Over the past few years, traveling has become one of the most pleasant and affordable things one can do. No wonder, it's so difficult to force Millennials to work in an office when they can take their laptops and work from anywhere in the world.
There are too many countries on the map to stay in one place for a long time. If you plan to visit the most fascinating places on Earth, Nepal should be on your list. It will challenge you, impress you, and make you want to come back another day. It's not Paris or Rome, so don't expect everything to be served to you on a plate.
Nepal is a perfect destination for the spiritual journey. More than that, it can give you an opportunity to see that the world is different. Traveling around Nepal will not be easy, but you will be able to experience something truly special.
There are too many countries on the map to stay in one place for a long time. If you plan to visit the most fascinating places on Earth, Nepal should be on your list. It will challenge you, impress you, and make you want to come back another day. It's not Paris or Rome, so don't expect everything to be served to you on a plate.
Nepal is a perfect destination for the spiritual journey. More than that, it can give you an opportunity to see that the world is different. Traveling around Nepal will not be easy, but you will be able to experience something truly special.
Trekking in Nepal is very popular with tourists
Forget about hotels!
To see as much as possible in Nepal, you will have to walk a lot, as the Nepalese Himalayas are home to some of the world's most spectacular trekking routes. Popular options include:
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking route is considered one of Nepal's top five treks, and is one of the most rewarding. It circles the world's eighth-highest mountain through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and dramatic Himalayan scenery. As a restricted trekking area, permits are required, and most trekkers complete the route with a licensed guide over 12 to 16 days.
According to Kandoo experts, spring and autumn are the best seasons to trek in Nepal, offering the clearest mountain views and the most comfortable temperatures. Summer brings heavy monsoon rain, while winter can be extremely cold, particularly at higher elevations. Nepal actually has five seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter, with the monsoon typically beginning around 10 June and lasting until the end of September.
Each trek can take up to two weeks or more. As you can imagine, you will spend most of your time on the trail rather than enjoying lazy mornings in a hotel. Fortunately, tea houses and simple lodges are available along most popular trekking routes. Keep in mind that extras such as Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, and hot showers often come at an additional cost.
Learn social norms
A well-known proverb says: 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' The same applies to Nepal since their culture differs so much from the Western one.
To see as much as possible in Nepal, you will have to walk a lot, as the Nepalese Himalayas are home to some of the world's most spectacular trekking routes. Popular options include:
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (easy)
- Everest Base Camp Trek (moderate)
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek (moderate)
- Manaslu Circuit Trekking (challenging)
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek (challenging)
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking route is considered one of Nepal's top five treks, and is one of the most rewarding. It circles the world's eighth-highest mountain through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and dramatic Himalayan scenery. As a restricted trekking area, permits are required, and most trekkers complete the route with a licensed guide over 12 to 16 days.
According to Kandoo experts, spring and autumn are the best seasons to trek in Nepal, offering the clearest mountain views and the most comfortable temperatures. Summer brings heavy monsoon rain, while winter can be extremely cold, particularly at higher elevations. Nepal actually has five seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter, with the monsoon typically beginning around 10 June and lasting until the end of September.
Each trek can take up to two weeks or more. As you can imagine, you will spend most of your time on the trail rather than enjoying lazy mornings in a hotel. Fortunately, tea houses and simple lodges are available along most popular trekking routes. Keep in mind that extras such as Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, and hot showers often come at an additional cost.
Learn social norms
A well-known proverb says: 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' The same applies to Nepal since their culture differs so much from the Western one.
Before you hit the road, learn more about accepted social norms; it will help you understand the locals and their culture.
When you meet people in Nepal, place your palms together to say 'namaskar' or 'namaste.' It means 'hello' and 'how are you.'
Feel free to accept a handshake from women and men. Offering your hand to a woman is considered rude. If you know that woman is married, avoid touching her since it can offend her husband.
It is acceptable if people of the same sex hold hands on the street. It is essential to mention that a lot of Nepalese have never heard of the concept of homosexuality. Touching another man is considered just a friendly gesture.
When you meet people in Nepal, place your palms together to say 'namaskar' or 'namaste.' It means 'hello' and 'how are you.'
Feel free to accept a handshake from women and men. Offering your hand to a woman is considered rude. If you know that woman is married, avoid touching her since it can offend her husband.
It is acceptable if people of the same sex hold hands on the street. It is essential to mention that a lot of Nepalese have never heard of the concept of homosexuality. Touching another man is considered just a friendly gesture.
If a Nepalese family invites you over for dinner, accept their offer since it's an opportunity to get to know these people better and taste traditional food.
Don't enter the house with your shoes on and always wash your hands before coming to the table.
Most probably, the lady of the house will offer you food multiple times. Don't get mad since it is a sign of hospitality. A wife usually starts eating food after everyone is full. To get out of this uncomfortable situation (when they offer food, and you don't feel like it), take just a little of everything. Also, be extremely careful with cooked rice since spilling it on the floor is considered an insult to the Goddess of Food.
Don't enter the house with your shoes on and always wash your hands before coming to the table.
Most probably, the lady of the house will offer you food multiple times. Don't get mad since it is a sign of hospitality. A wife usually starts eating food after everyone is full. To get out of this uncomfortable situation (when they offer food, and you don't feel like it), take just a little of everything. Also, be extremely careful with cooked rice since spilling it on the floor is considered an insult to the Goddess of Food.
Nepalese people are very friendly
The good thing is that many people in Nepal do speak English. Nepalese English is considered a business language in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. However, don't expect everyone to understand your accent and wordings. If you want to make friends faster, take a Nepali phrasebook with you. Don't be afraid to look foolish while speaking Nepali since the locals will appreciate your efforts anyway.
If you see a cute baby, don't tell his parents how healthy and cute he looks. Nepalese might be offended since they believe that such compliments bring bad luck. However, they will be happy if you say that one of them is fat, it is considered a compliment!
Another important thing to know is that Nepalese nod their heads up and down to say 'no' and shake it from one side to another when they want to say 'yes.'
If you see a cute baby, don't tell his parents how healthy and cute he looks. Nepalese might be offended since they believe that such compliments bring bad luck. However, they will be happy if you say that one of them is fat, it is considered a compliment!
Another important thing to know is that Nepalese nod their heads up and down to say 'no' and shake it from one side to another when they want to say 'yes.'
Prayer flags are a common sight in Nepal
Be aware
People in Nepal do things differently; some of them might surprise you. First of all, you will not find WiFi in every coffee place in Nepal. As stated above, you will need to pay extra in most hostels in order to stay connected to the world. So, consider buying the Nepali sim. You can do it at the airport right after landing. Don't forget to take a copy of your passport with you since it is a necessary thing for number registration.
Also, avoid drinking tap water and eating street food in Nepal. Following this simple rule will help you prevent stomach issues. When you pack for a daily trip, make sure you have cash, hand sanitizer, toilet paper (or wipes), and first aid kit. And yes, prepare to see a lot of squat toilets since these are still very popular in Nepal. Other than that, you will have a lot of fun exploring a new culture
People in Nepal do things differently; some of them might surprise you. First of all, you will not find WiFi in every coffee place in Nepal. As stated above, you will need to pay extra in most hostels in order to stay connected to the world. So, consider buying the Nepali sim. You can do it at the airport right after landing. Don't forget to take a copy of your passport with you since it is a necessary thing for number registration.
Also, avoid drinking tap water and eating street food in Nepal. Following this simple rule will help you prevent stomach issues. When you pack for a daily trip, make sure you have cash, hand sanitizer, toilet paper (or wipes), and first aid kit. And yes, prepare to see a lot of squat toilets since these are still very popular in Nepal. Other than that, you will have a lot of fun exploring a new culture
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