No one wants to be that
foreigner who does something so offensive in new land, that everyone stares,
but no one has the heart to tell you. All travellers have done it at one point
or another, but if you’re coming to Nepal—we want to help you out a bit to
avoid some embarrassing situations.
·
Use the official “Namaste” (Nah-mah-stay)
greeting. Place your hands in front of your chest in a prayer position and bow
your head slightly. You can’t go wrong with showing a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
·
When eating, passing money, accepting something,
waving, or touching someone, always use your RIGHT hand. As in most Asian
countries, your left hand is used for washing in the loo—it’s very
disrespectful to use your left hand in any of these situations.
·
The head is the spiritual part of the body, thus
touching it is offensive. This is especially true for the elderly and very
young.
·
The feet are seen as unclean and is, thus,
offensive to touch or point at someone with your feet. It is also offensive to point your feet
towards any holy place. Always sit with your feet behind you.
·
If you accidentally touch someone with your foot,
it is customary to touch the person’s arm and then your forehead and apologize.
·
Never take a Nepali woman’s hand, as it is seen
as extremely personal contact. Instead, use the traditional Namaste greeting.
·
Walk around stupas and temples clockwise.
·
If you are a woman and menstruating, you should
not visit a Hindu temple.
·
Conservative dress in temples and holy areas is
a must. Shoulders should be covered, and long pants, trousers, or skirts should
be worn.
The social rules in
Kathmandu are a little more lax, especially in areas such as Thamel, but when
you venture out into the villages or the outer parts of the valley, you would
do well to follow these simple rules. You will not only gain respect, but you
will keep yourself from garnering unwanted attention and away from problematic
situations.
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