Shopping Malls and Departmental Stores

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 04 2015: Nepal is fast becoming a shopping paradise with new malls opening up every now and then with an assortment of products ranging from branded cloth wear to household items. Shopping malls and departmental stores have become indispensable feature of the urban lifestyle due to the quality and affordability. Even though shopping malls and departmental stores are gaining popularity in bordering towns of Nepal like Biratnagar, Bhairawa, Nepaljung, and so on larger ones are found in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can shop for items like electronic appliances, music system, kitchen-wares, branded garments, jewelry, perfume, watches, children toys, fitness equipment and household items. Popular shopping centers in Kathmandu are New Road, Putali Sadak, Kumaripati, Tangal, Lazimpat, Sundhara, Tripureshwor, Jawlakhel; and in Pokhara they are lakeside and Mahendrapul bazaar areas among others. You can shop both local items as well as branded stuff. Periodic sale with as much as 50 percent seasonal and festival discounts on selected items are provided.
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Bamboo Crafts

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 04 2015:

Other items suitable to take home as gifts or souvenirs:

Books in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMENDU, FEB 04 2015:  Books that dwell on a wide array of subjects are aplenty in the tourist hotspots of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Books on different subjects, beautiful picture books of the Nepali people and far of Himalayan and Terai landscape, information about the ancient Nepal or the Nepali people, trekking information and travel guides as well as latest books on national and international contemporary issues, and popular fictions are available in bookstores of Thamel, Kantipath and other tourist areas of Kathmandu valley and Lakeside area of Pokhara.
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Masks in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 04 2015: Masks have always been popular among the Hindu of Kathmandu valley and are an important part of the cultural performance in festivals and rituals. Masks of different religious deities are worn by performers during Lakhe dance on Indra Jatra day. Masks of Bhairav ( god of terror) and Ganesha ( Elephant god) and other deities are very popular. Interesting masks are available at most tourist junctures like Thamel and the three Durbar Square areas of Kathmandu Valley.
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Shaligram (Holy Rocks) in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 04 2015: Shaligram is fossial rock found on the banks of River Kaligandaki of Central Nepal. These fossil rocks have Chakra (disk like formations) made by a river worm called Vajra-Keeta which takes shelter in Shaligram. As per Hindu mythology, these fossil rocks are believed to be the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the world. It is believed that worshiping Shaligram, chanting Shaligram mantra and washing the holy fossil will protect us from evil and bring material reward and spiritual prosperity. Shaligram is also very popular among Hindus and can be found in premises of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, in lakeside area of Pokhara and in many Hindu temple premises.
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Root art in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 04 2015: Figures of animals, reptiles made from the root of trees are gaining popularity in Nepal. These can be purchased in Thamel, the popular tourist hub of Kathmandu.
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Woolen Carpet in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 04 2015: Carpet weaving started as a household occupation in the mountains of Nepal from the 1960's. Hand knotted carpets are available in Nepali and Tibetan themes with both traditional and modern designs in a great variety of colors, sizes and knots. Nepali carpets are very popular in Europe and America. These bright colored floor decoratives and wall hangings can be purchased in special carpet stores in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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Wood Carving in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 04 2015: The Newar of Kathmandu valley are endowed with the ingenuity of wood carving which constitute items like intricately carved windows, ornate doors, photo frames, jewelry boxes and household items. Peacock window of Dattareya Square in Bhaktapur is the finest example of excellent workmanship of wood carving in ancient Nepal. This legacy has indeed been carried forward through the generations of talented artisans also make figures of religious deities, door panels, temples, stupas, window frames, tables, lamp stands, photo frames, assorted furniture and kitchenware. The places to look for wood and metal carvings are Bhaktapur Durbar Square and other heritage areas of Kathmandu Valley.
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Rudraksha (Rosary) in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, NEPAL, FEB 04 2015: Rudraksha are the dark berries of the evergreen Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. In Sanskrit Rudraksha consists of two words Rudra and Aksha. Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva and Aksha means eye in Sanskrit. The holy beads of Rudraksha are used to make prayer rosaries and have clefts on the surface known as Mukhis ranging from one face to 21 faces. The Rudraksha rosary is often worn by many Hindus and used during meditation. It is believed that on holding or wearing the Rudraksha rosaries with faith and devotion, a person is able to experience the bliss of Rudra and absolve himself from the stains of earthly sins. These are very popular among Hindus and can be bought in the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, in the lakeside area of Pokhara and in many Hindu temple premises.
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Sculpture in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, LALITPUR, PATAN, FEB 04 2015: Sculptures of different Hindu and Buddhist deities are very popular among Nepalis as well as tourists. While Nepalis place them in the Puja room to worship, tourists carry them back home to add to their collection of souvenirs. Copper, brass and bronze statues are made by pouring molten metal into baked earthenware which covers wax image in exact size and details of the desired product. After the molten metal cools and hardens, the earthenware is cast away and the statue is intricately carved and polished. These items are found in most tourist areas in the valley, however, the best place to buy the metal sculpture is the Patan Industrial Estate.
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Metal Wares in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 03 2015: Metal carving is very popular in the Newar community of Kathmandu valley. Carving images of deities and divines and the dexterous chiseling on bronze and copper mould could be one of the finest piece of souvenirs. Beautifully carved replicas of temples and stupas, and decorative items like singing bowl, bell, cymbals, wine jars, cup etc. are made of copper, bronze or brass and are popular for their aesthetic values, funtional use and religious purposes. Metal craft in household items like jars, plates, bowls, spoons, ladles, hanging oil lamps, flower vase are also very popular. Karuwa ( traditional water jar usually made of brass and sometimes silver) which used to be a common way to drink water in the old days is still a popular item in Nepali household and is often used during special occasions. Karuwa made in Palpa is considered the Most authentic among all. Metal wares and items are found in most tourist areas in the valley, the best place to buy being the metal art work area at the Patan Industral Estate.
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Jewelry and Gems in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, NEPAL, FEB 03 2015: Necklaces, rings, ear rings and ornaments of gold, silver and semi precious stones are available in fine workmanship and priced less expensive than elsewhere. Ornaments of precious and semi precious in attractive designs and stones like sapphire, aquamarine, amethyst, ruby, garnet and tourmaline are available in superior quality. You may be able to see several shops exhibiting beautiful stone jewelry in Thamel, New Road, Durbar Marg and other tourist hubs of Kathmandu area and Mahendrapul and Lakeside area of Pokahar.
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Glass Ornaments in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU, FEB 03 2015: Pote (glass beads necklaces) and Chura (glass bangles) are very popular ornaments among Nepalis. They are supposed to be worn by all married women. The dazzling Pote beads are also used in embroidery. Coming in various beautiful colors and shades, Pote and Chura are popular shopping items for tourists as well. You can buy Pote and Chura in Asan and Indrachowk areas in Kathmandu. These items can also be bought in most other areas since these are the essential decorative ornaments of Nepali women.
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Music in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, NEPAL, FEB 03 2015: DVDs, CDs and cassettes that contain music of folk culture, classical and sacred tunes of Nepal could also be a suitable choice for taking back home. Good quality CDs, DVDs and cassettes are available in tourist areas like New Road, Thamel, Kantipath in Kathmandu and in the Lakeside area of Pokhara.
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Musical Instruments - Sarangi in Nepal

NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, NEPAL, FEB 03 2015: Music plays a therapeutic role in the day to day existence of life surrounded by frequent hardship and occasional social revelry. To express the joys and sorrows of life Nepali people developed their own typical musical instruments like Sarangi (Nepali version of violin) Maadal (drum), Bansuri (flute), Murchunga ( typical instrument played by mouth) and Panchebaaja ( fusion of five instruments), which are very popular. These musical instruments are available at the tourist hubs of Kathmandu and lakeside area of Pokhara.
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Shopping

Shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs in Nepal is a delight, with shop after shop offering a choice even for the most discerning. It’s because of their fine craftsmanship and supreme quality that Nepal’s handicrafts have been coveted items since ancient times. Popular buys among tourists are hand-knotted woolen carpets, jewelry, pashmina shawls, woolen knitwear, embroidery, thanka paintings, wood carvings, statues and decorative metallic house wares, ceramics and pottery, and rice paper products such as writing pads, calendars and lamp shades. Tea and spices are other popular gifts to take back home.

Antiques, however, cannot be taken out of the country. To be on the safe side, visitors should have all antiques examined by the Department of Archeology and obtain a certificate from the office before leaving Nepal. Nepal is also a shopping destination for designer products such as Christian Dior, Gucci, Yves Laurent, Chanel, Nike, Givenchy and many more brand names. And thanks to lower overhead costs, Nepal’s department stores and malls offer them at unbeatable prices.

Fabrics

Fabrics of the finest kinds like chiffon, silk georgette, silk satin, and other similar fabrics made of rayon, polyester or mixed are available in various colors, shades and with different kinds of prints. Sarees, the traditional wear of the Nepali woman are also available in most places. Fine quality fabrics can bought in Putalisadak, New Road and leading departmental stores and shopping malls in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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Nepali Dhaca

Nepal is also popular for Dhaca cloth from which traditional Nepali clothes like Daura Suruwal and Dhaca topi ( Nepali caps) are made. The fabric of Dhaca made in Palpa district of Nepal is considered the best. The fabric is also available in Asan, Janabahal, Indrachowk areas and other cloth outlets in Kathmandu.
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