Nepal
Shopping in Nepal
Plan your Nepal souvenir hunt — what to buy from pashmina to thangka, the best markets city by city, and how to haggle, all in one place.
Nepal is one of Asia's great places to shop for crafts — a country where pashmina is woven by hand, thangka painters still mix mineral pigments, and the bazaars of old Kathmandu have traded beads, brass and spices for centuries. The trick is knowing what's genuinely worth buying, where each thing is made and sold, and how to pay a fair price. This guide pulls all three together: the signature crafts and souvenirs, the best shopping districts city by city, and the bargaining know-how that ties it together.
How to shop in Nepal
Start with what you want to bring home — pashmina, a thangka, singing bowls, Mithila art or Himalayan tea — because that decides where you go. Then pick a place to shop: Kathmandu's Thamel and traditional bazaars cover almost everything, Patan is the metalwork capital, Pokhara's Lakeside is the easygoing option, and Janakpur is the source for Mithila paintings. Finally, shop smart — learn what's authentic, where prices are fixed and where to haggle. Browse the buys and districts below, then dive into any guide for shops, prices and quality tips.
What to buy
Where to shop, city by city
Shop smart
Frequently asked questions
What should you buy in Nepal?+
The classic buys are pashmina and cashmere shawls, hand-painted thangka scrolls, brass and copper singing bowls, Khukuri knives, handmade lokta paper, felted wool, Himalayan tea and — from the Terai — vivid Mithila folk paintings. The handicrafts-and-souvenirs guide below ranks what's genuinely worth carrying home and what to skip.
Where is the best place to shop in Nepal?+
Kathmandu is the hub: Thamel for souvenirs and trekking gear, the old bazaars of Asan and Indra Chowk for spices, beads and fabric, and Patan for fine metalwork. Pokhara's Lakeside is relaxed for pashmina and crafts, while Janakpur is the home of Mithila art. The city guides below map each district.
Can you bargain when shopping in Nepal?+
Yes — haggling is expected in tourist markets, souvenir shops and street stalls, where the first price is often well above what the seller will accept. It's not done in fixed-price stores, supermarkets or government craft emporiums. The bargaining guide below covers fair starting offers and the etiquette that keeps it friendly.
Is pashmina cheaper in Nepal, and is it real?+
Authentic pashmina is far cheaper at the source, but most cheap 'pashmina' is viscose or a silk blend rather than pure cashmere. Check for a soft, lightweight weave, a burn or ring test, and buy from a reputable shop with a label. The pashmina-and-cashmere guide below explains how to tell real from fake.
