Are you thinking about visiting Nepal ? Imagine browsing through the busy streets and shops, looking for the most authentic curios that you can bring home.

Souvenirs are a good way to collect memories and take back with you. While travelling through hills, mountains, busy streets and local stores, you can always carry a piece of the tour with you from each place you went to.

As fun as shopping is, it can also be a headache if you have no idea what to look for and most importantly, where to look for. So, here are some ideas for the gifts and souvenirs that you can buy for your friends, families and yourself while leaving Nepal.

Thangka paintings

Thangka is a Tibetan-Buddhist painting usually hand-painted on silk appliqué that depicts a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. You can also find printed thangkas that are more budget friendly.

Price Range: Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 1000,000 depending upon the size and work.

Where to find: Around Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Lalitpur Durbar Square, Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Paubha art

Paubha is a religious art form made by Newar people, which depicts a Hindu deity, scene, or mandala. It is believed that Newar artists and merchants took the paubha art to Tibet from which the Tibetan thangka evolved.

Price Range: Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 1,000,000 depending upon the size and work.

Where to find: Around Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Thamel, Lalitpur Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square etc.

Mithila art and prints

Different from Thangka and Paubha art, Mithila art is an art form popular in Mithila region of Nepal. The vibrant colors and distinctive style separates it from other art forms. The art form is usually based on religious themes and stories. You can find Mithila art printed ceramics, rugs and paintings.

Price Range: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 12,000

Where to find: Asan, Thamel, Janakpur.

Khukuri

The national weapon of Nepal, Khukuri is a knife popularly associated with the bravery of Nepali army and Gurkhas. The weapon has both symbolic values and historical significance. The weapon gained fame in the Gurkha War and its continued use through both World Wars. The exquisite work of Nepali craftsmanship and the significance makes it one of the best picks to take with you.

Price Range: Starting from Rs. 1,000 and increases with the size.

Where to find: Thamel, Bhaktapur, Patan, Asan, Pokhara and Chitwan.

Singing Bowls

A singing bowl, also known as Himalayan bowl, is a type of idiophone that produces sound when struck or shaken. The bowl is traditionally believed to be made from 7 kinds of precious metals like gold, silver, copper and has a meditational and healing effect.

Price Range: Rs. 300 – Rs. 30,000 depending upon the size and work.

Where to find: Around Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Lalitpur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square and antique shops in Thamel.

Handmade Clothes and bags

You will find handmade woolen jackets, mufflers, caps, gloves, woolen socks shirts, tops, trousers, colorful skirts, pure leather bags and other items that you can use in your daily lives.

Price Range: Rs. 300 to Rs. 10,000

Where to find: Thamel, Bhaktapur, Patan, Boudha, Asan, Pokhara, Chitwan, Mustang etc.

Pashmina Shawls

Similar to Cashmere, Pashmina is a soft, highly delicate and fluffy fibre. Cozy shawls and scarfs made from pure Pashmina can be a good souvenir for anyone. The shawls are warm, comfortable and can be found in various prints or plain shades.

Price Range: Rs. 500 – Rs. 2,000 depending upon the quality of fabric.

Where to find: Thamel, Bhaktapur, Patan, Boudha, Asan, Pokhara, Mustang, Manang and Chitwan.

Nepali Tea and spices

Nepali cuisines are famous for its exotic taste and spices. You can buy some pure Nepali spices and organic tea, to take with you. You will find varieties in tea ranging from masala Tea, Himalayan tea, Green Tea, Herbal tea, Mint tea and many more from major tea producing regions of Nepal like Illam, Jhapa, Dhankuta, Panchthar and Terhathum.

Price Range: Rs. 100 – Rs. 2,000 per packet depending upon the size and quality.

Where to find: Asan, Thamel, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Pokhara, Illam and Jhapa.

Tibetan Rugs

Tibetan woollen rugs and carpets are found in intricate designs and colours. The rugs usually include geometrical patterns, floral designs, mythical creatures like dragon and other animals.

Price Range: starting from Rs. 6,000 and rises as per the size and work.

Where to find: Thamel, Boudha, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Asan.

Shaligrams (Fossils)

Shaligram is a fossilized shell that is worshipped as a reminder of Lord Vishnu. The fossil is usually found in black colour and has a spiral design inside it. It can be found in sizes varying from a size of a fist to basketball or even larger.

Price Range: Rs. 1100 – Rs. 30,000 depending upon the size and weight

Where to find: Thamel, Pokhara, Mustang and Bhaktapur.

Prayer Wheels

Prayer wheel, also known as Mani, is a metallic or wooden wheel on a spindle, with the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ written around it in Newari language of Nepal. Each turn of the wheel represents a repetition of the prayer. You can find the prayer wheels as small lockets, pendants, with handles or in a frame.

Price Range: Rs. 100 – Rs. 6,000 depending upon the size and material.

Where to find: Thamel, Boudha, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Asan, Lumbini and Mustang.

Prayer Flags

The colorful prayer flags – Blue, White, Red, Green and Yellow symbolizes the sky, air, fire, water, and earth. It is believed that the prayers and mantras written in those flags will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion.

Price Range: Rs. 20 – Rs. 2,000 depending upon the size and fabric

Where to find: Boudha, Swoyambhu, Thamel.

Mala/Beads

Mala is a string with beads used for prayers and meditational purpose. It contains, most commonly with 108 beads, but you can customize or find mala with different number of beads.

Price Range: Rs. 100 – Rs. 10,000 depending upon the quality, size of beads and customization.

Where to find: Thamel, Boudha, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Asan and Mustang.

Wood carvings & Masks

You can find colourful wooden masks and antique wood carvings that are inspired by Hindu and Buddhist culture, deities and stories.

Price Range: Rs. 800 – Rs. 200,000

Where to find: Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Thamel, Swoyambhu, Boudha and Pokhara.

Pottery

You will get a lot of options in pottery ranging from piggybanks and mugs to vases, clay masks, ceramics and much more. You can choose between different designs and colors.

Price Range: Rs. 20 – Rs. 9,000

Where to find: Pottery Square (Bhaktapur), Lalitpur, Boudha, Asan, Thamel and Swoyambhunath, Changunarayan.

Nepali Paper & Handicraft

Popularly known as Lokta Paper, the paper is loved for its rough and attractive texture, its durability and resistance to insects. You can find cards, envelops, frames, notebooks, lamp shades and gift boxes made from Nepali Paper.

Price Range: Rs. 100 to Rs. 2,000

Where to find: Asan, Thamel, Bhaktapur, Patan, Boudha, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini.

Jewelry

Jewels represent the culture and tradition of any country. In Nepal, you can find authentic and artistic pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces and different trinklets made from metals like silver, gold, bronze with colorful beads and stones.

Price Range: Rs. 500 – Rs. 25, 000

Where to find: Asan, Thamel, Bhaktapur, Patan, Boudha, Pokhara, Swoyambhu, Chitwan and Lumbini.

Others:

Besides the curios mentioned above, there are more collection to choose from with price ranging from Rs. 50 – Rs. 3,000.

• Musical Instruments like Madal, Sarangi, Bells, Flute

• Titaura ,Pickle, Chhurpi

• Dhaka, Bhadgaule Topi (Cap), Nepali Flag

• Yak wool Blankets

• Felt woolen Products like Bags, Mats, Decorative Items

• Fridge Magnets

• Postcards and Calendars

• Badge and Key-rings