Kathmandu - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Nepal is a conservative country. As a woman, I try to have my knees and shoulders covered when out and about. Work dress ranges from business to business casual, depending on the role. Formal dress is not a requirement. - Jun 2024
Business attire is what my work calls for. Publicly, the dress code is casual. You will stick out if you are wearing very nice outfits. - Aug 2022
The Embassy is business to business-casual depending on where you work. In public is modest (no shorts or tank tops) and extremely casual. Pajamas seem to be acceptable public attire. Only formal wear at the Marine Ball, but bring your dress or tux with you! Don't expect to find a skilled tailor here. - Aug 2019
Generally quite casual in public, in the office it's business casual/business depending on where you work. Leave your high-heels at home as its difficult to walk on the streets/sidewalks. - Aug 2015
Business to business casual at the Embassy. Very casual in public. - Jul 2014
Current Ambassador wants DC-style dress. In public, for Westerners this is a very casual city, almost anything goes as long as it is modest e.g. shorts and tank tops are not appropriate, and neither are exercise tights when trekking, although many tourists seem to have a blind spot for this. Women here wear mostly saris or salwar and kemiz, although younger women increasingly favor jeans -- almost always with a long shirt that covers the behind though. There are a couple of big formal events every year, so bring a tux and a floor-length dress. - May 2014
At work it is suit and tie, and in public you can be pretty casual. - Apr 2014
Dress code at work is business to business casual. Public dress is all over the spectrum: Nepalis wearing traditional outfits, and trekkers wearing bizarre outfits (you have to see it). You can pretty much wear most things, though you are still in a conservative society. - Jun 2013
Conservative. Adults, to be taken seriously, should avoid shorts and tank tops. Kind of like how you wouldn't dress as a teenager if out on the town or working. Trekkers and tourists are excused, especially in Thamel (tourist district), but will be targeted for offers of trekking, hash hish, etc. - Sep 2010
Modest. - Jan 2010
Business attire at work. Modest for women in public, but not too restrictive. Younger women are increasingly dressing more Western - which is kind of a shame. - May 2008
