Some Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
Greet with “Namaste”: The traditional form of greeting in Nepal is “Namaste,” performed by joining the palms together.
Remove Shoes: Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, or stupa, remember to remove your shoes as a sign of respect.
Dress Appropriately: While traveling, dress modestly, especially women should avoid skimpy outfits to respect local customs.
Seek Permission: Before entering a Hindu temple, seek permission, as some temples may not allow entry for Westerners.
Ask for Permission to Photograph: Always ask for permission before taking photographs of objects or people to respect their privacy.
Encourage Eco-Friendly Practices: Opt for eco-friendly journeys and encourage porters and trekking staff to take measures to preserve the environment.
Don’ts:
Eat or Drink from Others: Avoid eating from other people’s plates or drinking from their bottles or glasses, as it is considered impure (Jutho) by Nepalese culture.
Discourage Beggars and Hawkers: Always try to discourage beggars and hawkers to avoid perpetuating dependency and disrupting local communities.
Touch Offerings or People on the Way to Shrines: Refrain from touching offerings or individuals when they are on their way to religious shrines, as it may be considered disrespectful.
Public Displays of Affection: Avoid kissing and hugging in public, especially between men and women, as it may be seen as a social offense in many areas of the country.