Cultural Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts

Cultural Etiquette in Nepal — Do’s & Don’ts (helpful, practical, and respectful)

Nepal is warm, spiritual, and richly diverse. People are proud of their traditions, politely formal in many settings, and wonderfully hospitable — but customs matter. Below is a practical guide you can use whether you’re visiting, working, or meeting Nepalis (including the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley). I’ve focused on what to do, what to avoid, why these things matter, and short examples you can try out.

Quick overview: the spirit behind Nepali etiquette

Nepali etiquette centres on respect for elders, religion, communal space, and personal boundaries. Simple acts like greeting correctly, using the right hand, and removing shoes communicate that you see and respect local values. When in doubt, be polite, observe, and follow your host’s lead.

1) Greeting people: do this

• Use “Namaste” / “Namaskar” with palms pressed together at chest level and a slight bow. It’s the safest, most respectful greeting across ages, castes, and religions. If someone offers a handshake, follow their lead (men commonly shake hands; wait for a woman to offer first).
• Address elders first in a group — a nod or Namaste to the eldest person is expected.

Why it matters: Namaste is both polite and spiritual — it literally acknowledges “the divine in you.” It signals humility and respect.

2) Hands, eating, and giving: follow the right-hand rule

• Give and receive items (money, gifts, food, business cards) with your right hand or both hands. If you must use the left, touch your left wrist with your right while handing something over.
• When eating with hands, use only the right hand to pick up food; the left is traditionally considered unclean. Don’t lick spoons or share plates after you’ve taken a bite — that’s considered “jutho” (contaminated).

Practical tip: If offered tea or food, accept with your right hand and sip/finish politely — leaving food can be seen as rude.

3) Homes & temples: remove shoes, dress modestly, behave quietly

• Always remove shoes before entering homes, kitchens, many shops, and nearly all temples/monasteries. Place them neatly; upside-down shoes are considered unlucky.
• Dress modestly at religious sites — cover shoulders and knees. In some Hindu temples (e.g., certain areas at Pashupatinath) non-Hindus may not be allowed in inner sanctums — pay attention to signs and local guidance.
• Move clockwise around stupas, chortens and most Buddhist shrines. Be quiet and respectful during rituals; ask before photographing people or ceremonies.

Example: If you visit Swayambhu or Boudhanath, leave shoes outside, keep your shoulders covered, walk clockwise around stupas, and don’t step across prayer flags or people in prayer.

4) Respect for elders & personal boundaries

• Elders are shown high respect: a small bow, Namaste, or touching their feet (charan-sparsh / pranāma) is common in families and can be offered on special occasions or when seeking blessings. It’s a personal/practice-based gesture — follow your host’s cues.
• Avoid touching heads (it’s considered the most sacred part of the body) and avoid pointing with a single finger (gesture with the whole hand or chin instead). 

  Note: Public displays of romantic affection are usually frowned upon outside tourist areas.

5) Newar (Newari) etiquette — specifics from the Kathmandu Valley

The Newar community has a dense, living cultural tradition with many unique rituals and social norms:

• Ceremonies & rituals: Newar culture keeps distinct life-cycle ceremonies like Sagan (a ceremonial offering of auspicious foods and blessings) and Mha Puja (self-worship on Nepal Sambat New Year). If you’re invited to participate or offered sagan, accept respectfully and follow the host’s lead — it’s an honour.
• Community courtyards (Bahal/Bahi): Many Newar neighbourhoods centre on shared courtyards and community guilds (guthis). Respect quiet hours, ritual processions, and restrictions around sacred courtyards.
• Showing respect: In Newar households, you may see younger people bow or offer pranaam to elders; reciprocate humbly if it happens to you. If offered ritual food or a blessing, accept with both hands.

Tip: Newar hospitality is ritual-rich. If they ask you to join a ceremony, say yes if you can; observe closely and ask questions respectfully afterwards.

6) Photography, public behaviour & social norms

• Ask before photographing people (especially monks, sadhus, or during religious ceremonies). Some areas restrict photography.
• Don’t step over people or sacred objects. Don’t point your feet at people, books, or images of gods; avoid placing your feet on furniture.
• Gifts and gestures: Avoid leather gifts for devout Hindus; handicrafts, tea, or books are safer. When giving money or gifts in formal settings, present them with both hands.

7) Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Mistake: Offering food after you’ve already bitten it.
Fix: Don’t share or re-offer food you’ve tasted; ask for a fresh serving.
• Mistake: Using the left hand to eat or hand over money.
Fix: Use your right hand; if left-hand use is unavoidable, use both hands or touch your left wrist with your right.
• Mistake: Touching someone’s head or pointing with a finger.
Fix: Use a nod, Namaste, or motion with an open palm or chin.

Pocket checklist — Do’s & Don’ts


Do:

1. Do say Namaste and greet elders first.
2. Do remove shoes before entering homes/temples and position them neatly.
3. Do use the right hand for eating, giving, and receiving.
4. Do ask permission before taking photos and when joining rituals.
5. Do accept Newar ritual hospitality (sagan, Mha Puja) with respect.

Don’t:

1. Don’t touch heads or point with one finger.
2. Don’t wear shoes into temples or kitchens. (help.wendywutours.com.au)
3. Don’t share a bottle or mouth a glass that someone else has used. (worktheworld.com)
4. Don’t assume all temples are open to non-Hindus; follow signs and ask. (World Nomads)

Final notes — how to be the kind of guest Nepalis love

Be patient, smile, and show curiosity. Praising Nepali food, asking polite questions about festivals, and attempting a Namaste or a few Nepali words will go a long way. If you want to be extra considerate: learn a simple phrase like “धन्यवाद / dhanyabad” (thank you) or “तपाईंलाई नमस्ते / tapā’īnlā’ī namaste” and use it sincerely.

Sources & further reading (selected)

• Nepal etiquette guides & greetings. (Breathe Nepal Trekking)
• Temple, shoe, and religious site rules. (Hi DMC)
• Right-hand / food etiquette & practical tips. (Rough Guides)
• Temple access & cultural site behavior. (World Nomads)
• Newar rituals (Sagan, Mha Puja) and community courtyards. (Wikipedia)

Enjoy Nepal — it’s friendly, soulful, and full of small moments that reward simple respect.