Must-see shopping in Kathmandu

  • Baber Mahal Revisited

    Kathmandu

    Originally built in 1919 by the then prime minister for his son, this unique complex of neoclassical Rana palace outbuildings has been redeveloped to…

  • One Tree Stop

    Kathmandu

    It’s worth popping in to peruse this small but interesting collection of quality and unique gifts produced by a hand-picked roster of women’s groups, NGOs…

  • Paper Park

    Kathmandu

    One of the best of several shops in Thamel that sell handmade paper products, from photo albums to paper lamps. The paper comes from the lokta (daphne)…

  • Mahaguthi

    Kathmandu

    Good range of crafts and home furnishings, much of it made by disadvantaged or minority groups, with transparent pricing on pashminas (Rs 2325 for a…

  • Shona’s Alpine Rental

    Kathmandu

    Reliable rentals and gear shop that makes its own sleeping bags and offers advice on the best trekking gear for your trip. Get a season warmer than they…

  • Tibet Book Store

    Kathmandu

    The best collection of Tibet-related titles, once owned by the Tibetan government-in-exile.

  • North Face

    Kathmandu

    One of several pukka (not fake) gear shops on Tridevi Marg, offering imported gear at foreign prices. These shops sell everything from Black Diamond…

  • Amrita Craft Collection

    Kathmandu

    This broad collection of mass-produced crafts and clothing is a good place to start your souvenir shopping. Quality isn’t top-notch, but subtract 20% from…

  • Tara Oriental

    Kathmandu

    This designer’s studio is the best place for top-end designer pashmina throws, scarves and sweaters, retailing at around US$160. Yes, it’s expensive but…

  • Aroma Garden

    Kathmandu

    As the name suggests, this is Thamel’s sweetest-smelling shop. It’s a good one-stop shop for dhoop (incense), essential oils, Himalayan soaps and almost…

  • Hi-Himal Sports Wear International

    Kathmandu

    This friendly gear shop makes its own down products and offers equipment rental, including down jackets (Rs 60 to Rs 100 per day), sleeping bags (Rs 150…

  • Vajra Books

    Kathmandu

    This knowledgeable local publisher offers an excellent selection of academic books and is a magnet for local writers and researchers. Ask to see the…

  • Pilgrims Book House

    Kathmandu

    Kathmandu's best bookstore tragically burned down in 2013. Its reincarnation has risen from the ashes and still has a good selection of titles.

  • Holyland Hiking Shop

    Kathmandu

    The better trekking gear shops are at the southern end of Thamel, and Holyland is one of the better choices.

  • Sonam Gear

    Kathmandu

    Sonam makes its own brand of quality trekking gear, with this the larger of its two shops in Thamel.

  • Nepal Book Depot

    Kathmandu

    Good prices, a central location and a huge selection of new and secondhand titles.

  • Bhat Bhateni Supermarket

    Kathmandu

    One of the the largest supermarkets in the city, with 13 stores, though the location is slightly inconvenient, south of the Chinese embassy.

  • Curio Arts

    Kathmandu

    Durbar Marg has several top-end showrooms concentrating on statues, Tibetan furniture and other crafts. Curio Arts is a good place to start.

  • Big Mart

    Kathmandu

    A useful supermarket in Lazimpat.

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