Hi Laura, I see that you are going to Nepal for learning Nepali woodwork. Although I am a man, I do know the tradition since I lived with the family. Yes, your friends are right the tradition is you would be untouchable for four days. However, since things are modern thesedays and people don't mind a lot. Esp if you go to Kathmandu valley, but if you go out of the valley people are more conservative there and are kind of strict of the tradition. Even in Kathmandu valley like some few old folks do mind this, and for youngster don't care much. I remember my grandfather minding it and won't even let anyone in the room. But Uncles and others didn't mind it. HOWEVER, MANY PEOPLE WILL MIND IF YOU GO INSIDE THE PERMISE OF THE TEMPLE OR IN THE ROOM WHERE THERE ARE GODS DURING THAT FOUR DAYS, usually many families in Nepal has a small room where they have pictures of gods. Since different people has different opinion about this, I would advise you to check with your hosts families or friends in Nepal about the practice in their surroundings. Enjoy your trip to Nepal Laura.