TIPS FOR CREWS FILMING IN NEPAL:

Etiquette: The best form of greeting and saying hello/goodbye in Nepal is putting both palms together and saying “Namaste”, just like in yoga. In Kathmandu our Nepali production crew members are hip to the west and it’s perfectly fine to shake hands, but when meeting rural people in villages, local cast members, and people on the street/village, it’s better to do your “namaste” with two palms together.

Food: The National dish is Dhal Bhat - rice and lentils, very tasty. 

Important safety tips: When ordering food its best to stay with the basics:

Cooked Food- Dhal Bhat is the best choice always. Cooked chicken, cooked buffalo meat.  As you know cows are sacred in Nepal so don’t ask for beef. (Although some restaurants already serve imported beef, it’s changing now).

Fish: Nepal is a land locked country, no ocean. Although on menus, you should know that most fish are imported from India therefore not always daily fresh. There are exceptions such as villages that are by rivers that have a supply of fresh fish.

Veggies- Stay with cooked veggies. Raw veggies are not a good idea (.ie. ordering a salad, not advisable unless you know for sure the vegetables were properly treated).

Fruit- All fruits that can be peeled are safe. Banana, tangerines/clementines,and oranges. (In season). 

Beverages- All sodas are safe since they go through a process that eliminates bacteria. All boiled drinks are safe- tea, coffee and boiled milk. Make sure to try Nepali Chai -tea boiled together with milk, sugar and a masala blend of cardamom and cloves.

Water:  Drink only thoroughly boiled water, bottled water, or water you know has been treated. Drinking from the tap in Nepal is not advisable.

-It is advisable to also brush your teeth with bottled/ boiled water, since tap water is not treated in Nepal and may be ingested when brushing your teeth.

Sticking to these little tips should minimize the chances of stomach bugs.  Please rest assured- if you do not feel right there is an excellent Clinic staffed with foreign and Nepali doctors in Kathmandu:  

CIWEC – Clinic. Travel  Medicine Center –British- Indian Embassy Rd. Lainchur, Kathmandu, Nepal  

Tel: 9771 442 4111 or 9771 443 5232 or 9771 4413163

www.ciwec-clinic.com

Useful sites on medical matters & Immunizations in Nepal:

www.ciwec-clinic.com/health-information/immunizations-recommended-for-travel-in-nepal/

wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/nepal.htm 

Stay healthy and enjoy the beauty, Nepal is an absolutely amazing country!

Namaste,

The Nepa~laya Team.