Nepal – Kathmandu

10 TIPS

1. MONKEYS DO STEAL

Be aware of the monkeys, they are professional thieves. They’ll take a souvenir from you like your keys, sunglasses, camera, food (especially fruits) and if you get really lucky, your wallet .😈

2. LOCALS ARE NICE, BUT DON’T ABUSE THEM 

They will smile all the time and they’ll try to keep you happy. This parts of the world are well known for their hospitality and high levels of customer satisfaction, so it’s up to you to set the limits and don’t abuse this nice people.

My experience was that my tour guide, a very nice fellow, father of 2, followed me for 10 hours in my adventure in which he barely ate one time. In my eagerness to explore and see more i totally forgot of the person i was pulling up with me. I apologised later but this is a very good reminder for the people travelling to Nepal, not to abuse the locals, cause they will rarely say “no” to you.

3. BUY BOOKS

You can find incredible cheap books (for less than 5 $ each) that for some reasons are prohibited for selling outside India and Nepal.

Also remember to change back the local currency you still have, before you exit the country .(It’s again prohibited to take out their banknotes, plus you’ll never find an exchange that will give you back your money).

4. TAKE THE TUK TUK

If you are thinking about a fast, fun and quite original way to move around then you definitely have to try the Asian tuk tuk small vehicle. It goes faster than the regular taxi, it can accommodate up to 3 persons I would say and it’s very very cheap.

You’ll get very fast to your destination, in case there are no “strikes“( when the roads get blocked and the traffic it’s living hell).

5. DON’T TOUCH THE MONKS

Even if they are friendly considerate people that like to talk to you and click pictures together, they don’t particularly like to be touched.  They sure have their reasons for that and it’s not because you didn’t take a shower today😄.

6. TIPS

Always carry on small notes and coins, because people in the hospitality industry do appreciate good tips. Who doesn’t actually ? To my knowledge only Japan doesn’t like the practice of tipping, but that’s a special case that i’ll not discuss now.

7. RESPECT FOR THE BUDDHA 

Even though Buddhism it’s not the major religion of the country, being the second in turn (after Hinduism with more than 80% of the population believers), there are many statues of the Buddha displayed, so kindly show respect to them while visiting the temples or taking pictures.

8. FOOD POISONING  

This subject it’s particularly sensible for me, because somehow, especially in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, I always end up getting food poisoning, severe case or easy one, but always with some nasty diarrhea, stomach upset and cramps.

Yes, i’m a winner! I’m not sure if it’s the change of climate, water, diet, mosquitos or whatever, but it usually gets me in the first day. So take precautions or bring some light medication with you.

9. WHAT TO DO WITH THE HANDS 

When eating try not to use the left hand, as per the local culture.

Use both of your hands when you are giving and receiving something, that shows respect and gratitude.

10. HIKING 

If you go for trekking and hiking, do not go alone. And do not go alone. And do not go alone. There are many people that went missing or got lost in Nepal.

Also, don’t forget to always carry a passport copy with you, wherever you go. 🙃

NAMASTE ! ( “THE DIVINE IN ME SALUTES THE DIVINE IN YOU”)