Nepal Seyahat Rehberi

• • Greet people with a slight bow and palms pressed together at chest level, saying 'Namaste'. This is the standard, respectful greeting throughout the country.
• • Always remove your shoes before entering a home, temple, or any sacred space. Watch for piles of footwear at thresholds as a cue.
• • The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so never touch anyone's head, including children. Conversely, the feet are the lowest, so avoid pointing your feet at people, sacred objects, or food.
• • Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Receiving items with both hands shows extra respect.
• • Walk clockwise around stupas, temples, prayer wheels, and mani stones, keeping the monument on your right. Spin prayer wheels clockwise as you pass.
• • Public displays of affection between couples are frowned upon, while it is common and acceptable for friends of the same sex to hold hands.

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially at temples and in rural areas. Lightweight, loose clothing suits the heat of the lowlands, while warm layers are essential in the mountains. Leather items (belts, bags) may be prohibited inside some Hindu temples like Pashupatinath. Women may wish to carry a scarf to cover the head or shoulders when entering religious sites.

Nepal is predominantly Hindu with a strong Buddhist presence, and the two often blend. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main temple of Pashupatinath, though the surrounding complex is open. Always ask before photographing people at worship, monks, or temple interiors, and respect 'no photography' signs. Remove shoes and hats at shrines, do not touch offerings or sacred statues, and never sit with your back to a Buddha image or temple deity. Walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas such as Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Cows are sacred and roam freely; never harm or harass them.