Safety & Emergencies

General Safety

Nepal is one of the safest countries in Asia for tourists. Violent crime against travelers is extremely rare. The Nepali are a peaceful, hospitable people, and even in the poorest areas, you will be respected and welcomed as a guest. The main risks:

• Pickpocketing: In Thamel, on tourist routes, and in crowded buses — keep valuables close to your body, wear your backpack in front in crowds
• Road Traffic: Nepal's roads are DANGEROUS! Chaotic traffic, no sidewalks, buses racing on serpentine roads over cliffs, motorcycles in the opposite direction. As a pedestrian: extreme caution, always walk in the direction of traffic, make eye contact with drivers. Bus rides in Nepal are among the statistically most dangerous in the world
• Trek Safety: Altitude sickness is the biggest risk (→ own chapter). Other risks: getting lost in fog/snow, landslides in monsoon, avalanches in winter, cold at altitude

Bandhs (Strikes) — Nepal's Political Tradition

Bandhs (general strikes) are a Nepalese political tradition: parties, unions, or ethnic groups call for strikes where everything comes to a standstill — shops close, buses don't run, taxis stop. Sometimes there are roadblocks and occasional riots. Bandhs are rarely violent against tourists, but they can completely disrupt your travel plans.

What to do during a Bandh:

• Check with your hotel or trekking agency in the morning
• Stay in the hotel/guesthouse — it's not dangerous, but transport is unavailable
• Tourist buses sometimes run despite the Bandh (especially Greenline)
• Flights are NOT affected
• Use the day for nearby attractions — the old town is often emptier than usual!

Earthquakes — Be Prepared

Nepal is in one of the most seismically active zones in the world. The 2015 earthquake (magnitude 7.8, nearly 9,000 dead) was a traumatic reminder. What you need to know:

• During an earthquake: Get under a sturdy table, door frame, or load-bearing wall. Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects. Outside: Stay away from buildings, power poles, and walls. In the mountains: Beware of rockfalls and avalanches
• After the quake: Aftershocks are likely. Check buildings for cracks. Contact the embassy
• German Embassy Kathmandu: +977 1 4412786, Gyaneshwor
• Austrian Embassy: +977 1 4410891, Hattisar
• Swiss Embassy: +977 1 4449225, Jawalakhel

Bargaining — The Art of Negotiation

In Nepal, almost everything is negotiable — in souvenir shops, markets, taxi rides, even some hotels. Fixed prices exist only in supermarkets and upscale restaurants. Basic rules:

• Start at 50–60% of the asking price and work your way up to 60–75%
• Negotiate friendly and with humor — never aggressively or insultingly
• Smile and be ready to walk away — this often lowers the price immediately
• Trekking gear in Thamel: Prices are often twice as high as necessary. Compare 3+ stores!
• Taxi: ALWAYS negotiate the price before getting in. Meters exist but are almost never used. Guidelines: Airport → Thamel: 600–800 NPR; Thamel → Boudhanath: 300–500 NPR; Thamel → Bhaktapur: 800–1,200 NPR
• No bargaining: In restaurants with printed menus, at entrance fees, in supermarkets, for trek permits

The Namaste Culture — Rules of Conduct

Nepal is a deeply polite and respectful country. Some basic rules, the observance of which opens doors:

• Namaste (hands together, slight bow) is the universal greeting — and opens every door. Use it generously, it is ALWAYS appreciated
• Right hand: Always use the right hand for eating and giving/receiving. The left is considered unclean (used for body cleaning)
• Remove shoes: Before temples, monasteries, prayer rooms, and often before homes. Watch what others do
• Do not touch the head: The head is considered sacred — never touch a Nepali's head, not even children's (even if they are cute!)
• Clockwise: Always circle Buddhist stupas, chortens, and mani stones clockwise. Always pass mani walls on the left
• Modesty: Cover shoulders and knees in temples. Public displays of affection between couples are uncommon and considered impolite
• Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing people. At cremation ghats (Pashupatinath) with utmost respect — they are real mourning ceremonies
• Soles: Never show the soles of your feet to people or religious objects — sit cross-legged, not with legs stretched out towards an altar
• Jutha: Anything that has touched your lips is considered "jutha" (ritually contaminated). Never share your drinking bottle directly (pour without touching the mouth) and never offer bitten food