You have explored the exquisite temples and stupas, enjoyed Nepali folk songs, savored hot and sweet “chiya” tea, and indulged in a hearty meal of dal-bhat-tarkari. The captivating culture of this landlocked nation has left you amazed, and now you desire to bring the vibrant colors of Nepal to your own home. Luckily, through the wonderful act of shopping, this is possible! The markets in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer a wide range of fascinating and colorful products at affordable prices, making shopping an enjoyable experience. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Indian Rupee notes of 50 and 100 are widely accepted in Nepal. Most markets are open every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To help you effortlessly choose your favorite souvenirs and carry them as tangible memories of Nepal, here is a list of recommended items and where to find them. Let’s begin.
What to buy in Nepal?
1. Pashmina shawls
Pashmina shawls are highly desirable products in Nepal. They come in various types, including water Pashmina, silk or cotton blends, and 100% Pashmina. Nepal’s markets offer a wide variety of these shawls, which are exceptionally warm, soft, and great for gifting. However, it can be difficult to find genuine items due to the presence of counterfeit goods and the lack of fixed prices. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant when searching for authentic Pashmina shawls.
Where: Shop from stores that only sell Pashmina or visit a factory in Thamel.
Cost: Pashmina/silk blends can be found for NPR 2000 and can go on till NPR 5500, depending upon the quality.
2. Singing Bowls
In Nepal, you can discover various kinds of singing bowls at varying prices, regardless of whether they are crafted by hand or made by machines, have engravings or are simple, and are composed of brass or other metals. When a small wooden stick is rubbed in a circular motion along the rim of these bowls, they produce captivating sounds and vibrations that create a mesmerizing ambiance suitable for meditation. These bowls are also believed to possess healing properties.
Where: Thamel or Durbar Marg
Cost: The price range of Singing Bowls varies from NPR 300 to NPR 2500
3. Khukuri (The Gurkha knife)
Renowned for its distinctive cutting-edge and aesthetic, this customary Nepalese knife serves dual purposes as a weapon and a tool. It makes for an exceptional memento for tourists, but remember to store it in your checked luggage when returning by air. Additionally, ensure that the size of the knife adheres to the regulations for transportation to your country.
Where: You’ll find these displayed on the walls in the street markets. A popular place to buy Khukuri is Gorkha Zone Khukuri House in Thamel.
Cost: The prices of Khukuri range from NPR 300 to NPR 4000, depending upon the size and quality.
4. Rice Paper Products
The ‘rice paper’ is an artisanal paper crafted from the bark of lokta trees found in remote regions of Nepal. A range of fascinating items such as notepads, journals, calendars, and lampshades can be purchased, all made from this unique paper.
Where: Many shops in the public markets of Kathmandu and Pokhara sell these products.
Cost: Cards can be bought for around NPR 160, lanterns for NPR 400 and diaries/notebooks cost NPR 350 onwards.
5. Beads and jewellery
In Nepal’s markets, you can find a wide range of locally produced or Indian jewelry. Don’t forget to purchase Nepalese Ethnic Jewelry, which is an ancient craft passed down through generations and cherished by the indigenous Newar people. Tourists also love Yak bone jewelry for its distinctive engravings and designs. Additionally, you can buy beads from the market and create your own necklace.
Where: Shops and stores in Thamel, Asan market in Kathmandu or Baidam lakeside market in Pokhara. Cost: The cost of jewellery is NPR 500 onwards.
6. Handicrafts
Nepal is renowned for its diverse range of handicrafts, including finely carved wooden sculptures, pottery pieces, brass items, and more. The prices are highly reasonable, allowing you to shop freely and bring these exquisite artworks home to enhance the beauty of your dwelling.
Where: Shops in Bhaktapur offer a wide range of handicrafts. The Traditional Craftsman’s Colony in Patan is also a famous centre for Nepalese handicraft
Cost: NPR 1000 to NPR 10,000
7. Thangka Paintings
These artwork pieces made of cotton or silk applique representing Tibetan Buddhism are highly regarded as excellent mementos available in Nepal. Typically, they portray Buddhist deities or scenes and are commonly utilized by practitioners during meditation to establish a connection with the deity. The paintings are mounted on textiles and adorned with silk.
Where: Boudha and Bhaktapur market.
Cost: A3 size paintings can be bought for around NPR 5500 while bigger ones with the best-embroidered frames are sold for approx. NPR 32,500.
Best Places for Shopping in Nepal
1. Thamel, Kathmandu
Thamel serves as a hub for the tourism sector. Despite its reputation as a “ghetto” due to its bustling narrow streets and disorder, it is a haven for shoppers due to its wide range of affordable products. Whether you’re looking for food, souvenirs, currency exchange, or mountaineering equipment, Thamel has everything you need in one place.
What to buy: Shawls, caps, rice paper products, jewellery
2. New Road, Kathmandu
The new road is another marketplace in Kathmandu that caters to the budget travellers. Here you will find almost anything you can think of! It is popular among locals for clothes and accessories and has a number of good eating joints.
What to buy: Ethnic wear, Footwear, personalized gifts.
3. Asan Market, Kathmandu
Asan Market is a very old market in Kathmandu near the Annapurna temple. This market is usually very crowded because of its location near tourist sites and the wide range ofproducts sold here.
What to buy: Clothes, dried spices, local jewellery
4. Boudha Stupa Market, Kathmandu
The campus encircling the Boudha Stupa has developed into a market hub for tourists and is famous for Buddhist souvenirs like Thangka paintings, singing bowls and prayer flags among other things.
What to buy: Thangka paintings and singing bowls
5. Mahendrapul Bazar, Pokhara
Although there are many shops located in the town area of Lakeside, the best shopping area in Pokhara is a short bus ride away from the Lake. Head to Mahendrapul, which is the main market area of Pokhara. Here, you can experience pure Nepali urban life, mix up with locals and shop from the various street shops and some well-maintained malls.
What to buy: Clothes and handcrafted items
6. Pottery Square and Durbar Square, Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, being the second largest city in Nepal, holds the title of the country’s cultural capital. Renowned for its handicrafts and pottery, this historic town serves as a bustling shopping destination for tourists. The popular marketplaces in Bhaktapur include Pottery Square and Durbar Square, while Dattatreya and Taumadi Square are also filled with astonishing ceramics and handicrafts that will leave you amazed.
What to buy: Ceramics, wooden and brass handicrafts, gems and jewellery
Popular Malls in Nepal
Cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara are experiencing rapid growth, witnessing the establishment of new shopping malls and supermarkets on a regular basis. Some notable examples in Kathmandu include City Centre, Civil mall, and CTC mall, while Lalitpur Mall in Patan and Pokhara Trade Mall serve as prominent options in their respective cities. These places offer a diverse range of products, including clothing, electronics, kitchenware, jewelry, perfumes, watches, toys, and fitness equipment. Additionally, they provide various amenities like relaxation areas, entertainment zones, and food courts.
Prepare yourself to haggle and splurge on items that will serve as reminders of your wonderful experience in Nepal. October and November, the prime months to visit Nepal, are also close to festive occasions such as Diwali and Christmas. Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase affordable and captivating gifts from Nepali markets for your loved ones, gifts they will treasure indefinitely. Enjoy your shopping!
