Nepal is steeped in culture, tradition, and spectacular views, with tourists from all over the world visiting to experience its diverse landscape. The nation has a variety of unique crafts and souvenirs to buy. From Baskets to jewelry, pottery, carvings, and even paper, you can order them online or find them in your nearest town. So, which items are best to buy when traveling in Nepal?
With the visit to Nepal fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about souvenirs. To help you choose the perfect keepsakes for your loved ones, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best experiences you can buy in Nepal, from jewelry to cultural arts. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift, why not purchase unique Nepalese souvenirs during your visit? If you do it this way, your loved ones can always have a piece of the Nepali experience with them.
This blog post will guide you with everything you need to know about souvenirs to buy in Nepal, including how to get started, what supplies are required, tips on making your shopping more accessible, etc. Here are the Top 25 Souvenirs to Buy When Travelling in Nepal
Table of Contents
1.Thangka Paintings
Thangka painting is one of the oldest forms of Tibetan art. It began as a form of religious art, celebrating the Buddhist culture. Paintings were created to celebrate festivals, honor teachers, and for the world’s glory.
In Nepal, thangka paintings are frequently embellished with silk weaving or other fascinating textiles. Nepalese Thangkas include some of the most decorative patterns and artworks.
Today thangka painting is a popular way to express gratitude for gifts from friends and family. You can paint a thangka to celebrate a special occasion, a birthday, or buy souvenirs.
2.Singing Bowls of Nepal
Singing bowls originated in Nepal are still commonly used for spiritual purposes. The bowls are hand-made and vary in size, shape, and color. A single piece of wood is traditionally used to carve the bowls, which are then covered in a layer of clay and sand before being carved. It is nowadays made out of metal or brass. The singing bowls are struck with a mallet to produce a resonant tone.
The materials utilized in each Singing Bowl vary, and the price reflects this. It all comes down to the sound and the periodic vibrations it produces. The bowl’s vibration has healing properties and is commonly used for that purpose. In addition, it can be utilized as a tool for meditation.
3.Cashmere or Pashmina
The Pashmina is a distinctive fabric found mainly in Nepal’s Himalayas. The cashmere goat, native to the Himalayas, produces exceptionally soft fibers. The fiber is lovely, with distinct designs demonstrated by the various hues and growth patterns.
The name Pashmina is thought to have originated from the Persian word for “king’s wool,” referring to the material’s exquisite quality. It’s suitable for clothing, home design, and even bedding.
Nepalese Pashmina is handcrafted and spun from natural fiber. The Pashmina is an integral aspect of Nepali culture, and both men and women wear it as a shawl or scarf. It is an essential and attractive souvenir to bring home from Nepal.
4.Rice Paper Items (Lokta Paper Products)
Rice paper items have grown in popularity in Nepal due to their application in traditional Nepalese culture. It is typically created from rice, but it can also be manufactured from the bark of a particular tree found in the country’s rural areas.
Rice paper is commonly used in religious ceremonies and traditional Nepalese artwork. It was invented in Japan and was initially used to build origami. In Nepal, rice paper is used to manufacture notebooks, handbags, calendars, photo albums, wallpapers, lampshades, gift boxes, and other goods.
Rice paper items are typical souvenirs that are hand-made in Nepal. The souvenirs are reasonably priced, yet their originality is highly appealing. You can purchase rice paper items on your visit to Nepal. It’s an excellent way to take a piece of Nepal with you when you leave.
5.Khukuri (Nepali knives; Gurkha knives)
The Khukuri is Nepal’s national knife; it is a double-edged knife with a curved blade with a wooden (and sometimes horn or plastic) handle. The Khukuri is a multipurpose tool used as a weapon of self-defense and for agricultural purposes, such as cutting fruit and vegetables and cooking and preparing meals. The Khukuri has also become an essential part of Nepalese culture and is used in festivals, rituals, and other important occasions.
Back in the day, Khukuri were traditionally used as a tool by Gurkha soldiers, who were originally from Nepal. The Khukuri was an essential tool for the Gurkha soldiers, who used it as a weapon of self-defense and for clearing vegetation to have a clear vision in the jungle. The Gurkha soldiers were so well-known for using the Khukuri that it became synonymous with Gurkha.
If you plan a trip to Nepal, consider buying a Khukuri as a souvenir. Khukuris are hand-made, which means that each one is unique. It is the symbol of Nepalese culture and history and can be used on many occasions. You can find Khukuris for sale everywhere in Nepal, from the street to local exhibitions, fairs and festivals.
6.Nepali Handicrafts
The answer is simple if you’ve ever thought about why so many tourists come to Nepal to buy handicrafts. These products are a great way to support the local economy while still having a unique souvenir from your travels. Handicrafts are a great way to show your cultural identity while supporting the local economy.
Crafts, especially those made by hand, are an intrinsic part of Nepali culture. The skilled labor and intricate designs of traditional craftsmen and women are essential to Nepali identity. These products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also embody many cultural, religious, and social meanings. Objectively speaking, these objects are not just beautiful but also valuable cultural artifacts.
Traditional crafts such as intricately woven baskets, brassware, woodcarvings, stone carvings, paper products, and jewelry are still produced and sold in Nepal. Handicrafts made from natural materials such as paper, cotton, silk, leather, jute, bamboo, and wood are a significant export of Nepal. Nepali handicrafts, ranging from paintings to wood carvings, are a great way to add a touch of Nepali culture to your home.
7.Statues and Masks
Statues, masks, and other works of art are common in the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal. When tourists visit Nepal, they can purchase these works of art as souvenirs.
The country is a haven for some of the world’s most beautifully carved and revered Buddhist and Hindu figures. The most famous and revered of these carved statues are those of the Buddha, but other Gods and Goddesses are also depicted with the same level of reverence. These statues are made from several different materials, which are used to give the figure its desired shape and appearance. Commonly, the materials are wood and stone. Other materials include copper, bronze, and even slate.
The mask is something that covers and conceals, but in Nepal, they are used to protect the face. The ancient art of mask-making is passed down from generation to generation, with masters requiring apprentices to work for their hands in the clay for days at a time. The masks are used in local performances and festivals and are even appreciated for their aesthetic beauty. Generally, masks are made up of various materials, including clay, paper, rice, and even plastic.
One of the best ways to experience the Nepalese obsession with statues and masks is to visit a local temple or bazaar and pick up some souvenirs. However, it is essential to remember where the statues have come from and the complex social and religious meaning that they carry.
8.Jewelry and Arts
Jewelry and art are vital ingredients used in Nepalese culture and cuisine. Many tourists visiting Nepal purchase jewelry and arts as souvenirs to bring home and display. Head to any village or city, and you will find a variety of jewelry and art for sale, from traditional paintings to modern sculptures.
The jewelry is an ornament used for thousands of years to adorn hair, clothes, and even buildings. Today, jewelry is worn by people of all ages and for various purposes.
Nepal Jewelry is made from various materials, including clay, silver, gold, and beads. Clay jewelry is the most common and is often decorated with gold or silver. These are used for many occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. Nepal is home to a wide range of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, handcuffs, and other similar items.
9.Herbal Products and Tea
Tea and herbal products are traditional souvenirs in Nepal. It is not only consumed but also used to make traditional medicine. It’s great to buy some tea and herbal products to bring back as a souvenir.
Herbal products have been the traditional medicines of choice in Nepal for centuries. They are not just a part of medicine but a way of life. Herbal products like ghee, herbal teas, and homeopathy have been used for health and wellness for generations. Today, with the rising popularity of western medicine, herbal products can be found in most pharmacies and grocery stores.
Over the years, tea has been a part of Nepalese culture. It is served at every meal and is even used to settle arguments and disputes. The leaves also make a special betel leaf called areca, which is chewed instead of the traditional betel nut. The leaves are also used to create a traditional Nepalese tea called chya; a strong brew customarily served with snacks.
10.Spices
Colorful, aromatic spices have been used in Nepalese cooking for centuries to bring flavor to various dishes. They are the essentials of the cuisines of the country. The best way to collect these spices is by looking for the ones used in their various dishes.
Most meals feature a primary spice, such as chili, ginger, or turmeric, and in many cases, a curry is the main event. Some common spices you can find in a grocery store are cilantro, cumin, and the leaves of Coriander. You can also get the mixture in raw or powdered form.
To enjoy the experience in Nepal, you need to take a few souvenirs and other items that can be exchanged for foreign currency in the local shops. As a souvenir, spices from Nepal are known to have immense significance.
11.Mad Himalayan Honey
Mad Himalayan Honey is a natural sweetener made from beeswax and Himalayan rock honey. The honey is harvested at an extremely high altitude to ensure its high nutritional value and then processed in small batches by hand. It has a deliciously mild, slightly floral flavor that is great in tea, coffee, smoothies, and baking.
The benefits of Himalayan honey are numerous. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. Himalayan honey also helps to protect your skin from UV rays and promotes natural sun protection. So during your visit to Nepal, it is highly recommended to purchase Himalayan honey. It is the only honey of its kind in the world.
12.Hemp Bags and Backpacks in Nepal
Hemp is the most sustainable material on the planet made from the cannabis plant. It’s naturally resistant to pests and overgrows with minimal effort. Bags, backpacks, clothing, papers, etc., are various products manufactured from hemp.
Hemp bags and backpacks are popular souvenirs in Nepal. They are sold at street markets, shops, and even at temples. It is solid and durable and one of the planet’s most economical and sustainable materials. Tourists often buy hemp bags and backpacks as keepsakes from their trip to Nepal. Others buy hemp backpacks in Kathmandu and then continue to other destinations in Nepal. Trekkers use hemp backpacks for hiking and camping in Nepal’s mountainous regions.
13.Tibetan Prayer Flags
The colorful prayer flags often adorn the necks of Buddhist monks and pilgrims, fluttering in the wind as a sign of faith and devotion. In Nepal, it is tradition to buy a prayer flag as a souvenir during the Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima festivals. The festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha and is the biggest festival in the Nepali calendar. The festival is celebrated in the country with religious fervor, and people gather to witness the celebration of the Buddha Jayanti and rejoice in the blessings of the Buddha.
The flag is used during various ceremonies and rituals, such as in the Buddhist temple, which is the most important place for many people to visit. The different colors of Tibetan prayer flags have different meanings and symbols. White symbolizes air; red is fire. Green is water, yellow is Earth, and blue is wind. They also represent directions – North, South, East, West, and Center. You can buy prayer flags in Nepal during the trip, and they make a great souvenir that can be taken back as a memento of the tour.
14.Tiger moving game (Bagh Chal)
The Tiger moving game is a traditional Nepalese game that is preferred and played by people of all ages. Bagh (Tiger) Chal is the common name for it. The structure of this game is a simple square shape with several small boxes and lines inside. In the game, there are four tiger pieces and twenty goat pieces. Either the tiger or the goat is victorious.
However, the Tiger Moving Game is a puzzle game that is much easier to understand and play. It would be wonderful to purchase this unique game for your friends and family, who will undoubtedly enjoy this Nepalese memento.
15.Nepali Dhaka products
Authentic Nepali craftsmanship is seen in Nepali Dhaka products. This traditional Nepali product is woven from cotton fabric on a typical loom. Nepalese Dhaka is known for its amazing designs and styles. Nepali caps, handkerchiefs, shawls, sarees, shirts, bed linens, table mats, and other unique products have been produced.
Furthermore, the Dhaka topi (hat) is an element of Nepalese national attire and a mark of nationalism. As per Nepali culture, the groom is expected to wear Dhaka-made clothing on his wedding day. Prepare to get Dhaka souvenirs during the visit to Nepal.
16.Nepali Music and the Musical Instruments
The use of Nepali musical instruments is a beautiful example of Nepali culture. Nepali music has no specific genre and is a combination of various forms of music that have been brought together through time. It is characterized by diverse styles and instruments influenced by several ethnic communities.
Tourists are becoming increasingly interested in Nepali music. Particularly folk instrumental music, which involves a variety of musical instruments. A traveler can relish their trip to the mountain regions of Nepal better by listening to melodies or songs.
Nepal has an abundance of musical instruments. Madal, Bansuri (flute), Sarangi, Panche Baja, Murchunga, Dhimay, and similar instruments are some of Nepal’s most well-known folk musical instruments. These can make a unique souvenir to bring home.
17.Prayer Wheels in Nepal
Prayer wheels are composed of wood and carved or carved out of natural materials and are Buddhist emblems of devotion. Monks wear them as a reminder of the religious activity they represent. A mantra is traditionally written on the wheel’s outer surface in the Tibetan language. “Om mani padme hum” is the most popular mantra; however other mantras can also be utilized.
Prayer wheels can be seen at Buddhist temples and monasteries worldwide. These wheels can also be found in abundance along Nepal’s Buddhist-influenced trekking trails. One can purchase different-sized prayer wheels as a keepsake and carry them around for inner peace and enormous benefits.
18.Tiger Balm
Another inexpensive souvenir is tiger balm, a basic but efficient remedy. Tiger Balm is a traditional medicine used to treat various ailments and ailments by people in Nepal. Tiger Balm is a product of the plant Camellia sinensis, native to the Himalayas. The plant leaves are used to treat rheumatism, inflammation of the joints, tuberculosis, skin and hair problems, and more.
19.Traditional Dolls and Puppets in Nepal
Traditional dolls and puppets in Nepal have been present for centuries in Nepal. They were made from a mixture of precious materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Since the early twentieth century, Nepalese people have used traditional dolls and puppets. Nepal has seen significant growth in the demand for traditional dolls and puppets, which has also enhanced the beauty of the Nepalese people.
For purchasing one-of-a-kind traditional dolls and puppets in Nepal, Bhaktapur is the place to go to. These dolls and puppets are found abundantly in various forms and shapes of human stature in different cultural dresses. Moreover, they typically demonstrate various gods and goddesses, as well as devils, of Hindu beliefs. These dolls and puppets are among the most common Nepali souvenirs to purchase to take back home.
20.Yak Wool
Yak wool is widely used in Nepal as a traditional garment. It is the second most crucial part of the apparel industry in Nepal, after the primary cloth, and is made of wool with various colors and stitching techniques. It is a durable fabric with an intense, coarse look and is used to make cloth for the most part. It is usually made into a wide variety of garments and accessories.
In Nepal, yak wool is used in various products, from clothing to utensils. Yak wool caps, sweaters, slippers, blankets, and scarves are available for purchase. You can buy anything huge or tiny depending on the space in your suitcase. They are good souvenirs to take home with you.
21.Tibetan rugs
Tibetan rugs are made from a wool or silk base and are tied with threads of yak hair or hair of other animals. The rugs are made in a variety of designs and colors in Nepal and are used for everything from flooring to wall hangings to horse saddles. However, the most typical application of a rug is as a seating mat. Nepal is an excellent location to buy a Tibetan rug if you want to make a large purchase to take it back home.
22.Fossils (Shaligrams)
The discovery of fossilized microscopic organisms like stalactites, stalagmites, stalagmite fossils, and other remains of life in the Earth’s crust, under the name of Shaligrams, in Nepal and its neighboring countries, has long been a fascinating archaeological example of prehistoric life.
Shaligram is a fossil shell revered as a remembrance of Lord Vishnu in the Hindu tradition. The fossil is typically black with a spiral design inside. It comes in a variety of sizes.
23.Brass Dining Ware
In the Himalayan region, brass dining ware is common for cooking. There are numerous different kinds of brass, but the most popular are brass-on-bronze and brass-on-steel. Both of these items are constructed of pure brass and are remarkably similar. Brassware can be found in Nepal in the shape of traditional plates, cups, and souvenirs. It would be fantastic to take to your native nation as a souvenir.
24.Pottery
Pottery is the art of shaping raw material into usable objects by firing it into the kiln. It is an important part of Nepalese culture and identity. The Nepalese style of pottery is characterized by flat, ridged, and fluted vessels. Buying pottery for your trip to Nepal can be an excellent souvenir to take back home.
In Bhaktapur, there is an entire section dedicated to potters. Take a peek at the handcrafted pottery at Bhaktapur while you’re there.
25.Wood Carvings
Wood carvings in Nepal show the traditional way of making objects from wood. These carvings are an important source of information about prehistoric cultures’ social and economic development and are of great cultural and scientific interest.
Wood carvings are a popular souvenir from Nepal to bring home. This keepsake is a piece of art that comes in various sizes and shapes. The souvenir is available in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, among other major tourist sites in Nepal.
A Guide to Shopping in Nepal
The following are the list of a few tips that will help you with shopping in Nepal.
- Products made in China are of poor quality. Ensure that the items you purchase are created in Nepal, not in China.
- Patan is the best place if you are looking for Nepali handicraft products.
- Bhaktapur is the haven for alluring pottery.
- Thamel offers a wide range of magnificent souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Bargaining is the best way to make a good deal while shopping in Nepal.
- You could go online shopping if you missed out on shopping.
Final Say
Nepal provides many wonderful gifts. In Nepal, you can gather souvenirs made of any material. Choose a keepsake based on your budget and preferences. Our list goes on and on, but the goods stated above were at the top of our list of things to buy as souvenirs in Nepal. These souvenirs are ideal for your family and friends, as they are all based on nature, arts, civilizations, and history. Thank you for being such an intriguing reader.
