1. Namaste Greeting 🙏
The universal greeting: Place palms together at chest level and say “Namaste” (nam-as-tay). Use it for hello, goodbye, and thank you. Shows respect in all situations.
2. Dal Bhat Power 🍛
National dish eaten twice daily: Lentil soup (dal) + rice (bhat) + vegetable curry + pickle. Most restaurants offer unlimited refills. Locals say, “Dal bhat power, 24 hours!”
3. Head is Sacred 👤
Never touch someone’s head: It is considered the most sacred body part. Don’t pat children on the head. Also, don’t point feet at people or religious objects—feet are considered impure.
4. Remove Shoes 👟
Always take off shoes: Before entering homes, temples, and some shops. Look for shoe piles outside as your cue. Socks are acceptable indoors.
5. Right Hand Rule 🤚
Use right hand for eating and giving: The Left hand is considered unclean (used for washing). Pass items, eat, and shake hands with the right hand only.
6. Momos Everywhere 🥟
Nepal’s favorite snack: Steamed dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, or buff (water buffalo). Safe street food option, found everywhere. Order “jhol momo” for soup-style.
7. Nepali Time ⏰
Things run slower: “Nepali time” means relaxed schedules. Buses leave when full, not on time. Build flexibility into plans. Patience is essential.
8. Basic Nepali Phrases 🗣️
- Dhanyabad (dan-ya-bad) = Thank you
- Kati ho? (ka-ti ho) = How much?
- Mitho cha (meet-ho cha) = It’s delicious
- Bistari (bis-tar-ee) = Slowly
- Pugyo (pug-yo) = Enough/That’s sufficient
9. Bargaining is Expected 💰
Negotiate prices: Expected in markets and with taxis (except metered). Start at 50-60% of the asking price. Smile and be friendly. Fixed prices in established shops.
10. Temple Etiquette 🛕
Respect religious sites: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Walk clockwise around stupas. Ask before photographing. Remove leather items before entering some Hindu temples.
11. Buff Not Beef 🐃
Water buffalo, not cow: Cows are sacred in Hindu Nepal. “Buff” means water buffalo meat—widely eaten. Beef is illegal and unavailable.
12. Toilet Paper Not Standard 🚽
Bring your own: Most local places use water spray or a bucket. Carry tissues/toilet paper in your bag. Dispose of in bins, not toilets; plumbing can’t handle it.
13. Don’t Drink Tap Water 💧
Bottled or filtered only: Tap water isn’t safe. Buy sealed bottled water or use purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks. Brush teeth with bottled water.
14. Load-Shedding Reality 💡
Power cuts are common: Electricity outages happen, especially during the dry season (winter-spring). Carry a power bank and a flashlight. Most hotels have backup generators.
15. Trekking Permits Required 📋
Get proper documentation: TIMS card + area permits needed for trekking. Arrange through agencies or tourist offices. Keep copies with you, checkpoints verify regularly.
16. Festivals Everywhere 🎉
Major celebrations to know:
- Dashain (Sept/Oct) = Biggest festival, 15 days
- Tihar (Oct/Nov) = Festival of lights
- Holi (March) = Color festival, Shops may close, transport gets crowded. Book ahead during festivals.
17. Altitude Sickness Warning ⛰️
Ascend slowly: Above 2,500m (8,200ft), take rest days. Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness. Drink 4-5 liters of water daily. Never ascend with symptoms. “Climb high, sleep low.”
18. Cash is King 💵
Limited card acceptance: Carry Nepali Rupees (NPR) in small denominations. ATMs in cities often run out. Exchange at official counters. Save receipts for re-exchange.
19. Dress Modestly 👔
Conservative culture: Shoulders and knees covered, especially for women. Shorts/tank tops are okay in Thamel (tourist area) but not in rural areas or temples. Local respect matters.
20. Solo Travel Safe ✅
Very solo-friendly: Nepal is one of Asia’s safest destinations for solo travelers. Guesthouses everywhere. Easy to join trek groups. Women travelers are generally safe, but take standard precautions at night.
Bonus Quick Tips:
- Visa on arrival available at the airport (bring USD cash + passport photo)
- Best seasons: Oct-Nov (clear) and March-April (flowers)
- SIM cards: Cheap, available at the airport (bring passport photo)
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants; not mandatory but appreciated
- Plastic bags banned: Bring a reusable shopping bag