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.