Nepal Travel Trek

Do and Don't

Tourism coming to Nepal is naturally from different societies, different geographical locations, different culture, different political environment, different religion, different ethnic background etc. They are not familiar with our customs and traditions. In such a context, whenever they enter our society, they may find many things unfamiliar or unacceptable. The things and behaviors that are all right to us may be peculiar to them or vice versa. So you are expected to inform them about the society they are visiting.

• In oriental countries, especially Nepali people will not let you now of their displeasure. They are a more reserved type of people. Their disliking is expressed as disliking, contact, willingness, to serve and honor. By respecting the Nepali people and their customs in positive ways will get you more respect in return.

• Nepali is a complex social mosaic, with Hindu and Buddhist traditions overlapping Animist and Shanamstic beliefs. Their respect to each other and acceptance of co-existence has knitted the social fabric together throughout the centuries. DO not try to divide, separate and differentiate them. You need only to observe what Nepalese around you are doing and act accordingly.

Dress

• The dress code for men is as iporant as that for women. Men should never bare their chest, expect when bathing. Wear a shirt at all times.

• Women should attempt to wear long skirts, mid-calf as least. A lungi or material can be purchased in any cloth shop and custom sewn in ten minutes into a suitable garment.

Security

• “Why do you rob banks Willy?” “That’s where the money is”. Do not expose and show-off your prosperity. Do not display large sums of money. Carry only the equipment you expect to use.

• Lock your bags, whenever possible. Try to have all your belongings inside your pack and keep the pockets done up with small items buried inside the luggage. Do not let people get tempted.

• Do not leave bags and belongings in crowded areas. Be watchful!

Other Concerns

• Treat your porters with respect. Make sure that they are well equipped and with sufficient food.

• Trekkers often like to relax in Hot springs or swim in rivers or lakes. While doing so, women should not bare their breasts. Men may go bare-chested while swimming or bathing, but not at other times.

• There are many good locally made craft items in certain areas. Purchasing these at the going prices is certainly beneficial to the local economy.

• Do not give money or items to the people who have not done special favors to you.

• Respect people’s desire not to be photographed

• The freely available marijuana and hasis attract some foreigners. The plant grows as weed. Buying and selling and consumption of such items is illegal. So, be discreet in the use of marijuana.

• One should not accept as gifts or buy objects or art, manuscripts, images etc, which have antique value. These need to stay here for future visitors. Whether something is antique or not can be established by the Department of Archeology.

• Entry to most temples is restricted to foreigners. So, you should confirm with local people and watch signboards.

Local Customs and Culture, dose and don'ts
Is there anything that I need to be aware of about local customs and culture?
Culture and customs in Nepal run deep. Some of them you will find interesting, some strange and others beyond logic. But as long as you show respect and sensitivity to local traditions, willingness to learn and adapt to Nepalese ways and values, you will be fine. For a people so deeply rooted in traditions and culture, Nepalese are remarkably open-minded and easy-going. If at any time, you have doubts, ask or simply do what other Nepalese do.
The list here is just a simple, brief introduction and in no way exhaustive:
A. "Namaste" is a common act done by putting the palms together in a prayer like gesture to greet anyone in Nepal. Do not take it seriously if any Nepalese hesitates to shake hands because it really hasn't been very long since western traditions crept into the Nepalese way of life. In Nepal, people especially ladies; do not normally shake hand when they greet one another.
B. Use your right hand to eat and deal with food. Nepalese use their left-hand to wash themselves after defecating. Also remember that most Nepalese use their fingers to eat and using spoons and forks is not common, especially when you are having "Daal Bhat" the staple Nepalese diet, but this does not mean, however that the guest are not to use fork, knives and spoons. We have table manner in Nepal is quite different from those at home.
C. Visit to a Hindu temple, Buddhist Stupas, rooms and some one’s houses are expected to be unshoed as a mark of respect and clean.
D. Beef is prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhists and no female animal is killed for food.
E. Once your lips have touched a food item or its container, it is considered Jutho (polluted) for others. Don't eat off someone else's plate or offer anyone food you have taken a bite out of.
F. Major Hindu temples are usually off-limits to foreigners. Don't enter them or take pictures unless given permission to. Do not take leather articles inside the temple precinct as they are prohibited. Also there will be small circular or rectangular stones or metal Mandala on the ground in front of most shrines. Do not step on them.
G. Men should not walk/trek around bare-chested. Shorts are acceptable, but long pants are better. Women are recommended to wear long skirts. Exposure of women's legs can bring unnecessary, so avoid wearing shorts and short skirts. We would like to suggest you that don’t use only sun and beach wear which can display publicly.
H. Public display of affection between man and woman are uncivilized in our society and is frowned upon. Kissing, cuddling, hugging in public areas is absolutely discouraged.
I. Please be patient. Anger and impatience will rarely make things better. Nepalese have a way of taking everything very cool.
J. Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basic problem. Therefore please do not encourage beggary by being benevolent.
K. Beware of touts who claim to be representatives of companies and offer to take you bargain.
L. Use hotel safety boxes for your valuables. Do not leave cash and other valuable things lying around in the room.
M. Finally, be aware that the tradition of tips to your guide and porters. They have been making hope to receive after your trip completion.
How Should I dress during a trek?
Nepal has own tradition and concept regarding wearing the clothes, and your reception by locals can vary greatly on the way you dress. Men should always wear a shirt and long pants. In view of local customs, men should try not to wear shorts, and women should avoid them altogether. For women, a skirt of mid-calf length is preferable to slacks or pants. Slacks with sarong or skirt over them, and a (at least half-sleeved) blouse or shirt are probably most appropriate.
Besides the issue of culturally sensitive dressing, it is also important for you to make sure you have appropriate clothing to meet your needs during a trek. Anything more specialized you can consult with us as we can help you to arrange necessary clothes.
Further useful information
Respect local traditions, customs, values and sentiments to help them protect local culture and maintain local pride.
Respect privacy when taking photographs
Respect holy places
Refrain from giving money to children as it encourages begging
Respect for the local etiquette earns you respect
Let the Himalayas change you - Do not change them
Protect the natural environment
Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it
Limit deforestation - make no open fires
Burn dry paper and packets in a safe place
Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants
Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment