Kathmandu · Nepal
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The plan
Everything that's hosted and scheduled for the wedding week, day by day.
The big day
A Nepalese wedding is a joyous mix of sacred ritual, street-party energy and serious feasting, woven from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Here's what each moment means — and how to join in. No prior knowledge needed.
The night before
Intricate henna is painted onto the bride's hands and feet to bring beauty and good fortune, while everyone around her sings, dances and celebrates.
Your part: bridal-shower energy — mingle, snack, dance. If henna is being offered, guests are very welcome to get a small design too. Comfortable, festive clothes.
Wedding day · the arrival
The groom arrives in a gloriously loud procession of family and friends — brass band, dancing in the street, the lot — while the bride's side waits at the entrance to welcome them in.
Your part: on the groom's side? You're in the parade — dance your way in. On the bride's side? Wait with the welcome party and cheer them home.
The ceremony
The couple exchange rings and garlands woven from dubo grass — a plant that never wilts, for a love that doesn't either. Then they move to the mandap, a canopy over a sacred fire, where the main rituals begin.
The ceremony
Over a few unhurried hours of ritual, the bride circles the groom three times, he touches red sindoor powder into her hair parting, and gives her a gold tilhari necklace — the moments that, in Nepal, mean married.
Your part: nobody expects rows of silent chairs — guests chat, graze and drift around the edges the whole time. One rule only: shoes off if you step onto the mandap platform.
Any moment now…
At some point, the bride's sisters will steal the groom's shoes and hold them to ransom. Expect theatrical negotiation before he buys them back.
Your part: pick a side and cheer.
The celebration
The couple take their place on a decorated stage and guests come up in turn to greet them. Then the buffet opens — Nepalese weddings take feasting very seriously — and the dancing follows.
Your part: join the line, hand over your gift with a “namaste” and your congratulations, smile for the photo — then you're free to eat, dance and celebrate.
Bright, festive colour — the bolder the better. Two things to skip: pure black or pure white (mourning colours in Hindu tradition), and head-to-toe red, which belongs to the bride. Shoulders and knees covered for the ritual parts.
Cash is the tradition, tucked into a decorative envelope (the venue usually has spares if you forget). One lovely rule: make the amount end in a 1 — ₨ 1,001, A$101 — the extra, indivisible 1 is a blessing that the marriage can't be divided.
Palms together at your chest and a warm “namaste” lands perfectly every time. Greeting grandparents or elders? Add a small bow of the head — it's noticed, and appreciated.
Choose your adventures
Add whatever tempts you — free-time activities let you pick your own day and time, so they slot straight into My Agenda and help us plan headcounts.
Your week
The hosted itinerary plus the tours you've picked, in one timeline. Items marked your pick are yours to change anytime.
Customs, traditions & practicalities
A little local know-how goes a long way in Nepal. Here's the short version.
Palms together and a small nod is the everyday greeting. Handshakes are fine too, but namaste always lands well.
Shoes off before entering shrines, walk clockwise around stupas, and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
Modest is best at religious sites — cover shoulders and knees. Evenings can be cool; bring a layer.
Give, receive and eat with the right hand. Avoid touching people's heads or pointing your feet at people or shrines.
Stick to bottled or filtered water — also for brushing teeth. Hot, freshly cooked food is your friend; go easy on street salads.
Currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Cash is king in markets; ATMs are common in the city. Cards work at hotels and bigger restaurants.
Not obligatory but appreciated — around 10% in restaurants, small notes for drivers and guides.
230V with plug types C, D and M. A universal adapter covers you. Brief outages happen — pack a power bank.
Grab a free Ncell Tourist SIM at the airport (you only pay for the data pack) — bring your passport. Top up later at recharge.ncell.com.np or the Ncell app; dial *101# to check your balance.
Uber and Lyft don't operate in Nepal — everyone uses these two local apps instead. Both let you pay the driver in cash.
The most reliable and widely used app in Kathmandu, for both cars and motorcycle taxis. The fare is fixed up front by the app.
Also very popular — it runs on bidding: you suggest a fare and drivers counteroffer.
Tip: register in these apps with your new Nepali number once you land — drivers call it to confirm the pickup spot.
Quick mental math for the markets, based on ₨ 106 ≈ A$1. Rates drift a little — double-check before you fly.
₨ 10
≈ A$0.09
₨ 50
≈ A$0.47
₨ 100
≈ A$0.94
₨ 500
≈ A$4.72
₨ 1,000
≈ A$9.43
₨ 10,000
≈ A$94.34
Nepal has no single 000/911-style number — each service has its own line. Save these before you fly.
Police
100
Ambulance
102
Fire
101
Tourist Police
1144
dedicated to helping foreigners
Save the hotel front desk number on arrival — they're the fastest help for anything small.
Home base
Two beautiful heritage hotels and one small mid-week shuffle — here's where you'll be sleeping, and when.
19th-century Rana palace · 9–11 & 13–14 Oct
Lazimpat, Kathmandu — central, near Thamel and the big sights
A historic palace turned hotel: regal architecture, a peaceful park-like garden in the heart of the city, and famously welcoming staff. Home for the first two nights and the last one.
Don't miss traditional dining at Cosy Kailash.
1935 heritage manor · 11–13 Oct
Hattisar, Kathmandu — steps from Thamel & Durbar Marg
An award-winning boutique hotel in a 1935 aristocrat's mansion — Best Boutique Hotel in Nepal 2019 & 2020, and Jimmy Carter's pick when he visited in 2008. Most importantly: the wedding happens here on Monday 12 October, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
The rooftop terraces have Himalaya views on clear days.
Room questions or special requests? Contact the hotel directly.
+977 1-4528028 info@mayamanorhotel.comFor the couple & planners only.
Control room