Kathmandu is a shopper’s paradise, particularly for those who appreciate high quality artisanal goods at an incredible value. That said, the city is big and traffic is bad, so strategizing your time and whereabouts is key, depending on the goods you’re most interested in. Below is a rough guide to help you.
## Exploring Kathmandu’s Shopping Scene: From Thamel to Baber Mahal Revisited
Kathmandu, a city teeming with culture and vibrant energy, offers a diverse and fascinating shopping experience. From bustling markets to refined boutiques, the city caters to every taste and budget. Whether you are searching for traditional crafts, exquisite carpets, or the latest fashion, Kathmandu presents a treasure trove of retail opportunities. Let’s embark on a journey through some of the most distinctive shopping destinations in and around Kathmandu.
### Thamel District: The Heart of Kathmandu’s Commerce
Located in the very heart of Kathmandu, the Thamel district serves as a central hub for all things purchasable in Nepal. It is the natural starting point for any shopping adventure, offering a vast selection of goods. You can find everything here from trekking gear to souvenirs, handicrafts to clothing. The sheer variety can be overwhelming, but that’s part of Thamel’s charm. Since October 2017, a significant portion of downtown Thamel has been designated as a car-free zone, significantly improving the pedestrian experience. This makes browsing the shops and soaking in the atmosphere much more pleasant than it used to be. You can now wander through the narrow streets with greater ease, allowing you to fully appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant district. However, shoppers should exercise a degree of caution, especially when it comes to pashminas offered at suspiciously low prices. Be mindful of those irresistibly cheap 500-rupee pashminas – remember that some deals are simply too good to be true, and the quality may not be what it seems. Enjoy the experience, but always be a discerning buyer.
### Jawalakhel: Carpets and Buddhist Art
For those seeking exquisite Tibetan-style wool carpets, a trip to Jawalakhel in southern Patan is essential. This area is renowned for its Tibetan refugee workshops, where skilled artisans create thick, colorful, and meticulously hand-knotted carpets. These carpets are not just beautiful; they also represent a rich cultural heritage and provide a livelihood for the refugee community. The artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating these carpets are truly remarkable. While in Patan, explore its reputation as the prime location for purchasing Buddhist statuary. The backstreets of Patan are lined with numerous metal workshops where skilled artisans craft intricate and beautiful statues of Buddha and other deities. Witnessing these artisans at work is a fascinating experience in itself. Patan offers a unique opportunity to acquire authentic religious art and support the local community.
### Fair Trade Shops (Durbar Marg, Lazimpat, Patan): Ethical Shopping
Nepal is a leader in promoting fair trade practices, and numerous shops in and around Kathmandu are dedicated to marketing and selling handicrafts and design products sourced from women’s groups and other responsible sources. These shops offer a wide range of unique and ethically produced items, ensuring that artisans receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. The Kupondole hill, leading towards Patan, has become a prominent hub for fair-trade design shops, with the Mahaguthi outlet being particularly noteworthy. This shop offers a diverse selection of high-quality handicrafts and design products. Several fair trade stores can also be found in Lazimpat, in the northern part of Kathmandu, offering convenient options for shoppers in that area. Closer to the Kathmandu city center, you can find One Tree Stop on Durbar Marg. Despite being a small shop, it offers an ever-changing selection of unique crafts made by local artisans and designers. The cafe located upstairs at One Tree Stop provides employment to deaf waiting staff, making it a socially responsible and worthwhile place to visit. It’s also a great place to refuel and relax after a busy day of shopping. The Local Project in Patan shares a similar ethos to One Tree Stop and is conveniently located next to the hip EVOKE Café & Bistro, allowing you to combine shopping with a delightful dining experience.
### Katheshimbu Stupa (and Boudhanath Stupa): Spiritual Souvenirs
In Kathmandu, the area around the Katheshimbu stupa, located just south of Thamel, offers the best selection of Tibetan prayer flags, brocade, and embroidered silks. These items are deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and spirituality, making them meaningful souvenirs. Here, you can also find tailors who can create custom-made Tibetan or Sherpa traditional clothes, offering a unique opportunity to acquire authentic cultural attire. The Boudhanath stupa is another location where many Tibetans and Sherpas reside, and similar items can be found there as well. To complete your traditional Nepali look, consider purchasing a Nepali topi hat from the cluster of shops at Kel Tole, near Katheshimbu Stupa. The nearby local market at Asan Tole is a vibrant and colorful place to pick up spices and provides a fabulously photogenic setting for an early morning stroll.
### Labim Mall: A Modern Shopping Experience
For a more modern shopping experience, visit Labim Mall, located on Pulchowk in Patan. This upscale mall opened its doors shortly after the earthquake and has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Inside the expansive 5-floored complex, you will find a wide array of popular restaurants, including Roadhouse Pizzeria and Le Mirch. The mall also houses Western shops like ESPRIT and GEOX, as well as many local brands, providing a diverse selection of fashion and lifestyle products. Beyond the shops, Labim Mall offers entertainment options as well. Nepali celebrities and elites often frequent LEVEL 3, a rooftop terrace bar and lounge, particularly on Wednesdays and weekend nights. If you’re in the mood to catch a movie in comfort, head to QFX Cinemas, which features plush stadium seating.
### Baber Mahal Revisited: High-End Crafts
Finally, if you are in the market for higher quality crafts, albeit at higher prices, a trip to Baber Mahal Revisited is highly recommended. Located near the Singha Durbar government offices, this beautifully restored Rana-era palace complex is home to a collection of exquisite handicraft and clothing boutiques. The complex also features several excellent restaurants, such as Chez Caroline, as well as a boutique hotel, making it a sophisticated and relaxing destination. Baber Mahal Revisited offers a unique shopping experience in a historically significant and architecturally stunning setting.
This expanded exploration of Kathmandu’s shopping destinations provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s retail landscape, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the bustling streets of Thamel to the refined atmosphere of Baber Mahal Revisited, Kathmandu offers a shopping experience that is both diverse and unforgettable.
B-1775