Nepal
- Dina Eltawila
- Apr 21
- 16 min read
Did you know that Nepal is home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks? This geographical marvel not only fuels adventure but also shapes the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. Dive into the essence of Nepal, where natural beauty meets vibrant traditions and challenges.
It's called
Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
It’s located
South Asia
The capital
Kathmandu
Nepal official language
The 5 major languages spoken in Nepal are Newar, Sherpa, Tamang, Tharu, and Nepalese. What is Nepal’s first language? Nepali is spoken by 78% of the population either as a first or second language and has official language status. The other 121 languages are all recognized national languages.
Nepal official religion
The main religion in Nepal is Hinduism practised by almost 82% population of the country. Nepal is the most religious Hindu country in the world, home to most of the important Hindu pilgrimage centres, the main being world-famous Pashupatinath Temple. The people of Nepal consider Lord Shiva as the guardian deity while cow is considered the national animal of Nepal. However, being a democracy, Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual and multi-religious country. The other major religions followed in Nepal are Buddhism, Islam, Kiratism, Christianity, Sikhism, Bahá'í and some minority religion.
It’s famous for
Nepal is popular for its mountains Himalayas and Mountains are other words for Nepal. The mountains gain all the credit for making Nepal known to several other nations of the world. Land consisting of eight out of 14 eight-thousanders, mountains are the pride of Nepal and Nepalese people.
The ethnic groups in Nepal
The large-scale migrations of Asian groups from Tibet and Indo-Aryan people from northern India, which accompanied the early settlement of Nepal, have produced a diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious pattern. Those with Indo-Aryan ancestry, especially the Pahāṛī (including the Chhetree, the Brahman-Hill, and others), have enjoyed great prestige in Nepal for centuries. the ruling families have been of Indo-Aryan and Hindu background.
Most of the Tibeto-Nepalese groups—the Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Bhutia (including the Sherpa), and Sunwar—live in the north and east, while the Magar and Gurung inhabit west-central Nepal. The majority of the famous Gurkha contingents in the British army have come from the Magar, Gurung, and Rai groups. the third set of ethnic groups, which includes the Newar and the Tharus, are believed to have settled Nepal before the Tibetan and Indo-Aryan migrations. The Newar, who have largely adopted Indo-Aryan and Hindu customs, retain significant influence in Nepal, especially in the Kathmandu valley.
The famous clothes
Sari
The sari is a long piece of cloth draped around the waist and worn with a blouse. It is the most common attire for women in Nepal. The sari comes in different materials, designs, and colours, and each region in Nepal has its variation of the sari. The most popular sari is the Dhaka sari, which is made of cotton or silk and has intricate designs. The Dhaka sari is typically worn during festivals and weddings.
Kurta Suruwal
Kurta suruwal is another traditional dress worn by women in Nepal. It consists of a long shirt (kurta) and a loose-fitting trouser (suruwal). The kurta suruwal is comfortable to wear and is perfect for everyday wear. Women also wear the kurta suruwal on formal occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.
Gunyo Cholo
Gunyo Cholo is a traditional Nepalese dress worn by women. It consists of a tight blouse (cholo) and a long skirt (gunyo). The gunyo cholo is worn mostly by women from the hills of Nepal. It is often paired with a shawl, and women wear it during festivals and other celebrations.
Traditional Dress for Men
Daura Suruwal
The daura suruwal is the national dress of Nepal and is worn by men. It consists of a knee-length shirt (daura) and a loose-fitting trouser (suruwal). The daura suruwal is made of cotton or silk and comes in different colours and designs. It is typically worn on formal occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.
Topi
While traditional dress still holds significance in Nepalese culture, modern adaptations have also emerged. With the influence of Western culture, Nepalese people have started to incorporate Western fashion into their traditional attire. For example, women now wear skirts with traditional blouses, and men wear jackets with traditional attire.
However, preserving traditional dress has become a challenge in Nepal. As modernization takes over, traditional attire is slowly disappearing. Younger generations are not interested in wearing traditional attire, and there is a lack of awareness about the significance of traditional clothing. Moreover, the production of traditional clothing has decreased, making it difficult to find traditional attire in stores.
The topi is a traditional Nepalese cap worn by men.
It is made of cotton or wool and is often embroidered. The topi is an essential accessory for the daura suruwal and is worn on formal occasions.
Dhaka Topi
The Dhaka topi is a traditional Nepalese cap worn by men. It is made of Dhaka fabric, which is a handwoven fabric made in Nepal. The Dhaka topi comes in different designs and colours and is worn on formal occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.
Nepal landmarks
Swayambhunath, aka “Monkey Temple” (Kathmandu)
For several minutes I had a stand-off with a persistent monkey, who, when I turned to photograph the sprawl of Kathmandu, would sneak up behind me as if set to pounce. Eventually, I realized he was just playful, rather than dangerous. The same could be said for the hundreds of other primates that swarm Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple.
Looming above the historic heart of Kathmandu, this is perhaps the city’s busiest tourist attraction due to its commanding architecture, mesmerizing views of the city and surrounding peaks, and the exotic allure of those cheeky monkeys. Swayambhunath is also a hugely important religious site. This 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site has long attracted Buddhist pilgrims, who climb its many stairs to pray to Lord Buddha.
Durbar Square (Bhaktapur)
For more than a millennia, the pretty city of Bhaktapur (about 8mi/13km from Kathmandu) has been centered around Durbar Square. This plaza, in turn, is defined by its most commanding resident, the Palace of 55 Windows. I never stopped to count, and confirm the accuracy of that name, but this well-preserved palace kept me enthralled for hours.
Built at the turn of the 18th century, it’s a delightful complex decorated by intricate woodwork and stonemasonry, the creative calling cards of the Newari people. Back then it housed the ruling family of the Malla Dynasty. Nowadays visitors walk between two giant lion statues to enter the site, which has been converted into the National Art Gallery, showcasing Nepalese artforms such as brasswork and Thangka paintings.
Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu)
A late afternoon storm was about to besiege Kathmandu when I peered down a narrow alley to spot a lofty, gilded tower glowing in the gloom. The deep-grey skies only made it more dramatic. Two eyes stared straight at me – painted on the base of Boudhanath, which is among the largest stupas in Nepal, and a major attraction for visitors.
Built in the 1300s, Boudhanath is one of seven ancient structures spread through the Kathmandu Valley which collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now surrounded by small cafes, restaurants, and shops, this stupa sits atop a whitewashed dome, which also gleams in the daylight, or in the evening when Boudhanath is illuminated by spotlights.
Shree Muktinath Temple (Mustang)
Few religious sites have a more memorable location than Shree Muktinath Temple. It’s setting will, quite literally, take your breath away, due to the low levels of oxygen at 12,467ft (3,800m) above sea level, deep in the snow-draped Himalayan mountains.
It’s a holy site for Buddhists and Hindus, and adherents of both faiths have long been drawn here to see its Shaligram, a sacred form of rock. Fossils, collected from the nearby Kali Gandaki River, are believed to be the stone embodiments of Lord Vishnu.
Shree Muktinath is also frequented by hikers, due to its location on the Annapura Circuit, one of Nepal’s busiest trekking routes. This path begins at Besisahar, about 25mi (40km) east of Pokhara city, and then ascends to the Thorung La Pass, at a startling elevation of 17,650ft (5,380m).
Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu)
Pashupatinath is blessed by the sacred waters of the adjacent Bagmati River, which begins in the peaks north of Kathmandu before flowing south to India. Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple, and a key site of pilgrimage for centuries, it is so old that its exact origins aren’t clear. Some accounts place it at up to 1,500 years old.
Pashupatinath does not allow non-Hindus to enter its inner sanctum. But by hiring a local guide, for about US $10 in addition to the US $10 entry ticket, I was shepherded through the outer buildings, which allow tourists, to the best elevated points from where I could peer down into the main temple. On a platform by the river, I saw a smoldering pile of ash. “Cremation,” my guide said, in reference this site’s long tradition of sending the dead to the afterlife.
Kopan Monastery (Budhanilkantha)
Residing on a forested hilltop just north of Kathmandu, Kopan Monastery is wonderfully serene. Visitors are attracted here by the tranquility or, as I was, by its bold, polychromatic design.
This is one of the few Buddhist monasteries near the Nepalese capital which allows travelers to stay and study within the complex. I spotted several foreigners praying amid throngs of local monks while I photographed its maroon and cream exterior, and the rainbow-hued murals which cover the prayer hall.
Changu Narayan Temple
The vast, verdant Kathmandu Valley stretches out beneath Changu Narayan Temple, as the Himalayan peeks loom large and frosty in the distance. Similar to Shree Muktinath, this temple is worth visiting for its dramatic location alone, perched on a forested peak, about 5,050ft (1,540m) above sea level, roughly 6mi (10km) east of Kathmandu.
This UNESCO site, dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, is widely considered the country’s oldest temple, dating back at least 1,600 years. That’s also the age of several of its key artefacts – a winged Garuda statue near the temple’s entrance, an inscribed stone tablet, and several weathered Hindu idols.
The main temple building is not nearly as old, having been razed by fire in the early 1700s. But what was then built is a wonder of Nepalese craftsmanship, embellished by complex woodwork and stonemasonry.
About an hour’s drive from downtown Kathmandu, Changu Narayan is best reached by hiring a private vehicle. To make best use of your time, do a loop north through Kopan Monastery to Changunarayan, and south back through Bhaktapur to your hotel.
Manakamana Temple (Gandaki)
Many travelers fly between Kathmandu and the stunning lakeside city of Pokhara. I’m so happy I instead chose the seven-hour bus ride. Although it’s at times bumpy and uncomfortable, the striking views of lakes, valleys, rivers, and peaks are burned into my memory.
Traveling by road also allows the option to stop midway at Manakamana Temple. It can be easily accessed in about 10 minutes by catching a cable car from Kurintar, alongside the Kathmandu-to-Pokhara highway. At the end of this scenic ride, travelers encounter a two-tiered pagoda that anchors a courtyard decorated by timeworn Hindu statues.
Dos And Don’ts in Nepal
1. Do Greet People
No matter which Asian country you are traveling to, one common thing in every nation is the culture of greeting each other. Nepalese people always greet people to show respect and friendliness. Hence, you are sure to see local people greet and smile at you, even if they are strangers. In such cases, you are expected to smile back and greet them.
2. Do Dress Conservatively
Always dress as modestly as possible. Although tourism has brought many changes in the minds and societal norms regarding dress codes, it is still a very religious country, and people generally cover as much skin as possible. So, ensure you wear long skirts that reach below the knees, shirts that cover your chest, and pants that are not too short. Especially when visiting religious sites like a Hindu temple or Buddhist monastery, never wear a revealing scant dress. Try and wear traditional attire as a gesture of respect. Also, try not to wear leather belts or any leather items, as they are strictly prohibited in temples.
3. Do Use the Correct Hand
In Nepal, using the left hand to receive or give others things is considered extremely rude. In Buddhist and Hindu cultures, the left hand is used for dirty work and is helpful only when it comes to cleaning our bodies. So, when we offer or accept gifts from someone, we should use our right hand or take both hands. Even eating with the left hand is considered uncivilized and rude.
4. Do Remove Shoes And Hats
Another common pan-Asian rule is to remove shoes before entering someone’s house. No matter how clean your shoes are, you are supposed to only walk inside without them. Until and unless the owner asks you to do so, you must take them off without failure.
Such a rule also applies when it comes to temples or shrines. Never enter with your shoes and hats on; always remove them and keep them aside before entering temples or any sacred place.
5. Do Seek Permission For Temples
Many Hindu temples have strict rules regarding who can enter the shrine. Westerners, non-Hindus, and lower castes are mostly prohibited from entering the temple. So, to avoid unintentionally offending or hurting religious sentiments, always seek permission before stepping onto a religious site.
6. Do Carry a Flashlight At All Times
Coming to some non-ethical requirements, it is essential always to carry a torch or a flashlight whenever you roam the country. Even in the capital city of Nepal, the source of electricity can never be reliable. There are power cuts now and then, both during day time and night. So, the best advice is to carry a torch and be free of any fear.
7. Do Change Your Nepalese Currency
If you did not know, using Nepalese currency outside the country is illegal. It is a restricted currency; hence, exchanging all your currency back to US dollars or Euros is best. It can be done quickly at Kathmandu airport before your flight. However, make sure you keep your receipts safe. If you lose your transaction receipts from the past or exchange receipts, your money might not get accepted, accusing it of being taken from the black market. Be careful.
8. Do Bargain
For the best prices, always remember to bargain. Especially when you go street shopping, know that nothing has a fixed price. Always negotiate and try to lower costs and reach a mutually beneficial rate for the things you want to buy.
9. Do Be Careful Around Priests And Monks
nepali dos and donts
Lastly,
always be careful around holy men. Women should especially avoid coming in physical contact with monks. Buddhist monks are held in high positions and are deeply revered. So, whenever you see one, show respect and keep your distance. You are also not allowed to hand things directly to them. The same goes for Hindu priests. Sometimes, even the monk’s mother is restricted from hugging their son. In short, monks are prohibited from touching women.
Don’ts In Nepal
Now, we will walk through some rules you should follow to avoid doing culturally and practically inappropriate things. Follow them to avoid the hassle.
1. Don’t Eat Beef
Not eating beef is the most important religious rule you must be careful about. The cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism and Buddhism. They consider the cow to be the holy animal of the gods and respect it; it is the national animal in Nepal too. So, never eat beef in public or in front of religious people. Even in restaurants, always ask if they serve beef. If not, it is better to control your cravings for a while.
2. Don’t Show Public Affection
Nepal is still a conservative country. Publicly kissing, hugging, or even holding hands with your partner can make locals uneasy. Society has just hit the wave of westernization, and dating and public displays of affection are still taboo. Boys and girls are not expected to linger around with their hands on each other in public or private. Nepali culture has strict rules when it comes to marriage and love life.
3. Don’t Touch Any Sacred Object
As mentioned, Nepal has many religious places. So, you will see many small circular or rectangular stones or metal mandalas on the ground of most shrines. Please do not step on them or touch them without thinking twice. Don’t touch Buddha images or Hindu god statues. Especially for non-Hindus and westerners, such objects are off-limits, and it is better to maintain distance. Even when a Hindu carries things for offerings, please do not touch them. Once someone touches them, it is considered impure and unacceptable by the temples.
4. Don’t Take Photos Without Consent
As tourists, you will have the urge to capture every moment and keep it saved in your phone memory. However, it would help if you were very careful in Nepal. There will be many sites that you will find interesting and would want to capture it. But when it comes to temples, shrines, and ethnic people, make sure you get their permission and consent. Most sacred places and holy shrines are off-limits and not allowed to be captured. So, always ask for consent before rolling your camera and taking photos.
5. Don’t Help Beggers
Being a third-world country, you will find numerous beggars and orphans in the streets of Nepal, especially at tourist sites. Don’t help them immediately. Even if they ask for just one rupee, don’t help them because it encourages them to drop out of school and tilt towards beggary and illegal work. There are also adults behind pitiful child beggars who force them to beg and then make use of the money for illicit jobs.
6. Don’t Touch Someone’s Head
In Buddhism, the head is considered sacred, and the feet are dirty. All the spiritual forces are believed to be stored in the head, so one is not allowed to touch another’s head. While patting around the head is quite common in the western lifestyle, be aware of the cultural differences in Nepal. You can come out as a rude and ignorant person if you touch someone’s head. Even pointing your feet or touching something with your feet is not acceptable.
7. Don’t Eat from Common Pot
One of the essential dining manners in Nepal is that you never eat from the standard pot. You always serve your own plates and start eating with your hands. Using spoons and forks is not common in the country. Moreover, never touch a shared drinking vessel with your lips. Once it touches your lips, it is undrinkable for others and becomes your personal.
8. Don’t Drink Tap Water
Very important for your health, always avoid drinking water from the tap. No matter where you live, never drink tap water, as it can be contaminated and not purified for drinking. Ask local experts or guides if they can help you out if you are still looking for purified water.
9. Do Not Smoke Publicly
While smoking or drinking in public is not a big deal in the west, Nepal has strictly prohibited smoking in public, especially for girls. It is mainly concerned when it is a religious setting. Avoid smoking in a pilgrimage site or anywhere with a large crowd.
10. Don’t Lose Your Calm
Unlike Westworld, time in Nepal runs slowly. So, whenever there is a delay in service, or someone is making you wait for more than usual, don’t lose your calm or show anger on your face. It is standard. Showing frustration will not bring you any help. Patience is the key.
The contemporary architecture in Nepa
Shigeru Ban has unveiled his designs for modular housing structures to accommodate those made homeless by the two devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal earlier this year.
Thick walls made from locally sourced stone frame courtyards and corridors at this radio broadcasting station in the Nepalese town of Jomsom, designed by Korean studio Archium (
Norwegian architectural firm Kristin Jarmund Architects have completed a new building for the Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal.
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Italian studio Stefano Boeri Architetti has unveiled its masterplan for a meditation centre and landscaped gardens at the Ramagrama stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal.
Super Local creates products that could eradicate litter in the Himalayas
Super Local has won the Dutch Design Award for best product of 2023 with a project that creates colourful souvenirs from trash that was carried out of the Himalayas by mountain trekkers
Sharon Davis Design builds rammed-earth hospital in Nepal
Bayalpata Hospital is a medical complex in Achham, Nepal, built from rammed earth by American architecture office
Security board in Nepal
Nepal's national security, being multidimensional and complex, requires a nuanced approach that encompasses both traditional and emerging threats. Nepal's geographic location and internal dynamics, such as political uncertainty and ethnic diversity, have historically shaped its security policy, making it highly vulnerable to two regional powers: India and China.
The defense strategy formulated by King Prithvi Narayan Shah
in the 18th century remains valid today, emphasizing the preservation of sovereignty without aggression. Despite some success in explicitly articulating its national security policies, such as the adoption of a National Security Policy in 2016, Nepal still lacks a comprehensive national security strategy and doctrine. An integrated approach to foreign policy is required to align diplomatic efforts, economic strategies, environmental factors, and security forces with shared national interests. This must therefore be directed towards protecting vital interests, such as territorial integrity, independence, social cohesion, and economic prosperity, among others.
Geopolitical Challenges and Refugee Problems
Currently, Nepal is home to over 10,000 Tibetan refugees and 6,365 Bhutanese refugees. Countries such as China, India, and the USA have a significant stake in the situation of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. In 2023, rumors spread about India’s plans to establish a "Buddha College" near the China Border. KP Oli criticized the then-Prachanda-led government, which subsequently clarified that there were no plans to construct such an institution.
The threats and Challenges (Internal Insecurity)
Political instability
Bureaucratic politicization
Economic weakness
Environmental threats
Ethnic and religious tensions
Illegal migration
Sporadic violence
are known threats and challenges to national security. Nepal needs to improve its governance processes by addressing socioeconomic disparities, environmental degradation, and other underlying factors contributing to internal insecurity. In doing so, it can mitigate the root causes of internal instability and enhance societal cohesion.
The external Security Challenges
Nepal should implement proactive measures to expand trade relations, enhance economic resilience, and encourage cooperation among neighboring countries to protect its economic sovereignty. Regarding external influences, it is worth noting that no direct military threat will come from neighboring countries, but the country remains vulnerable to geopolitical forces. Nepal enjoys a unique geostrategic position with India and China, necessitating diplomatic engagement and the careful application of soft power to protect national interests. Nepal should prioritize developing a robust national security strategy that focuses on both traditional and non-traditional threats. This approach must be comprehensive, engaging all government actors, and designed to achieve synergy among diverse actors to build a resilient state in a changing global environment. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach, Nepal can enhance its resilience and protect its national sovereignty and interests in an increasingly complex security environment.
The US Department of State's Religious Freedom Index, 2023
also highlighted human rights concerns related to Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Furthermore, Nepal faced challenges following a visit by US officials to engage with Tibetan refugees, as China actively opposes Western involvement in Tibetan affairs within Nepal.
Recent challenges also include
potential influx of refugees following the events in Bangladesh. As per reports, there are 416 Rohingya refugees in Nepal, which is higher than anticipated. There is a possibility that illegal immigrants could be exploited for terrorist and criminal activities.
In Religion challenges
there have been protests and rallies calling for the reinstatement of a Hindu state in Nepal
partly in response to the perceived rise in the Christian population and Muslim activities. Although our constitution prohibits religious conversion, a BBC documentary highlighted Nepal as one of the countries experiencing an increase in the number of Christians. It's crucial for the state to enforce laws that promote religious harmony and to crack the activities of missionaries.
Technological Challenges
In 2079, Arju Rana Deuba made a serious claim about an information leak from the Nepal Army. She said that the data of the Nepali Army was reaching Turkey. She was shown the emails of army officers, which raised concerns about Army Digital Security.
Deep Fakes and Artificial Intelligence
are being utilized for criminal activities. In Nepalgunj, social media and technology led to a conflict between religion and the army deployed to control the situation. Even minor incidents are now managed by the APF and the Army, rather than just the police.
Cross-Border Crimes
Nepal faces significant challenges due to its location and open borders. The USA Country Report on Terrorism, 2021, highlights security concerns at Tribhuvan International Airport as weak and raises worries about Nepal being used as a base by the Indian Mujahideen (IM), an Indian terrorist group. It is crucial to address security vulnerabilities that enable criminal activities to occur and perpetrators to escape across the open border between Nepal and India.
Climate Disasters
Nepal is particularly vulnerable to climate change compared to other countries. Re
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