Travel guide · Nepal
Nepal Culture and Etiquette Guide
Greet with namaste, dress modestly, use your right hand and ask before photographing — the basics of respectful travel.
Nepal is deeply religious and culturally rich, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions with dozens of ethnic groups. A little awareness of local customs goes a long way, and Nepalis are forgiving of honest mistakes from respectful visitors.
The short answer
Greet people with namaste, dress modestly and remove your shoes at temples and homes. Use your right hand for eating and giving, ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and walk clockwise around stupas and shrines. Show respect to elders and religious sites, and you'll find Nepalis warm and welcoming in return.
Temples and religious sites
Religion is woven into daily life, so temples deserve particular care:
- Remove your shoes and often leather items before entering
- Walk clockwise around stupas, shrines and prayer wheels
- Don't touch offerings, statues or people's heads
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
- Respect signs — some Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus, and photography is banned in places
Everyday do's and don'ts
- Do greet with namaste and a slight bow, especially to elders.
- Do use your right hand for eating, paying and passing objects.
- Do ask permission before taking someone's photo.
- Don't point at people or sacred objects with your feet, or step over someone sitting.
- Don't show public displays of affection, which are frowned upon outside cities.
- Don't touch food or a shared plate with cutlery others will use, and avoid offering food you've already bitten.
Eating the national dish, dal bhat, with your right hand is a lovely way to connect with local custom, and you'll quickly get the hang of it.
To put this into practice, see the top attractions in Kathmandu, full of temples where etiquette matters, browse the best places to visit in Nepal, and read our balanced take on whether Nepal is safe for more on travelling respectfully.
Frequently asked questions
How do you greet people in Nepal?+
The traditional greeting is namaste, said with your palms pressed together at chest height and a slight bow. It works as both hello and a sign of respect, and is especially appropriate with elders and in religious settings. A handshake is also common in cities, particularly in business contexts.
What should you wear in Nepal?+
Dress modestly, particularly outside the cities and at religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid very revealing clothing. At many temples you'll need to remove your shoes, and some Hindu sites restrict entry to non-Hindus, so follow signs and the lead of local visitors.
Why should you use your right hand in Nepal?+
The left hand is traditionally considered unclean, so use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving money or gifts, and handing things to people. When eating local meals like dal bhat with your hand, use the right hand only. Using both hands to give or receive shows extra respect.
Is it rude to take photos of people in Nepal?+
It can be if you don't ask first. Always seek permission before photographing people, especially at religious ceremonies, and respect any signs banning photography inside temples or of certain deities. A smile and a gesture towards your camera usually does the trick, and many people are happy to oblige.
