When traveling to Nepal, many unique souvenirs may catch your eye. Throughout Thamel, there are hundreds of stores selling pashmina, tea, trekking supplies, and handicrafts. However, not all products are created equal, and it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
Here are some souvenirs from Nepal you may want to take home to remember your time.
Bagh Chal (Tiger moving game)
If you are looking to spice up your coffee table at home, a traditional Nepali board game, Bagh Chal, would be the perfect fit. There are four tiger pieces and twenty goat pieces in each set. The goat can win by surrounding all of the tigers until they cannot move, or the tiger can win by capturing all of the goats. A goat is captured when a tiger jumps over it into an empty space. The layout is easy to draw, and the game can be played nearly everywhere. It is a brain-teasing and fun puzzle to play with people of all ages!
Lokta Paper Products
These Handmade Nepali Lokta papers are made of rice husks and can be found all around Nepal. The only downside is that you’ll have to know the quality of the paper. However, this has started to become one of the popular souvenirs. These papers are made without using any harmful chemicals. You can find everything from lampshades to notebooks, calendars, and any decorative items from this paper. Unique colors and patterns make any paper product a great gift to take home from Nepal.
Khukuri Knife
The Khukuri knife can be found in many places in Nepal and was made famous by the Nepali Gurkha soldiers. Additionally, the knives are commonly used by locals in villages throughout the country. In fact, most security guards carry them regularly. The knives are presented as a token of love on special occasions but also symbolize bravery. Many stores in Thamel sell knives, but try to look for ones that are made in Nepal for authentic souvenirs. And do not forget to pack the knife in your checked luggage!
Spices
Nepalese food is known for its spices and unique flavors, which means there is a wide variety of spices available throughout the country. It is best to find spices used regularly in Nepalese dishes, including ginger, coriander, timmur, chilies, and turmeric. You can buy spices individually or in mixtures. There are markets near Thamel with everything you can imagine, including a variety of spices, but be sure to ask your guide or locals for help to find legitimate products.
Tibetan Rugs
If you are looking to make a larger purchase or are re-decorating at home, you may be interested in looking into Tibetan Rugs. There are several places where they are easily available, including Boudha and Patan, to find this unique item. The Jawalakhel Handicraft Center is a popular choice as Tibetan refugees make the rugs by hand, and profits go towards community schools and healthcare. Ask your tour guide for information, and they may also be able to take you on a tour of a factory.
Brass Dining Wear
While it may not be practical for everyone to take home, there is brass dining wear widely available across Nepal. From plates and bowls to wine goblets and cups, these pieces would look great on your bar cart or make interesting conversation pieces at a dinner party. Every store has different patterns and styles available, so it is best to look around for items that you like. You may also want to bring a local or your guide along to ensure that you find quality items at a reasonable price. Places like Indra Chowk, just a few minutes' walk from Thamel, will have a great deal of variety to choose from.
Pottery
Clay pottery is another popular souvenir to gift or for yourself. There is a lot of pottery available around Nepal, especially in Bhaktapur. There are beautiful tea sets, incense holders, religious statues, planters for flowers, and more available. Places like Bhaktapur's pottery square will allow you to support local artists in addition to getting a glimpse into how such products are created. However, Thimi Ceramics also has an incredible variety of products available and even ships worldwide if you are looking to place a large order or avoid carrying items in your luggage. At this location, you will also be able to walk through the workshop and see many people working on beautiful pieces.
Nepali Dhaka
Dhaka fabric is a national symbol of Nepal, commonly found in Dhaka Topis (a traditional hat worn by men). However, there are many ways the fabric can be worn, including scarves, dresses, coats, and more. You may find items already made with Dhaka fabric or purchase fabric on its own to have something custom-made. While custom-made clothing in the West is very expensive, in Nepal, it is quite affordable and would be a souvenir you would be sure to remember.
Himalayan Honey
Honey from the Himalayas is becoming an increasingly popular item for locals and tourists alike. This honey is collected from hills and cliffs nestled amongst the highest peaks in the world. There are many varieties, depending on which part of the country they came from and what plants were available to the bees at such an altitude. One which is especially in high demand throughout the country is a honey that is slightly psychedelic which would make an exceptionally interesting item to take home.
Khukuri Rum
If you are looking for an alcoholic beverage to take home, you must try Khukuri rum. Made in Nepal and named after the famous knife this dark rum is distilled with molasses and Himalayan spring water with natural artisanal flavors. This rum delivers earthy undertones and a smooth caramel finish in casks made from the Shorea Robusta tree among snowy peaks. You can also find Coronation Khukria reserve in a bottle shaped like a Khukri, which gives you two mementos from your time in Nepal.
Lapsi Candy
Made from the fruit of the Lapsi tree, which is special and only found in Nepal and northern India, this candy is made in several places around the Kathmandu Valley. However, you will certainly find this sweet and spicy treat when you visit Changunarayan. It is made by a local women's cooperative and is an affordable and easy-to-transport item to take back home. There are several varieties ranging from a light cream color to deep reds and pinks. The darker the candy is, the more chili powder is used, making it quite spicy. However, the light-colored candy is very sweet. Although the candy is packaged in clear plastic bags and looks as though it might not be safe to eat, rest assured that it is not only safe but delicious and enjoyed by many.
Singing Bowls
Buying a singing bowl from Nepal is such an advantageous experience because it’s a culturally sensitive process. These few types of Instruments, where every piece is crafted with an infusion of art, are essentially traditional to the Himalayas. All the bowls are sourced from local artisans; every bowl has its own automatic graphic art inspired by Nepalese religions. Thus, the bowl selection is an exquisite process where one must focus on how the bowl sounds and even feels when a finger is pressed against it. Besides a mere musical instrument, it is a way to be associated with Nepalese traditional objects and practice mindfulness.
Masks and Statues
Explore the details of Nepal’s cultural identity through the use of statues and masks. These objects were made with perfect workmanship and represent the traditions and spirituality of the ages. From the tranquil beauty of a Buddha to spirited masks adorning rituals, every sculpture captures art in the cultural fabric of Nepal. These treasures serve as ornaments or spark curiosity to know more about the home of mountains and mystique.
Where to buy these souvenirs?
Thamel: Thamel is one of the most important places in Nepal for tourist business. It is nicknamed a “ghetto” due to its crowded, intertwined streets and confusion, but a shopper’s dream due to the number of products available at such comparatively cheap prices. From exotic food to local retail, money exchange to mountain climbing equipment, there is everything you may require here.
Asan Market: Asan Market is one of the most historic markets in Kathmandu. It is located off the Annapurna Temple area and is much more crowded most of the time because it is located near tourist attractions and the varied products sold here.
Boudha Stupa Market: The area surrounding the Boudha Stupa has become a marketplace for tourists. The market is well known for Buddhist trinkets such as Thangka paintings, singing bowls, and prayer flags.
New Road: New Road is another market in Kathmandu that is a marketplace for tourists on budget tours. For all intents and purposes, it is the place where you can find all kinds of things that cross your mind. It is widely known to the locals for clothing and accessories, and there are several decent restaurants here.
Tips for shopping in Nepal
Shopping in Nepal is another exciting pastime activity that is full of learning experiences and mementos. Here are some pointers to enhance your experience:
Bargain with Grace: Bargaining is quite normal; therefore, put on a pleasant face and try to chip down the price as much as possible.
Handle with Care: Many of the items are sensitive in nature. Kindly ask your vendors to pack your consignment with bubble wrap for protection during transit.
Seek Authenticity: Look for genuine Nepali products by confirming the authenticity of the products you purchase. Avoid buying cheap imitations from outside. Rather, prefer the items made and originated from Nepal.
Market Exploration: Exploring local markets such as Asan Bazaar, Thamel, and Patan Durbar Square for souvenirs or watching the locals at work is an exciting option.
Cultural Sensitivity: Follow the etiquette of dressing decently and haggling with the sellers without being rude to them. Just a word of caution: your spending directly affects the small businesses of the vendors you support.
Antique Awareness: Beware when purchasing antiques; ask for proof that the items are original to avoid getting fake goods.
Culinary Adventures: Delight your taste buds with a diverse variety of Nepalese street food vendors while you shop for souvenirs. Try momos, samosas, and chaat to enjoy the traditional dishes of the country and get a closer look at the local cuisine.
Nepal is a unique country with so much to offer, so it is only fitting that you find an item just as special to remind you of your time in this Himalayan nation! Also read our related blog, 10 Things to Buy in Nepal
