Nepal.al exists to serve anyone seeking honest, reliable knowledge about Nepal — its people, culture, history, geography, society, economy, and daily life. This Ethics Policy sets out the values and principles that guide how we operate, how our editors make decisions, and what we expect from everyone who participates in our community. These principles are rooted in respect for Nepal, its people, and the diversity of those who come to learn about it.

1. Our Core Commitments

1.1 Accuracy Over Speed

We will not publish or allow to stand information we know to be false or unverified simply because it is timely. Whether the topic is a breaking news event in Kathmandu, a change in trekking regulations, a NEPSE market update, or a question about Nepali cultural practice, we prioritise getting it right over getting it out fast. Where we are uncertain, we say so clearly.

1.2 Independence

Nepal.al editorial decisions are made independently. We are not influenced by political parties, government bodies, commercial interests, religious institutions, or any individual seeking to shape how Nepal is represented on this platform. No payment, sponsorship, or personal relationship will cause us to favour one point of view over another in our editorial content.

1.3 Fairness

We treat all subjects — people, communities, institutions, regions, and ethnic groups — with fairness and without prejudice. Nepal is an extraordinarily diverse country, home to over a hundred ethnic groups, dozens of languages, and a rich spectrum of religious traditions. Our platform will not privilege the perspectives of one community, caste, region, or religion over another. Hill communities and Madhesi communities, Brahmin and Dalit, Hindu and Buddhist, urban Kathmandu and rural Karnali — all deserve equal respect and fair representation on Nepal.al.

1.4 Transparency

We are open about who we are, how we make decisions, and when we have made mistakes. Where our editors have a potential conflict of interest on a topic — for example, a personal connection to a place, business, or institution being discussed — that editor will recuse themselves from the relevant decision. We do not hide our corrections, our policies, or our reasoning from our community.

2. Respect for Nepal and Nepali Culture

2.1 Cultural Sensitivity

Nepal is a country of deep cultural, religious, and spiritual significance. Many of its sites, festivals, rituals, and traditions carry profound meaning for the Nepali people. Content on Nepal.al must engage with Nepali culture respectfully and thoughtfully. We will not permit content that mocks, trivialises, misrepresents, or appropriates Nepali religious or cultural practices — whether those practices relate to Hinduism, Buddhism, indigenous traditions, or any other belief system present in Nepal.

2.2 Representation of Nepali People

Nepali people must not be reduced to stereotypes, caricatures, or generalisations on this platform. Content that portrays Nepali people — whether Sherpas, farmers, urban professionals, or any other group — through a reductive or exoticising lens is not acceptable. We are a knowledge platform, not a vehicle for the kind of outsider gaze that has too often defined how Nepal and its people are written about internationally.

2.3 Sensitivity Around Caste and Ethnicity

Caste-based discrimination is illegal in Nepal and is a deeply serious social issue. Nepal.al will not publish content that reinforces caste hierarchies, promotes caste-based prejudice, or demeans any caste or ethnic community. Discussion of caste as a social, historical, or political topic is welcome when handled with care and accuracy. Discriminatory content is not.

2.4 Religious Respect

Nepal is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and one of the most important centres of Hinduism in the world. It is also home to significant Muslim, Christian, Kirant, and Bon communities, among others. Content on Nepal.al must engage with all religious traditions present in Nepal with equal respect. Blasphemous, derogatory, or inflammatory content targeting any religion or its followers is strictly prohibited and may also constitute a violation of Nepali law.

2.5 Responsible Representation of Sensitive Historical and Political Topics

Nepal’s recent history includes a decade-long civil conflict, a people’s movement, the end of a 240-year monarchy, and an ongoing process of federalisation and political transition. These are sensitive topics on which Nepali people hold a wide range of deeply felt views. Our editors will cover these subjects with balance, accuracy, and care — presenting multiple perspectives where genuine disagreement exists, and being clear about what is established historical fact versus what remains contested or subject to interpretation.

3. Ethics for Contributors and Community Members

3.1 Honesty

Users of Nepal.al are expected to contribute in good faith. This means sharing information you genuinely believe to be accurate, being transparent about the limits of your own knowledge, and not deliberately misleading other users. If you are uncertain about something, say so. “I think” and “I am not sure but” are honest and welcome on this platform.

3.2 Conflicts of Interest

If you have a personal, commercial, or political interest in a topic you are contributing to — for example, if you are recommending a trekking agency you own, writing about a business you are affiliated with, or promoting a political position — you must disclose that interest clearly in your post. Undisclosed conflicts of interest undermine trust in the community and may result in content being removed.

3.3 Respect for All Users

Nepal.al is used by Nepali citizens, members of the Nepali diaspora, tourists, researchers, students, investors, and curious people from all over the world. Every one of them deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of how basic their question may seem, how different their cultural background is, or how unfamiliar they are with Nepal. Condescension, mockery, or hostility toward any user — particularly toward tourists or newcomers asking questions about Nepali culture or customs — is not acceptable behaviour on this platform.

3.4 No Exploitation of the Platform

Nepal.al must not be used to exploit those seeking information about Nepal. This includes but is not limited to: posting fake travel recommendations tied to undisclosed commercial interests, spreading misinformation about visa or permit requirements, providing false safety information about trekking routes or road conditions, or misleading users about financial or legal matters relating to Nepal. Such conduct causes real harm to real people and will result in immediate account suspension.

4. Ethics in Covering Specific Topics

4.1 Trekking, Adventure, and Safety Information

Nepal is one of the world’s great destinations for trekking, mountaineering, and adventure travel. Inaccurate safety information in this context can be life-threatening. Contributors sharing information about trekking routes, altitude sickness, weather conditions, permit requirements, or emergency procedures carry a particular responsibility for accuracy. Our editors apply heightened scrutiny to safety-related content, and users are strongly encouraged to cite official or experienced sources when posting on these topics.

4.2 Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) and Financial Information

Nepal.al covers the Nepal Stock Exchange and matters of personal finance, investment, and economic affairs in Nepal. Financial information on this platform is for general knowledge and discussion purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Contributors must not post content designed to manipulate perceptions of specific stocks, companies, or financial instruments, or spread rumours intended to influence market behaviour. Such conduct may violate Nepali financial regulations in addition to our community rules.

4.3 Wildlife, Environment, and Natural Heritage

Nepal is home to extraordinary biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, snow leopard, and red panda, as well as protected natural areas of global significance. Content that facilitates or encourages poaching, illegal wildlife trade, environmental destruction, or irresponsible tourism behaviour in protected areas is strictly prohibited. We encourage content that promotes responsible and sustainable engagement with Nepal’s natural environment.

4.4 Coverage of Marginalised Communities

When covering communities that have historically faced discrimination or marginalisation in Nepal — including Dalit communities, indigenous nationalities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities in remote or underdeveloped regions — we are committed to representation that is dignified, accurate, and informed by the voices of those communities themselves rather than solely by outside observers.

5. What We Will Not Do

Nepal.al commits to the following unconditionally:

• We will not accept payment in exchange for favourable coverage of any person, place, business, or institution
• We will not suppress accurate information because it is inconvenient to a political, commercial, or personal interest
• We will not allow our platform to be used to spread ethnic, religious, or caste-based hatred
• We will not misrepresent Nepal’s culture, history, or people to suit a foreign or domestic agenda
• We will not ignore credible reports of harmful content simply because acting on them is difficult or unpopular
• We will not treat any user as less deserving of respect because of their nationality, background, level of knowledge, or reason for visiting the platform

6. Accountability

This Ethics Policy is a public commitment. If you believe Nepal.al has fallen short of the standards set out here — whether in a specific piece of content, an editorial decision, or the conduct of a moderator — we want to know. You can contact our editorial team at [email protected] with the subject line “Ethics Concern.” All such messages are reviewed by a senior member of our team. Where we have fallen short, we will say so, correct course, and explain what we have done.

Nepal.al is accountable first and foremost to the people it serves — Nepali and non-Nepali alike — and to the country it exists to represent honestly and well.