Dos and Don'ts During Your Journey
Nepal is an exceptionally welcoming country, whether you're trekking through the Himalayan mountains or spending time in the Kathmandu Valley or Pokhara to experience its culture.
Nepal is an exceptionally welcoming country, whether you're trekking through the Himalayan mountains or spending time in the Kathmandu Valley or Pokhara to experience its culture. Nevertheless, as in all countries, customs and cultural practices very different from European standards exist and must be respected. We offer some guidance here to help you feel less disoriented upon encountering Nepali culture, which can be quite surprising at first glance!
Dos:
Ask for consent from locals before photographing them! Certain sacred sites must not be photographed—do your research before pulling out your camera.
If someone gives you something like money or food, use both hands to receive the gift. This is a sign of respect and gratitude.
Remember not to point with your finger, but to show things with an open, flat hand, particularly at sacred sites.
Ask before entering a Hindu temple. Many temples do not accept Westerners or non-Hindus.
Remove your shoes (and any leather items in Hindu temples) when entering a home, temple, or monastery, and avoid smoking and wearing excessively short clothing inside.
Walking around temples or stupas is done clockwise. The outer walls should always be on your right.
Don'ts:
Avoid touching holy men and women (Sadhus).
In Nepal, people (particularly women) do not shake hands when greeting, but instead join their hands and bow their head slightly while saying "Namaste," especially outside major cities.
When eating with your fingers, do not touch food with your left hand. Culturally, the left hand is used for... where the sun doesn't shine :)
Never eat beef in front of Hindus and Buddhists! The cow is a sacred animal in Nepal, and you could face serious trouble if you were to harm one, or worse.
It is best not to touch offerings or people on the path to sanctuaries, particularly if you are not Hindu.
Avoid offering food to a Nepali if you have already tasted it yourself, and ask before serving yourself from a shared plate.
The sight of men or women holding hands or putting arms around each other in a friendly manner is very common in Nepal, but discouraged between people of different genders. Keep affectionate gestures private with your spouse or partner. For same-sex couples, you will have more freedoms in this country, but avoid being too explicit!
Do not raise your voice or shout in Nepal. This is extremely poorly regarded, and most often Nepalis will withdraw from negotiation rather than grant you what you're asking for.
Do not give money to beggars, especially children. If you want to do good, give them food directly or donate money or your time to an NGO. Children who beg successfully find it profitable and may abandon their education because of it.
Drug use and trafficking are strictly prohibited.
Frequently asked questions
No, many Hindu temples in Nepal are reserved for Hindu practitioners. Before entering, inquire with the temple guardians. Buddhist temples are generally more welcoming to foreign visitors, provided you respect the rules (removing shoes, not photographing without permission).
The traditional Nepali greeting is 'Namaste': join your two hands in front of your chest and bow your head slightly. Handshakes are not customary, especially outside major cities. This practice is appreciated by locals and demonstrates your respect for their culture.
The cow is a sacred animal in Nepal, a predominantly Hindu country. It is strongly advisable not to eat beef in the presence of Hindus or Buddhists, and this meat is absent from most local restaurants. Respecting this rule is a mark of profound respect for Nepali culture.
Yes, removing your shoes before entering a home, temple, or monastery is a fundamental rule of politeness in Nepal. In Hindu temples, it is also advisable to avoid wearing leather items, out of respect for the sacred nature of the cow.
It is strongly discouraged to give money to child beggars in Nepal. This can encourage school abandonment and fuel exploitation networks. If you wish to help, prefer giving food directly or making a donation to a local NGO that works for education and child protection.
Buddhist and Hindu tradition in Nepal dictates walking around temples and stupas in a clockwise direction (pradakshina), keeping the outer wall on your right. This is a symbolic ritual gesture that travelers are invited to respect.
