I meet a lot of first-time visitors on the trail and in the city. Most of them have the same questions, so here is the list I’d give a friend before their first trip.
- Learn “Namaste”. Palms together, a small nod. It works everywhere.
- Use your right hand to give and receive money, food and gifts.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and temples.
- Ask before photographing people, especially at religious sites.
- Dal bhat comes with refills. Say “pugyo” when you’ve had enough.
- Carry small notes. Change is often hard to find outside the cities.
- Plan for slow roads. Distances on the map take longer than you think.
- Drink treated water and avoid plastic where you can.
- Take shoes off when entering homes and some temples.
- Dress modestly, especially in villages and sacred places.
- Expect power cuts in remote areas — carry a power bank.
- Say yes to tea. It’s how most good conversations begin.
