Nepal handbook
Travel gracefully
Culture & etiquette
Nepalis are famously forgiving hosts — but a few small courtesies transform how you're received, from tourist to guest.
Namaste, properly
Palms together at the chest, a slight bow, and the word itself — it honours the person you greet. Use it for everyone from drivers to lamas; physical contact like handshakes follows only if the other person offers.
Temples & monasteries
Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls. Remove shoes (and leather) where asked. Some Hindu temple interiors are closed to non-Hindus — your guide will know. Ask before entering a monastery during prayers; sitting quietly at the back is usually welcomed.
The right hand rule
Give and receive — money, food, gifts — with your right hand or both hands. The left alone is considered unclean. Touching food on a shared plate makes it jutho (impure) for others.
Heads & feet
The head is sacred, the feet are not: never touch someone's head, point your soles at people or shrines, or step over a person or food. Apologise with a touch to your own forehead if your foot brushes someone.
Photographing people
Always ask — a smile and a gesture to your camera is enough. Cremation ghats are not photo opportunities. Sadhus at Pashupatinath often expect a small tip for portraits; that's a fair exchange, not a scam.
Tipping, fairly
Tipping is customary for guides and porters (we advise exact amounts per trip), appreciated in restaurants (5–10%), and not expected in taxis. Hand tips over directly, with thanks — it matters.
Dress
Shoulders and knees covered at religious sites; modest generally outside tourist quarters. Trekking gear is fine everywhere on the trail. Swimwear belongs only at hotel pools.
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