Thursday 18th April 2024
We all carry a memory of a place with us when we take along a special article reminiscent of that destination. We associate that article or item with the city or country we last visited.
Moreover, we experience a deep sense of joy when we adorn our homes and office desks with a ‘mini replica’ of our favorite holiday destination or its people, culture and heritage.
Nepal is one such destination, which offers you a variety of special things that will remind you of the warmth of its people, the beauty of the land, the timeless architecture and culture that’s brought down from generation.
Here’s a list of special things that you can buy from Nepal when you make a visit to this scenically-blessed country:
Handicrafts speak for the craftsmanship and artistry of the people of a particular country, state or city and so is the case with Nepal. Nepal’s finest best is found in its handicrafts that represent sheer talent that is passed from generation to generation.
The choicest collection of Nepali handicrafts includes ceramics, customized covers, hemp products, kettles, knives, manikins, prayer wheels, pottery items, puppets, traditional masks, woodwork including carvings, boxes and vases.
Where to Find: Nepal’s Shopping Mecca – Thamel, Bhaktapur, Durbar Square and Patan
Khukuri, the national weapon of Nepal with a sleek slashing edge makes the perfect collectible for collectors. The Khukuri was the Gorkha’s choice of weapons during wars held in the 1800s. They are handcrafted and look very stylish.
The Khukuri is still used by the Nepali Army, Royal Gurkha Rifles of the British Army and the Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army. Tourists visiting Nepal can adorn the walls of their house with the traditional Khukri.
Where to Find: Bhaktapur
Puppets are an essential part of Nepal takeaways for tourists visiting the country. The locals make these dolls and sell them as a bunch or in singles. Nepal’s puppets are famous with the name Putali and are strung to wooden manipulation slats.
They are reminiscent of Kathmandu Valley’s Newars who use them to display local folklore and enact stories from the holy books or events from the past. The figures are clad in traditional Nepali attire and have two masks.
Where to Find: Bhaktapur
This Nepal collectible is handmade using rice husk. They are often used for painting or as a base for manuscripts and most often converted into diaries, letter writing sheets, photo albums and journals. Rice paper is one of the most popular Nepal tourist collectibles.
Where to Find: Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Thamel
The singing bowl is a unique collectible made from metal and accompanied by a small wooden stick. It produces a soothing sound when the wooden stick is rotated along the rim of the bowl. The vibration produced from the contact between the bowl and the stick is said to release healing properties and creates an atmosphere of meditation.
The singing bowls are either machine made or handmade but the latter is usually expensive and are found in plain brass color.
Where to Find: Kathmandu, Durbar Square (Best Prices)
The wonderful aroma from Nepal‘s kitchens is mainly due to the choicest spices that the Nepalis use. Nepal is famous for its collection of spices, which include cardamom, chilli, cumin, fenugreek, pepper and saffron. Tourists throng to bazaars and streets to take home the flavors of Nepal which they find hard to leave behind.
Unique to Nepal, the Masala is a blend of spices and is the most favored in the country.
Where to Find: Kathmandu
Nepal is an amalgamation of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. This is reflected in the art produced in the country including, paintings, statues, masks and wooden carvings. The statues and masks are a major attraction for tourists visiting Nepal.
Shops across Nepal offer masks that are worn during various festivals’ processions and celebrations. A perfect mix of art and antiquity, the masks are an ideal take-home, especially if you love art.
Where to Find: Kathmandu
Tea is another tourist favorite and Nepal has more than enough to offer. Chiya, as it is fondly called in Nepal, is usually grown in the east of Nepal and some noteworthy Nepali tea factories include Maloon Tea Estate, Mist Valley Tea Industry and Gorkha Tea Estate.
The Nepali climate and hills present a perfect atmosphere for the flourishment of tea plantation. Nepali chiya has many health benefits to offer.
Where to Find: Thamel Chowk
Thangkas are native to Nepal; they are traditional Buddhist religious and cultural paintings made from embroidery. They come in pocket sizes and extend to large wall hangings.
The high-end Thangkas are woven with gold and silver mixed in them. The thangkas depict the life and journey of the holy Buddha.
Where to Find: Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Patan, Pokhara
We are always attracted to traditional attire of various nations and nothing like Nepal’s pashmina. Also known as Cashmere, this material is made from the hair of Nepal’s mountain goats Chyangra or Capra Hicus. Pashmina is famous across the world and is considered as the most luxurious wool.
There are different varieties of Pashmina including a blend of silk or nylon fibers with the Pashmina wool. Pashmina is mostly taken in the form of scarves and shawls.
Where to Find: Thamel
Nepal is home to world famous bead artisans who specialize in making bracelets, keyrings and necklaces from yak bone, beads, seeds and semi-precious stone. You can also have your jewelry custom-made to suit your likes. Nepal’s bazaars have a wide variety of beads and stones to make the jewelry of your choice.
Where to Find: Thamel, Kathmandu
Wanting to make a trip to Nepal already?
Why not wait some more until Nepal’s Tourism dedicated year. Yes! The Nepal Government has dedicated the year 2020 to Tourism and is inviting tourists to promote Tourism in Nepal under the banner Visit Nepal 2020.
It aims to draw 2 million people. Why not be one of them?
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