Nepal is a beautiful country with beautiful mountains and people with warm and old cultures smelling of peace, love, and generosity.
However, when you go there for a trip, it’s your responsibility to maintain certain boundaries and avoid specific mistakes.
Keep reading as we take you through some mistakes you should never make when on a trip to Nepal.
1. Don’t Disrespect Local Customs
When you visit a place so sacred and serene as Nepal, there are some things to keep in mind. It’s a place with so many old and traditional practices. They have their unique and traditional way of doing so many things. So, when visiting this wonderful place, never disrespect local customs.
Whether you’re taking a private jet from Qatar or boarding a flight from Canada, don’t let your personal beliefs clash with the place you’re visiting.
Set your differences aside and respect the local customs and behavioral decorum. For example, when you visit the temples, wear proper clothing and keep your knees and shoulders covered. Keep your shoulder.
2. Altitude Sickness is Real
Most visitors come to Nepal yearning for a thrilling trekking experience. While the exploration trip can be worthwhile, beware of altitude sickness. When you reach higher altitudes, the air becomes thin, meaning the oxygen level in the air becomes less. So, you have less oxygen to breathe.
As a result, you can experience breathing troubles, headaches, and nausea.
Some visitors also experience what medical experts call High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). If you experience any breathing issues when reaching high altitude places, go ahead and take a medical examination. Get to a lower place and get help. Also, if some of your fellow travelers are facing the same, watch out for them.
3. Don’t Pack too much or too Little
Packing unnecessary things can make your luggage heavy – hence, not good for a trekking experience. Similarly, packing too little of necessary items can be frustrating. Don’t forget to pack your trekking essentials. Always bring the things necessary to keep you hydrated.
You should also have breathable outfits to keep your body free when you reach higher altitude places. Discuss with fellow travelers about what to pack. Also, run a last-minute check before you go ahead for the thrilling uphill journey.
4. Take Photos but Take Permission First
People in Nepal are friendly. But there are some things that can upset them. It’s best not to take photos without asking someone. Go ahead and ask if they are comfortable with you by taking one of a few photos of them to store as memory.
Also, some places (sacred ones) are off-limits for cameras. So, respect it if you see places with no-camera signs. Villages, temple areas, and barracks are some no-photo places to keep in mind.
5. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
Skipping travel insurance plans can create oops moments. Travel insurance may not be expensive. But they can be extremely helpful in the moment of extreme need. Trekking in the Himalayan area can put you face to face with different unprecedented events.
For example, if you fall sick or if there’s a need for emergency evacuation, your insurance will come in handy. It can also keep you safe from potential injuries and damages.
6. Disrespecting Wildlife
The diverse wildlife of Nepal with the endangered species often brings nature and animal lovers to the wild mountains. As a traveler and trekker, it’s your responsibility to be careful about them.
Avoid things like feeding wild animals, disturbing them, or engaging in unethical tourism practices harming wildlife. Make sure that their habitat is safe and secure at all costs.
7. Don’t Underestimate Weather Conditions
Nepal is full of mountains and beautiful nature. However, the downside is that nature can change at any moment. Start by checking the weather forecast before you head out trekking. Always stay prepared for weather changes.
It’s better to get help from locals who have a better understanding of the weather in this regard. Avoid heading out alone when you go out for trekking – especially under harsh weather conditions.
Conclusion
When going to Nepal, always keep these seven things in mind to understand and respect the boundaries of your host. Appreciate the local customs, and prepare your health and mind to make the most out of this trip. As for help, you can keep in mind the seven tips we have shared through this blog post.
Let us know about your journey once you return safely. Happy trekking.
