Nepal is a beautiful, small country. One visit is often not enough. Between China and India, Nepal is like heaven. It has nature, big mountains, and a lively culture. It is hard to leave Nepal. If you are in Nepal and want gifts, explore local markets. Shops have many unique things to buy in Nepal. Find special souvenirs to take home.
You will see many souvenirs in tourist areas. Some are common, like made-in-China items. But Nepal offers much more. From jewelry to clothes and Rudraksha seeds, you can find great things to buy in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu. Still unsure what to buy in Nepal? We can help. Here is a list of popular things to buy in Nepal as souvenirs.
Thangka Paintings
With the dominant Hindu and Buddhist, some of the prominent souvenirs of Nepal have a religious meaning and importance. They describe the faith and culture of the people. One among those is Thangka painting/art. A thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk applique, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala.
Thangka’s decorations and designs are admirable. A thangka painting comprises picture panels that are painted or embroidered over. Then, they are mounted with textiles and covered with silk. It is undoubtedly one of the best gifts or Souvenirs to buy in Nepal.
Singing Bowls: Healing Sounds – Great Things to Buy in Nepal
Looking for unique things to buy in Nepal? Consider Singing Bowls. They are popular souvenirs. Singing Bowls have healing sounds. 1 They are tokens to remember Nepal. These bowls are made of metal.
To play them, rub the rim with a wooden stick. This makes a gentle, soothing sound. The bowl’s vibration is believed to have healing power. It creates a calm space for meditation. Singing Bowls come in many sizes.
There are two main types of bowls. One type is handmade. The other is machine-made. Machine-made bowls are very smooth. They have more decorations. They usually cost less than handmade bowls.
Singing Bowls are special things to buy in Nepal. They are gifts for yourself or others. They bring peace and calm. Find Singing Bowls in Nepal’s markets. They are a memorable souvenir.
Pashmina Shawls: Luxurious Things to Buy in Nepal
Pashmina is a very luxurious fabric from Nepal. Many people know it as Cashmere. Pashmina shawls are made from soft wool. This wool comes from mountain goats in Tibet. These shawls are handmade in Nepal. They are smooth and warm. Pashmina shawls are perfect for buying in Nepal. Take one home as a souvenir. Pashmina shawls are fashionable. They always look good. You can wear them for any event. Other things to buy in Nepal from Pashmina include cardigans and blankets. These also make great gifts.
Khukuri Knives
Looking for unique things to buy in Nepal? Consider a Khukuri knife. Khukuri are authentic Nepali daggers. They are great souvenirs. These knives are important in Nepal’s history and culture. Nepali Khukuri are special. They are different from knives elsewhere. Buying things in Nepal that show Nepali identity is a good idea. Khukuri knives do just that.
A Khukuri has a strong, shiny blade. The blade curves inward. It works as both a weapon and a knife. The handle, or hilt, often has Nepali designs. When you buy a Khukuri, you get two small extra blades. These are for sharpening the primary blade.
Khukuri knives are usually small and light. But some are bigger and more decorated. They do not take up much space. This makes them easy to carry home as things to buy in Nepal. Nepali people use Khukuri in ceremonies. They are part of weddings and other events. A Khukuri knife is a meaningful and traditional thing to buy in Nepal.
Rice Paper Products
Rice paper is the traditional form of paper available in Nepal. It is handmade from rice husks and the daphne or bark found in remote areas of Nepal. You can buy them from there. Usually, this kind of paper is used for manuscripts and paintings; it is an exciting gift or souvenir to take away from Nepal. You will find rice paper stores in Patan, Bhaktapur, and Thamel. Lampshades, calendars, journals, diaries, notebooks, etc., are some paper products tourists can carry back home easily (the lampshades are often available in foldable designs). The Babar Mahal Revisited mall also has a store selling these products.
Handicrafts
Handicrafts are everywhere in Nepal. You can easily find them. Nepali handicrafts are special and different. Looking for things to buy in Nepal? Consider handicrafts.
Famous Nepali handicrafts include:
- Prayer wheels
- Puppets
- Traditional masks
- Carved wood items
- Pottery
- Hemp products
Painted masks of gods are very Nepali. They come in many sizes. Wooden carvings like boxes and vases are great things to buy in Nepal.
Hemp products are also popular. Find hemp t-shirts and pants. Backpacks and bags made of hemp are good gifts. These are unique things to buy in Nepal.
Be careful about antiques. Some sellers might try to sell fake antiques. Authentic antiques are rare. You cannot take real antiques out of Nepal without permission. So, be cautious when buying “antique” things in Nepal.
Handicrafts are excellent things to buy in Nepal. They are unique souvenirs and gifts.
Statues and Masks
When you walk through the streets and corners of Kathmandu, especially in Thamel, you will find several shops displaying different forms of statues and masks. The statues are made from brass, bronze, clay, and other products. They are a great showpiece with which to spruce up your house. Many people regard them as lucky charms. The Nepalese masks are unique. The masks in Nepal range from average masks to the masks of Buddha, Shiva, Indra, or other deities. Usually, they are hanging on the wall. Additionally, they play a significant role in Nepal’s local and traditional festivals.
Tea
Nepal is one of the prominent places to buy Teas. If you stay in Nepal for a few days, you will become addicted to delicious Nepali tea, locally known as Chiya; it is better to pack different leaf flavors of tea for your family. Purchasing local tea is the perfect way to bring home a little taste of Nepal. The climate and hills of Nepal are ideal for tea bushes and other herbs. So, the cultivation of tea is quite widespread there. Flavorful and tasty Nepali tea has many health benefits and is refreshing. Also, you can find different varieties of tea in Nepal, which include green tea, oolong tea, white tea, and hand-rolled tea.
Jewelry
Undoubtedly, the way to a woman’s heart is through fine jewelry, and jewelry as delicate and exotic as that found in Nepal could make any woman happy. Nepal offers them all: silver or gold, beads or semi-precious stones, blue lapis, or yak bone. Also, you can buy something ready-made or custom-made or purchase individual beads to create your necklace.
Nepali Spices
The Himalayan country of Nepal is famous for its spices and rare herbs. Undoubtedly, the fragrance of these distinctive herbs can be found in every Kitchen in Nepal. As you move around the local market and alleyways, you come across the pleasant aroma of fresh spices. The Nepali market is filled with multiple spices. Also, some of them are unique to the country.
Conclusion
These souvenirs truly show what Nepal is about. When you buy things to buy in Nepal, remember to bargain. Bargaining is normal here. Be ready to negotiate prices. This helps you get a better deal. If you want to buy something expensive, shop around. Check different stores first. Comparing prices is a good idea. We have listed some of the best things to buy in Nepal as souvenirs. We hope you enjoy shopping! For Nepal trekking or Nepal tours, contact us. We can plan the perfect trip for you.