Navigate
Nepal with confidence using these essential travel do’s and don’ts.
Learn local etiquette, cultural customs, and smart travel tips to
help you explore Nepal respectfully and safely while connecting
authentically with its people.
• Greet with “Namaste.” Press palms together and bow slightly as a respectful, universal greeting.
• Remove shoes indoors. Homes, temples, and many local shops expect footwear to be removed.
• Use your right hand. Give, receive, and eat with the right hand as a key etiquette rule.
• Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas, temples, and monasteries.
• Accept tea or offerings politely. Refusing hospitality can appear disrespectful.
• Walk clockwise around religious sites. Circling stupas or shrines clockwise shows proper respect.
• Ask before taking photos. Especially of monks, elders, or religious rituals.
• Support local communities. Hire local guides and buy crafts directly from artisans.
• Use respectful address terms. “Dai” (older brother) and “Didi” (older sister) build instant friendliness.
• Carry small change. Useful for donations, local buses, temples, and markets.
• Learn basic Nepali phrases. Even simple greetings make a positive impression.
• Touch anyone’s head. The head is considered sacred in Nepali culture.
• Point your feet at people or shrines. Feet are viewed as impure.
• Show public affection. Hugging or kissing in public is frowned upon.
• Step over people or offerings. Always walk around sacred items or someone’s legs.
• Use the left hand alone. Only do so if your right hand is occupied.
• Wear revealing clothing. Especially in temples and monasteries.
• Behave loudly or impatiently. Calmness and patience are valued.
• Rely on strict schedules. Delays are common; flexibility is essential.
• Discuss sensitive topics. Criticising religion or the royal family is deeply offensive.
• Enter restricted zones without permits. Proper documentation is required.
• Litter or burn plastic. Dispose of waste responsibly and respect the environment.
• Religion shapes daily life. Hinduism and Buddhism intertwine in rituals and customs.
• Humility is admired. Arrogance or confrontation is poorly received.
• Hospitality is heartfelt. Tea or food is often offered in homes and shops.
• Traditional dress appears at festivals. Observe and respect cultural attire.
• Festivals are major events. Join respectfully during Dashain, Holi, and Tihar.
• Temple access can be restricted. Some areas are for Hindus only — follow signs.
• The Nepali head wobble is common. It can mean yes, okay, or maybe.
• Use two hands with elders. Passing items this way shows respect.
• Footwear rules vary. Always check before entering buildings.
• Spirituality is central. Pilgrimages, rituals, and daily prayers are widespread.
• Carry cash. ATMs may not work reliably in mountain regions.
• Drink bottled or filtered water. Tap water is unsafe for visitors.
• Book domestic flights early. Weather delays are common.
• Hire licensed trekking guides. Safer and culturally informative.
• Prepare for power cuts. Bring a torch and power bank.
• Buy a local SIM card. Ncell and Nepal Telecom offer better coverage.
• Carry altitude medication. Diamox or similar aids acclimatisation.
• Dress in layers. Temperatures change sharply with elevation.
• Negotiate politely. Bargaining is common but should remain respectful.
• Download offline maps. Mobile signal is limited in mountain areas.
• Keep visa and passport copies. Required at lodges, checkpoints, and permits.
• Watch sunrise from Sarangkot or Nagarkot. Two of Nepal’s most scenic viewpoints.
• Unwind in Pokhara after trekking. Lakeside is ideal for recovery days.
• Try authentic dal bhat. Thakali kitchens offer the best flavours.
• Visit temples during morning puja. Calm, spiritual, and uncrowded.
• Shop trekking gear in Thamel wisely. Good for equipment, not souvenirs.
• Hire porters for major treks. Supports locals and eases your load.
• Visit the Everest region in early December. Clear skies with fewer crowds.
• Stay in eco-lodges in Chitwan. Sustainable and wildlife-friendly.
• Go counterclockwise on the Annapurna Circuit. Helps with acclimatisation.
• Base yourself in Bandipur or Ghandruk. Cultural towns with panoramic views.
• Register with TIMS. Required for most trekking routes.
• Carry altitude-covering insurance. Essential for high-altitude travel.
• Avoid walking alone at night. Lighting is limited in many areas.
• Be cautious with street food. Choose busy vendors if sensitive.
• Respect trekking permits. Fines apply in restricted zones.
• Avoid drugs entirely. Possession carries legal penalties.
• Follow local advisories. Especially during strikes or political events.
• Use authorised currency exchanges. Avoid black-market money changers.
• Know emergency numbers. Police 100, Ambulance 102, Fire 101.
• Avoid unlicensed tour operators. Check registration and ID.
• Monitor altitude sickness carefully. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
• Speak softly. Loud voices can feel aggressive.
• Use “Namaste” often. Appropriate for all ages and settings.
• Smile generously. Warmth builds instant rapport.
• Avoid interrupting monks or elders. Wait patiently.
• Say “Dhanyabad” for thanks. Simple and meaningful.
• Ask before touching religious objects. Prayer wheels and offerings are sacred.
• Observe body language. The head wobble takes getting used to.
• Stand respectfully. Hands in pockets can appear rude.
• Avoid jokes about religion or poverty. These are sensitive topics.
• Compliment food or crafts. Always warmly received.
• Mirror local behaviour. The safest way to show respect.