Is my money safe if I book with you?
Absolutely. We are a member of ABTA and we also hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. ABTA and ATOL members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. The air inclusive holidays that we arrange are ATOL protected if the first leg of your trip departs from the UK. Where a holiday is ATOL protected, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and refund any money for an advance booking in the unlikely event of our insolvency. If your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way except that, if already abroad, you will be returned to the point where your contracted arrangements with us commenced. For further information, visit www.atol.org.uk and www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTA’s scheme of Financial Protection. Also see our Terms and Conditions for more information:
Can I pay in instalments?
At the time of booking we will need to collect the following deposits based depending on your departure date:
Over 3 months before departure: 25% of the total Travel Plan Price
1-3 months before departure: 50% of the total Travel Plan Price
Less than 1 month before departure: 75% of the total Travel Plan Price
Do I need to pay for my flights separately?
International flights must be paid for in full before the ticketing deadline. If your flights have been placed on hold, your travel specialist will inform you of the ticketing deadline.
What makes Nepal Travel Plan different?
We’re a tour operator offering you a really unique way to experience Nepal. Instead of group tours, we offer you the chance to build your own private trip with our range of bite-sized tours that we can link in with long and short treks. Our trips are all about flexibility, freedom and independence. When you arrive in Nepal, you’ll be given a welcome pack including all of your local transport tickets and accommodation vouchers, but you’ll travel independently during your holiday. You may be part of a small group for some of the excursions and activities at such as safaris in Chitwan National Park and when rafting on the Trisuli River.
Are these group tours?
Our trips are independent, giving you the freedom to choose your own route. This also means that your trip does not run the risk of being cancelled due to lack of numbers and there are no fixed departure dates. You’ll travel privately when trekking with a local guide and one porter shared between two. So you can set your own pace on your own private trek. Depending on the number in your party you may be part of a small group for some of the excursions and activities at such as safaris in Chitwan National Park and rafting on the Trisuli River.
Do you tailor make itineraries? Can we request specific hotels?
Although we do create itineraries for travel through Nepal, these are based on a series of our modules rather than specific requests. You can combine these modules in a number of different ways, and we can add extra nights at some of the destinations featured in your trip. All you need to do is list the modules that appeal to you, and we’ll link them together using our local knowledge.
What happens if I want to visit a destination that you don’t offer within your modules?
We believe that we cover the most interesting and beautiful places in Nepal with our modules, so we don’t offer any destinations that are not featured on the website. If, however, you would like to visit somewhere that we are unable to book, this is no problem at all. We can leave a gap within your itinerary and you can arrange this part of your trip separately.
Can you also book my flights?
Of course! We have the expertise and the airline deals to come up with the right flights for you. We'll ensure that your flights are perfectly co-ordinated with your itinerary, giving you the convenience of booking everything under 'one roof'. In addition, we'll keep you up to date with any airline schedule changes that might occur while you're away, and reshuffle your travel plans where necessary.
What if I’ve already booked my flights?
No problem, you can still make use of our services as we can help organise just your land arrangements.
Is there an age limit and do I need to be in really good shape for these trips?
We offer a mix of active, adventurous modules as well as more relaxed cultural tours, so you can build an itinerary that is as action-packed or as laid back as you like. This means that we’re suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Our friendly travel specialists will be able to point you towards the modules that match your own personal fitness levels and wishes.
What if I don’t want to do any trekking?
If you wish to see Nepal and not trek we can still put a great Travel Plan together for you. Trekking is only part of what Nepal has to offer. For example you can take a scenic flight, spend time in Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Bandipur, Chitwan National Park, go rafting and also access some lovely view points by road too. Just ask your travel specialist.
Are prices the same for single travellers?
We can organise trips for single travellers, but please do bear in mind that we do not organise join in group tours and all of our prices are therefore based on 2 people travelling. Our trips are independent therefore costs will be considerably higher if you have no one to split the costs of the rooms and tours with.
Will we get much free time or is it a strict itinerary?
Our trips are all about freedom and independence, so you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace. As you’re in charge of building your own itinerary, you can factor in as much free time as you need with extra days to slow the pace. When trekking it is for a fixed number of days, but you can still set your own pace with your guide as it is a private trek.
Do you have a brochure you can send me?
We are an online travel company and as such don't produce any brochures. All of the information about our trips can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like any further information about our travel options, please feel free to contact us on 01273 322045 or drop us an email if you’d prefer.
Accommodation
What standard of hotel do you use?
We prefer to steer clear of multinational /chain hotels and luxury resorts as these often lack character and atmosphere. Instead, we have hand-picked a range of small-scale, locally owned properties, all with clean, comfortable rooms and warm welcomes. We believe that you’ll get a far more interesting and authentic experience by travelling this way without sacrificing basic comfort.
When trekking and in more remote areas (Into the jungle with the Tharu) it will be more basic with cold water only and shared facilities.
What star rating are the hotels?
Rather than using star ratings to classify our accommodation, we go by different comfort levels, as explained on our accommodation page. We can upgrade to something more special in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. Just ask your travel specialist.
Why can’t you tell me the names of my accommodation before booking?
We personally source small-scale, authentic accommodation for our trips, and these often have only a handful of rooms. Consequently, we choose a small pool of accommodation options in each destination, so if one is fully booked we can offer you another one of the same quality. We continually check to ensure that the quality is consistent across all of our choices. Therefore, like many other adventure travel companies, it is not possible to name the accommodation in advance of booking. However, once the final booking has been made, we’ll provide you with a full list of your hotels. In the meantime you can find out more about the style of accommodation we use and an explanation of our comfort levels on our accommodation page.
During your trip...
What kind of support can I expect when I am on my trip?
After you’ve booked your trip, we’ll email you a package of travel documents with details about our local partners with offices in Kathmandu. This will include local office numbers, emergency contact number, email address etc. Our local agents will be on hand 24/7 to lend a hand when necessary. Being located within Kathmandu, they are in the best position to help with any potential issues that arise.
How will I get around during my trip?
We offer pre-booked transfers by domestic flight and tourist bus on certain routes and also private transfers by car and minibus to cover the routes that do not offer local transport options.
What happens after I had made my booking?
Once you're happy with your Travel Plan, just complete the on-line booking form. Once we receive the booking form we will need to collect a down payment, and then we’ll send off your request to our local office to get it confirmed. Once everything has been confirmed, we’ll collect the rest of the balance right away if you’re leaving within 3 months of your booking date, or 3 months before you depart. We’ll then email all your travel documents to you, including the details of your accommodation. If during the confirmation process the accommodation or modules are not available, we’ll work with you to re-arrange alternatives, which could have a small bearing on the price, but we’ll always get something sorted.
Is it possible to travel in Nepal with children?
You can take children with you on certain modules. Some of the treks and safaris may not be suitable for small children.
What happens if I don’t like Nepalese food?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you’ll have lots of choice and there is something for everyone. When trekking, food options may be quite limited, perhaps just eggs, bread, vegetables and rice. You can always pick up some portable snacks from Kathmandu or Pokhara pre-trek to take with you.
Will anybody speak English?
Many Nepalese speak some English especially those who are used to being around foreign visitors. Your local city guides will speak good English, trek and safari guides speak English too, but your porters and drivers may not have conversational levels of English.
What are the likely costs when I’m out there?
Entrance fees are pretty cheap and you can pay for those locally in rupees with perhaps the exception of Bhaktapur which costs around £10. Any trek permits or National Park Permits are already included in your trek price. In Nepal you can get a decent meal for roughly £3-£5 depending on the exchange rate when you are out there. Beer may come at a premium at trek stops as someone has had to carry it up the mountains to the villages.
What do I need to pack to go trekking?
We include a useful information document that we send out with your confirmation vouchers by email . Once you have booked, you can have a good read through your Nepal- know-before-you-go document which has a suggested packing list included. Feel free to ask your Nepal travel specialist if you have any questions. There are many last minute items you can grab at the airport before you go and in Kathmandu or Pokhara on arrival too.
Absolutely. We are a member of ABTA and we also hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. ABTA and ATOL members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. The air inclusive holidays that we arrange are ATOL protected if the first leg of your trip departs from the UK. Where a holiday is ATOL protected, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and refund any money for an advance booking in the unlikely event of our insolvency. If your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way except that, if already abroad, you will be returned to the point where your contracted arrangements with us commenced. For further information, visit www.atol.org.uk and www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTA’s scheme of Financial Protection. Also see our Terms and Conditions for more information:
Can I pay in instalments?
At the time of booking we will need to collect the following deposits based depending on your departure date:
Over 3 months before departure: 25% of the total Travel Plan Price
1-3 months before departure: 50% of the total Travel Plan Price
Less than 1 month before departure: 75% of the total Travel Plan Price
Do I need to pay for my flights separately?
International flights must be paid for in full before the ticketing deadline. If your flights have been placed on hold, your travel specialist will inform you of the ticketing deadline.
What makes Nepal Travel Plan different?
We’re a tour operator offering you a really unique way to experience Nepal. Instead of group tours, we offer you the chance to build your own private trip with our range of bite-sized tours that we can link in with long and short treks. Our trips are all about flexibility, freedom and independence. When you arrive in Nepal, you’ll be given a welcome pack including all of your local transport tickets and accommodation vouchers, but you’ll travel independently during your holiday. You may be part of a small group for some of the excursions and activities at such as safaris in Chitwan National Park and when rafting on the Trisuli River.
Are these group tours?
Our trips are independent, giving you the freedom to choose your own route. This also means that your trip does not run the risk of being cancelled due to lack of numbers and there are no fixed departure dates. You’ll travel privately when trekking with a local guide and one porter shared between two. So you can set your own pace on your own private trek. Depending on the number in your party you may be part of a small group for some of the excursions and activities at such as safaris in Chitwan National Park and rafting on the Trisuli River.
Do you tailor make itineraries? Can we request specific hotels?
Although we do create itineraries for travel through Nepal, these are based on a series of our modules rather than specific requests. You can combine these modules in a number of different ways, and we can add extra nights at some of the destinations featured in your trip. All you need to do is list the modules that appeal to you, and we’ll link them together using our local knowledge.
What happens if I want to visit a destination that you don’t offer within your modules?
We believe that we cover the most interesting and beautiful places in Nepal with our modules, so we don’t offer any destinations that are not featured on the website. If, however, you would like to visit somewhere that we are unable to book, this is no problem at all. We can leave a gap within your itinerary and you can arrange this part of your trip separately.
Can you also book my flights?
Of course! We have the expertise and the airline deals to come up with the right flights for you. We'll ensure that your flights are perfectly co-ordinated with your itinerary, giving you the convenience of booking everything under 'one roof'. In addition, we'll keep you up to date with any airline schedule changes that might occur while you're away, and reshuffle your travel plans where necessary.
What if I’ve already booked my flights?
No problem, you can still make use of our services as we can help organise just your land arrangements.
Is there an age limit and do I need to be in really good shape for these trips?
We offer a mix of active, adventurous modules as well as more relaxed cultural tours, so you can build an itinerary that is as action-packed or as laid back as you like. This means that we’re suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Our friendly travel specialists will be able to point you towards the modules that match your own personal fitness levels and wishes.
What if I don’t want to do any trekking?
If you wish to see Nepal and not trek we can still put a great Travel Plan together for you. Trekking is only part of what Nepal has to offer. For example you can take a scenic flight, spend time in Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Bandipur, Chitwan National Park, go rafting and also access some lovely view points by road too. Just ask your travel specialist.
Are prices the same for single travellers?
We can organise trips for single travellers, but please do bear in mind that we do not organise join in group tours and all of our prices are therefore based on 2 people travelling. Our trips are independent therefore costs will be considerably higher if you have no one to split the costs of the rooms and tours with.
Will we get much free time or is it a strict itinerary?
Our trips are all about freedom and independence, so you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace. As you’re in charge of building your own itinerary, you can factor in as much free time as you need with extra days to slow the pace. When trekking it is for a fixed number of days, but you can still set your own pace with your guide as it is a private trek.
Do you have a brochure you can send me?
We are an online travel company and as such don't produce any brochures. All of the information about our trips can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like any further information about our travel options, please feel free to contact us on 01273 322045 or drop us an email if you’d prefer.
Accommodation
What standard of hotel do you use?
We prefer to steer clear of multinational /chain hotels and luxury resorts as these often lack character and atmosphere. Instead, we have hand-picked a range of small-scale, locally owned properties, all with clean, comfortable rooms and warm welcomes. We believe that you’ll get a far more interesting and authentic experience by travelling this way without sacrificing basic comfort.
When trekking and in more remote areas (Into the jungle with the Tharu) it will be more basic with cold water only and shared facilities.
What star rating are the hotels?
Rather than using star ratings to classify our accommodation, we go by different comfort levels, as explained on our accommodation page. We can upgrade to something more special in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. Just ask your travel specialist.
Why can’t you tell me the names of my accommodation before booking?
We personally source small-scale, authentic accommodation for our trips, and these often have only a handful of rooms. Consequently, we choose a small pool of accommodation options in each destination, so if one is fully booked we can offer you another one of the same quality. We continually check to ensure that the quality is consistent across all of our choices. Therefore, like many other adventure travel companies, it is not possible to name the accommodation in advance of booking. However, once the final booking has been made, we’ll provide you with a full list of your hotels. In the meantime you can find out more about the style of accommodation we use and an explanation of our comfort levels on our accommodation page.
During your trip...
What kind of support can I expect when I am on my trip?
After you’ve booked your trip, we’ll email you a package of travel documents with details about our local partners with offices in Kathmandu. This will include local office numbers, emergency contact number, email address etc. Our local agents will be on hand 24/7 to lend a hand when necessary. Being located within Kathmandu, they are in the best position to help with any potential issues that arise.
How will I get around during my trip?
We offer pre-booked transfers by domestic flight and tourist bus on certain routes and also private transfers by car and minibus to cover the routes that do not offer local transport options.
What happens after I had made my booking?
Once you're happy with your Travel Plan, just complete the on-line booking form. Once we receive the booking form we will need to collect a down payment, and then we’ll send off your request to our local office to get it confirmed. Once everything has been confirmed, we’ll collect the rest of the balance right away if you’re leaving within 3 months of your booking date, or 3 months before you depart. We’ll then email all your travel documents to you, including the details of your accommodation. If during the confirmation process the accommodation or modules are not available, we’ll work with you to re-arrange alternatives, which could have a small bearing on the price, but we’ll always get something sorted.
Is it possible to travel in Nepal with children?
You can take children with you on certain modules. Some of the treks and safaris may not be suitable for small children.
What happens if I don’t like Nepalese food?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you’ll have lots of choice and there is something for everyone. When trekking, food options may be quite limited, perhaps just eggs, bread, vegetables and rice. You can always pick up some portable snacks from Kathmandu or Pokhara pre-trek to take with you.
Will anybody speak English?
Many Nepalese speak some English especially those who are used to being around foreign visitors. Your local city guides will speak good English, trek and safari guides speak English too, but your porters and drivers may not have conversational levels of English.
What are the likely costs when I’m out there?
Entrance fees are pretty cheap and you can pay for those locally in rupees with perhaps the exception of Bhaktapur which costs around £10. Any trek permits or National Park Permits are already included in your trek price. In Nepal you can get a decent meal for roughly £3-£5 depending on the exchange rate when you are out there. Beer may come at a premium at trek stops as someone has had to carry it up the mountains to the villages.
What do I need to pack to go trekking?
We include a useful information document that we send out with your confirmation vouchers by email . Once you have booked, you can have a good read through your Nepal- know-before-you-go document which has a suggested packing list included. Feel free to ask your Nepal travel specialist if you have any questions. There are many last minute items you can grab at the airport before you go and in Kathmandu or Pokhara on arrival too.