Imagine a land filled with lush landscapes,
soaring mountain peaks, colorful, friendly locals and a fascinating culture as
old as the day is long. Now
imagine you have arrived at this land and are immediately met with exhilarating
adventure, from trekking to biking to white water rafting and everything in
between – where you play and discover all day, dine on delicious local cuisine
at night and learn about some of the most interesting and benevolent people in
the world. What you’ve imagined
isn’t a fantasy – it’s the country of Nepal, where the adventure is matched
only by the warm hospitality and the incredible nature that surrounds you.
A trip to this exotic country is certain to
delight and intrigue even the worldliest traveler, and will undoubtedly leave
an indelible mark on your heart and in your soul. But before you pack your bags and set out on your own Nepali
expedition, here are a few travel tips from the experts at Ace the Himalaya to help you get the
most out your journey.
1.) Buyer Beware
If the price tag seems too good to be true, as in most small
stores, it probably is. For
instance, the North Face - with possibly a slight variation in the name, like
Narth Foce- merchandise will not last you more than a month.
2.) Careful Respect
Always remove your shoes before entering a temple - but do
make sure they're kept somewhere safe, where people and native temple monkeys
can't find them.
3.) Toilet Time
It may not be your favorite subject, but let’s face it –
everybody does it. First thing you
want to do is check the toilet paper situation. To be on the safe side, you may even want to consider carrying
your own stock. Oh, and don't
forget to stretch your legs before you squat.
4.) Don't Mind the Cows
The cow is the national animal of Nepal and is also revered as a holy
Hindu animal, which means beef is banned throughout the country. Stray cows (along with dogs and
occasionally, pigs) wander freely about the streets of Nepal, including in the
busy highways and the narrow alleys of Kathmandu, the capital city. Even the rowdiest of drivers don’t tend
to mind the cows in the streets.
5.) Eating Etiquette
Avoid "disrespecting" the food by inadvertently
touching it or bringing it into contact with a used plate or utensil. Using your own fork or spoon to serve
more food is not acceptable. Always
wait to be served by the host.
6.) Come with a Huge Appetite
If you feel you have been given too
much food, ask your hosts to take some away before you commence eating; this is
perfectly okay and is more appreciated than wasting food.
Of eating in Nepal, a traveller once
noted: “If you don't hold your hand over your plate, it doesn't matter how many
times you tell people you're full - they will just keep heaping food on your
plate. If holding your hand over your plate doesn't work, try bending your
whole torso over the plate to block the incoming food with a little more bulk.”
7.) Questions and Answers
Be prepared for lots of questions. Just walking in the streets you may be
asked: "What's your name? Where are you from? How old are you? Where are
you going?" (Perhaps
questions you may consider personal). Don't be affronted or consider it rude or an invasion of
privacy. It's usually genuine
curiosity, friendliness or a desire to practice their English. Respond with
patience and in a cheerful manner. Concepts of privacy in some countries can be very different
to your home country.
Nepal is so much more than just a lovely place to
visit. The terrain is some of the
most beautiful on earth, and the amazingly hospitable locals welcome visitors
with open arms, inviting them to truly discover what their beautiful country
has to offer. The endless
activities and challenges to conquer mean you’ll never be bored, and the unique
cultural experiences mean you’ll never forget your journey into Nepal. These travel tips will ensure that you
get the most out of your adventure and create lasting memories for all the
right reasons.
About Ace the Himalaya
Ace the Himalaya Community Service Volunteer
Program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to live and work in
Nepal. Volunteers may contribute in areas such as school education, health,
community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation
and fund raising and maintenance of the drinking water resources. With Ace the Himalaya, volunteering is
about building bridges, creating links, it's about inspiring, it’s about
sharing, and more than anything, it's about giving.
WorldNomads.com keeps
you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for
the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you
can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. Learn how
to flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides and have
an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship.
We'll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, get answers from
other nomads to all of your travel questions (try the new 'Ask
A Nomad' iPad app) and donate to a local community development project through
our Footprints program.
WorldNomads.com -
an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
