Things you must know before stepping in NEPAL

Nepal is a country well sandwiched between India and China. However small the county is , they have a wide and huge culture. People here are friendly, helpful and supportive; still there are few things you must know before coming to Nepal even for a short trip,

 1.  Do not trek alone. There have been numerous disappearances of solo trekkers in recent years. Always hire a guide or trek with other people. There are online forums where travelers can look for fellow-trekkers. This applies to everyone but especially women that are traveling single – they seem too more vulnerable. Always communicate your travel plans to your kin. 

2.  Food safety - Avoid water that is not bottled or boiled. Avoid raw vegetables and pre-cut fruit as much as possible. 

3. You may not feel that hot sun in the mountains, still put a sunscreen when you move out.

4. Even though Nepal is known for its pristine environment and beauty, the highways and city streets are not that well made. They are crowded with traffic, full of smoke, bumpy and dusty. Hence traveling on a bicycle or a motorbike for the most part is not advisable. There are some off-road mountain bike trails that are okay to do. 

5. Do not give money to beggars that you see on the streets. Even though they look pitiful, your giving away of money encourages them only to beg for more. If you really care support one of many charity organizations working in Nepal. Before donating, do check facts. 

6.  Be sure to exchange back all the Nepalese currencies before you leave. They are not accepted (or even exchanged for that matter) outside of Nepal. Besides, taking currency out of the country is against the law. 

7. Do not touch someone’s head or sit showing the bottom of your feet towards them. It is considered rude. 

8. Do not fully rely on schedules and times that are committed to you whether in verbal or written while you are in Nepal. They may not commence in time as stated or committed and may end up disrupting all your subsequent schedule. Have time buffer as much as you can between your major plans and activities, especially if you have to travel to the airport the same day after a long travel. Always keep margin.

9. Always be alert/aware of “Bandhs” (Strikes – where no transportation is allowed) as they can alter all your travel plans substantially. 

10.  Do not assume that “ganja” (marijuana) is legal in Nepal. It is not. Even though it is a common weed on hillsides you can get in trouble for picking it and carrying it for consumption purpose.  

11. Do not assume that when a Nepali says “yes” or shakes the head in affirmation that it is a done deal or they agree with you. Re-confirm using simplest of words and being as direct as possible to make sure. 

12. Stay away from dance bars in Katmandu and Pokhra These are tourist traps where they scam you on buying alcohol and food at much-inflated prices. Some of these places have a history of intimidation and violence.

13. If you are planning to apply for the Visa at the airport, make sure to have passport size photo available. Plan B is to have your photo taken at the booth at the airport.

14. Drink ample water. You may not know that you are dehydrating before it is too late.

15. All nightlife pretty much ends by 10 pm with only a few places around the Thamel area that may stay open a little later.

16. Bring a universal plug and voltage adapter kit for your Electronics. Nepal uses 220V.

15 - Keep in mind that there may be an entrance fee to some of the common temples and public areas applicable only to foreigners ranging anywhere from 250 – 700 local currency.

17. Always have some tissue paper and hand sanitizer with you at all times – and note that some of the toilets may require squatting.

18. Insist for a Running Meter in the Taxi. After 10 PM you do pay double of the meter fare however – that’s the commonly accepted norm.

19. The form of greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” performing by joining both palms together. It literally means “the divine in me salutes the divine in you”.

20. Avoid displaying food around monkeys around temples, as may snatch it.

21. The same applies with your spectacles, sun glasses etc. monkeys can take them away.

22. Support the NON-Plastic Initiative, please limit your use of plastic items, and help make Nepal a better place.

I wish I knew all this before reaching Nepal. I learnt most of these things when I reached there, nevertheless I had an awesome trip. Given a chance I would happily take a second trip to Nepal, but this time for more number of days. Cheers!