Why Nepal needs its own etiquette notes
Nepal has several religious traditions overlapping in a small space. A single day in the Kathmandu Valley might take you through a Tibetan monastery, a Newar Buddhist courtyard and a Hindu temple. The rules differ between these, and a custom that is welcome in one place may be inappropriate in the next. These notes are general. Customs vary by community and by site, so follow local signs, staff and monastics.
Shoes
Remove shoes before entering temple halls, shrine rooms and many monastery buildings. At some sites a row of shoes by the door shows what to do; at others a sign says so. Socks are often fine inside Buddhist halls, though practice varies. The same applies to many Hindu temples, and some ask that you leave leather items outside as well. Our wider guide to temple entry customs covers the reasons behind this.
Leather and animal products
At certain Hindu temples, leather belts, bags or shoes may not be allowed inside, and staff may ask you to leave them at an entrance. Buddhist sites are generally less strict about this, but it is considerate to avoid conspicuous leather in sanctuaries if you can. If unsure, ask.
Dress
Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid tight, sheer or very short clothing. Hats are usually removed inside shrines. A light scarf or shawl is practical for covering up quickly. The temple dress code guide has more detail. In hot lowland areas such as Lumbini, loose cotton clothing works well, and in the mountains layers matter more.
Walking clockwise
At stupas, around prayer-wheel corridors and along mani walls, Buddhists walk clockwise, keeping the sacred object on their right. The practice of circumambulation is explained in our dedicated article. At Boudhanath you will see many people on this circuit, some walking quickly and some prostrating, so keep to the flow and do not stop in the middle of the path. Spin prayer wheels clockwise as well, using your right hand where possible. Followers of Bon, a distinct Tibetan tradition, circle in the opposite direction, so seeing that does not mean someone is making a mistake.
Photography
Photography rules differ widely. Many shrine interiors forbid photographs, sometimes with a fee or sign posted at the entrance. Outdoors, photographing the architecture is usually fine. Ask before photographing individuals, especially monks, nuns and people at prayer, and do not use flash near images or during ceremonies. See the temple photography etiquette article for more. Drones may be restricted at heritage sites, so check current rules.
Monks, nuns and other people
Greet monastics politely, with palms together, and do not touch them. This is especially important for women, because monks in several traditions avoid physical contact with women. Let monastics pass and do not interrupt their prayer. Our guidance on courtesy toward monastics covers this more fully. Avoid touching people’s heads, and do not point your feet at images or people.
Offerings and donations
Offerings of flowers, butter lamps, incense or small money are common. Donations are voluntary, and you can decline an invitation to give without causing offence. Be wary of pressure from anyone claiming to collect funds, and give through boxes or clearly identified channels. Further guidance is given in the pieces on shrine offerings and on giving alms respectfully.
Shared Hindu and Buddhist sites
Several places, including Swayambhunath, have both Buddhist and Hindu elements, and the history of such overlap is discussed under Pashupatinath and Buddhism. Pashupatinath itself is a major Hindu temple whose inner sanctum is generally open to Hindus only, though visitors can usually see the grounds from permitted areas. Respect restrictions even if they seem unfamiliar. At Muktinath in the Annapurna region, a site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, similar courtesy applies.
Ceremonies and festivals
Festivals bring crowds and heightened devotion. Stand back, stay behind any rope, and avoid walking through a procession. The notes on visiting during ceremonies suggest approaches to being an observer. If a group invites you to join, follow quietly and do not insist on being central.
Other points
- Animals. Monkeys at Swayambhunath can snatch food and bags. Do not tease them.
- Voice. Keep conversation soft inside sacred precincts.
- Prayer flags and wheels. Do not step on or over prayer flags, and avoid putting them on the ground. The article on prayer wheels and flags explains their purpose.
- Smoking and alcohol. Avoid both in and near religious sites.
- Feet. Sit with feet tucked, not pointing toward images.
If you are not Buddhist
You are welcome at most Buddhist sites, and you do not need to join in any practice. Observing quietly and respectfully is enough. Our article on non-Buddhist visitors discusses this further.
If you make a mistake
Everyone does at times. A sincere apology and a willingness to adjust are generally received kindly. Look to staff and local worshippers for cues, and check current official notices, since rules at heritage sites do change.