Shopping in Nepal
Shopping is an indispensable part of any vacation. When you get back home, your friends and relatives will be growling for souvenirs and you yourself will want to have a ‘remembrall’ of the journey. If you plan a trip to a culturally rich place like Nepal, coming back empty handed is almost a crime. This article guides you on shopping in Nepal: the most important shopping areas and the most sought after items.
The shopping haven in Nepal is centred on the capital city of Kathmandu. There are several malls here but surely no one would travel all the way to an unknown country to get a dose of the same mechanised mall culture. The street shopping culture in Nepal is quiet big and you will find extensively stocked thrift shops dotting the big cities and villages alike. Steer clear from big establishments for they exaggerate the prices. While in Nepal, a shopaholic’s best friend are the streets and the shanty shops lining them.
The country of Nepal has something for everyone. If you love dressing up, don’t miss the fine shawls, cashmere items, woollen garments, hats, real leather boots and general clothing. Nepal is known for its good quality Pashmina (Cashmere) and you will be surprised to find pieces that retails for more than $200 in USA being sold for $30-40. Bigger cities like Kathmandu, have an urban hippie scene going on which lets you pick up beautiful shirts, skirts, dresses and a lot more in the meagre range of $2-5. If you go around the streets in Indra Chowk, Kathmandu you will be able to choose from bolts of exotic fabric and get your clothes tailored. Nepal’s geology also makes it the owner to a wide variety of exotic gemstones. Western travellers often report of seeing the largest variety of precious stones in this part of the world.
If you are into music, Nepal’s ‘Madal’, an indigenous drum and a variety of other instruments is sure to lure some Rupees out of your pocket. Nepal is seen as a karmic retreat and hence you will find a number of meditation aids like the ‘singing bowls’. The souvenirs range from big masks to small bamboo figurines. You may want to take a small ‘Khukuri’, Nepal’s national knife home. You can also buy inexpensive paper masks, oxidised jewellery, handicrafts, wood carvings and a lot more than can be described in writing.
While visiting Nepal, make sure that you set out a part of your budget for shopping. Also, remember that no seller expects you to pay the first asked price for bargaining is an unspoken rule in this part of the world. While bargaining, stay resolute and don’t shy from quoting a lower price than asked, even if it may sound completely obnoxious. Also, don’t overhaul your luggage just because everything is so inexpensive ads you will end up paying at the customs. It is best to buy a little of everything that your heart desires.