“If Nepal does not bring a smile to your face every single day, you are a lost cause”. The world is in awe of Nepal’s beauty and its rich and diverse culture. Popularly known as the land of the majestic Himalayas and natural beauty, Nepal packs some serious trekking, sight-seeing and backpacking destinations. Possessing eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventure. The trekking paradise of the world offers charming hill villages and jungle wildlife. Don’t worry about the expenses. Bodhi Tree Hostel provides accommodation facilities for as low as $5 per night. There are thousands of tourists visiting Nepal every year. Many tourists research their visit but minor things never hit their radar. Here are a few things that you should know before visiting Nepal.

1) Social Custom in Nepal   
The culture of Nepalese people is a lot different from European and American cultures. First and foremost, you should know how to greet local people. The traditional method of greeting in Nepal involves placing your palms together in a praying style and saying “Namaste” or “Namaskar.” Address your senior as “dai” for Men and “didi” for Women. Avoid stepping over someone’s leg to stay away from an unhealthy stare. If you are invited to a Nepalese home, remember to remove your shoes before entering. Once you mastered this, you will feel a little welcomed and comfortable in Nepal.

2) Experiences in Nepal
Given Nepal’s popularity as one of the most popular destination for adventure tourism, it’s no surprise there are some breathtaking places to explore. Trekking, Hiking, and Mountaineering become difficult if you are a solo traveler. Make sure to grab a friend and share a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer. If you love mountain climbing, be aware of frostbite, unpleasant weather, and storms. Make sure to carry warm clothes and gear for climbing. In addition to trekking and mountaineering, Nepal offers a variety of outdoor activities to undertake. Rafting in Bhote Koshi and Trishuli, Bungee jumping in Bhote Koshi, paragliding in Pokhara and many other activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Enjoy the adventures but always be careful. There are few hidden places in Nepal that might have never hit your radar. (5 beautiful places you might miss while visiting Nepal)

3) Traditional Nepali Food
The food in Nepal quiet differs from European, American or Chinese food. Kathmandu offers various food options but you should not miss the local stuff. Newari food is a special delight. The ethnic community has complicated and diverse cookery. Try a plate full of chhwela (spiced meat), Bara (special cake made up of lentils and eggs), Hakuchoila (spiced ground meat), bhuttan (fried intestine and other abdominal parts) and many other dishes. Most of the local Newari restaurants are tucked inside narrow, dark alleys in the older parts of towns. The heavy dose of vegetables, meat or fish, pulses, pickles, curry, ghee along with rice makes are mouth-watering delicacies- staples for Nepali people. There are dozens of Thakali restaurants in Thamel and other areas of Kathmandu. Beside Newari and Thakali food, other popular dishes include Sel Roti, Dhindo and Momo, Momo being the most eaten snack in Kathmandu.

4) Come to Celebrate
Nepal is distinctly known as the world of colorful vibrant festivals. Holi, Dashain, Tihar, Rato Machchhindranath Jatra, Shiva Ratri, Maghe Sankranti are some major festivals celebrated in Nepal. Despite various ethnic backgrounds and diverse beliefs, all people unite in the celebration of these festivals. The festival of Holi, the rice planting festival during the monsoon and Dashain festival in the autumn are also windows to Nepali culture. You can connect with local people on these auspicious occasions. These festivals reflect various groups’ cultures, ethnicity, and ways of life.

5)  Enjoy Safe Travel
There are hundreds of countries where personal security is a big concern but Nepal is not one of them. Nepal is pretty much a peaceful country. Due to Nepalese people’s spiritual nature and kindness, security has never been a major concern for tourists. Just be careful with monkeys. They can steal your food or personal belongings in the blink of an eye. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Just keep in mind that roads are unpaved and very bumpy and pedestrian, motorcycle and rickshaws share the same confined space, so watch your step.

Nepal is a beautiful paradise full of beautiful Himalayas, diverse culture and adventurous destinations. Exchange cultures, make new friends, learn new things and find adventure in your life visiting Nepal.