CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Nepal represents a culture far older and, in many ways, more sophisticated than Western culture, but you are not visiting a museum. Rather, you are visiting a country that is vibrantly alive, where many people live more comfortably and, in many cases, more happily than in the West. The more you listen and observe, the more you will learn and the more people will accept you. If you must try to teach Nepalese people something, try teaching them English. English is a key to upward mobility for employment in, or the running of, any business that deals with foreigners. This is the one element of Western culture that everyone desires - the English language. Spending your time conversing with local people in English as you stroll downtown together will be a good start towards a lasting friendship.
If you are trekking you will have a chance to meet and become acquainted with Sherpa and members of other Nepalese ethnic groups. The background of these people is completely different from what you are familiar with in the West. Treks are a fascinating cultural experience but are most rewarding when you make some concessions to the customs and habits of Nepal.
Nepalese are traditionally warm and friendly and treat foreigners with a mixture of curiosity and respect.
"Namaste" (Hello, how are you?) is a universal greeting. Most Nepalese speak at least some English, though smiles and gestures work well where language is a barrier.
Always double-check when asking for information or directions. As Nepalese hate to say "no", they will give you their versions whether they know the answer or not. Their intention is not to mislead you; it is only to make you happy that you received an answer. You can often circumvent this problem by asking questions in a way that requires a choice of alternatives rather than yes or no answers.
VISITING A TEMPLE
Nepal is a multi-cultural country, although the Sherpa and most other high mountain people are Buddhists. In Kathmandu, you will be refused entry to a Hindu temple if you are wearing leather shoes or a leather belt. There are other temples that you will not be allowed to visit at all. Buddhist temples (Gompas) are less restrictive, but you should still ask permission to enter and remove your shoes when you do - and ask permission before photographing religious festivals, cremation grounds, and the inside of temples.
It is traditional to include a donation to the Gompa inside the folded kata. The lama will remove the money and either keep the Khata or place it around your neck as a blessing. Monetary offerings should be in odd numbers like Rs 101; a donation of an even amount like Rs100 is inauspicious.
PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE
During the tour, you will have many opportunities to photograph local people. Some people, however, will not want you to photograph them. Always ask before photographing women or by distance using the lens. There are always cases of shyness that you can overcome with a smile, a joke, or using a telephoto lens, but don't pay people for taking their picture. Some people are afraid that a camera might "steal their soul", but more often they are concerned about how photographs will eventually be used. Many photographs of hill people in Nepal, especially Sherpa, have been printed in books, magazines, and brochures. The Sherpa, in particular the women, are afraid that a photo of them will be reproduced in quantity and eventually burned, or thrown away. This is a major reason that many local people will refuse photographs, and they should be respected.
LOCAL DRESS & BEHAVIOUR
Be ensure about the dress standard for visiting Nepal, is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the hot and humid climate in summer, and warm clothing for winter.
These are also important considerations for travelers, and include the following points:
• In Nepal, predominately Buddhist and Hindu culture, Nudity is completely unacceptable and brief shorts are not appreciated. We request that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or other holy sites. While visiting monasteries, please make sure you wear long trousers and open your shoes and stay quiet before entering the monasteries.
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
• Don't pass out balloons, candy, and money to village children as it encourages them to beg. Travelers are responsible for the continual cries of children for mithai (candy), paisa (money), and "boom boom" (balloon). Well-intentioned visitors thought they were doing a service by passing out pens for use in school, so clever kids now ask for pens.
• Don't tempt people into thievery by leaving cameras, watches, and other valuable items outside. Keep all your personal valuable belongings in your hotel room.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
In all our tours, an arrival/departure transfer is included in your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on the flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your hotel.
If your call is specifically concerning Airport Transfer complications at Tribhuvan International Airport please call our local Sampurna Adventures Transfer providers directly at:
Mr. Pawan Khadka (Assistant Manager)
From outside of Nepal: +977 9861 788 866 (WhatsApp)
From within Kathmandu: 9861 788 866
From within Nepal, but outside Kathmandu: 09861 788 866
Mr. Sajan Man Mulmi (Director)
From outside of Nepal: +977 9851 022 615 (WhatsApp)
From within Kathmandu: 9851 022 615
From within Nepal, but outside Kathmandu: 09851 022 615
IMPORTANT:
Do not allow to touch your luggage porters at the airport, sometimes they pretend to help you and later they ask for an exaggerated tip, we cordially inform you that, please only allow our airport staff/driver who carries a placard with your name.