Culturally accepted behavior in the mountains

You are a guest in Nepal and it is well appreciated by people if you adapt to the culture and respect in return.

• Dress decently (no revealing clothes)
• Do not show affection in public (no kissing or smooching specially)
• Do not point your feet at people
• Do not buy antiques from the trails
• Do not step over a person
• Do not be reluctant with red powder (Tika) or traditional way of welcoming
• Do not use left hand for eating or shaking or waving off
• Receive and give with 2 hands
• Ask before you take people’s pictures
• Do not offer chocolates, pen or gifts to local people and kids (promotes negative information)
• Take off your shoes before entering monasteries, temples or even people’s houses
• Go clockwise round stupas
• Do not eat, smoke or be loud at religious site and also do not litter
• Women are advised not to touch or hug Lamas/monks and men are advised the same in case of nuns

Save Environment

• Do not toss what you use, like papers, wrappers, batteries and bottles.
• Try finding accommodation which use solar to heat water and kerosene and LPG to cook rather than accommodation which use timber.
• If in group order food at once, as it saves time and fuel
• Wear warm clothes rather than heating the room
• Do not defecate near water sources
• Do not throw even biodegradable waste after 4000 meters
• Do not disturb wildlife by being loud or by doing act which disturbs their natural habitat
• Do not promote wildlife trafficking ( you will face legal actions)
• Do not promote plastic bags, even if it is free

Things to take along

• Copy of your passport and insurance
• Some emergency cash
• Iodine tablets, water bottle, sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, hat, sunglasses, lip balm, insect repellent
• Warm clothes, thermal underwears, gloves, trekking boots, trekking pole