Shopping in Kathmandu
Kathmandu offers vibrant shopping experiences from traditional handicrafts to modern boutiques, with something for every budget and taste.
Best Shopping Areas
- Thamel: Tourist hub with shops, boutiques and trekking gear
- Asan Tole: Traditional market for spices and household items
- Durbar Marg: Upscale shopping with international brands
- Patan Durbar Square: Fine handicrafts and metalwork
- Boudha: Tibetan Buddhist artifacts and carpets
Popular Items to Buy
| Item |
Best Place to Buy |
Approx Price Range |
| Pashmina Shawls |
Thamel, Durbar Marg |
NPR 2,000-15,000 |
| Handmade Paper |
Patan, Boudha |
NPR 200-2,000 |
| Singing Bowls |
Boudha, Thamel |
NPR 1,500-15,000 |
| Thangka Paintings |
Boudha, Patan |
NPR 3,000-50,000 |
| Metal Statues |
Patan Metal Square |
NPR 500-50,000 |
Bargaining Tips
- Start at 40-50% of the asking price in tourist areas
- Be polite but firm - walking away often gets better prices
- Compare prices at 2-3 shops before buying
- Cash payments may get better discounts
- Bargaining is expected in markets but not in fixed-price stores
Authenticity Check
- Real pashmina should pass through a ring (test before buying)
- Genuine singing bowls produce harmonic overtones
- Handmade paper has uneven texture and visible fibers
- Look for artisan signatures on quality thangkas
Shopping Malls
| Mall |
Location |
Features |
| Civil Mall |
Sundhara |
Cinema, food court, international brands |
| Labim Mall |
Pulchowk |
Entertainment complex with bowling alley |
| Bhatbhateni |
Multiple locations |
Department store with local and imported goods |
Local Markets
- Asan Market: Colorful local market for spices, textiles and daily items
- Indra Chowk: Religious items, jewelry and traditional clothes
- New Road Market: Budget clothing and electronics
- Sunday Market (Babar Mahal): Weekly handicraft and organic market
Shopping Hours
- Most shops: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (7 days/week)
- Local markets: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM (closed Saturdays)
- Malls: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Payment Methods
- Cash (Nepalese Rupees) preferred in markets
- Credit cards accepted in malls and upscale shops
- ATMs widely available but carry small bills
- Digital wallets (eSewa, Khalti) gaining popularity