Do’s and Don’ts

Nepalese has always heartily welcomed tourists and visitors to be part of their locale lifestyle. Nepal is rich in cultures and tradition so different ethnic groups can be encountered throughout the journey and these following tips might ease to understand and blend with their typical daily lives. 

“I like the way Nepalis point by pouting their lips; they reckon pointing with a finger is rude.” 
— Jane Wilson-Howarth, Himalayan Kidnap: The First Alex and James Eco-Aventure in Nepal

• Use two hands while giving or receiving anything as it shows appreciation and respect at the same time
• Especially women do not normally shake hands when they greet one another instead say “Namaste” with two palms together like prayer style
• Respect local people cultures, traditions and value
• Show respect to sacred and holy places
• Nudity is particularly offensive
• Do not encourage beggars and street kids
• Walk clockwise while visiting Buddhist Stupa
• Remove shoes while entering home, temple or monastery and avoid smoking in these places
• Reasonable bargaining is encouraged with respective posted prices
• It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years which matters religious and cultural value
• Nepalese people are not always fond of their pictures by foreigners so it would be nice to ask permission with friendly attitude rather luring them
• Cows are sacred and regarded as Goddess Laxmi in Hinduism. Beef are strictly prohibited and illegal in Nepal
• Tipping is new accepted custom especially with the people associated with tourism. Don’t pay tips for just anything you do. It is not mandatory but expected in cases of good service.
• Nepalese people are unpredictable when it comes to western medicine so do not try any of your medicine for these people as it might save the day for the wrong reaction
• Same gender hand holding is common in Nepal unless men & women holding hands can be acts of glare
• Temper is not good so don't lose your cool, raising voice might lead your problems worse
• Regarding the tourist visa, the maximum period of allowed stay is 150 days in one Visa Year (Jan-Dec) and Living in Nepal without the valid visa (or overstay) is penalized or punished as per the Law of Nepal 

For trekkers

• Ask permission for taking pictures of people or any cultural heritage
• Follow save the environment
• Try green or eco-friendly practice
• Pack warm clothes than making fire
• Leave footprints, NO trash
• Cook with kerosene (control on building fire)
• Prohibit Campsites near river with high chance to pollute
• If you cannot protect nature then don’t participate to raze it either
• Only follow the trails for which you have received the permit from authorized agency or government office (caught in the trekking route without valid permit for the region is Offensive and Subject to Legal Consequences)
• Please keep your required permits, official documents, and passport safely during the trek and show upon the request of the National Park Check-post, Police Check Post en-route