-populated countries in the world. If you want to see a night sky so clear that you ll be reminded that the galaxy is infinite, to camp on the edge of a vast steppe covered in chive flowers as far as the eye can see, or to look across a giant basin, rimmed with dark towering mountains, Mongolia is that place. With a population of only 3 million, roughly half of the country s population is packed into one city, the capital Ulaan Baatar. Outside of that, Mongolia s largest cities only number in the tens of thousands, with a significant portion of those still living the traditional lifestyle as nomadic sheepherders. Mongolia is a land of extremes. On the road it can take hours of driving before you pass a tiny ger community, a Mongolian on horseback or even another vehicle. Yet in between you are blessed with the stunning views of a country so untouched that you know you ve reached its true heart. From the stark Gobi in the south, to the incredible rock formations and magnificence of Khogoryn Els (Mongolia s largest sand dunes) to the crystal blue lakes and rushing clear rivers of the West, it is a land serene, with a culture that is warm and welcoming.

3 Day 1, July 7 Departure Sydney -Beijing Depart Australia on QF107 Sydney to Beijing at 12.25hrs arriving at 22.15hrs. Overnight at Beijing airport hotel. Meals in flight. long nomadic tradition. Later in the day, time permitting, we will drive to the peak of Zaisan memorial hill to get a fantastic view of the whole city. The balance of the day is open for you to stroll the streets of the city on your own. Welcome dinner tonight at a local restaurant. Overnight at 4 star hotel. B/L/D Day 2, July 8 Arrive Ulaanbaatar Day 4, July 10 Murun Khovsgol Lake After a leisurely breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. Flight OM224 departs Beijing at 21.10hrs arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 23.40hrs. Transfer to your centrally located hotel. Overnight in 4 star hotel for two nights. B/L After an early breakfast at the hotel, we fly into Murun, the centre of the Khovsgol province. From Murun, you will be driven to the base camp at Lake Khovsgol (approx. 70 miles). With an area of 1,012 sq.miles lying near the Russian border, Lake Khovsgol is Mongolia s largest freshwater lake. It is more than 800 feet deep and more than a mile above sea level. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Driving distance 130 km. Overnight in a Villa with private bathroom for three nights. B/L/D Day 3, July 9 Ulaanbaatar City Tour Our city tour starts at Sukhbaatar Square, which is the central square named after the revolutionary hero of 1921 Damdiny Sukhbaatar who declared independence from China. You will visit the Gandan Monastery the centre of Buddhism in Mongolia. Here you may experience the monks in worship and see the impressive Golden Buddha Statue of Migjid Janraisig. We will then visit the Natural History Museum which is famous for its authentic dinosaur skeletons and a wonderful collection of elaborate costumes, hats and jewellery from the main Mongolian ethnic groups. The Museum also houses an exhibit dedicated to the Mongol empire giving you your first insight ito the country's Day 5, July 11 Rural Naadam Festival in Khovsgol Lake region Today you will witness the spectacular Naadam Festival comprising the three key Mongolian traditional sports of

4 wrestling, archery and horse racing. The opening ceremony of our rural Naadam festival occurs at Khatgal town. A rural Naadam offers you the chance to get much closer to the action and provides a more intimate experience with the local people. Naadam festival celebrates the victory of the People s Revolution leading to Mongolia's independence and its rich cultural heritage. The distinctly Mongolian feel and flair of the Naadam Festival make it a wonderful spectacle, a joyous time, and an intriguing cultural event. Colourful ceremonies kick off the celebrations. The ancient game of wrestling follows, with men competing in many rounds of competition. Both men and women compete in the archery games, using the traditional Mongolian compound bow that terrorised Europe when Genghis Khan and his Golden Horde moved their empire west. The quintessentially Mongolian art of horse racing follows, where up to 800 horses compete. While these are traditionally 'manly sports', women and even children are allowed to compete. Overnight in a Villa with private bathroom. Driving distance 30 km. B/L/D Day 6, July 12 Khovsgol Lake hiking and wildlife After breakfast at the camp you will have a full day to explore the breathtaking shores of this beautiful lake. There is ample opportunity to discover the local nomadic lifestyle. You can plan a hike along the shoreline and practice your amateur wildlife photography as there are excellent wildlife habitats especially migratory flocks of birds. There are also opportunities for horse riding near the lake and visiting the yak breeding families and experience their unique lifestyle. Overnight in a Villa with private bathroom. B/L/D Day 7, July 13 Drive to Murun province In the afternoon, we will drive back to Murun where will spend the night. Overnight at a local hotel. Driving distance 130 km. B/L/D Day 8, July 14 Murun to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake Today we travel onto Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park and Khorgo volcano. The lake, birdlife and mountains are now protected within the 77,267 hectare Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The lake, which was formed by lava flows from a volcanic eruption many millennia ago, is excellent for swimming, though a bit cold in the morning - try the late afternoon, after the sun has warmed it. There is a horse trip and trekking available to Khorgo Volcano. Overnight in a local hotel. Driving distance 250 km. B/L/D Day 9, July 15 Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake to Tsenher Hot Spring Following breakfast, we will drive to Tsenher hot springs. Along the way we will stop for a break in the small town of Tsetserleg to visit a monastery museum. We spend tonight in a ger camp where you will be able to soak in the therapeutic waters of the natural hot springs whilst enjoying the view of the surrounding hills. Tonight is your first night in a traditional ger. Whilst the accommodation is basic, this is an opportunity to experience life as the Mongolian nomads live. Overnight in a standard ger camp. Driving distance 200 km. B/L/D Day 10, July 16 Tsenher Hot Spring to Tuwkhun Monastery In the morning, we drive to Tuwkhun Monastery which was founded by Zanabazar. This attractive landscape is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage place. The Tuvkhun Monastery was established by Undur Gegeen Zanabazar in 1654 and was dedicated to religious study and art. It is located on a rocky mountain hill surrounded by forests at an elevation of 2,300 metres above sea level. In 1651, the first religious statesman Zanabazar built a small stony building on the site. The monastery is located in a natural rocky landscape where there is a small cave named the Mother s abdomen. The Mongols still protect this unique place naming it as Mahaga Country. These monuments were created during the war between Khalkh and Uuld when a tunnel was dug through the mountain to form the "Door of Great Pleasure". During the war, legend has it that Undur Gegeen escaped through this tunnel and intentionally blocked the entrance with a massive stone. The monastery was taken under the protection of the state in We then drive onto Karakorum and arrive late afternoon. Overnight in a deluxe ger at Karakorum Tourist Camp for two nights. Driving distance 190 km. B/L/D Day 11, July 17 Tuwkhun Monastery to Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Karakorum was the ancient capital of Mongolia and it was located on the right bank of Orkhon River and on the northeastern slopes of the Khangai Mountain. The nomadic city was founded by Chinggis Khan in 1220 and it was not only the capital of the vast Mongolian Empire but the epicentre of trade along the Silk Road. At that time the inhabitants of the city were mostly merchants and craftsmen who came to Karakorum from all over the world. Once Kublai Khan came to the throne he moved the capital of the Mongolian Empire to China, establishing the Yuan Dynasty. Karakorum then lost its importance and in 1379 much of the city was badly damaged during an attack by the army of the Ming Dynasty. Erdene Zuu monastery was built by Avtai Sain Khan on the ruin of the Mongolian capital Karakorum in It was the first great Buddhist monastery of Mongolia. It is part of the World Heritage Site entitled Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Stones from the ruins of Karakorum were used in its construction. It is surrounded by a wall featuring 108 stupas, 108 being a sacred number in Buddhism, and the number of beads in a Buddhist rosary. The monastery was damaged by warfare in the 1680s, but was rebuilt in the 18th century and by 1872 it had 62 temples and up to 1,000 monks inside. The Erdene Zuu Monastery was taken into state protection and became a museum in The political climate in Mongolia is changing and Buddhism, previously suppressed, is currently experiencing a resurgence all over the country. Overnight in deluxe ger. B/L/D Day 12, July 18 Drive to Ongi Temple Today you'll drive to the ruins of the Ongi monastery. It was the largest Buddhist centre in the Gobi region. There are two complexes of temple ruins which were built up in the

5 1780s. During the political repression of the 1930s these two temples were destroyed and many lamas were executed and imprisoned. We will visit the ruins of the monastery and the reconstructed parts. On the way we will visit the basin of the Ongi river which is dried out because of mining activity. Overnight in standard ger camp. Driving distance 250 km. B/L/D Day 13, July 19 Ongi Temple to Bayanzag, Flaming Cliffs After breakfast, we leave for Bayanzag. It's a long day drive today and can take up to 5 hours but it's a scenic drive through the vast land. We will occasionally stop for photography and to watch the birds and the animals of the area. We will check into our ger camp, wash and change and after lunch, we drive to visit the Flaming Cliffs. This area was named as 'Flaming Cliffs' by Roy Chapman Andrews, an American explorer who searched throughout the Mongolian Gobi Desert and found dinosaur skeletons and eggs for the first time in Asia. The red cliff gleams with sunlight and can be seen from far away. We will take a short walk on the ridge of the cliff and look for pieces of dinosaur bones. We will drive little further to see the saxaul trees that contributed to the name Bayanzag. Bayanzag means-rich in saxaul. Overnight in Gobi Nomad Lodge in deluxe gers. Driving distance 150 km. B/L/D Day 14, July 20 Bayanzag, Flaming Cliffs to Khongoryn Sand Dunes Today we drive to the famous Khongoryn sand dunes which are the most important sand mass of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, covering an area of more than 900 square kilometres. It s one of the largest sandy areas of Mongolia. Suddenly standing out from the plains, they are undoubtedly among the most spectacular of the country. The wind continuously blows from north towards west and the dunes can reach breathtaking heights, between 100 and 300 metres at their highest points. Khongoryn dunes are more than 180 km long and can reach 27 kms wide. The inhabitants name their imposing dunes singing dunes due to the noise made by the wind when it moves the sand. Beyond the dunes, the steppe extends as far as the eye can see. Khongoryn dunes have a particular appeal, because they have an impressing combination of colours (the dunes are pale yellow). At the northern end, they are lined with a green luxuriant vegetation band, delimited by a river - the Khongoryn Gol. This river is supplied by subterranean sources and flows along the dunes for a few kilometres forming an oasis in the middle of the desert landscape. Overnight in standard ger camp for two nights. B/L/D. Day 15, July 21 Khongoryn Sand Dunes We have a full day exploring the sand dunes which seem to stretch on forever like a soft ribbon of sand draped over the desert. Feel the breeze in your hair as you ride on a bactrian two humped camel across the dunes. Return to the camp for lunch and enjoy the silence and peaceful beauty of the surrounding Gobi Desert. Overnight in standard ger camp. B/L/D Day 16, July 22 Khongoryn Sand Dune to Yol Valley In the morning, we drive to Yol Valley, which is also known as Vulture Valley. Learn about the local wildlife in the Natural History Museum before taking a gentle hike through the valley to discover their habitats. This valley is nestled deep within the hills and is a safe haven to get away from the desert heat. Some areas of the valley are continually sheltered from the hot sun and house huge, blocks of ice that gradually melt away during the summer. It is very wide at the entrance and narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge. You will get to see wild animals such as ibex, wild sheep, marmots and vultures. You can go horseback or camel riding around the area and go trekking to the gorge. Overnight in the Gobi Nomad Lodge in deluxe gers for the next two nights. Driving distance: 180 km. B/L/D Day 17, July 23 Khavtsgait Petroglyphs and Nomads In the morning we drive to the site of the Khavtsgait Petroglyphs. The Khavtsgait Petroglyphs from the Bronze Age ( BC) are beautifully carved on many rocks on the top of a sacred mountain. It is easy to find the rock paintings there because they are spread on rocks all around. The area is very rocky and can be slippery to climb, but by carefully following a path up the mountain, you can reach the top to see these beautiful rock paintings. The petroglyphs were carved and painted with motifs consisting of animals, hunting scenes and weapons. They depict various animals related to everyday life of ancient people including deer, bears, wolves and hunters with their livestock. Other paintings depict more domestic scenes of yaks pulling carts and herders on horseback. The engravings vary in size, ranging from two-centimetres to the real life size of horses. After the rest, we will visit a nomadic herder family nearby. We will spend some time there getting to know the family members and their casual yet unique daily lifestyle. It is a good chance to see how the family members cooperate together to do their daily chores such as milking mares and goats, fencing and making homewares. If you wish, you are welcome to try some mare's fermented milk and other dairy products. Overnight in Gobi Nomad Lodge in deluxe gers. Driving distance is 120 km. B/L/D Day 18, July 24 Flight to Ulaanbaatar Terelj National Park Following an early morning breakfast, we transfer to the Dalanzadgad Airport to board our flight to Ulaan Baatar and then drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park known for its unique rock formations, scenic valleys, winding rivers and restful groves of trees. The park is also home to unusual rock formations "Turtle

6 rock" and Monk reading a book". At the Aryabal meditation centre you will have the opportunity to learn about Mongolian Buddhism before checking into our lodge for the next two nights. Terelj Lodge located in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park offers comfortable accommodations with private facilities in Deluxe Gers. It houses a small museum and two restaurants which serve Mongolian and western cuisine. Overnight in Terelj Lodge deluxe ger. Driving distance: 80 km. B/L/D Day 19, July 25 Trip to 13th Century Complex and Ulaanbaatar After breakfast we drive to the 13th Century National Park Complex with a brief photo-stop en route at the Statue of Chinggis Khan. The Chinggis Khan s 13th Century Complex offers a peek into the history, lifestyles and cultural impacts of Mongolia during the 13th Century. Experience life during the bygone era of Chinggis Khan and his empire. In the six camps, you can interact with the several Mongolian tribes, watch craftsmen creating works of art, learn Mongolian calligraphy or traditional scripts, get your fortune told or watch Shamans at ritual worship. Perhaps try your skills at archery, ride a camel or lasso a horse or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscape and the clear blue sky. The highlight of the afternoon is the King s Great Feast of traditional Mongolian foods in the Kings and Queens Palace.Overnight in Terelj Lodge deluxe ger. Driving distance 140 km. B/L/D Day 20, July 26 Drive to Ulaanbaatar On our drive back to Ulaanbaatar, visit the Bogdo Khaan Winter Palace Museum. The Bogdo Khaan Winter Palace is the home of the last Mongolian King, Javzun Damba Khutagt VII. The museum contains a number of Buddhist artworks and the private collection of Bogdo Khaan, composed of gifts from rulers and kings from all over the world. The artworks displayed here were made by top Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese master sculptors of the 18th and 19th centuries and represent the gods of Buddhist pantheon. In the evening you will attend the local folklore dance shows and enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in 4 star hotel. Driving distance 80 km. B/L/D Day 21, July 27 Ulaanbaatar Beijing Sydney Today is a free morning in Ulaanbaatar to choose what you would like to do. Perhaps visit the Gobi cashmere outlet store, revisit the National Museum of Mongolian History or simply walk around the city centre and enjoy the local atmosphere. We catch a bus to the airport in the afternoon before flying onto Beijing and then onto Australia. B/Meals in flight. Day 22, July 28 Sydney Arrive Sydney at 13.20hrs. Meals in flight Mongolia in Depth with Nadaam Festival, July 2018 Tour cost inclusions and exclusions. The cost for this wonderful 21 day experience of culture and sightseeing ex Sydney is $9,990 per person on a twin share basis with economy airfare. This is extremely good value as it includes international airfares, transfers between the airports and hotels, accommodation and all meals. In some locations, our hotels are basic but are the best available at that location. A single supplement is available for $990. Hotel portage, room taxes and entry fees to historical places are also included. Not included are drinks, tourist visa and travel insurance. Business Class fares and add-ons are available. Please enquire at time of booking. The above price applies to a group of 10 or more travellers. The group will be escorted from Australia by a host provided minimum numbers of 10 are reached. Should minimum numbers not be reached, the tour may still proceed but without the Australian host. Should the preferred tour host not be available for whatever reason, an alternate host will be provided. $250 secures your place on this wonderful trip. Please refer to the booking form. A partial payment will also be required when we lock in your international airfares. The full tariff less deposit and any interim payment is due 75 days prior to departure. You must refer to the terms and conditions attached to this itinerary and available on our website prior to making a decision to travel. Services included: All accommodation on a twin share basis All breakfasts and one other meal each day (some lunches and some dinners as listed) All transfers while overseas Air conditioned mini bus and drive including insurance and petrol when touring in-country English speaking guides for most of the sight seeing Australian tour host subject to minimum numbers being met (10) All entrance fees for museums and places of interest International economy flights plus train travel Services not included: Meals not listed on the itinerary All drinks not listed in the itinerary Any entry visas if required Any government taxes if required Personal expenses Tips Domestic Australian transfers If you have any questions please call us on

7 BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS As at January 15, Booking and payment terms To register your interest in a tour, a non-refundable deposit of $250 and a completed booking form must be received and acknowledged by Blue Dot Travel (BDT). Approximately 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed we will require a non-refundable progress payment of $2,000 towards your tour. Your final payment becomes due 75 days prior to departure. On certain tours we may be required to book special cruises, ferries, expedition ships, pre-paid entrance fees, special permits, internal flights, etc which may require an additional payment, in which case you will be advised when we accept your booking. Flight class upgrades require payment at the time of booking. If payments are not paid by the due date, the booking will be considered cancelled. Higher deposit payments are required for late bookings please refer to your consultant at the time of booking. A guarantee of full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings received within 4 weeks of departure. We reserve the right to amend our prices for any tour, without notice, at any time up until final payment has been made by you, in the event of exchange rate fluctuations, increases in fuel costs, airport charges, airfares or increase in other service provider s fees. It is the traveller s duty to ensure they have checked the most up to date travel itinerary prior to the tour departure. These are available on our website. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and must be paid in Australian dollars. For payments by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. No credit card fee is applied to your $250 deposit. 2. Single supplement/sharing accommodation A booking may be accepted on a share room basis on the condition that the person requesting the share reservation agrees that we accept no responsibility for any incompatibility between the persons sharing. Regardless, no guarantee is given that a share room will be available. If not available, at the time of final payment you agree to pay the single supplement. If you choose to pay a single supplement for a tour and due to non-availability of a single room at one or more destinations, a single room cannot be provided, a refund for the single supplement component will be made for any night that a single room was not available. A single supplement means you will receive a room by yourself. The size of the room may (or may not) differ to that of a standard twin or double room. 3. Compulsory Travel Insurance Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants, however, we insist that you take out a personal travel Insurance policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. Each traveller is responsible for ensuring they have the correct level of cover for their individual circumstances. It is the traveller s responsibility to check that your insurance policy (especially those offered by your credit card company), covers you comprehensively for the entirety of the tour you have booked on. You must read your travel insurance PDS with an emphasis on what is and what is not covered. Your travel insurance must be in place before your first instalment is made. In the event of cancellation after flights have been booked, any airfares or other non-refundable interim payments made to BDT, will be forfeited. You may be able to claim this on your travel insurance depending on the circumstances. 4. Discounts Any early bird discount offered, cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount applied such as a regular customer discount. 5. Client responsibilities The client acknowledges and agrees that the tours offered by BDT may be adventurous in nature and that he or she travels at his/her own risk. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a BDT. You must be able to walk at least one thousand metres at a reasonable pace without requiring a stop, be able to carry at least your own bags and be able to walk at least up three flights of stairs unassisted. It is the client s own responsibility to obtain and maintain any appropriate travel documents, eg, a valid passport, any valid visas, permits, vaccination certificate or the like. The client has an obligation to disclose to BDT any pre-existing medical condition or allergies when booking the tour and the company reserves its right to refuse a booking with a client suffering from any such condition. The client also has an obligation to carry their own medical needs including legal prescription medicines and basic medical kit. For client s choosing to make land only bookings with BDT, the client will have sole responsibility for managing their own flights and changes to these flights before and whilst on tour including all necessary transfers, hotels etc. BDT does not accept any responsibility for any loss, delay or additional expenses incurred in a delay in joining the tour. 6. Tour amendments and cancellations Amendments and cancellations must be notified in writing to our office. Should you wish to amend your flights after booking there will be financial penalties applied by the airlines depending on the flight class. BDT may charge $150 admin fee for flight changes over and above the airlines fees. If a cancellation is received: More than 75 days before departure, then the non-refundable deposit and progress payment will be forfeited along with any other prepaid portions of your tour such as special cruises, ferries, expedition ships, pre-paid entrance fees, special permits, flights, etc. Between 75 and 31 days before departure, a fee of 50% of the tour cost, less any non-refundable monies paid. 30 days or less before departure, 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited. Depending on the reason for cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under your travel insurance policy. Example of cancellation costs at 60 days Tour cost $10,000 Deposit paid (non-refundable) $250 Progress payment paid (non-refundable) $2,000 Balance of tour cost $7,750 Tour refund at 50% $3,875 Upon commencement of the trip, no refunds will be made for any reason, for unused section(s). If BDT deems it to be appropriate to cancel any tour due to factors beyond its control, such as civil unrest, natural disaster or other emergencies in the areas to be visited, prior to departure when client trust funds have, or could reasonably be expected to have been expended on purchasing elements of the tour, i.e. domestic and international flights, hotel accommodation among other things, then BDT will refund all monies that can be recovered from the recipients of those expenses, without entering into any legal dispute, this being the limit of its obligations. BDT is only obliged to cancel a tour if the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade issue a travel warning stating Do Not Travel. 7. Client Numbers BDT s general policy is to have no more than 16 clients on any tour unless otherwise stated. If less than 10 people are booked on any tour, the trip may proceed without a host accompanying the group. This will be at the discretion of BDT. An in-country guide will still be provided in these circumstances. Should there be too few people booked for any tour, we reserve the right to cancel the tour no later than 90 days before scheduled departure. In this event, a full refund will be made, and BDT will not be liable for any claims made or any additional costs incurred by you including but not limited to flights, transfers and permits paid directly by you. Page 1 of 2

8 BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS As at January 15, Itinerary Changes We reserve the right to vary the itinerary, accommodation and forms of transport should any conditions make it preferable, appropriate or necessary to do so. We will provide alternative services as close as possible to those listed. Wherever possible we shall advise you of such changes prior to departure, however we accept no responsibility for any alterations made for any reason, or for any associated loss or damage. If any additional expenses are incurred through delays, accidents, or disruption of planned itineraries because of force majeure or if it considered advisable by our management, such expenses are to be borne by you. It is possible that a route change could be necessary due to inclement weather, political restrictions or any other cause. Route changes will always be at the discretion of the group leader and the local operator. We will not be responsible for postponement or delay caused by delayed flights or schedule changes at any point in tour. No refund will be available in the event of any route or itinerary changes including hotel accommodation. 9. Exclusions Items not included in our tour costs Your personal travel insurance (which is compulsory). Any tourist visas required. Special fees/taxes incurred by local governments and airlines. Transfers not included on the core group s itinerary, for example when you arrive separately from a different destination or using different airline to that booked by BDT. Domestic Australian transfers unless specified on the itinerary. Seat preferences where additional costs apply. Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, and all items of a personal nature. Mountain, road or river rescue or any other emergency evacuation charges. Expenses incurred as a result of illness and any other un foreseen situations and events. Expenses incurred in cases of personal liability, injury or death if you have been participating in optional activities. Excess baggage charges. Loss incurred by rerouting, cancellation, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances. Meals not stipulated in the itinerary. Alcoholic drinks and other beverages unless stated in the itinerary. Tips to guides, drivers or service personnel on tour. Photography and video fees (where applicable). 10. Blue Dot Travel s rights BDT reserves the right to exclude a client from any tour if they fail to comply with our fair and reasonable instructions while on tour, if they prevent or impede other clients enjoyment of a tour, if they jeopardise the safety of other clients, if they engage in illegal or undesirable behaviour, or if they become a danger to themselves or other clients. If this happens, the client will not be entitled to a refund and BDT will not be responsible for any expenses that the traveller may incur if they are excluded from a tour for any of these or other unforeseen reasons. 11. Consumer Claims If a problem occurs while you are away, it is essential and most practical to try to resolve it locally with the tour host and or guide or tour provider. If you are unhappy with your hotel room, please inform the Duty Manager so the situation may be rectified on the spot. If you have any other complaint, please advise us promptly so that we can attempt to resolve the matter. If you fail to take these steps any claim for compensation may be reduced or denied. If you have an unresolved complaint this must be put to us in writing advising details of the efforts, if any, that were made with the tour host, guide or local operator to resolve the issue. Please send this with supporting documentation within 30 days of return to Australia. No claim made after this period will be considered save to the extent that the law otherwise provides. 12. Photo Competitions If you provide us with a photo from the tour in relation to our on-tour photo competitions, you are providing us approval to use the image in our newsletters, website, social media sites and other promotional material. This is a condition of entry to our on-tour photos competitions. 13. Social Media From time to time, usually whilst on tour, BDT will post photos and videos to the BDT Facebook page and other BDT social media sites. These may include images of individuals and groups of individuals who are on the tour. These are available for anyone to see when they log in to the BDT Facebook or relevant social media site page. Should you not wish to have your image posted on any of these social media sites, you must advise us on or before departure of the tour. Otherwise, you are deemed to have consented to the inclusion of any such material. DISCLAIMER BY BOOKING AGENT (Blue Dot Travel, ACN ) 1. These booking conditions cannot exclude the provisions of the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or of any relevant State Act or Australian Consumer law. 2. Under these Acts BDT is required to pro vide services to you with due care and skill and to provide services which are reasonable for a particular purpose if you have made that purpose known. The Acts provide a right to compensation in appropriate cases. 3. BDT gives notice that it acts as agent only for our tours, and of all other persons and companies who provide the services outlined in this itinerary and in connection with any tour for which you book and that this contract is between the client and the in-country operator. 4. BDT warrants that its services as a tour direct seller/retailer and booking agent will be rendered with due care and skill. 5. BDT does not state that the route suggested or recommended in the itinerary for any tour is the best or more suitable from any particular point of view. 6. Any maps in the itinerary and other documents are for information only, and may not necessarily show the exact routings. 7. In promoting the tours outlined in our itineraries BDT acts as agents for each travel supplier and their associated companies and contractors, therefore: - all tours outlined in this itinerary, and all tickets, vouchers and documents issued by BDT are subject to the terms and conditions of the persons and companies for whom BDT are agents - all tickets and coupons or vouchers issued by BDT and all arrangements for transport or conveyance or accommodation, are made by BDT as agents for such others persons and companies and are made at your request on the express conditions that BDT shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned whether by reason of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in carrying passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or otherwise in connection with the tour or of any provider of any accommodation to provide any facility normally available. - BDT is not responsible for any default, omission, negligence or other act our suppliers and the contractors associated with them. - BDT is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in transportation services, other services, sickness, accident, injury, weather, strikes, war, civil unrest or disturbance, riots, quarantine or other causes. 8. These terms and conditions cannot be altered or waived by any servant, agent or representative of BDT or of any person providing services on the tour other than in writing signed by BDT. Page 2 of 2

9 BOOKING FORM By paying your deposit, you accept Blue Dot Travel s terms and conditions displayed on our website. TOUR NAME:... Tour Departure Date:... Today s Date:... YOUR DETAILS Passenger 1: Passenger 2: Preferred Name:... Preferred Name:... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr First Name Surname First Name Surname Date of Birth:... Date of Birth:... Postal Address:... Postal Address: P/Code:......P/Code:... Home Ph: ( )... Home Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Mobile:... Mobile: Passport Number:... Passport Number:... Nationality:... Nationality:... Date of Issue:... Date of Expiry:... Date of Issue:...Date of Expiry:... Important: please photocopy and post or scan & your passport details to us. Accommodation Needs: Double Room Twin Share Single Room (at additional cost) Dietary/Special Needs:... Emergency Contact: Name:... Who will be in Australia while you are travelling. Phone 1: ( )... Phone 2: ( )... Travel Insurance: Provider Name:... Policy Number:... Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price and we insist that you take out a policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. You must be able to walk at least 1000 metres at a reasonable pace without requiring a stop, be able to carry at least your own bags and be able to walk up at least three flights of stairs unassisted. Signature 1:... Signature 2:... Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to keep up with the group while travelling? Yes No How did you hear about us?... PAYMENT To register your interest in a tour, a non-refundable deposit of $250 and a completed booking form must be received and acknowledged by Blue Dot Travel. Approx 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed we will require a non refundable progress payment of $2,000 per person towards your tour. Your final payment becomes due 75 days prior to departure. There are three payment options: 1 Credit Card: Please call (02) or complete and fax/post to Blue Dot Travel. If paying balance by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. (Note: merchant fee is not applied to your $250 deposit.) Mastercard Visa Name on Card:... Card Number: Expiry Date: / Amount to Pay: $250 (p/p)... Signature of Card Holder:... 2 EFT Payment $250 (p/p) Please use your surname as a reference when making payment. Account Name: Blue Dot Travel Trust Account BSB: Account Number: Cheque $250 (p/p) Please make cheque payable to Blue Dot Travel Trust Account and post to address opposite, with this completed form. THANK YOU. We look forward to welcoming you. By paying your deposit, you accept Blue Dot Travel s terms and conditions displayed on our website. Blue Dot Travel Phone Fax Suite 109, Ground Floor, 48 Atchison Street, St.Leonards NSW 2065 BDT012018