Trekking maps in Nepal are full of the same few words. Learn these and place names start to make sense: Thorong La is a pass, Khopra Danda a ridge, Imja Tsho a lake.
Quick answer: Danda = ridge, Khola = river, Bhanjyang and La = pass, Kharka = pasture, Phedi = foot of a pass, Tal/Kunda/Tsho = lake, Ri = peak, Gompa = monastery.
- Bhanjyang
- A pass or saddle on a ridge.
- Besi
- A riverside valley floor, as in Syabrubesi.
- Bhatti
- A simple roadside inn.
- Bistaari
- "Slowly", the trekker's mantra.
- Chiya
- Sweet milky tea.
- Chorten
- A Buddhist shrine, similar to a stupa.
- Danda
- A ridge, as in Khopra Danda.
- Deurali
- A pass, often with a small shrine.
- Didi / Dai
- Older sister / older brother; polite forms of address.
- Doko
- A conical basket carried with a head strap.
- Gompa
- A Buddhist monastery.
- Himal
- A snow mountain or range.
- Jam jam
- "Let's go!"
- Kharka
- A high summer pasture.
- Khola
- A river or stream.
- Kunda / Pokhari / Tal
- Lake or pond, as in Gosainkunda, Mai Pokhari, Rara Tal.
- La
- A pass (Tibetan), as in Thorong La.
- Lekh
- A high ridge or hill range.
- Mani wall
- A wall of carved prayer stones; pass it on your left.
- Namaste
- A greeting with palms together.
- Namlo
- The head strap porters use.
- Phedi
- The foot of a hill or pass, as in Thorong Phedi.
- Ri
- A peak or hill (Tibetan), as in Gokyo Ri.
- Tsho
- A lake (Tibetan), as in Imja Tsho.
Learn a few phrases too: Nepali phrases for travellers.