5 Things to know About Nepal before travelling here.

Every time we plan to travel to another country, it is always helpful to learn about few things beforehand. In this blog, I will explain 5 things to know about Nepal before traveling here in Nepal that might be useful for you when you travel.

Nepal is a landlocked country which is surrounded by China to the north and India to the south. Every year travelers from all around the world travel here and most of them express how culturally and geographically diverse Nepal is. No wonder, Nepal has always been on the bucket lists of most of the travelers I had met.

The country of Mount Everest and birthplace of Lord Buddha has so much more to offer. From cultural tours to adventurous trek, it has ample number of options to choose from. However, whether you opt for trek or tours if you know about what I’m about to write in this blog, it will come very handy for you. Given below is the 5 things to know about Nepal before traveling here:

1) How to Greet the locals

In Nepal, with a slight bow, we place our palms together in a prayer like position and say “Namaste”. It is the first thing among the 5 things you need to know before traveling here.

“Namaste” is used for hello and also for bidding goodbye. In Hinduism it means, “I bow to the divine in you”. A respectful way to address an older male is “Dai” and for an older female is “Didi”. In the same way, if you want to address to younger male is “bhai” and for a younger female is “baini”.

These are few words you might want to learn, so that you make the Nepalese you encounter smile. How to do Namaste?  join your hands like shown in the picture there you go.

2) Something Expected out of you

If you ever get invited to visit a home of a Nepalese, make sure to remove your shoes before getting in. This is a normal practice where Nepalese, remove their shoes before entering their house. Also, avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless clothes while visiting temples and historical places. It is the 2nd thing you need to keep on mind among the 5 things to know about Nepal.

3) Be adventurous but careful

Nepal is a heaven for travelers with a daring soul. However, we would suggest to take a friend along because the mountains and woods can be tricky. Often times we recommend to take a guide along in order to avoid getting lost and always being on the track.

Also, always know about what kind of attire you should carry on your trip here. The weather can be very cold up in the mountains, therefore carry the attire accordingly. Furthermore, there is a possibility of altitude sickness and hence know about acclimatization need by your body. It is the 3rd thing you need to keep on mind among the 5 things to know about Nepal.

4) Water Safety

Water is not recommended to be drunk right out of the tap. Even the tap water from the hotels is not recommended to be used for drinking purpose. Stick with bottled water during your stay here. Also, avoid using ice in the restaurants and cafes unless knowing which type of water is used. It is the 4th thing you need to keep on mind among the 5 things to know about Nepal.

5) Food heaven for a foodie

In Nepal, you can go for something traditional or popular international dishes whatever you wish for. There are numerous restaurants that serve variety of cuisines. Tradition Nepali food consists of rice and lentils and is known as “Dal Bhat” usually served with vegetables, pickle and non-vegetarian curry of your choice. However, Nepalese food can be spicy, and it is always better to specify how hot you want it while ordering your food.

In Nepal the Food differs from the cultural background. In Nepal every culture has its own identity food. Among the many cultural food in Nepal newari food is popular all over the country mainly in Kathmandu valley. So be sure to taste this cuisine cos it has got various dishes and items.

In Nepal, Beef is prohibited. You won’t be able to find beef for your appetite. Beef is illegal in Nepal if you found consuming beef by anyone then you will be punished according to Nepal constitution. But in Nepal Buff is quite popular.

You can consume Buff meat. Newari specializes in making various different cuisine of buff meat. You may have why beef is illegal in Nepal then here is your answer Cow is the national animal of Nepal so in respect to that law is made related to national animal. It is the 5th thing you need to keep on mind among the 5 things to know about Nepal.

So, these are the 5 things to know about Nepal. If you know this then that’s great now you can explore the Nepali community with confidence and secure feeling. If any bad happens to you call 100 as 911 in America. Calling 100 will connect with you with the police when you feel unsafe, unsecure and threaten in Nepali society. To know more about Nepal, Nepali culture and many more click here to get guidance and knowledge about Nepal.