Nepal Etiquette: 15 Do's and Don'ts for Visitors

Nepalis are famously welcoming and forgiving of mistakes. Knowing a few customs makes your visit smoother — and people will notice the effort.

Do

1. Greet people with "Namaste", palms together.
2. Walk clockwise around stupas, temples and prayer wheels.
3. Take your shoes off before entering homes and shrines.
4. Use your right hand to eat, give and receive.
5. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
6. Ask before photographing people.
7. Accept tea when it's offered — it's a sign of welcome.
8. Bargain politely in markets, with a smile.

Don't

1. Point your feet at people, shrines or images of gods.
2. Step over someone sitting on the floor or over food.
3. Touch someone's head, even a child's.
4. Touch offerings or enter temples marked for Hindus only.
5. Show strong affection in public.
6. Put food back on a shared plate after biting it — food touched by the mouth is considered impure (jutho).
7. Photograph cremations or people at prayer without permission.

Staying with a family is the best way to learn. Ask us anything — we're happy to explain.