Located in the Southern part of Asia in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is a country that is known for its enchanting mountain ranges, fascinating culture and scrumptious food. With so much to offer, it is impossible for tourists to come back empty-handed from here. From Thangka paintings to singing bowls, there are so many things to buy from here that are unique to the country. We are sure shopping in Nepal would be a great and exciting experience to try and you will get your hands on some of the best products from here. So, stroll through this guide to know about the best markets to shop in Nepal and what all things to buy from here for a great shopping experience.
Shopping In Nepal: 5 Famous Things To Buy From The Country
Nepal is a culturally rich country, so there are many things to buy from Nepal which you will not find anywhere else. Check out these 5 famous things which every traveler must buy when in Nepal.
1. Singing Bowls
The singing Bowl is one of the best things to buy from Nepal which is a unique musical instrument that produces harmonious sound when the stick strikes the bowl. The sound is said to have some healing impact on the mind and is great at the time of medication. These come in different shapes, sizes and are made from different materials like metal or brass. Some of them are machine-made and some are hand-crafted. It is advisable to buy good quality singing bowls from an authentic store as there are many shops in Nepal selling a copy of singing bowls that are not made in Nepal.
Where to Buy: Shops in Bodh Stupa, Durbar Square in Kathmandu
2. Thangka Paintings
It is one of the best Nepalese souvenirs to buy to get an insight into the culture of Nepal. Thangkas are of great importance in the country and are sold at every nook and corner of Nepal. Thangka paintings are done on clothes made of cotton, human skin or silk. The scenes in the painting depict the life of Buddhist and also of the great leaders. These Thangka paintings have great religious importance in Nepal and you will find them in most Nepalese festivals. Before buying a Thangka, decide the theme of the story that you want to buy as they come in different tales. The paintings are hand-made and it takes around 6 to 18 months to paint one Thangka depending on how intricate the details are and how big the painting is.
Where to Buy: Surendra’s Tibetan Thanka Treasure Pvt Ltd, Thamel
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3. Tibetan Prayer Flags
You will find these Tibetan Prayer Flags at almost every nook and corner in Nepal. These are colorful flags with some sacred texts, mantras and symbols written on them which are intended to bring fortune to a person and improve his health and wealth. The flags are believed to release some sensations when blown by the wind. You can hang them in your garden area or on your vehicle. These Tibetan Prayer Flags can be purchased outside famous attractions in Nepal or even from the local shops in Kathmandu. This souvenir will remind you of your trip to Nepal every time you look at them as all the streets, shops and alleys in Nepal have these Tibetan prayer flags hung.
Where to Buy: At several local shops in Nepal, outside popular tourist attractions
4. Nepali Handicrafts
Shops in Nepal are quite famous for selling handcrafted items which are exclusively made in Nepal. These items can either be home décor or utility items that you use in your day-to-day life. Carpets, bamboo products, incense sticks, ceramics, pashmina products like shawls and scarves, stone products are some of the best Nepali handicrafts to buy from Nepal. These serve as perfect gifting options and are great souvenirs to bring back from the country for your friends and family. Wooden masks, Buddhist statues and paintings, embroidered bags, and terracotta products are some other best things to buy in Nepal in the handicrafts category.
Where to Buy: Nepali Village Handicrafts
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5. Herbal Products & Tea
Tea is an integral part of the lives of the people of Nepal and you will be served herbal tea at every restaurant and hotels in Nepal. As there are several tea estates in Nepal, the tea here has a fresh aromatic touch and tastes heavenly. We are sure you are going to love the essence of Nepali herbal tea which will make you crave for one when you are back home hence, taking back some is always a good idea. The herbal tea comes in different exotic flavors like green, tulsi, Earl grey, oolong, masala and others that taste heavenly. Nepal houses many industries that sell herbal and ayurvedic products that have amazing health benefits.
Where to Buy: Shops in Ilam
Nepal Shopping: Top 5 Places To Shop
There are so many amazing local markets in Nepal that sell traditional handicrafts and other products at dirt-cheap prices. Check out this list to know more.
1. Asan Market
One of the best shopping places in Nepal, Asan Market which is located near Annapurna Temple and other popular tourist sites. It is a very old market in the country that is famous for selling handicrafts and various other products that are unique to Nepal. Earlier, Asan Market served as a trading route between India and Tibet since then, the market is always bustled with activities, locals and tourists alike. If you are looking for gold shops in Nepal, then you will find many at the Asan Market. Spices, handicrafts, paintings, woolens, blanket, textiles are some of the things to buy from Asan Market.
Location: Chittadhar Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm
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2. Thamel
Your Nepal shopping experience would be incomplete without exploring Thamel. It is a great place to shop for Nepali handicrafts and trekking equipment. One of the most renowned brands in selling trekking equipment, The North Face is located in Thamel in entire Nepal. It is also one of the most famous shopping places in Nepal for buying souvenirs like singing bowls, thangka painting, pashminas, Tibetan prayer flags and Nepali handicrafts. If you are looking for hotels in Nepal, then you can find some near Thamel area along with several restaurants and popular tourist attractions.
Location: Central part of Kathmandu
Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
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3. New Road
Enjoy great shopping in Nepal experience at New Road that houses several shops selling a variety of products that are exclusively found only in Nepal. It is a great place for all budget travelers as things here are available at very reasonable prices. Ethnic wear, footwear, handicrafts and personalized gifts are some of the best things to buy from here. It is very easy to bargain here, so make sure you bargain with the shopkeepers to get the product at the best price.
Location: Sundhara Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: Wednesday to Tuesday: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
4. Boudha Stupa Market
Being a famous tourist place, the area around Boudha Stupa has turned into a famous market now with shops selling some unique souvenirs for tourists to take back as a memory of their Nepal trip. Thangka paintings, prayer flags, herbal products, and singing bowls are some famous things to buy from the local shops in Nepal. Try to bargain with the shopkeepers here to get the product at your desired quoted price.
Location: Buddha Stupa, Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: N/A
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5. Mahendrapul Bazaar, Pokhara
A short ride by bus from Pokhara Lake will take you to this small market called Mahendrapul Bazaar in Pokhara. It is a place where you can enjoy both budget as well as expensive shopping experience as the area also houses some of the best malls in Nepal. Mahendrapul Bazaar also has local shops selling cultural items that are quite famous in the country. The market is most famous for buying hand-crafted items and traditional clothes.
Location: Ganeshman Sinha Maarga, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
Timings: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm
Nepal is a great country to explore as it has some culturally rich sites and temples that have amazing architecture. Not just cultural tours, Nepal has some amazing adventurous sites where trekking, climbing, and mountain biking can be enjoyed. People book air tickets to Nepal especially for its adventurous activities but what comes complementary is a great shopping experience. Shopping in Nepal is a great experience as colorful markets here sell some amazing products which you will not find anywhere else like Thangka paintings.
FAQs
Nepal is famous for several things like singing bowls, pashmina, Thangka paintings, Nepali handicrafts, Tibetan prayer flags, spices and herbal products and tea.
Some of the best malls in Nepal are
- Civil Trade Centre (CTC) Mall
- KL Tower & Multicomplex
- City Center Mall
- Peoples Plaza
- Labim Mall
- Sherpa Mall
- United World Trade Center
Yes, you can bargain with the local shopkeepers in Nepal and get the product at your quoted price if you have good bargaining skills.
Some of the most famous markets in Nepal are:
- New Road Market
- Thamel
- Asan Market
- Boudha Stupa Market
- Mahendrapul Bazaar
- Pottery Square and Durbar Square
October to December is considered the best time to visit Nepal when the weather is clear and you get to witness stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With no rains, taking up adventures like climbing and trekking becomes easier during these months.
Thangka paintings have great cultural and religious importance in Nepal and these are made on clothes made of silk, cotton or human skin. The scenes in the painting are drawn from the real lives of Buddhist and also of great leaders.
Nepal is not an expensive destination to visit. A trip to Nepal would cost somewhere around NPR 20,000 per week for one person including everything.
Singing bowl is a musical instrument sold locally in Nepal that has great cultural importance. The sound and vibrations produced on beating the stick on the bowl are said to have a harmonious effect.
