Visiting etiquette

Being hospitable is an important quality in Nepal, and being a guest should not be taken lightly. People are frequently invited to have tea with someone in their home or shop because it is an honor to host. The common Nepali proverb "Guests are our god" exemplifies the generous approach to hosting. Even if you are extremely busy, it is polite to make time for a brief appearance if you have been invited to an event. Expect to be offered tea and accept it graciously, even if you don't drink it.

Many Nepalis enjoy surprises and may unexpectedly drop in on each other. They may be led to believe that Australians enjoy surprise visits as well. It is, however, considered impolite to invite yourself to join pre-arranged plans between other people. Wait for an invitation to join others. It is common for Nepalis to extend invitations at the last minute. As a result, if this occurs, do not interpret it to mean that your invitation was an afterthought. It most likely occurs to everyone.

Check the entrance to a person's home to see if they have left their shoes outside, indicating that you should remove yours. It is always polite to offer to do so before entering the home. As a guest, you will almost never be permitted to assist your host in preparing or cleaning up. Nepalese people usually socialize the most before eating. People usually leave as soon as the meal is finished. Some highlanders regard a household's hearth as sacred. Do not put trash or scraps in it.