A tiny Himalayan nation sandwiched between the two giants India and China, Nepal in the eyes of a tourist, is one of the most fascinating places to visit on earth once in your lifetime. Before stepping your foot on this magnificent land and walking the impressive hiking trails or the cobbled-stone alleys of Kathmandu, here are few things to know about the country before you arrive:
- Capital City: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese rupee (US$1=110 NPR approx.)
- Time: UTC + 5:45 (9 hr 45min ahead of US Eastern Standard Time)
- International Phone Code: +977
- Religion: Hinduism
- Avoid drinking tap water in Nepal
- Nepal has really excellent food from all countries
- There is more than one Durbar Square in Kathmandu
- Lord Buddha, the spiritual Buddhist preacher was born in Nepal
- Nepal has similar cultures to India, but do not call Nepali people Indians
- Nepal is filled with lots of English speakers
- Around 123 languages are spoken in Nepal
- Squat toilets are common in Nepal
- Avoid eating street foods in Nepal
- A mask is an essential commodity in Nepal
- Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain is in Nepal
- The quickies and easiest way out in Nepal is a taxi
- Kathmandu is busier and dirtier than you can expect
- Eating ‘buff’ on a Nepali menu means eating buffalo meat
- Try the local Newari and Thakali food during your visit
- Nepal has the thickest concentration of World Heritage Sites
- Nepal is the only country in the world that has a triangular shaped national flag, two triangles stacked on one another
- It’s completely normal to haggle, except at branded outlets or in the malls
- Dress modestly if you are planning to visit the religious spots
- Hinduism and Buddhism exist in close harmony in Nepal
- The red dot on a woman’s forehead is called a ‘Tika’
- In Nepal, caste system still exists
- Sherpa is a caste, not a job-designation
- Visit Jhamsikhel or Jhamel, the other Thamel
- Eat momos: choose them wisely
- Saturday is a weekend, while Sunday is a working day in Nepal
- Don’t forget to appreciate the art of Nepal
- Kumari is the living goddess of Nepal; remember to pay homage
- No beef in Nepal as cows are considered sacred and worshipped
- Certain religious spots are prohibited to foreigners
- Nepalese people mostly eat with hands; they will accept food from others plate
- It is advantageous if you hire a tour guide or a trekking guide
- Small tips are expected for services in restaurants, by drivers or your guide
- Be careful while crossing roads, cars usually do not want to stop
- It is good to know some of the local phrases like Namaste (Hi/Hello/Greetings), Dhanyabaad (Thank You) or Malai Thaha Chhaina (I don’t know)