3. What you might not know: Nepali tradition harms its girls

Beneath Nepal’s cultural richness and natural beauty lie the darker workings of its social fabric. Female discrimination is rampant in Nepal. But their plight is usually invisible to outsiders. For many, Nepal is essentially a tourist (or mountaineer) haven, only to be experienced as such.

Although there is no overt caste system, its ideals are insidious and pervasive. Women of the lowest (Dalit) caste suffer intense social discrimination – they are denied education, access to health facilities and economic resources.

A Dalit woman with her two children 

Most are manual labourers, whose lack of opportunity perpetuates their poverty. Such vulnerability forces many into the human trafficking industry in hopes of a better life.As many as 15,000 girls are trafficked out of Nepal annually. Those who escape are often addicted to drugs and ostracized, unable to resume life in their own community.

Although caste discrimination was illegalised in 1963, its roots in cultural and religious tradition makes complete eradication difficult. Its influence is pervasive despite legal barriers and increased education.This is not the only case where adherence to tradition endangers the lives of Nepali girls – the Deuki and Chaupadi practices forcibly displace young girls, who are objectified as symbols of impurity. Such superstitious dehumanisation of women perpetuates their commodification through the sex trafficking industry.

Young women observing Chaupadi under a rock outcropping in Kalekanda village, Nepal

Contrary to popular belief, anti-trafficking NGOs in Nepal are not all success stories – in reality, they are highly limited in their outreach. They can even be socially detrimental, further curtailing women’s freedom by restricting voluntary migration.

But how far has Nepal come?

With the help of international organisations, female political rights have increased, but still lack meaningful participation. Enforcement of women’s rights is continually hindered by communal violence and political instability. Fundamentally, female discrimination has its roots in tradition – changing the patriarchal, rigid social structure would be essential for real progress.

2. Misconceptions about Nepal - the Nepalese royal massacre

Nepal’s political history has been a turbulent one. The Nepalese Royal Massacre in 2001 left political unrest that created social and economic instability. The media perpetuates the widespread belief that Crown Prince Dipendra killed nine members of his family, and later committed suicide. Military and government officials also insist that the queen’s disapproval of his choice of a wife triggered the massacre. 

The Nepalese royal family

But King Birendra and his son Dipendra were popular and respected among the locals – the official report evoked much local suspicion. Some blame the king’s unpopular younger brother, Gyanendra, who might have wanted to secure the throne by eliminating his nephews. Is it too much of a coincidence that while the entire families of Birendra and Dipendra were killed, all of Gyanendra's family survived?

 

From left: King Gyanendra and King Birendra 

 Locals are sceptical towards official reports based on the claims of royal members. Moreover, the razing of the palace destroyed all physical evidence, hindering investigative attempts. Raktakunda, a novel chronicling the royal mystery, posits that two men impersonating as Dipendra perpetrated the violence, raising further doubt.

 The incident exacerbated the political uncertainty. Nepal’s has diverse (over 200) ethnic groups, a socially divisive caste system and large refugee populations from Tibet and Bhutan. Amidst such turbulence and fragmentation, the popular King was a significant symbol of unity and stability. Nepalese frustration manifested in riots that exacerbated social and political tension. Tourism declined, further worsening the already impoverished economy.

 However, in retrospect, Gyanendra’s direct, undemocratic rule may have brought about a faster route to democracy. Since the 2006 democracy movement against his rule, civil dissent and international pressure have led to the abolishment of the monarchy and creation of a federal republic.

 But political stability has yet to be achieved – following the turbulent transition to democracy, Nepal is now fraught with violent protests that hinder political and social progress.

Police open fire against Kathmandu political protestors 

1. Icons, Anthems & Defining Figures: Travelling with Respect

Snowy white peaks against a backdrop of endless valleys – Nepal’s landscape is certainly one of its most prominent icons. The prospect of conquering Mount Everest lures hundreds of adventure-seekers annually, significantly impacting the environment and local life.

 Locals and tourists ascribe it vastly different meanings. Everest has provided a popular backdrop for numerous travel and adventure narratives. Herge’s Tintin in Tibet, for instance, uses it to weave a touching story of friendship appealing to children and adults alike.

 But is Everest becoming over-commercialised – a mere playground for thrill-seekers? ‘Full-service’ guided tours ensure that even those without prior mountaineering experience can easily ascend the summit; websites provide interactive 3D experiences that simulate the climb. To the local Sherpa people, however, Everest hasn’t lost its reverential status - it’s of Nepal’s religious significance as a site of spiritual energy.

 Religion is deeply engrained in Nepalese culture. Hinduism and Buddhism are deeply intertwined – despite the Hindu majority, most identify with with both religions, sharing beliefs and places of worship. Their common origin is significant in paving the way for relatively peaceful co-existence in multiethnic communities, as well as in larger society.

 But despite its official recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it is not widely known that Lumbini in Southern Nepal is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha – where Buddhism originated.

The multitude of Everest climbers, however, has resulted in congestion and environmental degradation, forcing authorities to divert attention to neighbouring peaks.

 Why the lesser focus on Nepalese culture? Maybe the prospect of conquering the world’s highest mountain is just more enticing – its universal appeal lies in the sheer danger of the climb, and the popular culture surrounding it.

 Conquering the physical terrain is no easy feat, but exploring the rich culture and history of Nepal can be just as thrilling an expedition.