Do's And Don'ts

Tourists coming to Nepal are naturally from different societies,different geographical locations, different culture, different political environment,different religions,different ethnic background etc. They are not familiar with our customs and traditions. In such a context,whenever they enter our society,they may find many things unfamiliar or unacceptable.The things and behaviors that are all right to us may be peculiar to them or vice versa.So you are expected to inform them about the society they are visiting.
*In oriental countries,especially Nepali people will not let you know of their displeasure.They are a more reserved type of people.Their disliking are expressed as disliking,contact,willingness to serve and honor.By respecting the Nepali people and their customs in positive ways will get you more respect in return.

*Nepal is a complex social mosiac,with Hindu and Buddhist traditions overlapping Animist and Shanamistic beliefs.Their respect to each other and acceptance of co existence has knitted the social fabric together throughout the centuries.Do not try to divide,separate and differentiate them.You need only to observe what Nepalies around you are doing and act accordingly.

Dress

*The dress code for men is as important as that for women.It is advised to weare socially accepted dress.It should not give cultural shock to the host society.

Security

*"Why do you rob banks willy?""That's where the money is"Do not expose and show-off your prosperity.Do not display large sums of money.Carry only the equipment you except to use.

*Lock your bags,whenever possible.Try to have all your belongings inside your pack and keep the pockets done up with small items buried inside the luggage.Do not let people get tempted.

*Do not leave bags and belonging in crowded areas.Be watchful.
Other Concerns

*Treat your porters with respect.Make sure that they are well equipped and with sufficient food.

*Trekkers often like to relax in Hot Springs or swim in rivers or lakes.While doing so,women should not bare their breasts.Men may go bare-chested while swimming or bathing,but not at other times.

*There are many good locally made craft items in certain areas.Purchasing these at the going prices is certainly beneficial to the local economy.

*Do not give money or items to the people who have not done special favors to you.

*Respect people's desire not to be photographed.

*The freely available marijuana and hasis attract some foreigners.The plant grows as weed.Buying and selling and consumption of such items is illegal.So,be discreet in the use of marijuana.

*One should not accept as gifts or buy objects or art,manuscripts,images etc,which have antique value.These need to stay here for future visitors.Whether something is antique or not can be established by the Department of Archeology.

*Entry to most temples is restricted to foreigners. So,you should confirm with local people and watch signboards.

Bargaining

Bargaining is almost 'universal'in Asia.It is like a game.You are expected to bargain but not at the cost of friendship.

*Once a price is agreed upon,it is "fixed".

*Bargaining takes time.So be leisurely and relaxed.

*Calculate the monetary value of the amount in dispute.Sometimes it may just be few cents and worth the haggle for something.

*Prices of certain items are fixed,such as food,and bargaining is not appropriate.

Eating

*Nepalies are concerned about ritual pollution of food when it is touched by an outsider.As a foreigner,you are an outsider.Thus,do not touch any cooked food though it is usually all right to handle uncooked food such as fruit and raw vegetables.

*While drinking from a container avoid touching your lip to it;pour the liquid into your mouth.

*Wait for food to be served to you rather than helping yourself.

*Do not give leftovers to the hosts,even though it may be rare delicacies.Do not offer anything from your plate if you have taken a bite.This is "Jutho"-contaminated for others-if any food is touched by the lips,the food,glass,bottle,entire plate si contaminated.The utensils must be washed before anyone else uses them.All leftovers food or drink must either be thrown away or fed to animals.Hence,do not accept more than you can eat.

*Do not touch food with your left hand.Give and eceive items wiht your right hand.To receive to two hands is to show respect.

Customs

*The fire and hearth are considered sacred.Thus,do not throw any refuse into a hearth.

*Shoes are considered as most degrading objects,so keep them on the floor or ground.Shoes,especially leather ones should always be removed before entering any kind of temple,gompa or monastery and before entering a Nepali home.If you are in doubt,follow the example of your host.Do nto touch anyone with your shoes.The greatest insult is to kick him or her with your shoes.

*The head of an adult Nepali is the mos sacred or ritually clean part of the body.You should never touch it.Similarly,do not touch any one wiht your left hand.

*While sitting do not point the sole of your feet at any one.

*Nepalese do not step over your legs and feet.Be sure to draw them up to make a path for anyone coming or going.The same way,do not step over anybody.

*Gurada,lions or lotus carved stones on the pavement or slightly recessed square pit usually marks the front of the shrines or the image of the carriers of the deity may be seen.These define the territory of the shrine.

*Leather products such as belts,jackets,shoe and bags are prohibited in most religious places.please leave them outside.

*While travelling,you may pass Buddhist mani-walls,stupas,chorten,temples or religious places or objects.keep them on your right as a sign of respect.

Begging and Dealing with Children

*Trekkers may sometimes encounter beggars. There are few traditional beggars such as Gaine-a special cast or group of families who travel around singing and begging; Sadhus or holy men-who have left families,personal properties and materialistic attachments.They travel and beg as part of their life style.Note the actions of the Nepali around you when deciding whether to give and how much to give.

*Nepalese have had good dental hygiene in the past due to low consumption of sugar.Do not work against this by giving candy.

*Do not encourage smoking by handing out cigarettes,especially to children.

*Do not encourage children to beg.Help the Nepalese to maintain their self-respect.

Campsite, Campsite Selection

Campers are the tourists who prefer outdoor activities.They prefer to stay in open-air hotels.They move from place to place.Some of them are well equiped with camping facilities like a moving hotel.For this purpose,camping vans and buses are also popular.Others stay in the developed campsites.Such campsites are developed by private organizations or by Government or by local authority.They prefer to camp near the sea or lake.Mud,swamp,and low and humid alluvial deposits do not attract the campers.In forests,campers will prefer a location either on the edge of the forest or in a cleaning. In Nepal,camping sites are required for trekking and for multi day rafting.Trekking is moving from spot to stop and from on mountain village to another.So,trekking needs camping facilities.With the growth of trekking business and increase in the number of participants,there is always the need ofr camping sites.Camping sites ae developed along the trkking trails and teahouses or local lodges have been developed alone the substitute the camps.Teahouses are well developed in three treikking regions; Annapurna, Langtang and Everest where we could operate Teahouse Trek. In a camping trek,which is known as a fully supported trek,each and every thing required for camping would be carried by the porters along the trekkers. Factors Affecting Locationsa.Physical Factor:While selecting a location for a camping ground,certain physical factors have to be taken into consideration.The ground must be firm,fairly level,without sharp rocks,no risky areas or objects around.Guests prefer the best view point but it may have some other negative aspects such as risk of thunderstorms.Considre the preciling climatic conditions and there should be protection from the wind.The surrounding vegetation besides being pleasing to the eye should provide adequate but not excessive shade.The site should have water facility.b.Economic Factor:Careful study of the cost involved or will involve in camping should be made.Labour and management costs will vary from one region to another.The cost of local or regional camping fee must be calculated. The best campsites are the ones that have minimum diverse impact onthe fragile environment of the mountain.Some basic guide lines have been suggested to minimize the negative impact on environment.

*Select sensible and eco-friendly campsites as well as introduce various camping gears.

*Develop basis of waste management and distinguish and separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable litter.

*Understand the importance of sanitation and proper disposal of toilet tents.

*Familiarize with proper health and hygiene practices.Symbolic relationship between health and environment.

*Introduce hygiene kitchen.

*Proper drinking water treatment and the importance of clean and dry hands and towels.

*Leave your camping site cleaner than when you arrived. Litter is a hazardous pollutant.Burnable itmes like paper,cardboard,should be burned on site.Biodgradable such as food waste should be buried,and non-disposable items such as plastics,aluminum foil,batteries,glass,cans should be packed and carried to a suitable waste treatment site.Villagers often collect empty containers for reuse in their homes.You may give bottles or jars to adults but do not leave them behind at campsite and do not give them to children.Raft guides should organize a sweep of the beach before departure each day.

*There should be a toilet tent in every trip.Toilet pits should be dug well away from camp.Toilets should be located at least 50 meters way from any water source.Holes for pits should be dug at least 18 inches deep.Sprinkle dirt in the hole after each use to keep the flies away and recover the pit with dirt before the group leaves the camp.A bag should be provided in the tent to collect the used toilet paper.This used paper should be collected and burned on site.

*Make sure that every trip should use an alternative fuel source for cooking such as kersene or gas.Firewood should never be bought from villages.

*Use iodine or other means of sanitation instead of bottled mineral water.

Personal Items to be Brought By Clients

The list of items given below gives a general idea of the personal items to be brought by a trekker to trek in Nepal. Actually,the personal items are of individual interest,choice and the luxury he wants to enjoy and the most important fact he must consider is the time of the year,trekking days,region and altitude.Trekking agencies will organize a pre-departure briefing to their clients.

Foot wear

*Hiking boots with some ankle support.

*Training type shoes.

*Flip-flop or slippers for use around the camp.

Clothes

*Cotton shirts, T-shorts, jeans, etc.for day use.

*Socks and underwear-4/5 which can be easily washed and dried on daily basis.

*Trekking suits,light sweater,a wind proof jacket or lightly padded jacket,down jacket.

*Umbrella,sun hat,waterproof gear.
In a supported trek,porters carry heavy personnel items and clients are required to carry minimum items only.They carry what they might need during the daytime. So,they are briefed to pack their items in two different bags. In day pack In duffel bag Sun glasses Towels Moisturing lotion Torch/flash light Camera and spare films Spare batteries Water bottle Washing soup Trek permit/conservation Needle and thread Toilet paper Spare clothes

Altitude ILLness

The illness caused by high altitude is altitude illness.The general symptoms fo this illness are nausea,loss of appetite,sleep disturbance,shortness of breath,etc.The problem with altitude can affect any one,even at as low as 8000 ft (2450 m). In general,trekkers going quickly to higher altitudes are more likely to be affected.Two-thirds of the trekkers going to altitudes of 14,000-ft (4200m).or above will feel some symptoms.Those who hike up get fewer problems than those who fly up. Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization.The body will adjust automatically to gradual rate fo ascent by allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes.It is a totally preventable problem.The acclimatization varies greatly from individual to individual and even differs at different times in the same individual.A person who has already climbed a 8000m mountain may have difficulties at lower altitudes from ascending too rapidly. A large fluid intake to ensure good hydration is a factor that helps in acclimatization.Four liters or more a day of liquid is usually necessary.Urine volume should always exceed one liter.The urine color should be almost clear.Strong yellow color indicates that more fluid should be taken.One sign of adaption to altitude is a good natural amount of urine.If this is not found,one should be cautious. Alcoholic drinks should be avoided by dehydrated people.At high,altitude everyone should avoid it. Proper nutrition is another factor in acclimatization.Caloric intake should be maintained and the diet should be high in carbohydrates.A good appetite is a sign of acclimatization.Excessive salt intake should be avoided. Rest is also equally important for acclimatization.One should avoid carrying unnecessary load and going up too fast that makes you step due to breathlessness and pounding heart. Forced long and deep breathing reduces the mild symptoms of altitude illness.But doing so in excess may produce hyperventilation syndrome,in which shortness of breath,dizziness and numbness are present. The drug Diamox,has been recommended by some people to cope with altitude illness.The dose is 250mg.twice a day.It should be taken from two days before the trek begins and continued for three days.But this drug is not recommended because it has side effects.It may increase urine output,and some may feel numbness and tingling.The most important fact to be noticed is the false sense of security,which may lead to fatal accidents.The drug only prevents certains symptoms which will mislead,but does not prevent the serious life threatening ones. Mild symptoms of altitude illness

*Nausea.

*Loss of appetite.

*Mild shortness of breath with exertion.

*Sleep disturbance.

*Breathing irregularity,usually during sleep.

*Dizzness or light head aces.

*Mild weakness.

* Slight swelling of hands and face.

As long as the symptoms remain mild,and are only a nuisance.ascent at a modest rate can be continued.If several of the mild symptoms are present and the trekker is feeling quite uncomfortable,ascent should be halted and the victim should be observed closely.If there is no improvement after a few hours,or after a night's rest,we should descent on foot until the symptoms are relieved. Serious Symptoms of Altitude Illness

*shortness of breath and rapid breathing even after resting-twenty five or more inhalations and exhalations per minute.

*Severe coughing.

*Coughing off pinkish or rust-colored sputum.

*Rapid heart beat even after resting-110 or more beats per minute.

*Blueness of face and lips.

*Low urine output-less than a print(500ml)daily.

*President vomiting.

*Severe headache.

*Fatigue/tiredness.

*Delirum,confusion and coma.

*Loss of coordination.
If anyone in your party develops any of these symptoms,he should be descended "IMMEDIATELY"There are three rules for the treatment of altitude illness-descent,descent,descent.The victim should be kept warm and given oxygen if available.

Operational Guide Lines

Tourists are coming from different societies,cultures and religions.So,they are not familiar with our customs and traditions.In such contest they must be well informed.So,they will be helpful in protecting our man made and natural environment.Trekking agencies are required to organize a pre-departure briefing.In this meeting,the agency should inform them on the following subjects:

*Environmental guide lines:both man made and natural.

*Camp security management.

*How trekking is going to be organized.

*Trekking route and route map.

*Emergency evacuation procedure.

*Personal belongings they should carry and optional they may carry.

*They must not encourage children to beg.It might give them momentary satisfaction but the begging children also turn into professional beggars tomorrow.

*Respect the villagers and their traditions,prevailing rules and regulation.In turn,they will be given warm hospitality.

*Never buy any wildlife trophies or animal products from the local poachers.It is against the law of the land.

National parks : Flora and fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed.Do not collect any wildlife flowers,plants,fossils,orchids,rocks,etc.unless you have the permission from the concerned office even for scientific research;

*Firewood collection is strictly prohibited.

*Campers should be self sufficient in fuel.

*Beer bottles are strictly prohibited.

*Rubbish must be buried or disposed in a refuse pit.

*Mountain bikes or motor are prohibited inside the park.

*It is a legal to climb any peaks above 6,000m without permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association.

*Avoid collecting and purchasing of wild animal parts as it is illegal.

Porters : The foreigners have mentioned that "if the porters were an Olympic endurance weight lifting event.The Nepali porters would win all the medals"IPPG(International Porter Protraction Group)advice to celebrate and admire these incredible athletes of the mountains.Watch them in action,appreciate the balance,strength and of course their good nature. The IPPG has recommended the following guidelines:

*That adequate clothing be available for protection in bad weather and at altitude.

*That trekkers provide the same standard of medical care for themselves. *The sick porter never be sent off because of illness without informing the trekking members.

*The sick porter never be sent down alone.He must be provided sufficient funds to cover the cost of his return and treatment.

Environmnets : Both the government and the private sector are working hard for increasing the volume of tourism.With the increase of visitors along the trekking trails,there is the increasing degradation of the environmental condition of the trekking trails and in the Himalayan regions.The environmental degression of the Himalayas has become one of the major areas of concern.Different organizations,such as Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation,KEEP,WWF Nepal Programe,King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation,National Parks,Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal(TAAN)are making every effort towards the preservation and protection of the environment.TAAN has been conducting Eco-trekking workshop every year with the help of different organizations.The workshop provides trainings and awareness in conservation techniques for field staff,office managers and owners of trekking agencies. The workshop highligts the following subjects:High Altitude Sickness,Campsite and Waste Management,Saving Fuel wood or Alternative Fuel,Natural and Cultural Heritage,Recycling of Revenue,First Aid,Health and Sanitation and Map Reading etc.The workshops hope to overcome the problems and take precautions.4th TAAN National Eco-trekking Workshop resolution 2000 has set up some guidelines for the trekking agencies.

*Carry enough kerosene or fuel for your cooking. Never buy fire wood from the villagers. It will encourage villagers to cut down more trees and stock them unnecessarily.

*Discourage the use of campfires.If you really need one,collect dead branches and twigs from ground. Be sure that the fire is out and the refuse is buried before leaving the campsite. Please remember that these dead branches may save a tree from the villagers.

*Shooting wildlife and fishing without license is strictly prohibited.

*Always camp at the prescribed sites.It there is no arrangements as such,then camp on open ground or on the bank of a river.Do not camp inside a bush cutting away branches of trees.

*Never pollute the clear mountain water or litter the path with cigarette butts,tin cans,toilet papers,etc.Please bury them.

*Give orientation on Eco-friendly trekking to all staff and its members.

*Leave all campsites with minimum impact.

*Use toilet tent at least 20m away from water source.

*Bring back all the non-biodegradable items at the en of the trek.

*Develop campsite and encourage the use of old campsites as far as possible. Staff:

*Brief staff on practise of proper sanitation and hygienic methods.

*Provide adequate orientation on High Altitude Sickness,mountain safety as well as HIV/AIDS to all staff.

*Customize First Aid kits on each trek.

*Provide adequate clothing,shelter,equipment and compulsory insurance coverage for staff and porters.
Advice to hill trekkersIf you go hill-walking -leave yourself plenty of time. -carry some food with you. -listen to the weather forecast before you start out . -wear suitable clothing and boots. -take a map and compass. -idelly,go in a group,never alone. -Tell somebody where you are going . -Wear bright-colored clothes.

Tourist Places, Attractions

Given below are some of the tourist spots and activities available now in Nepal.

Cultural Tour

*Kathmandu Durbar Square

*Swayambhunath

*Bouddhanath

*Pashupatinath

*Godavari

*Boudhanilkantha

*Sundarijal

*Sankhu

*Dackhhin-Kali and or furping

*Kritipur and or Chovar *Patan Durbar Square

*Bajra-Barahi

*Khokana,Karya Binayk and Bungamati

*Bhaktapur City

*Changunarayan

*Panauti

*Namabouddha

*Jamacho(Nagarjuna)

Mountain view points

-Nagarkot

-Phulchoki

-Dhulikhel

-Kakani

-Daman

*Tansen-palpa

*Gorkha,Manakamana

*Illam

*Dolakha

*Nuwakot

*Palanchok

*Pokhara Phewa tal&Bharahi Temple

Sarangkot

World Peace Pagoda

Davi's Fall

Old Bazar & Bindya Basami temple

Gupteshwor Gufa

Mahendra Gufa

Tibetan Village

Begnas & Rupa lake

Other activities-paragliding,pony trek trekking ,/hiking,rafting,mountain biking.

Pilgrimage Tours

*Kathmandu,Patan,Bhaktapur Durbar Squares and the three naths and many religious places.

*swargadwari

*Lumbini

*Janakpur

*Muktinath

*Gosaikunda

*Triveni/Devi Ghat

*Baraha kshetra

Jungle Safari Tours:

Visiting national parks and wild life parks:

*Chitwan

*Bardia National

*Suklaphanta

*Kosi Tappu

Chitawan (Inside National Park)

* Machan Wildlife Camp

* Chitawan Wildlife Camp

* Gaida Wildlife Camp (located in the buffer zone)

* Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge and Tented Camp

* Island Camp * Temple Tiger

Outside the Chitwan National Parks

* Tiger Camp

* Hermitage

* Rhino Camp

* Jungle Lagoon

Bardia National Park

Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge

Forest Hideway

Rhino Lodge

Sukla Phanta WildlifeCamp - Sukla Phanta

Transport, Flight and Activities

Road - Private Car, A/C Private Car

Bus - Public Bus, Tourist Bus, A/C Tourist Bus

Mt. Biking

*Trekking

Annapurna Region - 3 days to 35 days

Langtang Region - 7 days to 16 days

Everest Region - 10 days to 28 days

Kathmandu Valley - 1 day to 7 days

Off the beaten track - 1/28 days

*Mountaineering
33 mountains are open for trekking

* Rafting and Kayaking
Trisuli - 1 to 5 days

Karnali - 11/ 12 days

Bheri - 4 days

Kali - 3 days

Seti - 2 days

Marshyangdi - 4 to 5 days

Sunkoshi - 8/9 days

Bhote Koshi - 1 to 2 days

Arun - 7 days

Tamor - 11 days

Mahakali - 3/4 days

* Other Activities
Mt. Biking - Day trip to 15 days

Hot Air Ballooning - Half-day tour

Bungee Jumping - Day trip or overnight - Last Resort

Canyoning - Day trip or overnight Borderland Resort

Transport - Car/bus/train reservation/flight reservation

Village Tourism - Shiru Bari, Syangja

Flight charter and Mt. Flights.

Accommodation

Accommodation
Given below are some of the hotels lists
Kathmandu
Hotel Soaltee Crown Plaza (5 stars) - Kalimati

Yak & Yeti (5 stars) - Durbar Marg

Everest Hotel (5 stars) - New Baneshwsor

Hotel De'l Annapurna (5 stars) - Durbar Marg

Hotel Radisson (5 stars) - Lazimpat

Hotel Hyatt Regency (5 stars) - Bouddha

Hotel Himalaya (5 stars) - Kupondol

Hotel Malla (4 stars) - Lainchour

Hotel Shangrila (4 stars) - Lazimpat

Hotel Vaisali ( 4 stars) - Thamel

Shankar Hotel (4 stars) - Thamel

Hotel Manang (3 stars) - Thamel

Hotel Marshyangdi ( 3 stars) - Thamel

Hotel Garden (3 stars) - Nayabazar

Tibet Guest House (2 stars) - Thamel

Norbulinkha (2 stars) - Thamel

Pokhara

Phulbari Resort

Pokhara Prince

New Crystal, Fishtail Lodge, Kantipur

Mt.Annapurna Base Camp

Mums Garden Resort

Tiger Mountain Village Resort

Nagarkot

Club Himalayan

The Fort

Galaxy

Mountain Villa

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel Mountain Resort

Dhulikhel Lodge Resort

Arniko Room

*Resorts / Hotels

Gorkha Key Men - Gorkha

Gorkha Bisaune - Gorkha

Bhakatapur Guest House - Bhakatapur

Diyalo - Birgunj

Samjhana - Birgunj

Hokkey Hotel - Lumbini

Lumbini Garden Guest House - Lumbini

Hotel Himalayan Inn - Bhairawa

Hotel Siddhartha - Bhairawa

Hotel Srinagar - Palpa

Everest View - Thangboche

Hattiban Resort - Hattiban

Bandipur Resort - Bandipur

Alpine Resort - Lele

Retreats - Palanchok

Horse Shoe Resort - Jiri

River side Resort - Kurintar

Everest Panorama - Daman