Nepal is a multilingual and multicultural country. Therefore, you must be very careful not to show any signs of disrespect to the varied people and cultures. Here are some tips on what to do and what to avoid while you are in Kathmandu.

• In Nepal, people greet each other with a “Namaste”, where they join both palms of the hands and bow the head slightly. Handshakes are very rare, and “Namaste” is widely preferred among the Nepalese.
• While exchanging anything, money or other objects, use both hands. This gesture shows gratitude and respect.
• Pointing is considered rude and aggressive, so always remember to point using a flat extended hand, especially to indicate a sacred object, person or place.
• It is recommended that you travel in groups while trekking or site seeing as it is safer.
• People in Nepal eat with their right hand. It is considered uncivilized and unhygienic to use the left hand for eating. Hence, in situations when cutlery is not available to you, please use your right hand.
• Public displays of affection viz. holding hands etc. should be avoided as the locals are not used to these and you may attract a lot of unwanted attention. 
• You will come across a body language peculiarity called the “Indian nod”, wherein the person shakes the top of his head side to side. Do not be confused by this gesture, it indicates affirmation.
• Wear full- sleeved shirts and full, loose-fitting trousers. The locals of Nepal are traditional and appreciate it when tourists dress conservatively.
• Although consumption of beef isn’t banned in Nepal, cow slaughter is, and there is an ambiguity around the laws. Hence, it is recommended that you avoid beef and try some other famous local cuisines.
• Try not to step over another person, a sacred place or a hearth. The gesture is associated with death.
• Do not sit with your feet pointed towards another person or a sacred place as it’s considered disrespectful.
• You will be asked to remove your shoes while entering a home, temple or monastery (and leather items in Hindu temples) as a sign of respect.
• Smoking in religious places is strictly prohibited.
• Make sure that you cover up while visiting religious places. Remember, some of the entrance of the temple may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
• Always insist on a running meter while boarding a cab (also called a “taxi”). It is also commonplace for cab drivers to ask you to pay double the fare after 10 pm.
• Do walk around Stupas (Buddhist temples) clockwise, so that the outer walls are always on your right. If you encounter a stone wall covered with Tibetan inscriptions, do the same. Walk past with the wall on your right (and don’t take any of the stones).
• Do not drink tap water and always use a hand sanitizer.
• Always get a receipt of authenticity when purchasing an antique replica, otherwise, you will not be allowed to take it out of the country. And don’t buy ivory or fur from endangered species, your purchases encourage the trade of such illegal goods, additionally, you won’t be allowed to take them back home anyway.
• Don’t give money to beggars. It may seem like nothing but begging leads young children to drop out of school and take up panhandling as their trade. If you want to help, give to a trustworthy charity or a school.
• Don’t take photographs of people, holy shrines & temples unless they have clearly given their consent.

These are the general list of things you can and cannot do while in Nepal. However, there is some subjectivity and, some of these may vary depending on the place you visit.

Nightlife Experiences

Nightlife in Kathmandu is concentrated in Thamel and boasts a variety of nightclubs and bars. Nightlife starts at around 10 p.m. and ends at about 1 a.m., so make sure that you leave your hotel early. If you aren’t sure what to do in the evening and simply want to explore the local area, Thamel street is the place to be. The range of street shops around the square is simply astounding. It is a well-lit area and a colorful place to walk around in the evening.

One of the oldest and the most famous bar in the area is Sam’s Bar and it is an all-time favorite with the locals. The drinks are decently priced, the staff is friendly, and you will meet lots of travelers here. There is a reggae every Saturday and it’s a fun place to meet people and swap stories. Another place to start your evening with is, OR2K. It is centrally located in Thamel. The atmosphere of OR2K is reminiscent of a psychedelic dream and the food is delicious. If you and your friends are into jazz, then you should visit Jazz Upstairs. The owner of the bar was a drummer of the only jazz band in town and is one of the people who started the Jazzmandu Festival. The bar is recommended if you want to relax with your pals and listen to some sweet jazz. For rock music aficionados, Purple Haze Rock Bar is a must visit. It opens at around 11 p.m. and is usually packed, so make sure that you arrive early. The bar hosts live performances by local bands and the music is stupendous, a healthy mix of Nepali and Western classic rock.

Kathmandu also has casinos for those who wish to gamble with Lady Luck: Casino Royale, Casino Mahjong, The Millionaire’s Club Casino, Casino Rad, and Casino Pride Nepal. These places are open 24 hours and usually have a plush and fun ambiance that aims to please. Make sure you carry a piece of ID (passport) as most these places are forbidden to locals.

If you wish to immerse yourself in a cultural experience, you should attend the largest carnival in Kathmandu called Jatra or Indra Jatra. It is held for eight days in September. Each night of the carnival, the shrines and ancient palace buildings around the Durbar Square are aglow with lamps. Masked dancers known as Lakhay, take to the streets beating drums loudly. It’s an onslaught on the senses. During these days there is a fervor in the air that you can feel and it’s an amazing experience.

• Pashupatinath: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, the complex is on the banks of Bagmati river and houses dozens of temples and open-air cremations. The temple is devoted to Lord Pashupatinath, Nepal's National deity, and was built in the 5^th century. Only Hindus are allowed through the gates of the main temple which opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. You can reach there by bus, there are regular bus services from Kathmandu (Ratna Park or City Bus station) and it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Goshala (the stop for Pashupatinath).
• The Great Durbar Square: The square comprises of the three Durbars (palaces) in Kathmandu: the Basantpur area, which is closed for public, the main Durbar Square and the entrance to Hanuman Dhokha, which is a royal palace and a tribute to Lord Hanuman. Incidentally, Hanuman Dhokha is teeming with monkeys who will eat crackers right out of the palm of your hand. Durbar Square was the location of the royal palace and had some beautiful and elaborately carved wooden windows and panels, which were destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. The square is also famous for its pigeon temple. To visit Durbar Square, you can either purchase a visitor pass or a day ticket, depending on how long you intend to visit.
• Swyambhunath: Also known as the “Monkey Temple”, the stupa overlooks the city and has the most panoramic view of the landscape. Literally meaning the “self-existent one” this temple dates to 460 A.D. Visitors from all walks of life have reportedly felt a special connection to the city while visiting this sacred and lovely temple. There are 365 steps leading up to the shrine as it rests on top of a hill. A few important monuments to see here are The Sleeping Buddha and The Dewa Dharma Monastery. To reach the temple, you can walk from Thamel, it’s a 60-90 min walk. If the weather isn’t too hot you can enjoy the streets and shops along the way. You can also take a cab or taxi, which should take about 10-15 mins.
• Boudhanath Stupa: This is one of the largest stupas in the world and is said to house the remains of Siddhartha Gauthama, the historical Buddha. The unique three-dimensional construction of the stupa is a homage to Buddha’s path towards Enlightenment. Built in around 14^th century, the Nepalese also call it “Chorten Chenpo” which means “Great Tower”. To get to the Stupa, you can either hire a taxi which should cost you around 400 NR or a cheaper option is the bus which departs from the Main road.
• Tiger tops: The open area hosts Elephant Polo Championships every year in December. The sport and the equipment are altered to make it more elephant specific, including a six to ten-foot cane and a smaller pitch to accommodate the large mammal’s slow gait.
• Kopan Monastery: The monastery sits on top of a hill on the outskirts of the city and is one of the most peaceful places in the city. The monastery is famous for teaching Buddhism to foreigners and conducts month-long courses all year. It is accessible from Kathmandu, by taxi or by bus from Ratna Park. You can also walk to the monastery from Boudhanath stupa, it’s a 40-minute walk. If you are just visiting, go on a Saturday as the monastery is closed on other days and gates close at 5 p.m.
• Royal Botanical Gardens are a lovely way to escape for the hustle-bustle and dust of the city. You will be surprised by the variety of birds and flowers in the gardens. The gardens open at 10 a.m. and they accept only cash as an entry fee.
• Chitwan National Park houses the extremely endangered species, the single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros. It is also the last surviving example of the natural ecosystems of the Terai region. The lush landscape is a sight to behold which the visitors can enjoy on a safari or catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the Bengal tiger. Visitors usually take a 2-3 days packaged tour of the park and every package is priced differently, based on the duration of your stay and the activities included.

Activities To Do

• Nagarkot Sunrise view: Nagarkot is a mountain village and is famous for the spectacular view it has of the sunrise over the Himalayas. It’s a day’s worth hiking trip, and the trail is ideal for armature trekkers as it is mostly downhill. The hike is very scenic. Bonus: If the weather permits you can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest!
• Food: Owing to its unique geographical vicinity to both China and India, Kathmandu’s cuisine is a curious blend of the two. Try the local food, it’ll blow you away, especially the momos, pakoras, and soups.
• Trek to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park: This is a long trek, but the landscape is breathtaking, the vegetation is ever-changing, and the path has a wonderful scattering of rivulets and waterfalls. Visit the Budhanilkantha Temple on your way to the park.
• Phulchowki is the highest point of the valley from where you will get a panoramic view of Kathmandu. You can either hike to Phulchowki or drive there. The flora is a novelty here, especially the beautiful and multicolor rhododendrons.
• You can go on a trekking tour to explore the beautiful Langtang National park. Each day brings something new for the trekker and valley has some wonderful sights to behold: the snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, dense pine trees covering the slopes and fresh air.  
• White water rafting: This is the perfect sport for those who love a bit of adventure. Training and safety are provided, and the participants can enjoy a three-hour, riveting rafting experience down the river Trishuli. You can play, swim and relax in the water.

Given the cultural diversity that the city offers, it is highly unlikely that anyone will go home empty-handed. Here are a few unique souvenirs to take back with you.

• Dar Cho or Tibetan prayer flags are colorful flags that are believed to generate spiritual vibrations and promote well being.
• Beautifully carved statues of Hindu and Buddhist Gods made from copper, bronze, and brass.
• Khukuri knives are so famous that they are practically synonymous with Nepalese. It is also the national knife and is presented as a token of love on special occasions.
• Thangka paintings are costly but deservedly so. Each religious scroll is hand painted on silk or cotton canvas and takes six to eighteen months to make.
• A Pashmina shawl feels like water being woven as threads; it's luxurious and soft. They make for a perfect gift and are fashionably versatile.
• Rice Paper products like lampshades, photo albums, gift boxes, cultural calendars, and even handbags are very popular.
• Singing Bowls are wonderful and mythical objects. They look like simple metal bowls but emit continuous harmonic sounds and vibrations when struck by a padded mallet. The vibrations are said to have healing properties and are used by monks during meditation.