On the trail
You're moving — passing porters, asking directions, checking the weather with whoever you meet at a rest stop. These are the trail-talk phrases that build goodwill and keep you on the right path.
What to expect
- Greet every Nepali person you pass with 'namaste' — it's the trail norm and people appreciate it
- 'Bistari bistari' (slowly slowly) is both a literal pace cue and the unofficial trekking mantra
- Use Dai/Didi (older brother/sister) when addressing porters — much warmer than nothing
- Locals usually have the most accurate weather and trail-condition info, not your guidebook
The script
Namaste!
नमस्ते!
Namaste!
Hands together for the full effect. Repeat with every passerby.
Slowly, slowly.
बिस्तारै बिस्तारै।
Bistaarai bistaarai.
Trail mantra. Says 'I'm not rushing' — porters and locals respect it.
How far is it?
कति टाढा छ?
Kati taadhaa cha?
Where is the path?
बाटो कहाँ छ?
Baato kahaa cha?
When trail markers are ambiguous, locals will gesture clearly.
Is the trail closed?
बाटो बन्द छ?
Baato banda cha?
Critical above 4,000m where landslides and weather close passes.
How is the weather above?
माथिको मौसम कस्तो छ?
Maathi-ko mausam kasto cha?
Ask anyone descending — they just walked through it.
After you.
तपाईं पहिले।
Tapaai pahile.
When meeting porters on narrow trail — uphill traffic has right of way.
Older brother (porter).
दाइ।
Dai.
Respectful address for a man older than you. 'Bhai' for younger.
Older sister.
दिदी।
Didi.
For a woman older than you. 'Bahini' for younger.
Thank you, brother.
धन्यवाद, दाइ।
Dhanyabad, dai.
See you again.
फेरि भेटौँला।
Pheri bhetaula.