Souvenir Shopping in Nepal
Buying Carpets, Beads, Paintings in Kathmandu and Pokhara
The sights, sounds, and smells of Kathmandu can be overwhelming to a newcomer to Nepal. In Thamel, one of the main tourist districts, vendors prowl the streets trying to sell everything from tiger balm to clothing, jewelry, and beads. Travelers interested in souvenir shopping will see shops that virtually explode with the colors of fabric, jewelry, Thangka paintings, rugs, and masks, not to mention hiking and trekking gear of all descriptions.
Bargaining in a Nepal Marketplace
As in many developing countries, bargaining is expected. It's part of the culture, except in a few higher end fixed-price shops geared to upscale tourists. As always, newcomers should proceed slowly. Check with other travelers about the prices they've paid for various items. A knowledgeable local can help, but the information may be tainted by the promise of a commission. An expat who has been living in Nepal may also be able to suggest good shops or a range of prices.
At the same time, remember that Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries. Prices are a fraction of what they would be back at home. It's okay to bargain hard over a big-ticket item like a rug, especially if the initial price is higher than the going rate. But be gentle with the prices of smaller items. The dollar a tourist saves can mean a lot to a local family.
Souvenirs to Buy in Nepal
- Tibetan carpets: Nepal has a large population of refugees from neighboring Tibet. Thick Tibetan carpets are a traditional art form., with striking geometric patterns. The brighter blue and red rugs are chemically dyed; the softer browns and earth colors are made with vegetable dyes. Carpets are made in workshops in the Kathmandu Valley in Jawlakhel. It is better to lug them home than ship them, as shipping is expensive and unreliable.
- Beads: Nepali women typically wear heavy necklaces of coral and turquoise beads, along with orange and black beads with a pattern of eyes. Unfortunately, the value of these necklaces is such that many Nepalis have sold these heirlooms to tourists. Tourists have another choice: The bead shops of Kathmandu and Pokhara sell or custom design necklaces. Prices range from a few dollars on up.
- Thangka paintings: These colorful Tibetan-influenced religious paintings show various aspects of the Buddhist faith and deities. The ones in the markets are painted with the intent of being sold to tourists. But the themes are authentic.
- Masks and Puppets: Brightly painted masks of Hindu gods are available in various sizes . Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, is one of the more popular gods. The masks are made in Thimi, and are used in traditional dances in September. Puppets are made in Bhaktapur, and make good gifts for children.
- Fabrics: Brightly colored fabrics are worn as sarongs by local women. Usually sold in pairs, a sarong-sized length of cloth might cost a couple of dollars. Clothing can also be custom made, and various traditional items of clothing, particularly shirts and jackets, are also bought by some western tourists.
- Carvings: Traditional handicrafts include curved khukri knives, prayer wheels, metalwork featuring various Hindu and Buddhist deities, and a seemingly endless assortments of carvings, wood boxes, and vases.
- Trekking equipment: Trekkers can hire or buy gear in Kathmandu. The quality is surprisingly good because many mountaineering expeditions offload their used gear in Kathmandu,. This option is convenient for travelers on longer journey, who don't want to carry a mountaineering jacket to their next destination.
A final hint: Don't forget to bring a stash of small bills when shopping. Not having change is one way to up the price - not to mention that vendors may simply not have change for the equivalent of $20 US.
Buying Trekking Gear in Nepal
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Nepal Mask of Elephant God Ganesh
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