The role of indigenous techniques for soil erosion control and slope stabilization in the hills and mountains of Nepal is immense. Among the indigenous techniques for soil erosion control, terracing has been considered one of the most effective. Hill farmers consider terracing essential to cultivation on steep slopes. Other indigenous vegetative techniques (i.e., reforestation, bamboo planting, grass/shrub plantation and live fencing/stacking) and farming system approaches (viz., cropping systems, organic manure application, agroforestry and water harvesting) have been found effective in the control of erosion and landslides. Widely used indigenous vegetation include amliso ( Thysanolaena maxima [ T. latifolia ]), babiyo ( Eulaliopsis binata ), kans ( Saccharum spontaneum ), sajiwan ( Jatropha curcas ), bans ( Bambusa spp.) and utis ( Alnus nepalensis ). These techniques are nature- friendly, cost-effective and sustainable. Major constraints to their implementation, such as lack of documentation and dissemination, are discussed. There is need for understanding the value of local techniques by policy-makers. Future courses of action should build upon indigenous knowledge. Technology and research priorities should focus on indigenous biotechnology and an effort made to transfer successful technologies to regions that have similar biophysical conditions.