Living Like a Local by Dr. Christine Tipper

For over a decade, I have been visiting Nepal and immersing myself in the local culture. When I’m in Nepal, I stay with a family in the village of Duwakot, near Bhaktapur. These experiences have given me a profound connection to the country and its people.

I like to describe myself as a multi-faceted adventurer. My defining characteristic is my curiosity. I love learning, exploring, and discovering what our beautiful world has to offer. I’ve lived in several countries and speak French, Spanish, and Nepali. I taught French studies, translation, and interpreting at the University of Bath, UK, and have worked as a professional translator and interpreter. Beyond that, I’m a poet, novelist, and artist – creating mosaics, drawing, and painting in my spare time.

How It All Began

So, how did I end up in Nepal, and why have I returned there over a dozen times? I first visited Nepal as a volunteer in 2012 and quickly fell in love with the country and its kind, generous people. That year, I volunteered at Glory English Secondary School, where the children stole my heart. Since then, I have returned frequently to run English, art, and craft workshops. I’ve also organized teacher training and facilitated student placements from the University of Bath.

Not every child in Nepal goes to school, and it’s a joy to be among young people who deeply value the opportunity to receive an education. Each visit allows me to witness their growth and eagerness to learn, a constant reminder of the importance of education.

Living with a Nepalese Family

When I’m in Nepal, I live like a local, staying with the same family who’ve adopted me as their English grandmother. I even had the honor of attending their daughter’s wedding. In Nepal, family connections are paramount, something that many Western families have lost due to the pressures of modern-day life.

During Tihar, a festival celebrating brotherly and sisterly ties, I’ve seen family bonds at their strongest. And during Dashain, Nepal’s equivalent of Christmas, family members who live far away make a special effort to join in celebrations, enjoying elaborate meals and sharing warm company.

Nepalese hospitality is heartwarming. Each time you visit someone’s home, you’re offered a cup of tea—something that makes me feel right at home as an Englishwoman! Nepalese milk tea, lightly spiced, is delicious. And often, it’s not just tea you’re offered, but food as well—anything from biscuits to a hearty plate of dal bhat (curried vegetables, rice, and lentil soup). The generosity of Nepalese hosts knows no bounds.

Daily Life in a Nepalese Household

Living with a Nepalese family is, in some ways, like stepping back in time. Meals are prepared with great care and pride. Fresh, seasonal vegetables are painstakingly chopped using a ‘chulesi,’ a curved knife on a stand. Mothers, daughters, aunts, and friends sit on sun-drenched terraces, chatting and preparing vegetables together. Only seasonal produce is used—often grown by the family or bought fresh from local markets. This respect for seasonal food and communal cooking creates a unique rhythm to life.

The houses in Nepal vary widely—from simple mud huts to multi-storeyed homes. They usually don’t have central heating, and water is heated by the sun or solar panels. Families are often multi-generational, with grandparents, parents, and children living together. My favorite spot in the house is the terrace, where I sit, sip tea, and watch the vibrant life of the village unfold in front of me.

What’s something that surprised you about living with locals during your travels? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Exploring Nepal’s Natural Beauty

Nepal’s natural beauty never fails to take my breath away. I love walking through forests, climbing steep paths, and arriving at points where I can gaze upon snow-topped mountains, verdant valleys, and terraced paddy fields. I’ve seen wildflowers bursting with color by the dusty roadside and being entranced by exotic birds and butterflies fluttering through the air.

Nepal also boasts incredible temples and historic sites. One of my favorite places is Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The royal palace complex at Durbar Square is particularly impressive. I’ve been fortunate enough to explore this area with my host, who knows not just its history but also its hidden gems—like the tiny café where I sipped freshly pressed sugar cane juice.

Why You Should Visit Nepal

I would highly recommend visiting this beautiful country full of welcoming locals. Whether you’re interested in learning about ancient cultures, hiking through stunning landscapes, or simply living like a local, Nepal has so much to offer. I’ve been fortunate to experience the warmth, kindness, and traditions of Nepalese people firsthand—and I can’t wait to return.

What are you waiting for? Plan your adventure in Nepal, and discover the magic of living like a local. As I did, you might find that you never want to leave.

Dr. Christine Tipper is a member of the Society of Authors, a Translator, poet, and author in the UK.