Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Nomichi website, mobile application, and all trips, packages, and services offered by Nomichi Explorers Private Limited(“Nomichi”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By making a booking, accessing our website or app, or interacting with our services, you (“Traveller”, “Guest”, “you”) agree to be bound by these Terms together with our Privacy Policy, Booking Policy, and Cancellation Policy, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Please read these Terms carefully. If you do not agree, please do not book any service or use any platform operated by Nomichi.

About Nomichi

Nomichi is operated by Nomichi Explorers Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated in India.

1. Scope and Applicability

These Terms apply to all domestic trips within India and international trips operated, curated, or facilitated by Nomichi, including Community Trips, Nomichi Exclusive trips, and Private Curated Trips, unless a separate written agreement signed by Nomichi expressly states otherwise. Where a specific clause applies only to domestic travel or only to international travel, this is stated within the relevant clause.

2. Definitions

• Booking means a reservation made by a Traveller for a trip, package, or service offered by Nomichi.
• Confirmation means written confirmation issued by Nomichi (by email or WhatsApp) after receipt of the required booking amount.
• Itinerary means the trip plan shared with the Traveller, including dates, inclusions, and exclusions.
• Principal Service Provider means any hotel, homestay, airline, bus, train, ferry, transport operator, restaurant, activity provider, guide, or other third-party vendor providing services as part of the trip.
• Trip Cost means the total package price stated in the Confirmation, exclusive of any optional add-ons unless specified.

3. Booking and Confirmation

All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation and to the payment of the applicable booking amount. The detailed payment schedule and confirmation rules are set out in our Booking Policy.

• Booking is confirmed only after the required booking amount has been received and a written Confirmation has been issued by Nomichi.
• Quotations and trip prices are valid only for the period stated in the quotation and are subject to change until full payment is received.
• Final pricing is subject to availability, foreign exchange fluctuation (for international trips), airfare changes, and government levies.

4. Pricing, Taxes, and Payment

• All prices are quoted in Indian Rupees (INR) unless otherwise stated.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable on all trips as per Indian tax laws. The applicable GST rate is added to the trip cost.
• For international trips, Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is applicable as per the Income Tax Act, 1961, and is charged in addition to the trip cost. TCS is not an additional tax but an advance tax that can be claimed back at the time of Income Tax Return filing.
• Any increase in airfare, hotel rates, fuel prices, permits, taxes, or government levies between the date of booking and the date of travel shall be borne by the Traveller.
• Payments may be made by bank transfer, UPI, debit card, credit card, or any other mode notified by Nomichi.

5. Inclusions and Exclusions

Each trip Itinerary clearly specifies what is included in the Trip Cost and what is excluded. Common exclusions include, but are not limited to:

• Airfare or train fare to and from the start point of the trip, unless explicitly included
• Visa fees and visa processing charges, unless explicitly included
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, tips, and porterage
• Travel insurance and medical insurance
• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs
• Any additional activity, sightseeing, meal, or service not listed in the Itinerary
• Costs arising from flight or train delays, cancellations, landslides, road closures, strikes, or any force majeure event
• Any expense for lost, misplaced, or stolen personal belongings

6. Itinerary and Operational Flexibility

• The Itinerary is indicative and may be rearranged due to weather, road conditions, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, ferry cancellations, permit restrictions, or technical issues.
• The sequence of sightseeing or activities may change without affecting overall inclusions.
• If any activity is missed due to factors beyond Nomichi’s control, no refund shall be applicable.
• Mountain, island, and rural circuits operate in dynamic environments where flexibility is essential.

7. Accommodation

• Standard check-in and check-out times apply as per the respective property’s policy.
• Early check-in and late check-out are strictly subject to availability and may attract additional charges payable directly at the property.
• All hotels, homestays, and room categories are subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In the event of overbooking or operational issues, an alternative property of similar category will be provided, or a refund will be offered for the affected stay if the Traveller prefers to make their own arrangements.
• Rooms are allocated as per availability. Floor, view, bedding type, room category, or proximity preferences are requests only and cannot be guaranteed.
• Unless otherwise specified, rooms are booked in the standard category (base room). Upgrades are subject to availability and additional charges.
• In remote, offbeat, or hilly locations, accommodation may be basic in nature. Facilities such as lifts, room service, Wi-Fi, central heating or cooling, room heaters, power backup, and 24x7 hot water may not be available.
• All incidental charges (room service, mini-bar, laundry, telephone, damages, and similar) must be settled by the Traveller directly with the property at the time of check-out. The property may require a security deposit or credit card pre-authorisation at check-in.
• Personal dissatisfaction based on decor, room size, view, aesthetics, or subjective expectations shall not be grounds for refund or cancellation.

8. Transportation

8.1 Vehicle and pick-up

• Pick-up and drop are arranged within fixed time slots. Delays caused by the Traveller may attract extra charges and will not extend sightseeing duration.
• Vehicles operate on a point-to-point basis with a fixed km-per-day limit unless specified otherwise. Additional usage is chargeable.
• In hilly, remote, or island regions, vehicle type is subject to terrain regulations and local transport norms. Air-conditioning may be switched off in hilly terrain as per driver safety protocols.
• For international trips, drivers may not speak English or act as guides unless specifically mentioned in the Itinerary.

8.2 Ferry, boat, and water transport

• Ferry and boat services are subject to weather conditions, government permissions, tidal conditions, and operational availability. Timings may change without prior notice.
• In case of cancellation by the operator or authority, alternative arrangements will be made subject to availability. Refunds are governed strictly by the ferry operator’s policy.

8.3 Bus, train, and partner transport operators

• Bus, train, and similar services arranged as part of the Itinerary are operated by third-party transport providers. Nomichi acts solely as a booking facilitator and does not control their operations.
• Seat allocation, boarding time, halts, and operational decisions are governed by the respective operator.
• Delays due to traffic, breakdowns, weather, roadblocks, or strikes are beyond Nomichi’s control.
• Missed boarding due to late arrival shall not be eligible for refund. Refunds, where applicable, are governed by the respective operator’s policy.

8.4 Luggage

Luggage handling at hotels and transport hubs is not always included unless specified. Tips or porterage charges are to be borne by the Traveller unless part of a group tour package.

9. Meals

• Meals are included only as explicitly mentioned in the Itinerary. Any additional meals, snacks, or beverages ordered outside what is specified are to be borne by the Traveller.
• Meals (where included) are served as per hotel timings and are fixed-menu unless otherwise specified. Packed breakfasts are subject to hotel discretion.
• Missed meals due to delays, early check-outs, late arrivals, or personal choice are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Allergies, dietary restrictions, and medical conditions affecting food must be disclosed at the time of booking. We will inform the relevant vendors, but we cannot guarantee complete control over food preparation, cross-contamination, or contamination.

10. Documentation, Passport, and Visa

• Travellers must carry a valid government-issued photo identification at all times.
• For international trips, it is the Traveller’s sole responsibility to ensure possession of a valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of return), valid visa(s), and any other required travel documents or permits.
• Nomichi is not liable for any denial of boarding, denial of entry, or denial of travel due to insufficient, incorrect, or expired documentation.
• Where visa assistance is offered by Nomichi, it is limited to documentation support only. Visa approval is at the sole discretion of the consulate or embassy.
• Any delay or cancellation arising from visa rejection, passport issues, or immigration delays shall not be eligible for refund or compensation, and Nomichi’s standard Cancellation Policy will apply.
• For certain domestic destinations, Inner Line Permits or Protected Area Permits are required. Travellers must provide accurate details and documents within the timelines requested by Nomichi.

11. Health, Fitness, and Medical Disclosures

• Travellers must disclose all pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and physical or mental health concerns at the time of booking, particularly for high-altitude, adventure, trekking, or remote-area trips.
• Trekking, adventure activities, water-based activities, and similar experiences are undertaken at the Traveller’s own risk. Such activities may not be suitable for very young children, senior citizens, or those with specific medical conditions, especially during the monsoon or in extreme weather.
• Travellers are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, baggage loss, and personal liability.
• Alcohol and recreational substances are discouraged, particularly in high-altitude or remote zones, and may be prohibited by local law.

12. Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the Trip Cost unless explicitly stated. Nomichi strongly recommends that every Traveller obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance. Nomichi shall not be liable for any losses, expenses, or claims that would have been covered by such insurance.

13. Guest Responsibility and Conduct

• Travellers must adhere to reporting times, group schedules, and instructions from trip leaders, drivers, and local authorities.
• Any damage caused by the Traveller to hotel property, vehicles, equipment, or third-party property will be chargeable directly to the Traveller.
• Travellers are responsible for complying with local laws, customs, and etiquette in every destination.
• Any unruly, offensive, illegal, abusive, or unsafe behaviour, including harassment of other Travellers, staff, or local communities, may lead to immediate termination of services without refund or compensation. In such cases, the Traveller shall bear all costs of return travel and any consequential expenses.
• Travellers must respect the environment, avoid littering, and follow responsible travel practices.

14. Photography, Videography, and Marketing Use

• Nomichi or its representatives may take photographs and videos during the trip for promotional, marketing, and editorial use.
• By participating in the trip, you grant Nomichi a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to use such content for marketing purposes on our website, app, social media, and other channels.
• If you do not wish to appear in trip photographs or videos, please inform the trip captain in advance and write to hello@thenomichi.com.

15. COVID-19 and Public Health Protocols

• Travellers are responsible for complying with testing, vaccination, quarantine, and other public health requirements imposed by the destination, transit, or origin authorities.
• Refunds or adjustments will not be provided for disruption arising from such regulations, except as set out in the Cancellation Policy.

16. Force Majeure

Nomichi shall not be liable for any delay, alteration, curtailment, or cancellation caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural calamities (landslides, floods, cyclones, heavy rainfall, snowfall, earthquakes), pandemics or epidemics, government restrictions or permits, war, terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, bandh, curfew, flight or ferry cancellations by operators, fuel shortages, and technical breakdowns. In such events, Nomichi will make reasonable efforts to offer rescheduling or alternative arrangements as set out in the Cancellation Policy.

17. Cancellation and Refunds

All cancellations, refunds, no-shows, date changes, and trip transfers are governed by the Nomichi Cancellation Policy, available on our website. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original mode of payment within the timelines stated in that policy.

18. Third-Party Service Providers

Nomichi curates and facilitates trips by engaging Principal Service Providers. While we exercise reasonable care in selecting our partners, Nomichi acts only as a booking facilitator and is not the operator of hotels, transport, airlines, ferries, restaurants, or activities. Nomichi shall not be liable for any act, omission, default, or negligence of any Principal Service Provider. Any claim arising from the act or omission of a Principal Service Provider shall be made against that provider in accordance with their terms.

19. Limitation of Liability

Nomichi’s total aggregate liability arising out of or in connection with a booking, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), statute, or otherwise, shall not exceed the total Trip Cost actually paid by the Traveller for the relevant booking.

Nomichi shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, loss of enjoyment, loss of holiday value, or loss of business opportunity.

Nothing in these Terms shall exclude or limit any liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

20. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Nomichi, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, and partners from and against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of (a) your breach of these Terms, (b) your violation of any law or third-party right, (c) any damage caused by you to property or persons during the trip, or (d) any inaccurate or misleading information provided by you.

21. Intellectual Property

All content on the Nomichi website, app, and marketing materials, including the Nomichi name, logo, trip names, itineraries, photographs, illustrations, text, and design, is owned by or licensed to Nomichi and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, copy, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any of our content without our prior written consent.

22. Use of Website and Platform

• You agree to use the Nomichi website, app, and platform only for lawful purposes and in compliance with these Terms.
• You shall not attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems, introduce malicious code, scrape data, reverse engineer the platform, or use automated means to access our services.
• Any content you submit (reviews, photos, comments, profile data) must be accurate, lawful, and not infringe any third-party rights. You grant Nomichi a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use such content in connection with our services.

23. Modifications to These Terms

Nomichi may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with a revised Effective Date. Continued use of our services or completion of a booking after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

24. Severability and Waiver

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. A failure by Nomichi to enforce any right shall not be deemed a waiver of that right.

25. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. Subject to the dispute resolution clause below, the courts at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms.

26. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute amicably through good-faith discussions within 30 (thirty) days of written notice. If the dispute remains unresolved, it shall be referred to arbitration by a sole arbitrator appointed by Nomichi in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The seat and venue of arbitration shall be Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and the proceedings shall be conducted in English.

27. Grievance Redressal

Any grievance regarding our services, content, or these Terms may be addressed to:

We will acknowledge your grievance within 48 hours and aim to resolve it within 15 working days.

28. Acceptance of Terms

By confirming a booking and making payment for any Nomichi trip or service, the Traveller acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions, the Privacy Policy, the Booking Policy, and the Cancellation Policy, and agrees to be bound by them.