While on Annapurna circuit treks some of your most memorable highlights will be your encounters with the local Nepalese people. But remember, they live according to different traditions and customs to ours, and it is respectful to be aware of certain behaviours to adopt so you will not offend these lovely people. One of the most rewarding things on Annapurna circuit treks is integrating into, and learning about, the beautiful Nepalese culture.

Food and Drink

When you are on your Annapurna circuit treks, you will no doubt find yourself sitting down to eat with a local Nepalese family. There are a few things to remember when you are sharing a meal with the Nepalese. Once a person’s lips have touched a food item or food container, that food and container are then viewed as jutho (polluted). So never make the mistake of reaching over and trying a delicacy from someone else’s plate – even if it’s your friend’s, as it will be frowned upon.

When eating never use your left hand to pick up food. The Nepalese use their left hand to clean themselves after visiting the toilet and consider it unclean to use the left hand to pick up food. You may think that you will not be eating with your fingers, as this is considered rude in our own culture, but utensils such as knives and forks are rarely used in Nepal. Fit in with the custom on your Annapurna circuit treks and get stuck in with your right hand, especially when eating Daal Bhat, a Nepalese speciality!

Clothing

Clothing can be tricky while you are on your Annapurna circuit treks – just what is acceptable to wear? On the one hand you are going to be hiking, getting hot and needing to wear lighter clothes so you are not weighed down, but while this may be great for you, it may not be the best idea if you want to respect the people and their culture. Men do not walk around bare-chested, and though shorts are acceptable, you will receive more respect if you honour their traditions and wear long trousers. For women, wearing shorts and short skirts is a bad idea, which may be annoying to those exerting physical energy on Annapurna circuit treks. But womens’ legs can be considered an inappropriate public display and many Nepalese could be offended at so much female flesh on show.

Touching

The Nepalese maintain a modesty about the way men and women interact with one another in public. Displays of affection in the presence of others are considered rude and any kissing, hugging or touching is discouraged. So if you are going on Annapurna circuit treks with a partner make sure you keep touching to a minimum, and if you want to show complete respect, don’t touch each other at all when in public.

Temples

When you encounter the incredible temples while on Annapurna circuit treks, please do not just walk in and start taking pictures. Temples are sacred places and are off limits to non-Nepalese, so unless you are given express permission do not enter the holy building. If you manage to get permission, be sure not to step on the small group of stones or mandala that will be on the ground in front of the shrine.

Author Bio: Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have run classic Annapurna Circuit treks for over 20 years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Annapurna Circuit treks