A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Nepal

2 rules found

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Nepal

Nepal: you must hire a guide to trek in national parks

Do

  • Get a trekking permit and TIMS card
  • Hire a local guide or porter

Don’t

  • Trekking alone in national parks and conservation areas

Breaking the rules can mean a fine or expulsion from the protected area; above 3,000 m there are risks from weather, avalanches and altitude sickness all year.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Nepal travel advice

Cultural sensitivitiesTemples & religious sitesPlace-specific guidance · Nepal

Nepal: temple etiquette

Do

  • Wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders in temples
  • Take off your shoes when asked

Don’t

  • Wearing shorts or a vest at holy sites
  • Entering areas reserved for Hindus

It offends worshippers; some areas of Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Nepal travel advice

Site-specific notes 5

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Nepali momo

  • Don't pass or take food with your left hand
  • don't order or talk about beef fillings in front of Hindus

Lumbini

  • No noise or revealing clothing in the sacred garden
  • don't touch the sacred stone or artefacts
  • no drones.

Boudhanath Stupa

  • Don't point directly at Buddha images or the Buddha's eyes
  • take off shoes and hats and keep quiet when entering the surrounding monasteries.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

  • No photos when the Kumari appears (usually signposted in the courtyard)
  • some buildings are still being restored after the 2015 earthquake, so don't enter fenced-off areas.