Souvenirs from Nepal:
Hand-crafted goods from Nepal were coveted across Central Asia in ancient times for their superior quality and intricate workmanship. Today, the skills inherited from the old masters continue to be practiced with the same devotion to bring you works of art which you will forever cherish.

Garments: Handmade garments like shawls, woolen sweaters, jackets, trousers and caps are very functional as well as interesting articles to take back home.

Gems:
Kathmandu boasts one of the widest selections of loose gems in the entire region, often at comparatively low prices. Many stones including ruby, aquamarine, black and green tourmaline, quartz and "healing stones" are mined in the mountains of Nepal.

Jewelry:
Apart from necklaces, bracelets, rings and the traditional silver beads made especially in Patan, old Tibetan jewelry also abounds in the markets of Kathmandu. A glass bead marker tucked away near Indra Chowk stocks colorful glass beads imported from all over the world.

Khukuri: Khukuri, the curved metal knife, is synonymous with the valor of Gurkha soldiers. Manufactured by local iron smiths with traditional implements, this impressive tool has become a well-loved memento for many people visiting this part of the world.

Metal-ware:
Decorative house wares are still made of traditional copper, brass and bronze and then elaborately engraved. Pieces like karuwa (water jars), anti (liquor jar), bowls and hanging oil lamps are very popular souvenirs - useful ones tool.

Music:
Music cassettes and CDs of Nepalese classical, folk and sacred tunes are excellent mementos and gifts to bring home. Music provides a link to the culture which will remain with you as a moving reminder of your visit.

Paper Products:
Traditional Nepalese paper, popularly known as "rice paper", is actually made of lokta bark found in remote areas of the country. Many stores sell writing pads and bounds journals, as well as calendars, photo albums and lamp shades of lokta paper.

Pashmina:
Pashmina shawls made from the soft under fur of the highland lambs are today among the country's top exports. Items made from the smooth and warm wool are of premium quality and are prized for their softness and natural colors.

Paubha:
These traditional paintings (Thangka in Tibetan) depict deities and religious symbols from Buddhism. Painted on cotton scrolls, the best paubhas are made using ground stone pigments to create their vivid colors. Powdered silver and gold are other key ingredients.

Pottery:
Extremely proficient in the delicate art of making both terra-cotta and glazed earthenware, Kathmandu's potters make various articles from the black clay that abounds in the Valley. Their products range from household utensils to inexpensive decorative souvenirs.

Spices:
Since ancient times traders have followed their nixes to the spice markets of Asia. Kathmandu's markets offer exotic ingredients to add flavor to your curries - nutmeg, ginger, saffron, mace, anise, fenugreek, black pepper, coriander seeds and other aromas.

Statues:
The casting of bronze, brass and copper statuary in Nepal dates back millennia. Casters in Nepal use the ancient and labor intensive "lost-wax method" in which ornate figures, modeled in bees-wax and used to create the earthenware molds, are melted away and "lost" prior to the actual casting.

Tea:
Nepal's eastern hilly districts, notably Ilam, produce a variety of excellent tea, most of which is exported. Kathmandu's shops offer a wide selection of fine Nepalese tea in attractive pack aging which makes it suitable as gifts.

Wood carving:
The expertise of Newar Craftsmen in this field can be seen in the intricately carved windows, doors, pillars and latticed art-worked fitted in temples throughout the Kathmandu Valley. Ornate doors and windows, picture frames, jewelry boxes and furniture are produced in the workshops of the Bungamati, Patan and Bhaktapur. Ornamental and functional.

Woolen Carpets:
Carpets made in Nepal are hand-knotted using the traditional techniques of Tibet. The beat of them are woven from the mixture of the highland Himalayan sheep's wool and New Zealand long staple wool. Hand-knotted carpets are among Nepal's top export items. Both traditional and modern designs available.