Nepal is a traveler's country and a trekkers' paradise. People travel to Nepal from all corners of the world, whether to experience her rich cultural diversity and simple way of life or the abundance of natural beauty she is blessed with. It's only a matter of time that you would want to see the land in all its glory and what it has to offer for yourself.
Traveling to Nepal can be pretty exciting but nerve-wrecking at the same time. In all the excitement and flurry of preparations, here are the 10 things to do before traveling to Nepal:
1. Visa For Nepal -
A visa for Nepal can be issued either in the embassies and consulates of Nepal in a foreign country, or on arrival when entering the country either at Tribhuwan International Airport, or at the border of India and Tibet (China). However, it should be kept in mind there are certain nationalities that won't be issued a visa on arrival, so it is always wise to check first.
Your passport should be valid for six months as the Nepali visa usually allows you to enter the country for 3 to 6 months from the issued date.
Besides the Indian nationality, all foreigners must have visas to enter Nepal.
The nationals of China and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan) aren't charged visa fees. Also, children under 10 are provided with a free visa for entering Nepal.
2. Inform Your Bank -
If you are planning to use your credit and debit cards while travelling (which would be very convenient), do inform your bank about your travel plans, so that, they know that all the expenses showing up in a foreign country is actually yours, and that you haven't fallen victim to a scam.
Also, in case of theft or if you lose your cards, it'll be easier for the bank to freeze those cards for preventing any misuse in the wrong hands, and issue another one for your convenience. You don't want to be out of cash while traveling!
3. Travel Insurance -
Life is full of uncertainties, especially during travels. You never know what the next moment will bring, which is also part of the excitement and adventure involved in traveling. Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover all the expenses incurred because of theft, accident injuries and evacuation charges if you plan on doing some extreme sports.
Don't forget to inform your travel insurance company about your travel plans to a foreign country.
4. Custom Rules And Regulations -
It's very important to know necessary information on airport customs - what you're allowed to bring into the country or take out of the country. It gets to be a hassle when you bring in or want to take something with you when you leave, only to find that it's illegal or you have to pay extra duty on said items at the airport. Knowing a little about the restrictions will save you from a whole lot of bureaucratic annoyance.
5. Book A Hotel -
For the first day or two, stay at a hotel that you can book before you arrive in the country. It isn't fun trudging along the roadside with a heavy luggage looking for a nice place to stay after a long and tiring flight. Before you book a hotel, don't just depend on the pictures and what it says on their website; check for reviews from previous guests, as it again is a hassle to change hotels after a long flight if the one you booked turns out to be crap.
Book hotels for only a day or two to the place you'll be visiting, so that if it's unacceptable, you can always change it after staying for a day or two, and if it's good, you can extend you stay there.
6. Festivals -
Like festivals and celebrations? Then, check for festivals and events of sorts when you are in the country. During most big festivals there is a public holiday which means it's a bit harder to get around town, as there will be very less transportation options available, which too, are majorly packed. Plus, the hotels will be fully booked and are expensive. To fully enjoy the festivities without getting a hard time, make sure you have a good hotel to stay and know where and how to go around the place. If you've a guide or a friend who knows the place, it's even better.
7. Flexible Trip -
It's better to keep a couple of days extra, just in case. There are high chances for delays due to poor weather, transportation delays or sheer bad luck. It can also be that you want to enjoy more of the trip and want to either switch or add an activity or a place on your itinerary in the middle of your travels. Having a rigid itinerary can backfire and is taxing.
When you are already coming with an open mind, try and keep your itinerary open for inevitable changes too!
8. Exchange Rate -
It's a good idea to have the knowledge about the current exchange rate of the country, if you plan to exchange the currency or are in a place where there are no ATMs.
9. Learn About Nepal -
Before landing directly here, read up a bit about Nepal and its people, culture, etiquette, food and what you can expect during your stay. Being clueless can send you in a culture shock and/or you can have unpleasant repercussions. To avoid this, learn at least how to greet in the local language; this can act as an ice-breaker while trying to interact with the locals.
10. Register With Your Embassy -
It's definitely a wise decision to register with your embassy back home and inform them about you travel plans to Nepal. Provide them with your personal information, next of kin, picture, date and time of your arrival and departure in Nepal, travel itinerary and so on. If you come across any problem or get into an accident then the embassy will be able to help you smooth out all the bureaucratic formalities.
With all your ducks in row, are you ready for a trip to Nepal?!
When traveling to a country where you have very little or nothing in common to things back home, experiencing culture shock is quite natural. Especially in Nepal, if you've come to trek the glorious mountains or experience Nepal's unique culture, some things are bound to shock you!
From the moment you land in Nepal's only international airport - Tribhuwan International Airport, you'll start wondering how it all works- from the immigration procedures, to the baggage handling and finally to the transportation system available to get you into the city, as everything is in utter disarray!
Finally when you've got your luggage and found your transportation and when you think the chaotic part is done with, you'll be out of the airport and into the chaos of the city!
TRAFFIC AND ROAD RULES
Since Kathmandu's narrow roads see five times more vehicles than their capacity, you're sure to get stuck in a few traffic jams.
The culture shock that started as soon as you landed will continue on the way from the airport to your hotel as you'll be witnessing sights you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world.
You will notice everyone and everything in the middle of the roads including cars, buses, bicycles, motorbikes, people, cows, dogs, garbage, and other oddities.
Seeing all this chaos unfold in front of your eyes, you might think that there are no rules at all, but there are - It just takes time to grasp them! The locals throwing these rules out the window doesn't help either, but you'll get used to it soon enough.
You'll see people crossing the streets in every possible direction, whenever and wherever they can, not even looking out for oncoming traffic and very few using the zebra- crossings!
For those wanting to drive on their own (although it is advisable not to if you're staying for a short period of time in Kathmandu's traffic), and for those who don't know, we drive on the left side of the road and not the right.
There are no checks on speeds within the city and so public transportation here are infamous either for their heart-stopping speed or for going at a snail's pace.
You will never know until you get on one, and usually they are fully packed! Also, get ready to listen to a LOT of Bollywood and local songs on full volume while traveling on buses and on mobile phones of fellow passengers.
Buses/micro-buses will stop at any given place, if there is no traffic cop nearby. All you need to do is wave your hand- as if you were hitchhiking but without the thumb, which indicates that you want to get on the bus.
Just watch out and maybe step back as the bus approaches you as you never know, they stop so close - they might just hit you!
POLLUTION
Thousands of vehicles in a small city means there's going to be pollution. An increasing number of people have started wearing masks to protect themselves from the thick black smoke of the vehicles or just from the dust in the air.
The constant loud honking sounds will not escape your notice either!
You will get another sense of shock after you see the number of cows and street dogs roaming around the streets and grazing, eating and sleeping on large heaps of garbage thrown on the side of the road.
You should also know that street dogs of Kathmandu are notorious for their relentless barking and howling in the nighttime.
Also, the locals wake up pretty early in the morning and there's bound to be a lot of racket from early mornings if you're staying in the heart of the city.
So get your earplugs ready!
And also, there are crows and pigeons EVERYWHERE so you may get some bird-poo on you. Carry some wet-wipes while you're traveling, just in case.
BLACKOUTS / LOAD SHEDDING
Load shedding schedule - everything you do here is going to depend on this!
This may be a new term for you, but in Nepal, there are blackouts that last for 16-18 hours each day during dry seasons. Load shedding is the term used for these blackouts.
Ironically, Nepal is the second richest country in the world for water resources!
If you're staying in a good hotel that has inverters or generators, there is nothing to worry about, but most of the smaller places don't have the backup power, which makes it hard for you to get your work done or to charge your electronics.
So be wary of the timings of the load shedding.
Also, you don't want to be stuck in the bathroom in the dark!
NO SHOES
When you visit any temples or holy places, you'll notice clear signs stating that you are not allowed to enter the premises or its inner sanctum wearing shoes or carrying leather items.
Also, the shoes have to remain outside the door before entering someone's home, as shoes are considered dirty which would make the home dirty as well. And this is 100% correct in Nepal's case- just look at the roads outside!
People here tend to get annoyed or even angry when they see shoes or sandals upturned, as they believe it brings in misfortune. Always keep them upright!
STRIKES / BANDHS
Strikes, bandhs or chakka jams (no transportation) used to be commonplace, although they haven't happened recently.
But when they do, everything comes to a standstill in the city; there is no transport, no schools or offices, the shops are closed, so chances are you're going to find yourself in a situation where you cannot do anything or go anywhere, unless you're staying in a place like Thamel, where the cafes and bars are always open.
If this happens, just go out and do what the locals are doing or see how they cope with these bandhs. You will see most of them walking to places. Get help from your guide or ask locals for help who will be more than happy to help you.
FOOD
As for the food, the locals have 'Dal Bhat'- which is lentils and steamed rice, almost every day- twice a day! Do not use your left hand which is used for cleaning up after defecation, and is considered dirty.
When eating out, ask for spoons, fork or chopsticks for your convenience. Please be patient; usually the restaurant's service can be awfully slow. Also, please don't yell and demand the food to be changed because it's not exactly how you thought it would be when you ordered it - it's considered rude, and almost all of them will say it cannot be done.
Be open to trying new things. After all, you're in a new country!
SMELLS
The aroma of incense, sweets, spices and other delicious food or the nasty smell of garbage around the city is sure to overwhelm your olfactory senses, so you need to be prepared and get a mask of your own before heading out to explore the city.
RESTROOMS
Besides the houses and hotels in the city, there are no showers in the rural areas. People wash themselves by pouring water over their bodies from a mug with water from a bucket. Also, in rural areas, you might need to wash and do your laundry in public.
Also, here you'll find more eastern style "squatting" toilets rather than the western style "sitting" toilets, and people use water to clean themselves rather than using toilet paper. You might particularly have a hard time with this one!
Toilets in Nepal are generally dirty and very smelly, even the ones in good cafes or restaurants. Keep your expectation low when going to one. Just because it's a good place doesn't mean the toilets will be clean or without any nasty odors.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Public display of affection, specially hugging and kissing your partner, is frowned upon. However, it's okay to hold hands. Also, it's common to see same gender people holding hands walking down the street and it doesn't necessarily mean that they are in a same-sex relationship.
TOUGH LOVE
Don't be alarmed if you see some parents scolding and hitting their children with brooms or sticks or even their hands. It's an old way of disciplining children here and it's wise not to intervene.
ANIMAL SACRIFICES
In Nepal, animal sacrifices during festivals are very common. Some are even done publicly in courtyards of temples or homes, and many people come just to witness the sacrifices, and worship the gods afterwards. For example - Dashain!
PUNCTUALITY
The phrase "Nepali Time" is often sarcastically used here to mean that nothing ever gets done on time or no one ever reaches anywhere on time. So expect delays everywhere you go and with any of your meetings. Sometimes, it even takes 1 or 2 hours to get a simple task done.
HAWKERS, BEGGARS AND STREET CHILDREN
Hawkers surrounding you, asking you to buy their stuff, and beggars asking for money can be annoying. The thing to do is, politely and resolutely say 'No' and walk away, or just ignore their calls and keep walking straight ahead.
You'll find the sight of street children sleeping on pavements and sniffing glue (supposedly lessens hunger) a bit disturbing but you have to face the facts that Nepal is a developing country and there are many issues it's struggling to get control over; poverty being the topmost on the list.
CREMATION
Another sight that may shock you when you go to visit Pashupatinath Temple or near the banks of the holy river Bagmati, is that unlike in the west, we burn the bodies of the dead in our culture. It may be quite disturbing for some too.
Another thing is that the said holy river including others that flow through the cities and populated settlements are extremely polluted.
Also, most Sadhus (holy men) will charge you some fee for taking their pictures.
GET IN LINE
Due to the shortage of clean drinking water in Kathmandu, people can often be seen in a line with 2 or 3 buckets with them at public taps, or you'll see big water tankers that go to houses and fill their underground tanks.
The other line you'll see is for petrol. You'll find that there is often a shortage of petrol in Kathmandu and this can be very clear when you see long lines of motorbikes and cars at the gas stations. These can also be another reason for the traffic jams in Kathmandu.
CHAUPADI
When women have their periods (menstruation days), they are considered impure and are kept apart from the family members; this tradition is called 'Chaupadi' and is more prevalent in far and mid-western Nepal where women are kept alone in the sheds!
You may encounter its less strict forms all over Nepal. In the cities, it's getting more relaxed with time, but still many strictly follow the rules where they are not allowed to enter the kitchen, temples or even touch their elders.
Initially, this started so that women could get some rest during their periods, and avoid all the heavy lifting and house-hold chores which require a lot of hard work.
STRONG AND ACTIVE WOMEN
You'll be pleasantly surprised to see more women doing household chores, taking care of children, farm work and even their small businesses, whereas you'll find men just idly passing days just sitting around or playing cards and/or smoking all day especially in rural areas.
In construction sites, you'll come across many women toiling away with their male counterparts, carrying heavy bricks and cement on their heads while wearing colorful kurta-salwar and/or saris.
Traveling to Nepal can be pretty exciting but nerve-wrecking at the same time. In all the excitement and flurry of preparations, here are the 10 things to do before traveling to Nepal:
1. Visa For Nepal -
A visa for Nepal can be issued either in the embassies and consulates of Nepal in a foreign country, or on arrival when entering the country either at Tribhuwan International Airport, or at the border of India and Tibet (China). However, it should be kept in mind there are certain nationalities that won't be issued a visa on arrival, so it is always wise to check first.
Your passport should be valid for six months as the Nepali visa usually allows you to enter the country for 3 to 6 months from the issued date.
Besides the Indian nationality, all foreigners must have visas to enter Nepal.
The nationals of China and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan) aren't charged visa fees. Also, children under 10 are provided with a free visa for entering Nepal.
2. Inform Your Bank -
If you are planning to use your credit and debit cards while travelling (which would be very convenient), do inform your bank about your travel plans, so that, they know that all the expenses showing up in a foreign country is actually yours, and that you haven't fallen victim to a scam.
Also, in case of theft or if you lose your cards, it'll be easier for the bank to freeze those cards for preventing any misuse in the wrong hands, and issue another one for your convenience. You don't want to be out of cash while traveling!
3. Travel Insurance -
Life is full of uncertainties, especially during travels. You never know what the next moment will bring, which is also part of the excitement and adventure involved in traveling. Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover all the expenses incurred because of theft, accident injuries and evacuation charges if you plan on doing some extreme sports.
Don't forget to inform your travel insurance company about your travel plans to a foreign country.
4. Custom Rules And Regulations -
It's very important to know necessary information on airport customs - what you're allowed to bring into the country or take out of the country. It gets to be a hassle when you bring in or want to take something with you when you leave, only to find that it's illegal or you have to pay extra duty on said items at the airport. Knowing a little about the restrictions will save you from a whole lot of bureaucratic annoyance.
5. Book A Hotel -
For the first day or two, stay at a hotel that you can book before you arrive in the country. It isn't fun trudging along the roadside with a heavy luggage looking for a nice place to stay after a long and tiring flight. Before you book a hotel, don't just depend on the pictures and what it says on their website; check for reviews from previous guests, as it again is a hassle to change hotels after a long flight if the one you booked turns out to be crap.
Book hotels for only a day or two to the place you'll be visiting, so that if it's unacceptable, you can always change it after staying for a day or two, and if it's good, you can extend you stay there.
6. Festivals -
Like festivals and celebrations? Then, check for festivals and events of sorts when you are in the country. During most big festivals there is a public holiday which means it's a bit harder to get around town, as there will be very less transportation options available, which too, are majorly packed. Plus, the hotels will be fully booked and are expensive. To fully enjoy the festivities without getting a hard time, make sure you have a good hotel to stay and know where and how to go around the place. If you've a guide or a friend who knows the place, it's even better.
7. Flexible Trip -
It's better to keep a couple of days extra, just in case. There are high chances for delays due to poor weather, transportation delays or sheer bad luck. It can also be that you want to enjoy more of the trip and want to either switch or add an activity or a place on your itinerary in the middle of your travels. Having a rigid itinerary can backfire and is taxing.
When you are already coming with an open mind, try and keep your itinerary open for inevitable changes too!
8. Exchange Rate -
It's a good idea to have the knowledge about the current exchange rate of the country, if you plan to exchange the currency or are in a place where there are no ATMs.
9. Learn About Nepal -
Before landing directly here, read up a bit about Nepal and its people, culture, etiquette, food and what you can expect during your stay. Being clueless can send you in a culture shock and/or you can have unpleasant repercussions. To avoid this, learn at least how to greet in the local language; this can act as an ice-breaker while trying to interact with the locals.
10. Register With Your Embassy -
It's definitely a wise decision to register with your embassy back home and inform them about you travel plans to Nepal. Provide them with your personal information, next of kin, picture, date and time of your arrival and departure in Nepal, travel itinerary and so on. If you come across any problem or get into an accident then the embassy will be able to help you smooth out all the bureaucratic formalities.
With all your ducks in row, are you ready for a trip to Nepal?!
When traveling to a country where you have very little or nothing in common to things back home, experiencing culture shock is quite natural. Especially in Nepal, if you've come to trek the glorious mountains or experience Nepal's unique culture, some things are bound to shock you!
From the moment you land in Nepal's only international airport - Tribhuwan International Airport, you'll start wondering how it all works- from the immigration procedures, to the baggage handling and finally to the transportation system available to get you into the city, as everything is in utter disarray!
Finally when you've got your luggage and found your transportation and when you think the chaotic part is done with, you'll be out of the airport and into the chaos of the city!
TRAFFIC AND ROAD RULES
Since Kathmandu's narrow roads see five times more vehicles than their capacity, you're sure to get stuck in a few traffic jams.
The culture shock that started as soon as you landed will continue on the way from the airport to your hotel as you'll be witnessing sights you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world.
You will notice everyone and everything in the middle of the roads including cars, buses, bicycles, motorbikes, people, cows, dogs, garbage, and other oddities.
Seeing all this chaos unfold in front of your eyes, you might think that there are no rules at all, but there are - It just takes time to grasp them! The locals throwing these rules out the window doesn't help either, but you'll get used to it soon enough.
You'll see people crossing the streets in every possible direction, whenever and wherever they can, not even looking out for oncoming traffic and very few using the zebra- crossings!
For those wanting to drive on their own (although it is advisable not to if you're staying for a short period of time in Kathmandu's traffic), and for those who don't know, we drive on the left side of the road and not the right.
There are no checks on speeds within the city and so public transportation here are infamous either for their heart-stopping speed or for going at a snail's pace.
You will never know until you get on one, and usually they are fully packed! Also, get ready to listen to a LOT of Bollywood and local songs on full volume while traveling on buses and on mobile phones of fellow passengers.
Buses/micro-buses will stop at any given place, if there is no traffic cop nearby. All you need to do is wave your hand- as if you were hitchhiking but without the thumb, which indicates that you want to get on the bus.
Just watch out and maybe step back as the bus approaches you as you never know, they stop so close - they might just hit you!
POLLUTION
Thousands of vehicles in a small city means there's going to be pollution. An increasing number of people have started wearing masks to protect themselves from the thick black smoke of the vehicles or just from the dust in the air.
The constant loud honking sounds will not escape your notice either!
You will get another sense of shock after you see the number of cows and street dogs roaming around the streets and grazing, eating and sleeping on large heaps of garbage thrown on the side of the road.
You should also know that street dogs of Kathmandu are notorious for their relentless barking and howling in the nighttime.
Also, the locals wake up pretty early in the morning and there's bound to be a lot of racket from early mornings if you're staying in the heart of the city.
So get your earplugs ready!
And also, there are crows and pigeons EVERYWHERE so you may get some bird-poo on you. Carry some wet-wipes while you're traveling, just in case.
BLACKOUTS / LOAD SHEDDING
Load shedding schedule - everything you do here is going to depend on this!
This may be a new term for you, but in Nepal, there are blackouts that last for 16-18 hours each day during dry seasons. Load shedding is the term used for these blackouts.
Ironically, Nepal is the second richest country in the world for water resources!
If you're staying in a good hotel that has inverters or generators, there is nothing to worry about, but most of the smaller places don't have the backup power, which makes it hard for you to get your work done or to charge your electronics.
So be wary of the timings of the load shedding.
Also, you don't want to be stuck in the bathroom in the dark!
NO SHOES
When you visit any temples or holy places, you'll notice clear signs stating that you are not allowed to enter the premises or its inner sanctum wearing shoes or carrying leather items.
Also, the shoes have to remain outside the door before entering someone's home, as shoes are considered dirty which would make the home dirty as well. And this is 100% correct in Nepal's case- just look at the roads outside!
People here tend to get annoyed or even angry when they see shoes or sandals upturned, as they believe it brings in misfortune. Always keep them upright!
STRIKES / BANDHS
Strikes, bandhs or chakka jams (no transportation) used to be commonplace, although they haven't happened recently.
But when they do, everything comes to a standstill in the city; there is no transport, no schools or offices, the shops are closed, so chances are you're going to find yourself in a situation where you cannot do anything or go anywhere, unless you're staying in a place like Thamel, where the cafes and bars are always open.
If this happens, just go out and do what the locals are doing or see how they cope with these bandhs. You will see most of them walking to places. Get help from your guide or ask locals for help who will be more than happy to help you.
FOOD
As for the food, the locals have 'Dal Bhat'- which is lentils and steamed rice, almost every day- twice a day! Do not use your left hand which is used for cleaning up after defecation, and is considered dirty.
When eating out, ask for spoons, fork or chopsticks for your convenience. Please be patient; usually the restaurant's service can be awfully slow. Also, please don't yell and demand the food to be changed because it's not exactly how you thought it would be when you ordered it - it's considered rude, and almost all of them will say it cannot be done.
Be open to trying new things. After all, you're in a new country!
SMELLS
The aroma of incense, sweets, spices and other delicious food or the nasty smell of garbage around the city is sure to overwhelm your olfactory senses, so you need to be prepared and get a mask of your own before heading out to explore the city.
RESTROOMS
Besides the houses and hotels in the city, there are no showers in the rural areas. People wash themselves by pouring water over their bodies from a mug with water from a bucket. Also, in rural areas, you might need to wash and do your laundry in public.
Also, here you'll find more eastern style "squatting" toilets rather than the western style "sitting" toilets, and people use water to clean themselves rather than using toilet paper. You might particularly have a hard time with this one!
Toilets in Nepal are generally dirty and very smelly, even the ones in good cafes or restaurants. Keep your expectation low when going to one. Just because it's a good place doesn't mean the toilets will be clean or without any nasty odors.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Public display of affection, specially hugging and kissing your partner, is frowned upon. However, it's okay to hold hands. Also, it's common to see same gender people holding hands walking down the street and it doesn't necessarily mean that they are in a same-sex relationship.
TOUGH LOVE
Don't be alarmed if you see some parents scolding and hitting their children with brooms or sticks or even their hands. It's an old way of disciplining children here and it's wise not to intervene.
ANIMAL SACRIFICES
In Nepal, animal sacrifices during festivals are very common. Some are even done publicly in courtyards of temples or homes, and many people come just to witness the sacrifices, and worship the gods afterwards. For example - Dashain!
PUNCTUALITY
The phrase "Nepali Time" is often sarcastically used here to mean that nothing ever gets done on time or no one ever reaches anywhere on time. So expect delays everywhere you go and with any of your meetings. Sometimes, it even takes 1 or 2 hours to get a simple task done.
HAWKERS, BEGGARS AND STREET CHILDREN
Hawkers surrounding you, asking you to buy their stuff, and beggars asking for money can be annoying. The thing to do is, politely and resolutely say 'No' and walk away, or just ignore their calls and keep walking straight ahead.
You'll find the sight of street children sleeping on pavements and sniffing glue (supposedly lessens hunger) a bit disturbing but you have to face the facts that Nepal is a developing country and there are many issues it's struggling to get control over; poverty being the topmost on the list.
CREMATION
Another sight that may shock you when you go to visit Pashupatinath Temple or near the banks of the holy river Bagmati, is that unlike in the west, we burn the bodies of the dead in our culture. It may be quite disturbing for some too.
Another thing is that the said holy river including others that flow through the cities and populated settlements are extremely polluted.
Also, most Sadhus (holy men) will charge you some fee for taking their pictures.
GET IN LINE
Due to the shortage of clean drinking water in Kathmandu, people can often be seen in a line with 2 or 3 buckets with them at public taps, or you'll see big water tankers that go to houses and fill their underground tanks.
The other line you'll see is for petrol. You'll find that there is often a shortage of petrol in Kathmandu and this can be very clear when you see long lines of motorbikes and cars at the gas stations. These can also be another reason for the traffic jams in Kathmandu.
CHAUPADI
When women have their periods (menstruation days), they are considered impure and are kept apart from the family members; this tradition is called 'Chaupadi' and is more prevalent in far and mid-western Nepal where women are kept alone in the sheds!
You may encounter its less strict forms all over Nepal. In the cities, it's getting more relaxed with time, but still many strictly follow the rules where they are not allowed to enter the kitchen, temples or even touch their elders.
Initially, this started so that women could get some rest during their periods, and avoid all the heavy lifting and house-hold chores which require a lot of hard work.
STRONG AND ACTIVE WOMEN
You'll be pleasantly surprised to see more women doing household chores, taking care of children, farm work and even their small businesses, whereas you'll find men just idly passing days just sitting around or playing cards and/or smoking all day especially in rural areas.
In construction sites, you'll come across many women toiling away with their male counterparts, carrying heavy bricks and cement on their heads while wearing colorful kurta-salwar and/or saris.
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