Nepal
More than a really tall mountain
The Basics:
Nepal is a diverse nation about the size of Arkansas, located between China and India in South Asia. It encompasses a range of climates. From an alpine climate in the mountainous North, to the subtropical flat river plains in the south, Nepal has something for travelers of all interests!
The Himalayas ~
Nepal draws many tourists planning to scale Mt. Everest, or another of the country's peaks. If your plans include mountain climbing, be prepared for cold weather and snow. The mountain regions of Nepal have cool summers and severe winters.
Kathmandu and the South ~
If you aren't much for climbing, the capital of Kathmandu offers many attractions as well. The southern region also holds Tarai, the flat river plains. Southern Nepal has four seasons, including hot summers and mild winters. The south also experiences a monsoon season from June to August, so bring an umbrella if your trip falls in that time frame!
How to Fit In:
Language
Although the national language of Nepal is Nepali, there are more than 800 languages spoken throughout the country. Travelers needn't worry, most business people in and around the capital can speak English.Customs
- Most Nepali are Hindus or Buddhists, and therefore most do not eat beef. Don't expect to find it in local restaurants or homes.
- In Nepal, men are normally the workers and support the family while women stay home to care for children and cook.
- During meals, it is custom to eat with your right hand. Although some higher caste families use silverware, it is most common to eat by forming a scoop with your right hand.
- Family meals are most often eaten together on the floor, sometimes people will be seated on mats or rugs.
- Nepal has a caste system, and marriages are arranged by parents within the caste.
Don't...
- Sit with your feet up, or show anyone the bottom of your feet, it is considered very rude.
- Touch a child's (or anyone's) head. The head is considered sacred and the hands unclean. Touching someone on top of the head is offensive.
- Shake hands with a man unless he offers his first, and never shake a woman's hand.
- Engage in PDA. Even hugging or kissing on the cheek may be very offensive in some parts of Nepal.
- Wear shorts, short skirts, or low-cut tops. Although it is sometimes okay for men to wear shorts in the southern agricultural areas, revealing clothing will be inappropriate in Kathmandu and the surrounding areas.
Modern Nepal:
Nepal was recognized as a country in 2006, and has experienced monumental change since that time. In the city, urban youth are developing their own culture, taking up Western activities such as beat-boxing, modern art, and skateboarding. Western clothing is becoming the norm, and more people are moving to and developing cities.
However, pieces of old Nepal can still be found. The Sherpa people, or mountain dwellers, still live a traditional lifestyle in the Himalayas, and traditional temples and places of worship are abundant.
Sources ~
Abruzzini, Bibbi. "Subcultures Emerge in Nepal." Asia Pacific Daily. N.p., 26 May 2014. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.
"Culture." Welcome Nepal Culture Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
"Nepal Link." Climate & Weather in Nepal. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.
"Nepal: 20 Important Tips for Nepal Travelers." - TripAdvisor. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.
"South Asia: Nepal." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.
Rajbhandari, Dinesh. "Some Cultural Do's and Don'ts." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.