If you’re lucky enough to make it here, you’ll want to bring home a keepsake or two to remind you of your once-in-a-lifetime trip. Whether you’re sifting through the stalls in Kathmandu’s Thamel neighbourhood, visiting Patan’s fair-trade shops or checking out the vendors in lakeside Pokhara, there’s a treasure trove of unique items to choose from. To help you return with the perfect memento, we’ve compiled a list of the best Nepal souvenirs.
Before you start browsing, keep these two small nuggets of advice in mind:
Tip 1: Don’t pay over the odds
Bargaining is commonplace in Nepal. Hone your haggling skills and aim for a 15 – 20% discount on your chosen Nepal souvenirs.
Tip 2: Avoid ‘antiques’
Unscrupulous vendors will often claim their wares as ancient, but this seldom rings true. And even if you do manage to find a bona fide piece of history, don’t be tempted to try and take it home. It’s illegal to bring antiques out of the country without a certificate of permission from the government.