Namaste, fellow travellers!

The other day in class we were talking about culture shock, and two girls that had been to Nepal said that the hardest thing for them to get used to was showering. Seems like hygiene is something foreigners really struggle at the beginning when going to Nepal.

With hygiene, I’m talking about different aspects that are done differently in western countries from Nepal. The following are the most recurrent ones:

• SHOWERS. If you’re from any western country, you might be used to warm endless showers. Well, get prepared for the freezing cold water showers or bucket ones. Another option (if you’re lucky and you have one nearby) are public bathing taps.
• TOILETS. Most toilets in Nepal are just a hole in the ground. Also, there is no toilet paper. So you better learn how to wipe your ass with water. But remember, always with your left hand!
• EATING. You might be wondering why did she write before just to use the left hand for the toilet. The reason why is because you might need the right one to eat. Yep, it’s right, if you really want to integrate you will have to eat without cutlery.

Now, you might be thinking ‘No way I’m going’. But please look at it from another perspective. The experience might take you out of your comfort zone and push your boundaries, but at the end, you will see how different the world works, you will start appreciating what you have and you will grow personally.

The best you can do to minimize the culture shock before going is to read the recommendations of other travellers, understand the culture and the most important being open-minded.

I hope this blog helped you understand a bit more about the Nepalese culture. And that it did not discourage you to visit this amazing country.

Cheers!