Dress Code/Demonstrative Behavior in Public Places
Common Etiquettes
Some tips on the common etiquette practiced by Nepali people should be useful to visitors.
The form of greeting in Nepal is "Namaste" performed by joining both palms together. It literally means "the divine in me salutes the divine in you".
As a mark of respect Nepalis usually take their shoes off before entering someone's house or place of worship.
Food or material that has been touched by another person's mouth is considered impure or "jutho" and, therefore, is not accepted unless among close friends or family.
Touching something with feet or using the left hand to give or take may not be considered auspicious.
Women wearing skimpy outfits are frowned upon especially in the rural parts of the country.
Public display of affection is considered scandalous.
Nodding of head means "Yes" while shaking of head means a "No". A slight dangling of head from left to right means "OK".
You can accept a handshake offered by either a male or a female but never offer your hand first. To avoid conflict photography is carried out only after receiving permission.
[Source : Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation]