Culture & Etiquette

Shaking hands is not a common form of greeting, instead it is polite to say namaste, while joining the palms together.

Visitors must be careful to respect local customs in order not to cause offence. Nepal is primarily a Hindu country, although ethnic groups in the mountainous region, such as the Sherpas, are Buddhist.

Temples and religious sites are found throughout the country. Points for visitors to remember include taking off shoes before entering a place of worship and never entering a Hindu temple wearing leather (shoes, belts etc). Always pass religious sites and prayer flags on the left.