DO's AND DON'Ts WHEN YOU ARE IN NEPAL

You might know that Nepal has a diverse ethnicity and traditional beliefs, Nepal has followed a numerous cultural and traditional practices that may appear unusual to a person on his/her first visit to the country. However, to enjoy your stay in this remarkable Mountainous country, it is important to take into consideration of the varieties of the cultural aspects of the country. Here is a list of things which may be helpful to you.

Do's

• Before entering a Nepalese home, temple and monastery remember to remove your footwear.
• Avoid eating with your left hand and beef is strictly prohibited among Hindus.
• Do not offer food from your plate, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
• Never touch anything with your feet and try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a hearth. This is considered and offence among Nepalese.
• While traveling, dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
• Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.
• Leather dress are prohibited in most religious places.
• Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men instead the traditional palms-together "Namaste" greeting is preferable
• Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
• Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
• Remember, when a person shakes his head from left to right many times, he may mean “NO”
• Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
• Use your both hands to show appreciation and respect rather than one while giving or accepting something from others.
• Kissing and hugging in public especially between men and women is social offence in Nepal.
• Smile is simple way of saying hello to Nepali People.

Don'ts:

• Don't touch or point at things with your feet, as they are considered impure.
• Don't touch someone's head, as it is considered sacred.
• Don't eat with your left hand, as it is considered unclean.
• Don't litter or damage the natural environment.
• Don't take photos of people without their permission.
• Don't use drugs or engage in other illegal activities.