Shopping · Kathmandu
Shopping in Thamel & Kathmandu
Pashmina, singing bowls, thangka art and trekking gear — what to buy in Thamel and the old markets, plus how to haggle.
Thamel is Nepal's shopping bazaar — a tangle of lanes packed with pashmina, singing bowls, prayer flags and racks of trekking gear. Step into the old city's markets and you'll find where locals actually shop. Here's what's worth buying, where to find it, and how to pay a fair price.
The short answer
For souvenirs and gear, browse Thamel, where most shops cluster within a few walkable lanes. For a more local, lower-priced experience, head to the Asan and Indra Chowk markets in the old city. Bargain almost everywhere, buy pashmina and antiques with care, and you'll come away with the best of Nepali craft.
What to buy
- Pashmina shawls — soft cashmere-wool wraps; the real thing costs more, so buy from a trusted shop.
- Singing bowls — hand-beaten metal bowls; ask for a demonstration of the tone before you buy.
- Prayer flags & thangka art — colourful Buddhist flags and intricate hand-painted scroll paintings.
- Khukuri knives — Nepal's iconic curved blade, sold as decorative and working versions.
- Trekking gear — jackets, packs and sleeping bags; quality ranges from genuine brands to convincing copies, so check carefully.
- Himalayan tea — orthodox black and green teas from the eastern hills make a light, easy gift.
Where to shop
- Thamel: The main tourist shopping hub, best for souvenirs, crafts and trekking gear in one place.
- Asan & Indra Chowk: Historic local markets in the old city for textiles, beads, spices and everyday goods at local prices.
Bargaining & authenticity
- Haggle politely: Open below the asking price, stay friendly, and walk away if needed — the first quote is rarely the final one. Fixed-price boutiques don't bargain.
- Authenticity: Verify pashmina and brand-name gear before paying premium prices.
- Antiques & export: Exporting genuine antiquities is restricted in Nepal; older items may need official clearance, so most travellers buy new reproductions to avoid problems at customs.
Plan around it
Build a shopping afternoon around the old city's sights with our guide to the top attractions in Kathmandu, and take a break at one of the best restaurants in Kathmandu when your bags get heavy.
Frequently asked questions
What should I buy in Kathmandu?+
The classic buys are pashmina shawls, metal singing bowls, prayer flags, thangka paintings, khukuri knives, Himalayan tea and trekking gear. Thamel covers most of it, while the old markets of Asan and Indra Chowk are better for spices, textiles and everyday goods.
Where is the best place to shop in Kathmandu?+
Thamel has the densest mix of souvenir, craft and trekking-gear shops. For a more local experience and lower prices, head to the bustling markets at Asan and Indra Chowk in the old city, where Nepalis shop for textiles, beads and spices.
Do you bargain when shopping in Thamel?+
Yes, bargaining is expected in Thamel's souvenir and gear shops and in the markets. Start politely below the asking price, stay friendly, and be ready to walk away — you can often settle well below the first quote. Fixed-price boutiques are the exception.
Can I buy genuine pashmina and antiques in Kathmandu?+
Genuine pashmina exists but much sold as 'pashmina' is blended or acrylic, so buy from reputable shops and expect to pay more for the real thing. Be cautious with antiques: exporting genuine antiquities is restricted in Nepal and items over a certain age may require clearance, so most travellers stick to new reproductions.
