The pulsating cultures of Nepal, after leaving travelers in a pool of admiration, would most certainly urge a craving to get hold of these wonderful colors and carry back to their native places. The small town bazaars and market places in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and various other tourist destinations put on display for sale a range of fascinating, unusual products at cheap prices, making shopping a bit more fun for shopaholics. Regular visitors of Nepal know that exquisite handicrafts of dexterous workmanship are sold in the markets where tourists flock the most. Here’s a list of some of the most favorite souvenirs purchased by foreign tourists in Nepal:
- Pashmina Shawls
- Singing Bowls
- Nepali Tea
- Prayer wheels
- Khukuri – The Gurkha knife
- Rice Paper Products
- Stone carvings
- Papier-mâché masks
- Beads and Jewelry
- Handicrafts
- Carpets
- Thangka Paintings
However, shopping malls and departmental stores may not sell all the above articles; you will find these places stuffed with branded items and accessories including mobile phones, iPads and laptops. These stores also sell electronic appliances, jewelry, fitness equipment, cameras, watches, a wide variety of garments, shoes, music systems, toys, kitchenware, perfume and a whole host of household items.
While shopping in Nepal, most of the shopkeepers in the major tourist areas accept the local currency as well as other foreign money such as US Dollar, Indian Rupee, British Pound or European Euro. Market places usually remain open from as early as 9 in the morning and closes past 8 in the evening. Some of the prominent places for shopping for the favorite souvenirs and indigenous articles in Nepal are:
- Thamel, Kathmandu
- Tashiling Handicraft Center, Pokhara
- Happy House, Chitwan
- Pilgrim’s Market, Lumbini
- Dhukuti, Patan
- New Road, Kathmandu
- Kathmandu & Patan Durbar Square
- RK Shopping Complex, Pokhara
- Asan Market, Kathmandu
- Bouddha Stupa Market, Kathmandu
- Mahaguthi Craft with conscience, Patan
- Mahendrapul Bazaar, Pokhara
- Women Art & Handicraft Shop, Chitwan
- Pottery Square & Durbar Square, Bhaktapur
- Tibetan Gift Shop, Pokhara
- Popular Malls such as City Center, Civil Mall & CTC Mall in Kathmandu, Lalitpur Mall in Patan, and Pokhara Trade Mall in Pokhara
