Famous Things to Buy in Nepal and Where to Buy Them

Find out the famous things to buy in Nepal and where to buy them. From the delicious Nepali Mo:M0 to Beautiful souvenirs. Nepal is home to rich cultures, traditions, customs and languages. Apart from its physical attractiveness, Nepal’s souvenirs and purchases carry a strong essence that affects your entire life.

The prayer flags flutter in the wind and spread positivity throughout their surroundings. The singing bowl is a therapeutic tool and heals the soul. Likewise, there are so many things things to buy in Nepal. Make the arrival of positive and beautiful things in your life by purchasing unique things from Nepal.

Famous Things to Buy in Nepal

People who visit Nepal are influenced by these things a lot because of their significance.

Prayer Flags

Prayer flags are significant part of Buddhism. You can find them fluttering in monasteries, high mountains, mountaintops and mountain settlements in Nepal. Prayer flags have different colours, and each colour signifies a different meaning. Blue for sky, White for air, Red for fire, green for water and Yellow for earth. These are also famous for their aesthetics.

Prayer flags are hung because there’s a belief that they spread blessings, harmony and goodwill in the surroundings. People purchase prayer flags to decorate them in their backyards, rooftops and homes.

Where to buy Prayer Flags?

You can find prayer flags in many places in Kathmandu, but they are widely available in the Thamel, Swayambhu, and Bouddha areas.

Price Range: $5-$10 (cost ranges from $2 for extra small of 1.2 meter length to extra large for $6 of 7.5 meter length)

Singing Bowl

Music releases dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone and takes you out of your bad mood. Singing bowls are made up of a combination of different elements. The purpose of singing bowl is for meditation and relaxation, which heals your soul, mind, and body. It is a tool that was used for healing since ancient times.

You can rub piece of wood around the edge in circular motion, which generates a sound that soothes your mind and soul. This item is a must-have in your collection if you want to keep your ambience therapeutic. People also use singing bowls or Tibetan singing bowls as ritualistic offerings and religious ceremonial music.

Where to buy Singing Bowls?

In Kathmandu, you can find singing bowls in Thamel, Swayambhu and Bouddha. In Pokhara, you can find shops on the lakeside.

Price Range: $7-$350 depending on size.

Khukuri: A National Weapon of Nepal

A khukuri is a national weapon of Nepal. It is a machete like a traditional Nepali weapon. Khukuri is notorious for being used by Gurkhas (Nepali Armies).

It got popularity in the Western world for its unique structure and the story of how Gurkhas use it to eliminate their enemies on the battlefield. Nepalese people still use it in Nepali traditional marriages where a groom hangs a Khukuri on his side waist.

Khukuri is a significant piece of art and part of Nepalese culture; you can have one of these as a token of love from Nepal. It’s best to keep khukuri in your house as it represents strength and courage.

Where to buy Khukri?

Khukuris are available in most parts of Nepal, but if you are in Kathmandu, you can find them in Thamel, Bouddha, Pashupati and Swayambhu.

Price Range: $10-$300 or more depending on size and metal quality used.

Thangka

Thangka is a special Buddhist item that is very significant in Buddhist culture. It is an intricate painting depicting different deities in various shapes and doing different tasks which signify different things. Thangka is made of cotton or silk using natural colours sourced from plants, minerals, and stones.

People use thangka for mediation, positive vibes, and spiritual practices. The use of thangka is as tool for meditation by anyone for contemplation as it depicts the life of Buddha and the physical manifestation of Buddha can be seen in Thangka. Thangka is one of the best things to buy in Nepal.

Where to buy Thangka?

You can buy thangka from Thamel, Bouddha, Swoyambhu and Bhaktapur if you are in kathmandu.

Price Range: $100-$50,000 (depends on size and art made on the piece of thangka.)

Pashmina

Pashmina Items, especially Pashmina Shawls are the most sought-after item in Kathmandu. It is also called cashmere and is made up of the fur of mountain goats. Pashmina products are soft and lightweight with beautiful embroidery. In Nepal, it is the most sought because of its quality and low cost.

In the West, the prices of cashmere products are off the roof. Pashmina products can be given as gifts to your loved ones or yourself. You should at least purchase a Pashmina shawl if you visit Nepal.’

Where to buy Pashmina Items?

Pashmina Items are widely available in Thamel, Bhaktapur Durbar Square area and Bouddha.

Price Range: $5-$200 (depending on what item you buy).

Beads

Beads or mala are strings of beads, also called (Japa mala) and are mostly used in Nepal and India. The purpose of beads is positive vibrations and meditation tool. People use it during meditation; they practice meditation by chanting mantras and counting beads. Even though Beads are religious items, anyone can have it for positive vibes.

When you use Japa Malas during your meditation, it is said to have sharpened your attention and awareness. You can have a mala (Necklace) of 108 beads and wrist malas, which are for your wrist with fewer beads, but 108 bead mala is considered more sacred. Beads are best things to buy in Nepal.

Where to buy beads?

You can find beads in Bouddha, Thamel, Bhaktapur and Swoyambhu.

Price Range: $3-$5 depending on size and authenticity.

Other Recommended Things to Buy in Nepal

Apart from famous things to buy in Nepal. There are other widely recommended things which you can purchase.

• Mandala are great souvenirs to take along home with yourself
• Handicrafts like wooden masks, statues of lord Buddha and Hindu deities, and sculptures.
• You can purchase authentic Nepali Mad Honey.
• Lokta Paper is a paper with a unique texture known for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Tibetan handmade Jewelry is beautiful traditional Jewelry with unique significance.
• Hippie Trousers are widely available in Thamel areas; you can have one of those.

Bargaining in Nepal

The bargaining in Nepal follows a traditional way that combines respectful and pleasant manners. Kathmandu and Pokhara markets welcome you to bargain with their friendly vendors. Accepting this friendly tradition forms an integral part of the local way of life. You can obtain a reasonable price by just giving a friendly smile, which typically leads sellers to negotiate back.

The Nepali people maintain a friendly attitude toward tourists because they accept your offers as a way to keep good energy flowing. The practice of bargaining does not apply to fixed-price stores. Recognize the items up for negotiation, then strike a fair agreement with kindness and let the authentic shopping experience unfold.

Tips for Shopping in Nepal

• Nepali people are very friendly and negotiate with a smile. Most will surely agree with your offer.
• Like everywhere in the world, you can be scammed for higher prices. Before purchasing a particular item, check local rates.
• Nepali markets offer genuine products, but you should check for their authenticity and inspect the product to see if it’s defective.
• Shop around many shops as different shops offer different prices. Make a purchase from where you get the price of your expectation.

FAQ’s

Can we get genuine products if we purchase online?

Yes, buy from authorized retailers, and then you will surely get genuine products, yet if you buy without verifying it, there is a chance of scams.

Can I bargain in the souvenir market?

Bargaining is part of buying and selling in the market, so yes, you can bargain when buying souvenirs.

Where is the best place to shop in Kathmandu?

The hottest places for shopping in Kathmandu are Thamel, Ason, Bouddha, Patan, Bhaktapur and Lazimpat if you want to buy souvenirs and stuff to take home.

Are credit cards accepted in local shops?

Yes, credit cards are accepted in most places, but if you are making a transaction on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, then you might need cash.

How do I know if it’s authentic?

Authentic products have labels attached to them. If you still make unauthentic product purchases, you can discuss them and return them.

Can I return or exchange an item after purchase?

There is a general return policy of 24 hours. If you find any defect or change your mind about the product, you can return or exchange the product.

How do I carry delicate items in Thangka and Mandala art safely?

If you ask the shopkeeper if you are taking Thangka and mandala to another country, then he will roll up that item with cardboard and tape it.

What is the best time of year for shopping festivals and deals?

The best time of the year for shopping festivals and deals is during the Nepali festivals, Dashain, Tihar, and New Year. You can get the best shopping deals during these times.

Can I get a VAT refund for my purchase?

Yes, if you are a foreign tourist, VAT is refunded from your purchase at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA).

Do shops in Nepal accept USD or foreign currency?

Shops in Thamel, Boudha, and Lazimpat, accept USD. But the best option is to exchange it for local currency.

Are fake-branded items common in Nepal?

Yes, brands like Nike, Adidas, and beverage item brands are common in Nepal.

What currency is accepted in Nepal?

The standard Nepalese Rupee and Indian Rupee is acceptable in Nepal.

Do stores accept digital payments?

In Kathmandu, almost all the shops accept digital payment . But if you are in remote areas, you might face problems doing digital payments.

What items are restricted or prohibited to export from Nepal?

Items like Illegal Narcotics, ammunition, Hashish, ganja or marijuana, animal skins, combustible items etc. You can also check restricted or prohibited items on Google.

Can I send souvenirs home directly from Nepal?

Yes, you can send souvenirs home directly from Nepal through courier.