Nepal is the land of a lot of treasures in a lot of diverse traditions, ethnicities, and religions jointly to present a charming amalgamation of cultural riches. With over a hundred varied and distinct dialects spoken across the nation followed by the combination of harmony and forbearance of each other’s traditions and the practice of companionship, Nepal provides to tourists a charming cultural experience.
The birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha, Nepal, is honestly a significant example of harmonious simultaneousness. The people in Nepal are mostly Hindu, followed by the Buddhist, Islam and Christian religions. Amidst the population, there also exist discernable cultural groups and indigenous natives. The Nepali language is the official language and the people of Nepal are popular for their hospitality and friendliness.
Outlanders are heartily welcome in the nation. Similarly, like each nation, Nepal also has certain etiquettes which are hugely appreciated by the people. The visit to Nepal is definitely enhanced if the etiquettes are followed, and it is surely easier to form a good rapport with the native people if certain mannerisms and principle laws are followed. Understanding the appropriate etiquette is a signal of respect towards people and that is every time a wonderful quality to have.
Uniformy crucial is escaping certain mannerisms that may harm or offend the people of Nepal. Here are 15 prospects not to do in Nepal:
1. Do not give money to beggars
Beggars can at times become a bit of an issue for travelers. Giving money to children begging isn’t deemed realistic since they might misuse it to buy drugs. Hence, it is better to donate money or other essentials to trusted corporations instead who work in the enhancement of the poor and the needy. A simple “No” to the beggars can suffice and can assist escape uncomfortable situations.
2. Do not give Nepalese people money or gifts with your left hand
This etiquette is a reversible one in situations where people are left-handed. Nonetheless, the right hand is deemed by most people in the nation and kindly receiving and exchanging gifts or money with the right hand is seen as much kinder than doing so with the left. The right on the other hand is used for eating and for handshakes. This etiquette is on the basis of the tradition which imprecisely deems the left hand as not being pious.
3. Do not drink tap water straight away
The tap water in Nepal is not appropriate for drinking directly. Doing so can lead to health issues. That is the reason not to drink tap water straight away. It is best to only drink bottled water or water which has been through the purification system, such as boiling. The tap water is not safe for drinking and is mainly used for hygienic and healthiness purposes. In the high altitudes and rural regions, the rivers, lakes, and other natural forms of water reservoirs and sources are utilized instead of a direct tap line. You can carry a portable water purifier if you want to be on the protected side of your travel.
4. Do not go where you are asked not to
Nepal has a lot of religious and holy sites and a lot of them also have restricted places which do not let foreigners and people of other religions visit. Going to the restricted part of religious sites and shrines can be seen as displeasing. Hence, it is best to obey the laws of the religion. Lot of holy sites also need one to take off shoes prior to entering, and certain sites also have the law of not taking leather stuff inside the religious premises. There are also other virtuous standards of each religion and culture that you should meet or value.
5. Do not touch women and holy men (Amidst Hindu)
Nepal is a nation which is racing ahead towards further expansion simultaneously and has its grip vigorously held to traditions an ethnic norms. It is not seen as applicable to touch women and holy men amidst the people, and this etiquette extends to people of all religions. Kindly saying phrases like Dhnyabad (Thank You) and Namaste (Greetings) are significant to form good relations with Nepalese. It is best to avoid physical contact with the opposite sex in general.
6. Do not wear proactive clothing
Proactive clothes can be disrespectful in public in Nepal, significantly in rural regions of the nation. Dressing properly is best and wearing modest clothing which does not show much skin is the normal etiquette. In the city, people’s dressing norms are mixed hotpot, at the same time traditional clothes are worn in rural parts.
7. Do not enter holy sites wearing your shoes
Nepalese people and culture regard shoes to be not clean to wear around inside the house. Taking one’s shoes off when entering the house or the kitchen is the normal practice. In the shrines and monasteries and other different sites of worship also, it is a sign of respect to take off one’s shoes prior to entering. Doing so can be a new exposure to you yet is a general practice in Nepal to respect other cultures and peoples.
8. Do not offer food to Nepalese after tasting it
The Nepali people have the concept of Jhuto, that is the etiquette of not eating or drinking food and water which has already been tasted and eaten by others. This has a insecure bending of the norm amidst family members and colleagues, in few situations, but amidst people who are not family or friends, Jhuto food and water being eaten or drunk by people are normally frowned upon.
9. Do not walk around Stupas anti-closewise
While the procedure of traversing the stupas and monasteries is a famous concept amidst the people who visit Nepal, the significance of a clockwise circumambulating is not that common. The famous belief of the direction of the circumambulation being arbitrary is also presumed and that is not the case. In the Buddhist tradition, clockwise circumambulation is a sign of respect and one of the traditional laws of the religion.
10. Do not purchase antique replicas without a receipt
Archeological items of interest over 100 years and heritage treasures are not permitted to be taken out of the nation. When purchasing replicas and other tourist things, receipt is certainly important l since the customs at the airport can ask for receipts for the purchased items. Having a clear cut receipt can save a lot of hassle. Evetime ensures to get an appropriate and genuine receipt at the time of shopping.
11. Don’t trust the lowest price from the trekking Companies
The reasons for not choosing for the most budget or cheap trekking agencies are:
Fake Heli Rescue: A few cheap trekking agencies might cheat their clients by falsely executing helicopter rescues. This indicates they will provide helicopter rescue services in emergency situations but might not actually provide such services. This can put trekkers at danger in cases of emergencies.
Unhygienic Food: Budget or cheap trekking companies might skip on the quality of food offered during treks. This could lead to unhygienic circumstances and possibly cause health problems for the trekkers.
Unprofessional Guides: Cheap companies might hire guides who lack professionalism or appropriate training. This could affect the comprehensive safety and experience of the trek since a well-informed and proficient guide is important for navigating difficult terrains and handling emergencies.
12. Do not leave Nepal with Nepalese Currency
It is a good choice to change back the Nepali currency before departing Nepal since Nepali currency may not be acceptable at the airports of other nations. Hence, to escape this issue, change the Nepali currency to dollars or Euros while still in Kathmandu when completing the visit prior to departing.
13. Do not touch someone’s head or sit showing the bottom of your feet against them
Echoing the point made earlier regarding physically touching people of the opposite sex, it is etiquette in Nepal to not touch the head of people since it is seen as discreditable. You must not also sit in a position which puts your bare feet bottom againsts people. Both of these indicate bad-manner activities according to prevalent cultural practices and traditions.
15. Do not consume marijuana in Nepal
Cannabis and Marijauna in Nepal have been illegal since 1973. In the 1960s, the “Hippie Trail” pulled in young Western pioneers through Nepal and the stable traditional cannabis and marijuana economy reached an influx because of increased demand due to heavy usage by visitors. In the year, nonetheless, Nepal canceled the licenses of all cannabis shops, dealers, and farmers.
16. Do not try dance bars in Kathmandu and other major cities
If periodic nightlife is to be enjoyed, then famous tourist locations like Thamel in Kathmandu and the lake-side in Pokhara are choices to consider, but other dance bars in the city are not suitable locations to visit since one can get scammed. The dance bars may also have ulterior motives and it is best to escape sleazy locations. Instead, enjoy the locations that provide cultural practices of the ethnic groups in the country.
Like each nation, Nepal has its traditions and norms and set of laws which need to be followed. Nepal is best enjoyed when the traditions and etiquettes are maintained and opinions of the Nepali are not hurt. Nepal is friendly and wonderful, and following the norms of the nation can lead to a sensational experience.
Author: khojnu
Nepal Local Travel and Tourism Promotion ( Local Business )