Men greeting Men – All meetings generally begin with palms pressed together at around chest level and saying, “Namaste”, which means, “I salute the god/goddesses in you". Handshakes are common after the initial Namaste, for those familiar with western customs.

Women greeting Women – All meetings generally begin with palms pressed together at around chest level and saying, “Namaste”, or , “I salute the god/goddesses in you". Handshakes are common after the initial Namaste for those familiar with western customs. 

Greetings between Men and Women – All meetings generally begin with palms pressed together at around chest level and saying, “Namaste”, which means, “I salute the god/goddesses in you".  It’s best for men to avoid initiating a handshake with Nepalese women as this may be considered rude, especially in villages.  Always wait from the woman to initiate, if at all. 

Note: Always use the right hand when shaking hands. You may accept handshakes offered by both sex male or female, but never offer your hand first to women. Instead you do `Namaste’ as it’s considered rude for a man to touch a women even shaking a hand, especially married women. Hand shakes are more gentle than strong, so don't feel the person isn't interested if the grip is weak, it's just their way.