Every nation has a way to express gratitude and respect. In Nepal, one uses both hands and not just one when handing over or receiving something, especially money.

Most people from Western cultures have grown up with the norm that you don’t eat with your fingers. If you come to Nepal, you should be prepared to do it! It is polite to eat with your hand, but you never use your left hand for this, only your right.

How do you greet each other in Nepal?

The use of both hands is considered a gesture of respect. In Nepalese women do not usually shake hands in greeting, the greeting “Namasté” fits better.

Clothing

In the tourist district Thamel it doesn’t really matter what you are wearing. There the tourists are among themselves anyway. Nevertheless, in Nepal women should keep their shoulders, knees, calves and waist covered if possible.

Social behavior

Public displays of affection between a man and a woman – from holding hands to kissing – are not welcomed in Nepal. A change in thinking can be observed here, especially among young Nepalese. On the other hand, it is very common for same-sex men to hold hands and lie in each other’s shoulders together on the streets. This does not mean that they are homosexual.

• “Saving face” and not “losing face” play a significant role in Nepal, as they do throughout Asia. This is one of the reasons why Nepalese people are very generous.
• Never use your left hand to greet, wave, give or accept items.
• If you want to point to something, don’t use a single finger, use the flat, outstretched hand.
• Anything that has touched personal saliva is considered unclean. For example, you never share your spoon or use it to scoop food from a communal pot.
• Try to sit so that the soles of your feet are not facing a statue or another person.
• When you enter a house or temple, please remember to take off your shoes.
• Please photograph locals only with their permission.

Temple

• When you enter a private home, temple or monastery, it is customary to remove your shoes. In the temples you also put all other items made of leather.
• No headgear or sunglasses. Shoulder and knee should be covered.
• Photos are not welcome.

If you accidentally disobey one of the rules, no Nepalese will hold it against you. Ultimately, it pleases them that you are trying to adapt to Nepali culture.