As a small landlocked country between India and China, one might think the country is too small to be diverse. Nepal itself has more than 36 cultures speaking over 40 languages. And you can buy multiple items that reflect those culture. Thamel lies in the heart of capital city showcasing multiple items to buy as a souvenir and also as an item of value. You can buy multiple functioning items for use as well as for souvenir gift from the Himalayas. I personally have listed some of the must have items while visiting Nepal.
Khukuri/Kukri : you can find multiple Kukris in street of Thamel but some are useless just for display and some are of heavy use. It depends on what kind of blade you want.
Afghan Kukri at $45 is a must buy.Singing bowl: Singing bowls produce sounds which invoke a deep state of relaxation which naturally assists one in entering into meditation, the ultimate goal being enlightenment. They are a quintessential aid to meditation, and can be found on private Buddhist altars, and in temples, monasteries and meditation halls throughout the world. Be aware of the singing bowl whether it is handmade or machine made
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Hand beaten singing bowl at $25 is a must buy.Thangka/ Tibetan Paintings: The Thangka is a painting on cotton or silk clothing which usually depicts a deity of Buddhism in a scene or a mandala. Unlike the contemporary and any other oil or acrylic painting, the thangka is not a flat painting but it contains a panel which is usually painted over a mounted textile and then laid over by a cover which is usually made of silk.
This will be one of the most expensive buy so it will depend on your choice of art.Pashmina: You will see hundreds of Pashmina shop in Kathmandu, so know the quality before buying one. Pashmina is hand made in Nepal and most of the times are imported from China at a cheap cost. These are 90% silk but the seller will try to convince you that its 90% pashmina.
Yak wool blanket at $35 is a must buy.
