Cultural Consideration

Eco Friendly Treks & Expedition

For those of you who are visiting Nepal for the first time we have provided some cultural information to help you fit in and feel at ease:

• The dress code is important for both men and women. Men and women should wear trousers rather than shorts while trip.
• There are many hot springs, rivers and lakes where it is pleasant to take a dip, it is fine for men to go bare-chested while bathing but they should not go nude. Women should try and be as modest as possible in these situations.
• Hindus are concerned about the ritual pollution of food when it is touched by someone outside their caste or religion. Therefore, do not touch any cooked foods on display and when drinking from a container used by others avoid touching your lips to it. Do not eat food with your left hand and make sure you only give or receive food with your right hand.
• Shoes are considered degrading so keep them on the ground and remove them before putting your feet on anything. If you enter a Nepali house follow the example of your host in deciding whether to remove your shoes but on entering a temple or monastery you should definitely remove them.
• You will pass Buddhist mani walls, chortens, and stupas along the trip and to follow local traditions you should pass them on your right.
• When visiting a monastery or gompa it is customary to give a donation for its upkeep