CULTURE AND LANGUAGE:
Nepalese Language is the official language of Nepal. The country is potpourri of different ethnic groups and sub-groups who speaks over 70 different languages and dialects. Over 81% people are Hindus and over 10% Buddhist. Rest of the religions is Muslim, Christian, Sikh etc.
The Nepalese people are friendly and hospitable by nature and the tourists in general will have no difficulty in adjustment. At the same, one may be confused regarding some customs, tradition and manners as in coming into any unfamiliar society. Nepal like any other country has its own ways of regulation life though it might be different in degrees to each individual visitor. We want the visitors to observe and see the ways of Nepalese people and share with them. It is in this spirit that we offer some practical guidelines that could help to make the stay delightful and rewarding.
DO’S & DON’TS WHILE TRAVELLING IN NEPAL:
The Nepalese people are friendly and hospitable by nature, which they extended to all visitors. Nepal, like any other country, has its own customs and we call upon our visitors to observe and see the ways of Nepalese people to observe and see the ways of Nepalese people and share them. It is in these sprits that we offer some practical guidelines that could help to make your stay more pleasurable and rewarding.
- Use the traditional Nepali greeting “Namaste” (nahm-ah-stay), by placing your hands to your chest in a prayer-like position. This means “I salute the God inside you” and is the most respectful way to greet any Nepali person. We also do Namaste when saying goodbye.
How are you: Tapailai Kasto Chha?
Excuse me: Hajur
Please (give me): Dinuhos
Please (you have): Khanuhos
Thank you: Dhanyabab
- When eating, passing an item or money, waving, or touching another person for any reason, always remember to use your RIGHT hand. As in other Asian countries, the left hand is used for washing after using the loo, and is thus seen as unclean.
- The feet are seen as unclean in Nepali society. It is extremely offensive to touch or kick anyone with your foot. It is also offensive to point your feet at anyone or in the direction of any spiritual place. While visiting different temples, make sure your feet never point towards the place of worship, but rather sit with your feet tucked under you and away from such area. If you accidently touch someone with your foot, it is customary to touch the person’s arm or hand and then touch your own forehead.
- Never try to shake a Nepali woman’s hand, as it is seen as intimate contact. Rather, use the traditional greeting listed above.
- Walk around stupas and temples clockwise. It is also wise to check tourist restrictions before entering, as well as photography allowance. Woman who are menstruating are often times asked to refrain from visiting temples during that time.
- While visiting temples and stupas, conservative dress is a must. Shoulders should be covered and pants, trousers, or skirts should be at least knee length.
- In Kathmandu, the do’s and don’ts listed are a bit more lax, but in surrounding villages it is wise to follow these suggestions as to make your stay more enjoyable.