Travelling overseas is a massive opportunity and lots of fun. It can also present challenges and things to learn. In Nepal, you might find yourself surrounded by new foods, a different language, and also different cultural norms and behaviours.

Before travelling, it is a good idea to research a little about the country you are going to, and understand some of the differences in the culture. This will make you more prepared, less likely to face ‘culture shock’ and also less likely to accidentally offend anyone!

Here are some Nepali habits that can potentially confuse unknowing travellers, as well as some common cultural faux-pas to avoid.

A man doing a “namaste” at a wedding reception.

Nepali greetings

Both “hello” and “goodbye” are spoken in Nepal as “Namaste”. When saying hello, it is often said with palms together in a prayer-like gesture, as well as a slight nod of the head.

It is common to not use people’s names – rather greeting them with a family-relation term. For example, older brother/sister “dai/didi”, younger brother/sister “bhai/bhaini”, mother/father “aama/bua” or even just the English “aunt” or “uncle”. Using these terms is considered more friendly than using people’s names.

Food is important in Nepali culture. Often in less formal situations, rather than “namaste”, the question “have you eaten” is used as a greeting. In Nepali this is: “Khana khanu bhayo?” You can reply with “khae” (“I’ve eaten”), unless you wish to potentially be invited in for food!

Curiosity

Outside of main tourist areas, you may find yourself stared at as you walk down the street. These looks are due to curiosity. If you want to potentially get a new friend, try to smile back. If they aren’t too shy, you will likely get a beautiful smile in return!

You may also be asked lots of questions – about your family, marital status, country etc. It is also common for weight and appearance to be commented on, too. While these topics are not typically discussed in Western countries where it may even be considered rude, this is not the case in Nepal.

A group of Nepali women dressed in traditional clothing.

What to wear in Nepal

Although curious about other aspects, in general, Nepalis are very modest in their clothing and are uncomfortable around others’ nudity or immodest clothing.

To respect this, men should wear a top, even if the weather is hot. Women should cover shoulders and wear skirt/shorts at least to the knee.

Having a clean and tidy appearance also shows respect for yourself and those around. So keeping your clothes, hair and facial hair tidy will be appreciated.

Cleanliness

Every culture has its conception of what is clean and what is dirty. Nepali understandings of cleanliness, is different from Western countries. Cleanliness is a broad concept, including things that can be seen (like dirt, mud, and your appearance) and also invisible things (including germs and culturally or religiously impure things).

In Nepal, certain body parts are considered unclean. This includes the left hand (as it’s used for the toilet). The right hand is considered clean, so it is best to give and receive things with the right hand – or with both hands.

Similarly, the mouth is considered unclean and many will not eat food that another has touched. If an individual glass is not available, the Nepali style of drinking from jugs and bottles is without using lips, instead pouring the liquid into your mouth.

The feet (and shoes worn outside) are also considered ‘unclean’. To help keep indoor spaces clean, it is polite to take off your shoes before entering homes and temples and many homes.

It is also considered impolite by many to point the sole of the foot towards people, or to step over someone’s leg or other body part.

A Nepali man giving a blessing, using two hands.

Body language in Nepal

Both body language and facial expressions are very important in Nepal, where many things are left unspoken.

A smile is often used rather than the more formal “thank you” (“dhanyabad”).

A side-to-side head wobble is often used instead of “yes”. And a horizontal hand wobble may replace “no”.

Generally it is best to try to keep a happy facial expression and body language. Frowns or scowls probably won’t go unnoticed and given the importance of body language, these may be given more weight than you would expect.

Saying no in Nepal

Often Nepalis are uncomfortable with directly saying “no”. Instead, a round-about explanation may be presented. For example, something may be delayed until some point in the future (but may or not eventuate). Or you may be offered a different option on the menu if some food is not available.

Chaos, timing, and uncertainty in Nepal

In Nepal, nothing happens on time and plans usually don’t go as planned.

Time is a bit different, too. While things may be promised at some point in the future, whether or not these things will eventuate is uncertain.

The best approach to life in Nepal is to expect the unexpected – or at least be flexible and open-minded when the unexpected inevitably occurs!

Understanding Nepal’s cultural norms & avoiding faux-pas

What to wear in Nepal