Nepal is a linguistically diverse country with over 120 languages spoken throughout the nation. However, Nepali (also known as Nepalese) is the official language and is widely spoken across the country, making it the primary language of communication for most Nepalese people.

Common languages you'll encounter during the Nepal Classic Tour:

• Nepali: The official language spoken by the majority of the population. Most people in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, and other tour destinations will speak Nepali.
• English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by tour guides. You'll find that most people working in the tourism industry, especially in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, speak English fluently.
• Newari: Spoken in the Kathmandu Valley, particularly in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. This ancient language is part of the rich cultural heritage of the Newar community.
• Tharu: Spoken by the Tharu community in the Terai region, especially around Chitwan National Park. During your jungle safari experience, you may hear this language in Tharu villages.
• Maithili and Bhojpuri: Commonly spoken in the Terai plains, including areas around Lumbini. These languages are part of the rich linguistic diversity of southern Nepal.

Don't worry about language barriers during your Nepal Classic Tour. Our professional English-speaking guides will accompany you throughout the journey, ensuring smooth communication and cultural understanding at all destinations.

Nepal is a treasure trove of unique handicrafts and artisanal products that reflect its rich cultural heritage. During your Nepal Classic Tour, you'll have opportunities to shop in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, and other destinations, where you can find authentic, handcrafted items that make perfect souvenirs and gifts.

Must-buy items during your Nepal Classic Tour:

• Thangka Paintings: Exquisite Buddhist and Hindu religious paintings on cotton or silk, often depicting deities, mandalas, or spiritual scenes. Best found in Kathmandu, Patan, and around Boudhanath Stupa. These are beautiful works of art that require skilled craftsmanship.
• Pashmina Shawls: Luxurious cashmere shawls made from the fine wool of Himalayan goats. Available in various qualities and designs, these are perfect for keeping warm and make elegant gifts. Look for authentic pashmina in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Handmade Paper Products: Beautiful stationery, journals, and decorative items made from lokta paper, a traditional Nepali paper made from the bark of lokta bushes. These are eco-friendly and feature unique textures and patterns.
• Metal Crafts: Intricate bronze and copper statues, singing bowls, and decorative items. The Newari artisans in Patan and Bhaktapur are particularly renowned for their metalwork, creating stunning religious statues and traditional utensils.
• Wooden Carvings: Beautiful hand-carved wooden masks, statues, and decorative items, especially from Bhaktapur. These showcase the exceptional woodworking skills of Newari craftsmen and are perfect for home decoration.
• Jewelry: Traditional Nepali jewelry including silver and gold pieces with intricate designs, Tibetan-style jewelry, and semi-precious stones. Pokhara and Kathmandu offer excellent selections of authentic jewelry.
• Spices and Tea: High-quality Himalayan teas and aromatic spices that are essential to Nepali cuisine. These make great gifts and allow you to bring a taste of Nepal home with you.

When shopping during your Nepal Classic Tour, look for authentic items from reputable shops and consider supporting local artisans. Your guide can recommend the best places to shop for genuine handicrafts in each destination.

Bargaining is indeed a common and expected practice in Nepal's markets, especially in tourist areas, local bazaars, and street markets. However, the approach to bargaining varies depending on the type of establishment and location you're shopping in during your Nepal Classic Tour.

Where bargaining is expected and appropriate:

• Street markets and local bazaars: In places like Thamel (Kathmandu), Lakeside (Pokhara), and local markets in Patan and Bhaktapur, bargaining is not only acceptable but expected. Vendors often quote higher initial prices, leaving room for negotiation.
• Handicraft shops and souvenir stores: Most shops selling handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs in tourist areas are open to bargaining. You can typically negotiate 20-40% off the initial price, depending on the item and shop.
• Local vendors and street stalls: Small vendors and street stalls selling items like pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, and small handicrafts are very open to bargaining. Be polite and friendly during negotiations.

Where fixed prices are more common:

• Established shops and showrooms: Larger, more formal shops, especially those with fixed-price policies or government-certified handicraft centers, may have fixed prices. However, you can still politely ask if there's any discount available.
• Restaurants and hotels: Prices in restaurants, hotels, and cafes are typically fixed, though some may offer discounts for larger groups or extended stays.

Tips for bargaining: Always be respectful and friendly. Start by offering 50-60% of the quoted price and negotiate from there. Remember that fair bargaining benefits both parties - you get a good deal while supporting local artisans. Your tour guide can help you understand fair prices and assist with negotiations if needed.

Understanding Nepal's electrical system is important for charging your devices during your Nepal Classic Tour. Nepal uses a specific voltage and plug type that may differ from what you're used to in your home country.

Electrical specifications in Nepal:

• Voltage: Nepal uses 230 volts AC at 50 Hz. This is the same standard used in most of Europe, Asia, and Australia. If you're traveling from North America (which uses 120V) or Japan (100V), you'll need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
• Plug types: Nepal primarily uses Type C (European two-pin) and Type D (Indian three-pin) plugs. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type D plugs have three round pins in a triangular pattern. Many hotels also have Type M (South African) sockets.
• Power outlets: Most hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other tour destinations have modern power outlets that can accommodate various plug types. However, in more remote areas or older establishments, you may encounter older socket types.

What to bring:

• Universal travel adapter: A universal adapter that supports Type C, D, and M plugs is highly recommended. This will ensure you can charge your devices at all hotels and accommodations throughout your tour.
• Voltage converter (if needed): Most modern electronic devices (laptops, phones, cameras) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need an adapter. However, devices like hair dryers, electric razors, or other appliances may require a voltage converter.
• Power bank: A portable power bank is useful for charging devices during long drives or when power outlets are limited, especially useful during your journey between destinations.

Note: Power cuts (load shedding) can occasionally occur in Nepal, though they're less frequent in major tourist areas. Most hotels have backup generators, but it's wise to keep your devices charged when possible. Your tour guide can advise you on the power situation at each destination.

Yes, we understand that every traveler has different interests and preferences. The Nepal Classic Tour can be customized to some extent, allowing you to exclude certain destinations or swap them with alternatives, depending on your interests, time constraints, and group preferences.

Customization options:

• Destination modifications: While the core destinations (Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini, Pokhara) are essential to the classic tour experience, we can discuss modifications to the itinerary. For example, you might want to spend more time in Pokhara or add extra days in Chitwan for extended wildlife viewing.
• Optional destinations: Destinations like Bandipur, Tansen, and Manakamana Temple can sometimes be adjusted or replaced with alternatives based on your interests. However, these charming hill stations add unique value to the tour experience.
• Time adjustments: If you have limited time, we can create a shorter version focusing on key highlights. Alternatively, if you want a more relaxed pace, we can extend the tour with additional rest days or deeper exploration of specific destinations.
• Activity swaps: Within destinations, we can adjust activities. For instance, in Pokhara, you might prefer more adventure activities like paragliding over sightseeing, or in Chitwan, you might want additional safari experiences.

Important considerations: Some destinations are interconnected in the route, so excluding one might affect the overall journey. We recommend discussing your preferences with our team well in advance so we can create the best customized itinerary for you. Customization may affect the tour price, and we'll provide a detailed quote based on your specific requirements.

The cost of a private Nepal Classic Tour varies depending on several factors, including the number of travelers, accommodation preferences, travel dates, and any customizations you request. Private tours offer more flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to travel at your own pace.

Factors affecting private tour pricing:

• Group size: Private tours can be arranged for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups. Generally, the cost per person decreases as the group size increases, as fixed costs (like vehicle and guide) are shared among more people.
• Accommodation level: You can choose from budget, standard, or luxury accommodation options. Luxury hotels and resorts will increase the cost, while budget-friendly options will reduce it. We offer various accommodation categories to suit different preferences and budgets.
• Travel season: Peak seasons (spring and autumn) may have slightly higher prices due to increased demand. Off-season travel (monsoon or winter) may offer better rates while still providing an excellent experience.
• Customizations: Any modifications to the standard itinerary, additional activities, or special requests will affect the final price. We'll provide a detailed breakdown of costs for any customizations.

Private tour benefits: Private tours offer exclusive use of vehicles, personalized guide attention, flexible scheduling, and the ability to customize the itinerary to your interests. While private tours typically cost more than group tours, they provide a more intimate and tailored experience. We recommend contacting us directly with your group size, preferred travel dates, and accommodation preferences for an accurate, personalized quote.

Absolutely! We're happy to add optional adventure activities to enhance your Nepal Classic Tour experience. Rafting on the Trishuli River is a popular addition, and there are several other exciting adventure options available depending on your interests and the destinations you'll be visiting.

Popular optional adventure activities:

• Trishuli River Rafting: Perfect for adding to your journey between Kathmandu and Chitwan, as the Trishuli River flows along the Prithvi Highway. You can enjoy a half-day or full-day rafting experience with varying difficulty levels, from gentle floats to exciting rapids. This is an excellent way to break up the drive and add adventure to your tour.
• Paragliding in Pokhara: One of the world's best paragliding destinations, Pokhara offers tandem paragliding flights over Phewa Lake with stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. This can be added to your Pokhara sightseeing day.
• Ultralight flights: Experience breathtaking aerial views of Pokhara and the Himalayas with an ultralight flight. This is a unique way to see the mountains and lakes from above.
• Bungee jumping and zip-lining: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, you can add bungee jumping or zip-lining experiences, particularly popular in the Pokhara area.
• Helicopter tours: Scenic helicopter flights to view the Himalayas, including options to fly over the Annapurna range or even to Everest Base Camp, can be arranged as an optional add-on.

How to add activities: When booking your Nepal Classic Tour, simply let us know which optional activities interest you, and we'll incorporate them into your itinerary. We'll provide pricing for each activity and ensure they fit seamlessly into your tour schedule. All adventure activities are conducted by licensed operators with proper safety equipment and insurance.

While the Nepal Classic Tour package includes most essentials (accommodation, meals, transportation, guide, and entrance fees), you should budget for additional expenses for personal items, optional activities, shopping, and tips. The amount varies depending on your spending preferences and interests.

Additional expenses to consider:

• Shopping and souvenirs: Budget approximately $50-200 or more depending on your shopping interests. Popular items include pashmina shawls ($20-100), thangka paintings ($30-200+), handicrafts, jewelry, and local spices. Remember that bargaining is common in Nepal's markets.
• Optional activities: Adventure activities like paragliding ($80-120), rafting ($30-60), ultralight flights ($100-150), or helicopter tours ($200-500+) are not included. Budget $0-500+ depending on which activities interest you.
• Tips and gratuities: Tipping is customary and appreciated. Budget approximately $50-100 for tips to guides, drivers, hotel staff, and porters. A general guideline is $5-10 per day for guides and $3-5 per day for drivers.
• Personal expenses: Additional meals or snacks outside the included meals ($10-30), drinks ($5-15 per day), laundry services ($5-10), and personal items. Some meals on free days (like in Pokhara) may not be included.
• International flights: The tour package doesn't include international flights to and from Nepal. Budget separately for round-trip flights from your home country.
• Travel insurance and visas: Nepal visa fees ($30-50 for most nationalities) and comprehensive travel insurance are additional expenses you should factor in.

Recommended budget: As a general guideline, budget an additional $150-500 per person for a comfortable experience, depending on your shopping habits and interest in optional activities. Budget travelers might spend less, while those interested in luxury shopping and multiple adventure activities should budget more. We recommend carrying a mix of cash (USD or Nepali Rupees) and having a credit card for larger purchases.

Yes, Nepal is generally considered a safe travel destination for solo female travelers. The country has a reputation for being welcoming and hospitable, with a culture that respects visitors. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take common-sense precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Safety factors in Nepal:

• Welcoming culture: Nepali people are known for their hospitality and friendliness toward tourists. The culture generally respects women, and you'll find that locals are helpful and welcoming to solo female travelers.
• Tourist-friendly areas: The destinations on the Nepal Classic Tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini) are well-established tourist areas with good infrastructure, reliable accommodation, and professional tour operators. These areas are accustomed to international visitors, including solo female travelers.
• Professional tour support: When traveling with a reputable tour company like ours, you'll have the support of professional guides and drivers throughout your journey, providing an added layer of security and assistance.
• Low crime rates: Violent crime against tourists is relatively rare in Nepal. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, but this is common in many tourist destinations worldwide and can be avoided with basic precautions.

Safety tips for solo female travelers:

• Dress modestly: While Nepal is relatively liberal, dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites) shows respect for local culture and can help avoid unwanted attention.
• Stay connected: Keep your phone charged, share your itinerary with family or friends, and maintain regular contact. Most hotels and tourist areas have good mobile network coverage and Wi-Fi.
• Use reputable services: Stick to recommended hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and use registered taxis or your tour vehicle for transportation.
• Trust your instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it. Your tour guide is there to help, so don't hesitate to communicate any concerns.

Many solo female travelers have had wonderful experiences in Nepal, and the Nepal Classic Tour provides the added security of professional guides and organized transportation. With basic precautions and common sense, solo female travelers can safely enjoy all that Nepal has to offer.

The ideal time for the Nepal Classic Tour depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and specific experiences. Nepal has distinct seasons, each offering unique advantages for travelers. The most popular and generally considered best times are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

Best seasons for Nepal Classic Tour:

• Autumn (September to November): Widely considered the best time to visit Nepal. The weather is stable with clear skies, comfortable temperatures (15-25°C in most areas), and excellent visibility for mountain views from Pokhara and Sarangkot. This is the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds but also the best conditions for sightseeing, jungle safaris in Chitwan, and exploring all destinations comfortably.
• Spring (March to May): Another excellent time with pleasant weather, blooming rhododendrons, and clear mountain views. Temperatures are comfortable (18-28°C), making it ideal for exploring Kathmandu's heritage sites, enjoying Pokhara's beauty, and experiencing Chitwan's wildlife. Wildlife viewing in Chitwan is particularly good during this season as animals are more active.
• Winter (December to February): Cool and dry with clear skies, but temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the hills (5-20°C). Days are generally sunny and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing, but mornings and evenings can be chilly. This is a good time to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices, though some mountain views may be limited by haze.
• Monsoon/Summer (June to August): Characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and lush green landscapes. While the rain can make some activities challenging and roads may be affected, this season offers fewer crowds, lower prices, and incredibly verdant scenery. Wildlife viewing in Chitwan can still be good, and the rain usually comes in afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours.

Recommendation: For the best overall experience with optimal weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable conditions for all activities (sightseeing, jungle safaris, cultural exploration), we recommend autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May). These seasons provide the perfect balance of pleasant weather, excellent visibility, and ideal conditions for experiencing all aspects of the Nepal Classic Tour, from the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley to the jungles of Chitwan and the spiritual sites of Lumbini.