Respectful dress in Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand
Sep 25th, 2015, 05:52 PM
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Respectful dress in Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand
Hi everyone,
To those of you who read my earlier posts, in the end we decided we will go to Nepal (cancelled Luang Prabang and Siem Reap, our two plan B's). We want to give the money to the economy and we have always wanted to go to the country. We will spend 4 nights in KTM at Dwarika's, then a night in Dwarika's resort in Dhukiel (spelling), then a final night in KTM again. Because of the earthquake damage, we plan to use local guides at least some of the timewhich we would not have done with 7 World Heritage sites so closely available. (Actually, we have never used guides before).
We leave in 5 weeks and I am now struggling with what to pack. I am clear that shorts, sleeveless shirts and low cut tops are not okay (nor would I have dared to wear them for many years now). What I am unclear about is
1) Do I really need to wear skirts?
2) colors. We travel in black and white and I read somewhere neither are respectful. I know that white is the color of Buddhist mourning, but does this mean I should avoid the white French cut t shirts which are my uniform and my husband should avoid his Travelsmith button-down shirts.
We tend to travel with black jeans, black cashmere sweaters and/or pile jackets in the day, nice (black) pants for DH at night and either a (black) dress for me or dressy pants outfit for evening and white shirts. We wear hiking shoes even in city in day because of foot problems.
We do not want to offend or look weird. We are also spending so much money on this trip we do not want to do massive shopping.
Appreciate all help.
In Nepal, we will be in the Kathmandu Valley, mostly around Kathmandu itself. In Bhutan, we will be traveling in both central and west Bhutan, with a five day trek in the middle. (For the trek, we know how to dress.) Thanks all. Oh, finishing with 3-4 days in Bangkok.
To those of you who read my earlier posts, in the end we decided we will go to Nepal (cancelled Luang Prabang and Siem Reap, our two plan B's). We want to give the money to the economy and we have always wanted to go to the country. We will spend 4 nights in KTM at Dwarika's, then a night in Dwarika's resort in Dhukiel (spelling), then a final night in KTM again. Because of the earthquake damage, we plan to use local guides at least some of the timewhich we would not have done with 7 World Heritage sites so closely available. (Actually, we have never used guides before).
We leave in 5 weeks and I am now struggling with what to pack. I am clear that shorts, sleeveless shirts and low cut tops are not okay (nor would I have dared to wear them for many years now). What I am unclear about is
1) Do I really need to wear skirts?
2) colors. We travel in black and white and I read somewhere neither are respectful. I know that white is the color of Buddhist mourning, but does this mean I should avoid the white French cut t shirts which are my uniform and my husband should avoid his Travelsmith button-down shirts.
We tend to travel with black jeans, black cashmere sweaters and/or pile jackets in the day, nice (black) pants for DH at night and either a (black) dress for me or dressy pants outfit for evening and white shirts. We wear hiking shoes even in city in day because of foot problems.
We do not want to offend or look weird. We are also spending so much money on this trip we do not want to do massive shopping.
Appreciate all help.
In Nepal, we will be in the Kathmandu Valley, mostly around Kathmandu itself. In Bhutan, we will be traveling in both central and west Bhutan, with a five day trek in the middle. (For the trek, we know how to dress.) Thanks all. Oh, finishing with 3-4 days in Bangkok.
Sep 25th, 2015, 07:07 PM
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oops - I don't mean to send that!
local guides (official guides, with a name tag) are available at the entrance to each Durbar Square, and other world heritage site. They may suggest a price (like $3-5) or tell you to pay what you want. All of the guides I have used at the sites have been excellent. (A good way to feed the local economy, IMO)
local guides (official guides, with a name tag) are available at the entrance to each Durbar Square, and other world heritage site. They may suggest a price (like $3-5) or tell you to pay what you want. All of the guides I have used at the sites have been excellent. (A good way to feed the local economy, IMO)
Sep 26th, 2015, 02:37 AM
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Can't believe that people intent on putting their money into the local economy want to stay in posh hotels!
It's the locally owned and run accommodation and restaurants that are struggling to survive. They need your cash and support. You will find their response both genuine and overwhelming.
It's the locally owned and run accommodation and restaurants that are struggling to survive. They need your cash and support. You will find their response both genuine and overwhelming.
Sep 26th, 2015, 03:30 PM
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What I'm trying to get across is that places like Dwarika's will continue to operate, thrive and profit despite any adverse prevailing economic conitions in Nepal, whereas thousands of smaller places wil simply disappear without trace.
Something to be aware about...
http://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/n...fuel-shortage/
Something to be aware about...
http://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/n...fuel-shortage/
Sep 27th, 2015, 09:33 PM
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If you look at blog at Nepali owned and operated Dwarika's, you will see that it is doing an impressive effort, Camp Hope, to help Nepali.
We changed our last night reservation from Hyatt to Dwarika's even though the Hyatt is nearer stupa precisely because of this reason. It is also why we are not going to Cambodia or Laos.
Because of damage to KTM and world heritage sites, we plan to use Nepalese guides (something we have never done before), also to help economy.
We live very simply in many ways, but I have a fondness for nice hotels that I am happy to drive a 1999 Toyota to indulge.
We changed our last night reservation from Hyatt to Dwarika's even though the Hyatt is nearer stupa precisely because of this reason. It is also why we are not going to Cambodia or Laos.
Because of damage to KTM and world heritage sites, we plan to use Nepalese guides (something we have never done before), also to help economy.
We live very simply in many ways, but I have a fondness for nice hotels that I am happy to drive a 1999 Toyota to indulge.
Sep 28th, 2015, 08:11 PM
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If you want to be close to the stupa at Boudhaneth for the full spiritual experience, then there are some v.good guest houses attached to the monastries on the site.
Once you get into the swing of walking clockwise round the stupa, especially at dawn and dusk you won't want to leave the place.
There are also some excellent places to eat and drink in the immediate area around the stupa. I recommend Flavor's as one. Staffed by disadvantaged staff, all with a genuine smile on their face.
Our favourite place on our 5 week trip last year.
Once you get into the swing of walking clockwise round the stupa, especially at dawn and dusk you won't want to leave the place.
There are also some excellent places to eat and drink in the immediate area around the stupa. I recommend Flavor's as one. Staffed by disadvantaged staff, all with a genuine smile on their face.
Our favourite place on our 5 week trip last year.
