15 Things to Know to Prepare You for Nepal 

Foreigners will experience lots of cultural shocks wen they visit nepal but those things will make Nepal the most unique place ever. And im sure, in the end; wen u pack ur bags and ready for take off to ur home country, Nepal will still remain in ur heart for the rest of ur life. Such a place is "Nepal"

I loved everything about Nepal! The squatty potties, eating with hands, even the hard beds... in fact I had to sleep on the floor for a month when I got back before getting used to my old mattress! ✌️❤️ and Namaste you two

Yes some homes still have flat toilets but in more advanced residential areas most homes have commodes and toilet papers, its not like no one has toilet paper and you still have the option to eat your meal with a spoon. Everythings optional. You guys were cooking outside in firewood but if you had gas it would be much easier and the electric rice cooker is super easy . Many homes have electric cooking stuff. You guys are struggling a bit cause it looks like you are in a very basic home. And to cut noise, you can move to places that are much peaceful there are places like that such as Kapan, Lalitpur, Narayanthan, Tokha etc. all i meant is there are options. Dont adjust and compromise a lot if you dont have its habits. Thanks for visiting our country though.

I've been to Nepal... and I didn't prepare any of those things. But I still had a blast. I would do a better next time though.. thanks for your videos.. I'm inspired.

Many people will be watching this as tourists and will probably end up staying in hotels - many of which have western toilets. Also toilet paper isn't really hard to find in Nepal!

Sorry guys I don't totally agree with you. Everything is available in Nepal if you have money. And in a small amount of money if you want a perfect service or good things then sorry not only in Nepal wherever you go you have to face Same problem.

1: you can ask spoon if u feel awkward to eat with hand. 2: the hotel u have stayed was pretty below standard coz everyone uses matrix these days. 3. The food u ate was not good. It was so simple food might be $1 per plate. You can't expect 5 star rank for $1 food.

Guys toilet paper is cheap in Nepal Like 20-50cent according to quality and we use the same two pin sockets to all devices that we use

12:49 #13 In Nepal, the week starts with sunday so, no holiday on sundays for students. Friday is a 'half day' so, schools and offices close early and Saturday is a holiday.

No power cut these days. 2019 onward. So relax and enjoy the shangri-la. Cheers.

well i am from nepal and i always use toilet paper. its not true that no one use toilet paper

No power cuts anymore thank God!

Half of the things you said is only true in Hetauda. A small town. Nepal is a very very diverse country. Even a Nepali born in a certain town would feel an outsider in another Nepali town. That s how different their cultures are within the same country. But as long as you re a tourist there, they won't mind even if you do some weird stuff.

i live in nepal and i never ever see mens holding hand😞

You should visit Nepal now and update this info. Lot more has changed .

Guys next time again when you will visit to Nepal, just get some more money and u shouldn't face any problems which u r showing in this video, just we should know that we will get facilities according to how we invest.

The cultural shocks is what makes this small but beautiful country UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE FOR LIFE !

Thank you so much didi & daju (older sister & older brother)...your video is very useful..since lm coming to nepal on 14th march 2016 & willl be travel female solo traveller (from Brunei Darussalam)....alot of my friends nepali who work in Brunei always inform me to be prepare about shortage of electricity, noise pollution and clean water..

I'm screwed. I'm left handed and not sure I could adapt to using my right. I've always eaten and write left handed.

No frequent power cuts in 2020, you can buy innerspring and foam mattresses in furniture shops, cutlery is available virtually everywhere and you can buy toilet paper at most shops at affordable prices. (But a lot of the toilets are squat).

Most tourists get shocked with Nepal's cultures for a first visit, but me..l love Nepal's culture very much..I will visit Nepal again for second time next year ...

Anyway i love Nepal.Dear foreigners Its all our culture and Norms...So Enjoy it😚😚

I appreciated the video. Like some comments below, probably most visitors to the cities will stay in well equipped hotels. It is good to know what you said, so when you are traveling in the countryside, you will know what to expect. I am headed back to Kathmandu in a month for the third time. The last time I visited was six months before the devastating earthquake. I happened to sit next to the greatest Nepalese person, a local professor and consultant. I was invited to his home and celebrated the main Nepalese holiday. Since then, we have kept up on Skype and Facebook. I did get to see most of the well known heritage sites and basically just went with the flow for a week. I would recommend visiting if you can; don't worry about anything, it seems to be a very safe place the people are nice. For that matter you should always respect every person in every country you visit, they are trying hard to make it and you already made it.

If you wanna feel Nepal need to go to village area but if you wanna live with lots of facilities it’s good to go city area. I love village with purest air, morning bird sounds.

haha ... i laughed so hard when she said man holding hand !!!! where did u live in nepal ?? i ve never seen that anywhere .... haha

8:30 Actually sitting on your hand while eating is also considered bad in Nepalese culture. Considered "Alichina".

I like your traffic tips. One of the most dangerous things for tourists is when they step out of a bus and a motorcycle is cutting around traffic and hits them. We just started promoting our RU-vid channel of tips for Nepal. Hope you guys come back again.

This is what India and Nepal made of! People are down to earth

I am from Nepal and Each and every point is absolutely correct and people who are planning to visit Nepal will be helped to prepare themselves considering those facts.

well these include mostly city area but in village area you will experience something different.

firstly u dont need to bring toilet papers with u to nepal ...we dont use toilet papers generally but many in the towns and cities do and our departmental stores sell plety of toilet papers ...secondly u can get the spring mattresses if u want ..they are available in the shops but we tend to use the other kind of mattresses cause we have this thinking that it is better for ur backbone

You don't have to eat with your hand , most restaurants give spoons along with your order , if they don't you can always ask for it . And it doesn't really matter what hand you eat with , no one will bother you if you eat it with either hand.

So how did you found Nepal. Well, you can visit to Kathmandu , Bhaktapur or other great places of Nepal. You will enjoy there and havd lots oc fun and can get many facilities over there. By the ways I also liked your video.☺😊

This is so great. Emma is prepared to come to Nepal. I am so happy to have a video to give our families all a visual of what we are talking about with squat potties etc. And this proves that we aren't making it all up!!!

You totally talk about Hetauda culture.Kathmandu culture is quite different.

Appreciate ur video.. But seems u stayed in a place with no basic facilities..spend some money guys !!! Its not hard to find good hotels in Nepal. Feels like ragpickers have gone on a vacation..

1. Weather: Depending on where you are, Nepal can be very hot or very cold. Research and pack accordingly. 2. Squat toilets 3. Power outages happen every day. 4. Toilet paper is expensive and uncommon. 5. Kitchens outfitted with portable gas stoves with refillable gas cylinders. 6. Waterfall your shared water bottles or cups - don't touch with your lips. 7. Men hold hands as friends to show affection, but PDA among couples isn't acceptable. 8. Mattresses are "fluffed cotton," not spring mattresses. 9. Eat with your (right) hand. Don't lick food off your fingers. Gather and scoop. 10. Type 2 (European 2-prong) sockets 11. Nepal time zone is 15 or 45 minutes behind other time zones. 12. Traffic goes on the left side. Don't walk against traffic. 13. Different calendar. 14. No tipping, generally. 15. Lots of noise, little privacy.

Sometimes, when it comes to traveling its best to not have the same expectations you have of your own country. The beauty of traveling is to experience new cultures and immerse yourself in them. Also a bit unfair to sort of laugh at local customs. But it’s nice to see that people try... my tip for traveling to a 3rd world country, is that if you are not open minded, please, please, stay at home and enjoy your first world luxury and materialistic comforts.

People are forgetting that they are not visiting Nepal, they LIVE in Nepal, so to expect them to live in hotels, even the cheapest, for years is not possible. Another point, they are foreigners so many things will come as a culture shock, so they are preparing for other foreigners not locals who do plan to come to Nepal. Even me who live abroad can find many things challenging when I return to Nepal. But may not be for the locals cuz they grew up in that environment. Lastly, they live outside of big city like Kathmandu, so there aren’t many facilities that you find in big cities. But even in Kathmandu, not everyone can afford a flushing toilet that you sit on it.

Thank you guys for sharing information about our country Nepal 🇳🇵 and I missed my birth place Nepal!!

" As a foreigner, you'll always be stared at." I used to do it when I was 10 because, well they seemed kinda strange.

now in 2016 loadshedding is extint in nepal

I don't know when you guys were here, but you can buy 1 roll of toilet paper at any mini-mart throughout the Kathmandu Valley. Please don't use your valuable space for things like toilet paper. Especially if you are coming from the US, you can get used children's books to fill that space and you'll be bringing something good to share. If you go on a trek you should get the toilet paper from Kathmandu before you go, but if you are on the trekking trail you will need to keep everything you take up, so don't bring toilet paper. Just do it Nepali style. There isn't usually soap up there, so you should bring some soap. I live in Nepal and I love to help tourists to have a great time here. I love living in Nepal.

Cold we can cope no problem , just need the right and proper gear , went up to 5400 meters and i had no issues . Regarding the squat toilet ,its something to get used to and my experience is the more you eat like the locals ( dhal bat ) and no fancy food ( basically trying to eat what you eat at home ) the less time you will spend in a squat position.You dont have to use your hands , cutlery are available.

I'm a Nepal-Canadian and I love you guys so much for this video......thanks a lot!!

Update: There ins't load shedding anymore in Nepal. Also, when using squatting pan, try putting your feet flat on the ground, that way it's more comfortable. You don't need to balance on your toe tips like a ballet dancer.

Blowing Horn without reason is also banned in Nepal from 2017 end

Update for 2021: 1)The everyday power cut no longer exists but foreigners can carry torch as occasional power cuts might happen due to Nepal's land form and climate. 2)Talking about toilet it is not compulsory to wipe with water and hand as toilet papers are common and cheap also. But trekkers and back packers must be ready to do that or carry enough toilet papers for your particular tour/trek. 3)As mentioned in video never eat with your left hand cause it is used for wiping purpose only. 4)Girls holding hands is common but boys holding hands is not that common as mentioned in the video. Although its just about the friendship and brotherhood it isn't common in all parts of Nepal or among majority people. Checkout ExperienceNepal2020 in instagram for free tips and cheap tours in Nepal

There are squatting toilets only if you stay in cheaper guest houses. Also it's harder to find toilet paper only in the rural part of Nepal.

😂 😂 😂 lol 7:34, so true tho... Like after camping, and you get back home to your bed, that you would complain about in the past. Subscribed 👍

Remove one thing from your list which is "Power cut". This problem is fixed almost entirely depending upon where you wanna be. If you plan to travel in a remote part than yes have some back up plan or else there is no issue anymore.

I feel like they are complaining for most part. Yes there is load shedding just get a lantern or some candles. A lot of places have generators. No one really follows traffic regulation so be careful. And yes there is a lot of noise but you will later miss the cacophony once you head back to wherever you came from. And no need for ear plugs lmao unless there is someone snoring. There is commode almost everywhere nowadays (rural areas or old homes may not). Not everyone holds hands; it's not that common. You can use left hand wherever and whenever, there are lots of left handed people. And you don't have to eat with your hands, lots of people don't. You can easily buy toilet paper at a supermarket or mall, but cleansing with water is more hygienic anyways. Just wash your stinky hands with soap haha. There are other type of mattresses just need to pay more. And why are they cooking outside..just go buy gas or go et outside food is so cheap (especially for tourists) lol.

I laugh when the eating with your hands number! I cannot relate as a foreigner being stared at but I can relate as the person staring to the foreigners ahhaah

To all the people who are confused .... just share your problems with any Nepali.. everyone shall happily solve it as our own ... and if you plan to settle down in Nepal then most of these above problem shall be part of your life .. but if u plan just a visit than people will happily lend a hand to solve your problems ... Our culture teaches us that guests are god so you all shall face less problem if u r friendly ... anytime you all are welcomed to Nepal

blood is thicker that water, but loyalty is thicker than blood :D

The main thing : Go to the Himalayas . Forget about phones or other electronics . All the Nepalese welcome tourists but its just that some people are illiterate so they cant understand pretty well and have a hard time expressing own selves . Get deep into the wilderness cause that's what Nepal is for ( Love from Nepal )

WAITTTTT I WAS BORN IN NEPAL CAN I JUST GET A FEW LIKES??? AND WE DO NOT JUDGE ABOUT. OUTFITS,WE LIVE IN PEACE AND HARMONY NO OTHER COUNTRYS HAS ATTACKED NEPAL YEET SO YOUR SAFE OF TOUR GOING TO NEPAL 🇳🇵 soooo I wanted to sayyyy that not all people doesn’t use toilet paper BUT SOMW OF THEM DOO SO U WILL NOT BE THE WEIRD

Your number 10 is about voltage (220 versus 110). There is another factor which can cause problems in certain devices. If you have motorized equipment like a blender it will not work properly because of the cycles per second. In the west we use 50 cycles wheres in India, Nepal they use 60 cycles.

Nowadays, there is no Loadshedding meaning there no electricity cut, and other thing is if you live in good hotel you can sleep on the cosy mattress....

the thruth is so painful. this video is 100% accurate

I am confused ! You are Complimenting or insulting about nepal ?? about facilities and standers well its depend on how much you can spend the money! guys you can't have all of those facilities which you use to have in abroad or in your home country in less money so better carry as much as money if you plan to visit any other country !!

A family friend went to Nepal for a few months. He told me if I ever go, take 6 things. Suitcase full of toilet paper, money, passport, liquid hand sanitizer, sunglasses and a spoon.

I’ve been traveling to NEPAL for a very long time and I admire what you have chosen to do. Actually live in a neighborhood. Adaptation of course takes a while. Somethings are easy others take time. I’ve lived in countries both Middle East Europe and Asia where I now live permanently. Your video was very clear to the point and simple. I really like that. I’m interested that you had no Hindu vs non hindu issues or perhaps you did. The toilet issue is well solved with the water jet if it’s available and much cleaner. Thank you.

hahaha the toilet and toilet paper part was so funny, and honestly ive never seen guy holding another guy hand however i enjoyed pretty much this video and its motivating me to record my next trip.

hello and namaste guys I'm from Nepal i want inform that is now here we have no loadsherding in Kathmandu and soon all Nepal will free from this problem. you people made good job

I really enjoy your videos. They are very informative and interesting. You have a unique point of view and a very down to earth style. Keep up the good work!

I know I'll annoy someone but I sleep on a buton/futon (cotton stuffed mat) or a hammock anyways, and I have no hesitation about whipping out my spork to eat (don't judge me). Pretty much everything else doesn't bother me at all except the toilet paper. I have a folding solar panel because it's easier to deal with where I live anyway same goes for my breakdown Wood gas stove (I'm sure that's useful in Nepal) and squatting to use the bathroom is fairly common in most countries anyway. 5am is not early at all by the way.

Well, a rather pleasant update for all who want to travel to Nepal. We hardly have those powercuts (power outages/loadsheddings) anymore. So yay us! :D

That load shedding problem in Nepal is solved now so there is no need to worry now for electricity..

i really like yur videoo...btw im frm kathmandu nd we dn really see guys holdin hand tht often...mayb its Hetauda's thing..nd ya..the way u guys presentt is vryy cool...thumzz upp..god bless u both :)

well it totally depends on where you are staying at, if you are staying in nice hotels like in pokhara you wont have to worry about such stuffs where as if you stay in more economical places these 15 things are to be known.

Power Cut or Load Sheeding has become history in Nepal since 2017

I went to nepal in 2016 and there is one helpful tip since nepal is kind of dusty it's good if you prepare a face mask so you don't get any dust in your nose or mouth, I didn't have a face mask so it was kind of hard , to cope with!

Well,you also should have added about the strikes and road blockades happening like every other day..Plus even though it's hot in Nepal,the air is much cooler than here in UAE even in summer and not humid!!

Good thing there is no more load shedding now! I am happy now

Router normally works on DC, 12V or 9V or 5V you don't have to invert the DC to AC.. you can directly join the Battery to router, or use voltage regulator.. DC → AC → DC [ energy loss :( ]

Now here's no longer problem of load shedding.

you dont need to eat by your hands ,its okay to eat with spoon too..many of nepalese do the same..they prefer spoon so its okay..

You are good to supporting us thanks keep it up

Such a cute couple. Thanks for sharing your tips. One tip I'd like to provide for your listeners: When using a squat toilet point feet with your toes pointing to the outside. You will be able to squat without falling over. :)

i had french tenant who could never accept the noise part. he use to wake up at 9 or so and every time we made noise he use to madly scream at us showing his bad temperament.

We really need to stop staring at foreigners xD . Great video guys. Will prove very helpful to all those planning to come here.

Yes, eat with right hand only. Wipe with left hand only. Don't mix that up ... for obvious reasons, not just social rejection.

Not good, I'm left handed...

Hello there namasksr..fristly thank you for coming/visiting to Nepal.... Probably this video has shooted in blockage time in Nepal..But now a days there is no loadshedding ... Specially in home you may find the Asian toilet but if you stay in a hotel you will find western toilet with all facilities .....so its depends on the hotel and you van ask them before you book.

Love all your videos and hoping to visit this year

nepal is loadshedding free now, we use toilet papers too some place have flat toilets and commode is common these days. there are every facilities are available here.

I am a nepalese ..only in regional areas we don’t have all facilities like toilet paper .. Bt in downtown .. people have as much as facility as newyorker..... trust me ... I live in ktm .. bt thanks for video ...loved it...🤗🤗

We still use the hand in the village, but we know that after toilet, hand should be cleaned by the toilet and if it does

You can use anything as you want...While eating or ....

Cool Visit again , now there is no loadshedding/power cuts anymore

All of these things are not compulsory to learn, if you just want to travel.However, you'd learn these skills, if you want to settle there or live for couple of months on low-budget. Although Nepal is sublime place to travel if you are nature lover, it's quiet polluted.

Kinda enjoying your documentary/vlog guys! :) I love the last part... This is real life! ;) Keep it up and God bless you both always!

excellent video,, we will be in kathmandu next week arriving 24th march'18...for 6 days(inc chitwan) cant wait , then fly onto kolkata-varanasi-jhansi-agra-jaipur -udaipur etc 24days trip

Good video. Fortunately someone in government determined in late 2016 that load shedding (daily scheduled power outages for several hours to ration electricity) was not really necessary after all. So at least for the time being you do not need to plan for having electrical power for only a fraction of each day. But, it is Nepal, so do not be surprised if power is out occasionally for some time or that load shedding occurs again. Also, eating utensils are common in Nepal. My guess is that the only time a visitor might need to eat with their hands is if they ate in someone's house that was fairly poor.

or you traveled to Nepal and loved it. BTW, I was there long ago (1986) and people did not stare so much and I felt extremely comfortable, even back then.

On one hand our all youth is outside the country most of them studying abroad,these guys seems to enjoy here.Those who are leaving Nepal or are out of Nepal should talk example.

HI,IM FROM SWITZERLAND.I LOVE NEPAL VERY VERY MUCH how can u get good facilities there in Nepal if u dont spend more money huh.i think u need to spend more money for better facilities.instead of staying in good hotels,u r staying in a home in village area.so obviously u will face this problems.first carry enough money so u can afford every facilities. if u again visit NEPAL,stay in a hotel room which costs nearly $200,$250 up to $500 and even more.then only u will have a sound proof room,air con,best bathroom and toilet,no electricity problems and many more. instead of preparing this things,earn enough money and go to visit NEPAL and stay in 5 stars hotel room and u will never face this problems. NAMASTEY

It will help public who visit there. Thanks guys.

Kudos to you guys!! loving your channel, keep up the good work. Born in Nepal, I can't do what you guys do. God bless