Suggestion

Nepalese people are traditionally warm and friendly and treat foreigners with a mixture of curiosity and respect. ‘Namaste’ (Hello how are you? is a universal greeting, accompanied by placing the hands in a prayer like position. Most Nepali speak at last some English, though smiles and gestures work well where language is a barrier.

Visiting a Temple

Majority of the people are Hindu in Nepal. However, Sherpas and most other mountain people are Budhists. You are not allowed to make entry in Pashupatinath temple if you are wearing any material that is made of leather.

It is better to ask for permission before photographing religious festivals, cremation grounds and inside the temple.

If you meet the head Lama inside Buddhists gompa, it is appropriate to present him with a white silk scarf called a Khata. It is traditional to include a little donation to the gompa inside the folded Khata. The Lama will remove the Money. He will either keeps the Khata or place it around your neck as a blessing. Place the Khata in the hands of the Lama: do not place it around his neck.

Mani Walls and Chortens

Along many trails,you will see Mani walls. There are stones covered with the Tibetan Buddhists inscription ‘Om Mani Padme Hom’ usually translated as hail to the jewel in the lotus, though its true translation is much more complex and mysterious. In village areas where Tiberan influence exists, you will see chat-dear, poles decorated with long prayer flags, and Chortens, stone monuments in the middle of the trail. You should walk to the left side of all of these as the Buddhists do.

Photographing people

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph with local people. Some might not be interested to be photographed. Therefore, it is better to ask before photographing with woman. You might encounter with the cases of shyness which you can over come with a smile or joke or by using telephoto lens, but don’t pay people for taking their picture.

During your Trek

Don’t pass out balloons, candy and money to village children as it encourages them to beg. trekkers are responsible for the continual cries of children for Mithai (candy) Paisa (Money) and Boom boom’ (balloon).Well-intentional trekkers, thought they are doing a services by passing out Pens for use in School, so clever kids now ask for Pens.

During the trekking, you have to keep your valuable goods either in hotel or in trekking camp. You are also strongly advised not to leave your laundry hanging outside at night.

Rubbish

Don’t throw anything into the fire in any house, Buddhist or Hindu. In most cultures the household gods live in earth.

When you give something to a Nepali, whether it is food, Money or anything else, use your right hand.