Top 5 Souvenirs to buy when in Nepal

Any holiday would be incomplete without a bit of shopping on the side. Especially, some souvenir shopping to take back home as gifts for your loved ones and some mementos of the trip for yourself. So what are the Top 5 distinctive things to look for when you are souvenir hunting in Nepal?

Thangka : Thangkas are exquisite paintings, painstakingly hand painted onto cotton or silk pieces, that depict Buddhist symbols and deities. Admittedly, you might need deep pockets for these, but the expensive gifts also make a worthy investment.

Pashminas: Keep yourself warm with the softest and warmest of shawls, capes and sweaters made of Pashmina. The word when translated from it’s Persian root word, means ‘soft gold’, so only the softest cashmere wool is spun when making Pashmina shawls. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and price-ranges when making your pick.

Nepali Handicrafts: The term handicrafts is all encompassing and covers a wide array of goods – wooden masks, Tibetan jewelry boxes, handcrafted silver ornaments, patchwork quilts, felt slippers, Nepali paper stationery etc. A stroll down Thamel or Kupondole will be your best bet.

Nepali woollies: You have to buy one of these multi-colored, cheap and cheerful woollies for a friend back home, who is into the NDubz look.

Khukuri: The curved blade of the Gurkhas is synonymous with Nepalese bravery and indomitable spirit. However, should you want to inject a bit of fun into your Khukuri, look for Khukuri Rum, a Nepali liquor in a bottle shaped liked the Khukuri.