You've seen the majestic temples and stupas, sang along to Nepali folk music, drunk delicious hot tea or "chiya," and consumed a heaping platter of dal-bhat-tarkari.
The rich culture of this tiny country has left you speechless, and you now desire to take these colours of Nepal home with you. It's now achievable, owing to the marvellous act of purchasing!
The shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara sell a wide range of unique, colourful things at low prices, making shopping much more enjoyable. Not to add that Indian Rupee notes in 50 and 100 are widely recognized in Nepal.
Things To Buy In Nepal
There are several things that you can purchase as souvenirs from Nepal. They are:
#1. Pashmina Shawls
Pashmina shawls are some of the most favoured items in Nepal. You'll discover a wide range of these shawls in Nepal's stores, from water Pashmina to silk or cotton mixes to 100% Pashmina.
These are incredibly cosy and cuddly and are perfect for giving. However, the abundance of fake goods and the absence of set pricing make it challenging to locate legitimate things, so you must focus on this area.
#2. Khukuri(The Gurkha Knife)
This traditional Nepalese knife is utilized as a weapon and a tool thanks to its unique slicing-edge and form. It is a fantastic keepsake for travellers! Just remember to include it in your carry-on luggage when you return. Also, be sure that the size of the knife you choose may be shipped to your nation.
#3. Singing Bowls
Handcrafted or machine-made, engraved or plain, made of brass or another metal, numerous singing bowls may be found in Nepal at various rates.
When a little wooden stick is scraped over the rim of these bowls in a circular motion, the sound and vibrations are created to generate a mesmerizing ambience that is wonderful for meditation and is thought to have therapeutic qualities.
#4. Rice Paper Products
The 'rice paper' is a handmade paper from lokta bark in Nepal's rural locations. This paper makes several unique goods like notepads, bound notebooks, calendars, and lampshades.
#5. Beads and Jewellery
Nepalese markets carry a selection of locally crafted or Indian jewellery. Nepalese Tribal Jewellery is a centuries-old art that has been passed down from generation to generation and is still kept by the Newar people, Nepal's indigenous ethnicity. Yak bone jewellery is also popular among visitors with its distinctive carvings and motifs. You may even go to the store and buy beads to build your necklace.
#6. Handicrafts
Nepal is well-known for its diverse handicrafts, including elaborately carved wooden sculptures, ceramics, brass products, etc. The prices are reasonable, so go ahead and shop and bring beautiful pieces of art home to enhance your house.
#7. Thangka Paintings
These Tibetan Buddhist artworks on cotton/silk patchwork are among the greatest Nepalese gifts. These textile-mounted and silk-covered paintings often represent Buddhist deities or scenes. They are frequently utilized in meditation by devotees to forge a relationship between them and the god.
Best Places To Buy Souvenirs In Kathmandu
Here is a list of places from where you can purchase the souvenirs to take home. They are:
#1. Thamel, Kathmandu
Thamel is an important tourist destination. Despite being referred to as a "ghetto" due to its congested small streets and bustle, it is a shopper's dream because of the wide range of things available at such low costs. Food, souvenirs, currency exchange, and climbing equipment are all available here.
#2. New Road, Kathmandu
The new road is another market in Kathmandu that caters to cheap travellers. Almost anything you can think of will be found here! It is well-known among residents for its clothing and accessories and boasts several fine dining establishments.
#3. Asan Market
Asan Market, located near the Annapurna Temple in Kathmandu, is an ancient market. Because of its proximity to tourist attractions and the variety of things available, this market is frequently bustling.
#4. Boudha Stupa Market, Kathmandu
The campus that surrounds the Boudha Stupa has evolved into a tourist market famed for Buddhist products like Thangka artworks, singing bowls, and prayer flags, among many other things.
#5. Mahendrapul Bazaar, Pokhara
Even though there are numerous shops in the Lakeside town area, the finest shopping centre in Pokhara is a short bus ride away. Proceed to Pokhara's major market centre, Mahendrapul. You may experience true Nepali urban life, mingle with people, and shop at numerous street stores and well-kept malls.
#6. Durbar Square and Pottery Square, Bhaktapur
Following Kathmandu and Pokhara, Bhaktapur is Nepal's largest city and cultural capital. This ancient village is a tourist shopping destination known for its handicrafts and ceramics.
Durbar Square and Pottery Square are the two most prominent marketplaces here. Still, the other two - Dattatreya and Taumadi square - are also packed with incredible ceramics and handicrafts that will blow your mind.
Famous Malls In Nepal
Cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara are rapidly growing, with new malls and supermarkets opening regularly. Just a few examples are Kathmandu's Civil Mall, CTC Mall, City Centre, Patan's Lalitpur Mall, and Pokhara Trade Mall.
From designer merchandise to gadgets, there is a wide choice of brands and items available here, as well as leisure areas, entertainment zones, and food courts. Branded clothing, jewellery, fragrances, electrical gadgets, kitchenwares, watches, exercise equipment, toys, and other products are available.
So prepare to (negotiate and) spend money on items that remind you of your incredible stay in Nepal. Also, October and November are the two most excellent months to visit Nepal and the months closest to festivals like Diwali and Christmas, so get some inexpensive and highly intriguing presents for your loved ones from these Nepali marketplaces that they will enjoy forever. Have fun shopping!