Seasoned traveller Paul Darlow reveals his top five useful words and phrases while trekking in Nepal.
If you’re going trekking along one of the main routes in Nepal like Everest, Annapurna or Langtang, the good news is that you don’t have to know a word of the Nepali language – many locals along these routes speak remarkably good English.
However, my most memorable experiences in Nepal were only accessible because I had learned a few words of the language. Because most tourists don’t bother to learn any Nepali, those who make the effort get rewarded many times over.
The five words and phrases that I suggest you learn are as follows:
1. Namaste!
A straightforward translation to English is hello; however, it more literally translates as I bow to the God in you. Historically (and today in formal situations) the word namaste is accompanied by putting your hands together in front of your chest, as if in prayer. Along the main trekking routes (and in most of Kathmandu) the tradition of closing the hands in prayer seems to be dying out, though in the remoter areas of Nepal you will still come across the original greeting.
2. Yo bhatto Lukla jaane?
While route-finding along the main trails of Nepal is typically straightforward, there can be occasions when it’s nice to confirm that you’re going the right way!
This expression translates as Does this path go to Lukla? Alternatively, if you find yourself at a trail junction and don’t know which way to go, you could try Kun bhatto Lukla jaane? (Which trail goes to Lukla?)
3. Mero naam Paul ho
It’s always nice to introduce yourself to people – this simple expression translates as My name is Paul. Even better is to follow up with a question: Tapailko naam ke ho? which means What is your name?
4. Ma bujina
The problem with speaking a little Nepali is that it’s almost certain to result in a barrage of (friendly and inquisitive) questions spoken in the native tongue. This is where this expression comes into its own – it means I don’t understand.
5. Malai achaar ani khursani dinus
If you tuck into the Nepali national dish of Dahl Baat, standards will inevitably vary. While the best recipes are absolutely delicious, some – especially high up in the mountains – can be uninspiring and tasteless. What you need to make them better, and what the porters and guides get, is some pickle and chilli. Unfortunately, Nepalis assume that westerners don’t eat such things, and so you will need to ask for them – which is where this expression should do the trick. Achaar is the word for pickle and khursani the word for chilli.
One word you definitely won’t need a translation for is thank you. While an equivalent Nepali word does exist, its use is not culturally normal or expected and I don’t remember having heard a single Nepali use it.
Paul Darlow manages Nepal Trekking Holidays, a travel blog dedicated to walking holidays in Nepal.
> If you’ve been inspired to learn more, we’re offering 20% off the Lonely Planet Nepali Phrasebook for a limited time only!