Chapter Ten: Nepal

Nepal is a tiny kingdom wedged between India and China. The country’s most outstanding feature is the Himalayan mountain range, which towers over 80 percent of its area. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world belong to the Himalayas of Nepal, as well as one of the world’s most enduring legends. Though never captured, it’s said that a giant, apelike beast, called the "abominable snowman," roams the country’s mountainous region. Hills and valleys lie south of the mountains. A river plain, including rain forests, farmland, and swamps, stretches along the Nepal-India border. Governed by a king and a prime minister, Nepal is a constitutional monarchy.

What Time Is it in Nepal?

Nepal is ten and one-half hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When it’s 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C., then it’s 8:30 p.m. in Nepal.

People

Most of the Nepalese are related to people who migrated from northern India and Tibet. One group, the Sherpa, is famous for being skilled mountain guides. More than 90 percent of the population lives in rural settlements, some even shifting from one elevation to another to find the best farming and herding environment. Growing numbers of the population, however, are moving to Kathmandu, Nepal’s largest and capital city. The Nepalese are a religious people. About 88 percent of the population are Hindus who often share the same customs with the Buddhist minority. Most believe in the principle of karma: all life experiences are the results of past deeds.

Doing Business in Nepal

If you’re planning to do business in Nepal, here are a few tips you might want to know.

Greetings

• Although the Nepalese are familiar with western ways and may shake hands, it’s best to wait and see. The traditional greeting is the namaste, placing the palms of the hands together, as if in prayer, and bowing slightly. The verbal greeting to older or senior Nepalese is "Namaste."
• When addressing someone, use the family name and a title (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Miss). Use first names only when invited to do so.

Gestures

• Never point at anyone. It is considered rude.
• If refreshments are offered, it’s rude to refuse.
• Avoid physical contact. Feet, in particular, are considered unclean. Never show the bottom of your foot to anyone. If you should touch someone with your foot, apologize immediately.

Protocol

• Always make a prior business appointment.
• Exchange business cards at the first meeting.
• Negotiations may begin with small talk. The Nepalese will be impressed if you have taken time to learn something about their customs and country.

Want to know more about Nepal?

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