Emergency Help Abroad – Nepal

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Nepal — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons, including knives and sprays, without lawful reason is prohibited.

• Public drunkenness is generally tolerated less in rural or religious areas.

• Drink-driving laws are enforced, especially in Kathmandu and major cities.

• Importing or exporting illegal substances results in immediate arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Nepal is deeply religious — respect temples, monasteries and sacred sites.

• Dress modestly in rural areas and religious settings.

• Littering, damaging nature or polluting water sources is a punishable offence.

• Public displays of affection may be frowned upon in conservative regions.

• Damaging cultural heritage sites is treated as a serious offence.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may ask for identification — carry your passport or a photocopy.

• Pickpocketing and bag theft occur in busy markets, trekking hubs and buses.

• Avoid walking alone after dark in unlit areas of Kathmandu or Pokhara.

• Political gatherings and protests can become unpredictable — avoid them.

• Offering bribes to police or officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Trekking in many regions now requires TIMS cards or permits; not having them may lead to fines.

• Road traffic laws are enforced, though conditions vary — always wear seatbelts and helmets.

• Domestic flights to mountain regions can be delayed or cancelled due to weather; follow official guidelines.

• Visa overstays can lead to fines or detention until resolved.

• Use licensed guides and reputable transport services for mountain trips.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use requires permission and is restricted around airports, heritage sites and military areas.

• Do not photograph military installations, police posts or border areas.

• Some temples forbid photography — respect posted signs.

• Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks or villagers.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing stones, plants or cultural objects from heritage sites is illegal.

• Hiking off marked trails in national parks without permission is prohibited.

• Starting fires or leaving rubbish on trekking routes is punishable.

• Swimming in fast-flowing rivers or glacial lakes is dangerous and discouraged.

• Wildlife protection is strictly enforced in national parks.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging stupas, temples, shrines or archaeological areas is a criminal offence.

• Removing prayer stones, religious items or artefacts is prohibited.

• Entering restricted monastery areas without a guide or permission is not allowed.

• Purchasing items made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or routine in the UK may not align with local customs or regulations in Nepal.

• Don’t underestimate altitude sickness, and avoid rushing treks without proper acclimatisation.

• Don’t trek alone on remote trails, and consider guides or porters, especially on demanding routes.

• Don’t drink untreated tap or stream water, and always purify or buy safe drinking water.

• Don’t wear revealing clothing at temples, monasteries or in rural villages, where modest dress is expected.

• Don’t touch or sit on religious objects, prayer wheels, stupas or mani stones.

• Don’t point your feet at altars, monks or elders, as this is seen as disrespectful.

• Don’t take photos of religious ceremonies or inside shrines without permission.

• Don’t kill or harm animals deliberately, as compassion for living beings is central to local beliefs.

• Don’t eat or pass food with your left hand, which is traditionally considered less clean.

• Don’t give sweets or money directly to children, as this encourages begging; donate via reputable organisations instead.

• Don’t buy antiques or sacred artefacts, which may be illegal to export.

• Don’t leave rubbish along trekking routes, and carry waste out of remote areas.

• Don’t ignore local weather conditions, especially during monsoon and winter seasons in the mountains.

• Don’t crowd yaks or pack animals on narrow trails, and give them space to pass.

• Don’t enter homes or temples with shoes on, where custom dictates removing them first.

• Don’t criticise local customs or religion, even in jest, as faith plays a central role in daily life.

• Don’t rely on mobile signal or ATMs in high-altitude villages, and plan cash and communication accordingly.

• Don’t ignore official trekking permits or park fees, which are mandatory in many regions.

• Don’t smoke or drink heavily in high altitude, where it can worsen health issues.

• Don’t underestimate how basic healthcare can be in remote mountain areas, and avoid avoidable risks.