Recommended Shopping Spots in Nepal with Many Fair Trade Shops!

Nepal attracts countless tourists from around the world as the gateway to Mount Everest and the Himalayas. In addition, its beautiful ancient cities and many historic buildings have earned it the nickname “Sky Cities,” captivating all who visit.

When it comes to souvenirs and shopping, Nepal offers many great shopping spots perfect for picking up charming handicrafts and souvenirs. Here, we introduce some of Nepal’s recommended shopping spots. Please use this as a reference!

1. The Paper Park

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is packed with shops selling all kinds of items, making it a great place to hunt for souvenirs. Located in the popular Thamel district, The Paper Park is, as the name suggests, a specialty store for paper products.

There are several paper shops in Thamel, but The Paper Park offers an extensive selection and features many cute designs, making it a hit both as a personal treat and for souvenirs. Moreover, each item is handmade, and the fact that the products are fair trade adds to their charm!

2. Asan Chowk and Indra Chowk

This area stretches from Kathmandu’s Durbar Square through Indra Chowk and Asan Chowk, and is a bustling shopping spot filled with locals. Here, you’ll find everything from flowers, spices, vegetables, and food, to saris, shoes, fabrics, handicrafts, and tableware.

You can enjoy shopping by browsing each shop and even haggling over prices. Also, saris as well as dresses, pants, and other clothing are available in the stores. Although this lively shopping area is fun to explore, please be cautious of pickpockets in the crowds!

3. Himalayan Garden Tea

Among Nepal’s famous products is its tea. Thanks to its suitable climate for tea cultivation, Nepal produces teas beloved by people around the world. Similar to India, Nepal is known for its chai—a spiced, boiled milk tea that is very popular.

Himalayan Garden Tea is a tea specialty shop located in the busy Thamel district of Kathmandu. Thamel is a fun area for shopping, and while there are several tea shops, Himalayan Garden Tea not only offers a wide variety but is also run by an owner with expert knowledge. Be sure to sample their delicious teas and find your favorite one!

4. Women’s Skills Development Organization

Pokhara, a town visited by those who come to see or climb Nepal’s beautiful mountains, also has several shopping spots due to the many tourists it attracts. If you visit Pokhara, be sure to stop by the Women’s Skills Development Organization.

This shop was established by a Nepalese fair trade organization and creates employment for local Nepalese women who work on everything from dyeing and weaving to sewing and finishing. They sell bags, cushion covers, scarves, and more, all of which are well-designed and crafted to high quality, making them popular among both locals and tourists.

5. Friendly Pashmina Export

If you visit Kathmandu, be sure to check out Friendly Pashmina Export—a small, charming shop located in the bustling Thamel district.

Inside this delightful shop, you’ll find scarves, blankets, bags, shawls, and other items displayed in an inviting atmosphere.

Also, when buying traditional Nepalese Pashmina products, this is the recommended place to avoid counterfeit items!

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced some of Nepal’s shopping spots. How did you like them? Nepal offers everything from local markets frequented by locals to fair trade shops—shopping here is incredibly fun! Find your favorite store and enjoy some delightful shopping while haggling over prices every once in a while!

RELATED ARTICLES

15 of the Best Sightseeing Spots in Nihonbashi: Filled with the Atmosphere of the Old Downtown Area

Nihonbashi, long a hub of transportation and commerce, exudes a somewhat retro and chic atmosphere. This downtown area, rich in traditional ...

409 views

34 Must-see Tourist Spots in Nasu – A list of must-see spots in northern Kanto!

Nasu is a highland resort close to the city center, making it a great tourist destination in the summer. With an abundance of various sights...

463 views

The Top 5 Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Japan

Although tattoos are celebrated as an art form and a means of self-expression in many parts of the world, in Japan, they are still often vie...

3,657 views

6 Delicious Japanese Desserts and Sweets You Need to Try

For those with a sweet tooth landing in Japan, there's a seemingly endless amount of sweets and desserts to try. Rather than risking a sugar...

3,546 views

[Yokohama girls’ trip] Top 10 recommended tourist spots

Yokohama, a popular tourist destination offering various ways to enjoy your time. With its Instagram-worthy streets, stunning port night vie...

317 views