In addition to its beautiful mountains, tranquil green spaces, World Heritage sites, religious temples, delicious food, and welcoming people, Nepal is also a paradise for international tourists who want to indulge in shopping. From small and beautiful jewelry pieces to huge exhibits, you can buy a variety of souvenirs here, and you can afford to be frugal.
Nepal's spring season is here, and many tourists will be flocking to this snowy Buddha country, so are you thinking about buying some souvenirs? Here are some of the featured souvenirs that can be purchased in Nepal for as little as $10 and can be purchased in places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
Ode bowl
Song bowls, commonly known as Tibetan song bowls or Himalayan song bowls, can make a soothing sound. They are made of different metals such as brass, zinc, iron, copper, tin, silver, gold, or nickel and come with a mallet.
First hit the bowl with a mallet, then press firmly on the outer edge of the bowl, moving around the edge of the bowl. Doing so creates a continuous sound that continues after picking up the mallet. It is believed that the sound of the mantra can be healed and can be used to realign all the chakras of the human body.
There are 9 common types of singing bowls. They are Thadobati, Jambati, Naga, Mani, Ultabati, Manipuri, Lingam, Remuna and Crystal Bowl. Bowls made of different metals make different notes, and some people also fill the bowl with water to make different healing sounds.
Song bowls can be used as a precious souvenir, especially for those who need meditation and healing chakras. Bowls generally start at $10.
Cookley
The Kukri Scimitar is Nepal's symbolic weapon. The Kukri knife has a sharp blade and is very deadly when used by Gurkha soldiers on the battlefield, so it is also called "Gurkha knife". Kukri is the most suitable souvenir in Nepal as it symbolizes the strength and honor of the Gurkha soldiers of Nepal.
The curvature of the Kukli makes it ideal for chopping wood, cutting meat and vegetables, slaughtering animals, etc., or simply keeping it at home as a display item when not in use. This antique looking weapon can add a strong touch to the interior of the house and can also be a great chat partner at parties.
The basic small Kukri can be purchased for only $10, while the large royal-type Kukri is more expensive.
Lokta paper
Lokta paper, also known as Nepalese paper, is a handmade paper made from a plant called "Lokta". It is very durable because it is waterproof, moisture-proof, mildew-proof, and tear-resistant, unlike regular paper, they are also not easily damaged by insects such as paper reptiles or whitebait.
What was written on Lokta paper could be preserved for thousands of years and is still used in Nepal's official data records. Various ancient Nepalese religious texts are also written on Lokta paper. The earliest surviving Lokta paper document is Karanya Buha Sutra, written about 1,000 years ago and still preserved in the National Archives Museum of Nepal.
Lokta, the plant used to make Lokta paper, scientifically known as "Daphne Bhoula" or "Daphne Papyracea", is very environmentally friendly. These plants are cut 30 cm above the ground like sugar cane for paper, and then they grow naturally, so their regenerative capacity does not affect the forest ecosystem when felling.
The texture of the two sides of the Lokta paper is different. Usually one side is smooth while the other side is rough. When making Lokta paper, one side of the paper is covered with the fibrous bark of the Lokta bush, and when these papers are dried, a rough texture develops on the side facing the sun. Therefore, each Lokta paper has a unique pattern.
In addition to being used as manuscript paper, Lokta paper is also used to make tote bags, gift boxes, and wedding invitations. Lokta paper diaries or calendars are useful souvenirs for people who like to write or journal.
Warp flags
When traveling in Nepal, prayer flags can often be seen flying around temples or in sacred sites. The prayer flags are engraved with sacred words and symbols, and the most common image on them is the "wind horse" Ronda. In Tibetan mythology, it is believed that the wind horse brings prayer to heaven with wind speed and horse energy.
Warp flags are usually hung in such a way that they can sway with the wind. It is widely believed that when the wind blows the prayer flag, the energy of the inscriptions on the prayer banner is activated and radiates peace in the surrounding environment. Therefore, prayer flags are often hung in places of worship, lakes, streams, hills, etc. The fading of prayer flags is also an auspicious meaning, as it means that prayers have gone with the wind. Some also burn old prayer flags so that the scriptures written on them drift away with the smoke and bring blessings to heaven.
The five colors of the prayer flags represent the five elements of the earth. The blue of the prayer flags represents the sky, white represents the air, red represents fire, green represents water, and yellow represents earth. The 5 colors together represent balance.
The prayer flags are divided into horizontal and vertical ones. In Tibetan, the vertical prayer banner is called "Dar Cho," which means to increase life, wealth, and health, while Cho represents all beings.
Care should be taken when hanging prayer flags and make sure they never touch the ground, as this is considered disrespectful. The prayer banner is the perfect gift for a loved one as it symbolizes good luck when received as a gift.
Nepalese tea
The climate and geographical conditions of Nepal's hills provide an excellent environment for tea cultivation.
People who travel to Nepal often indulge in the delicious tea that is commonly consumed throughout the country. One way to introduce the flavors of Nepal to people abroad is to bring local tea as a souvenir.
Varieties such as "Silver Tea", "Golden Tea", "Earl Grey Tea", "Oolong Tea", "Black Tea" and "Green Tea" can be purchased at tea specialty stores. Even Nepalese "marsala tea" is becoming more and more popular among people who like strong flavors.
Dhaka products
Dhaka's main product is "Dhaka Topi", a men's hat made of Dhaka fabric. Nepalese men wear it at national and international formal events, weddings, and other important celebrations.
Dhaka Topi, like any hat, has a rounded bottom and a height of 3 to 4 inches. It symbolizes what the mountains of Nepal look like after the ice melts. Dhaka muslin was originally imported from Bangladesh. Later, with the development of various handlooms in Parpa, western Nepal, authentic Dhaka products began to be produced here.
Dhaka weave styles are intricate, and no two Dhaka designs are alike. Each piece of clothing in Dhaka has its own characteristics. The trick to distinguish a counterfeit Dhaka product from the genuine one is to check the back of the fabric. If the back of a dhaka fabric has floating yarns from one pattern to another, then it is the original dhaka woven with a Palpa handloom.
Mahendra, the 70th king of Nepal, declared Dhaka Topi the national hat of Nepal, a symbol of Nepal's identity. Because Dhaka Topi symbolizes the country's mountains, it makes a wonderful Nepalese souvenir. Dhaka products are not only used in men's hats, but also in shirts, women's tunics, shawls, vests, handkerchiefs, wallets, ties, table mats, bags and other products, all of which are perfect souvenirs.
Home décor
In Nepal, various home décor items are made from metals such as copper, bronze, and brass. Metal products such as karuwa (jugs), anti (wine jugs), sukunda (oil lamps) can be found everywhere in the market. They can easily add beauty to the interior of the home, giving the home a rich and luxurious look at an affordable price. These valuable souvenirs are loved by tourists.
Silver tableware can also be used as a souvenir gift, because artistic silver tableware has a very noble appearance, but their price may be higher than the metal tableware mentioned above.
Wooden crafts
Handmade wooden crafts are beautiful displays.
Woodcarving has been part of Nepalese heritage and architecture for centuries. The three beautiful Durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and are incredible examples of wood carving.
The Newars of the Kathmandu Valley are impeccable carpenters. To preserve their culture, they have been passing on this craft from generation to generation. Woodcarving is such an intricate part of the Neuar culture that their language has specific terms for every detail of the craft. The oldest wood carvings in Nepal date back to 1396 and were found at the Indreshvar Mahadev Temple in the town of Panauti, 34 km (21.1 miles) from Kathmandu.
Woodcarvings of gods, demons, animals, religious symbols, lattice doors and windows are part of the wide variety of wood carvings that can be bought at any price and of any size.
Masks and statues
Masks and statues are one of the most popular souvenirs in Nepal.
There are two types of masks – tribal masks and classical masks. Tribal masks represent shamanic masks. They belong to the Gurung, Rai, Magar, Tharu and other ethnic groups, and are often used for purposes such as healing, oracle divination, and even life crisis activation. They are also used in festivals and ceremonies dedicated to ancestors.
Similarly, classical masks are associated with Hindu and Buddhist gods. When making classical masks, it is essential to follow the rules and regulations mentioned in the local iconography manual. It is believed that breaking the rules will cause the mask of God to turn into demonic power. These masks have a third eye on the forehead, often represented by markings or ornaments such as earrings, crowns, hairnets or headbands. Classical masks were made of a gelatinous paste made of clay mixed with cotton and wheat flour and were lifeless before they were used for religious purposes. In many religious processions, people wear these masks and dance the "Lakhey dance".
But of course, the classical masks sold have never been sacred, nor do they have any of the aforementioned powers, and are only for sale to take home as unique souvenirs. People interested in spirituality and energy often buy tribal masks. Prices range from $8 to $500.
Ceramics
Pottery has long been part of Nepalese culture. It is estimated that the oldest records of pottery come from Lumbini about 2600 years ago. Pottery is common in Nepalese homes, especially clay kettles used to keep the water warm.
The ceramic product is made of a special black clay, known as Dyo Chya in the local language. Only Prajapatis, a master potter, a Newal potter, has the right to dig in Nepal to make black clay. Digging for this clay was a risky job, but the potters did it, as products made from black clay made fashionable ornaments.
Taking into account the preferences of international visitors, potters nowadays make various statues and exquisite ornaments. The clay products produced here are in high demand worldwide and are exported in large quantities. So, it's a good idea to buy these products as souvenirs at cheap prices!
Felt products
Felt is made from wool fibers or animal hair agglomeration pressing. It is produced without any form of spinning, knitting or weaving. Felt products are best used during the extremely cold season. Therefore, felt products can be a good choice for international visitors from cold countries. There are many felt products in the Nepalese market such as bags, wallets, slippers, cushions, decorations, accessories and even carpets.
Cultural costumes
As a multi-ethnic country, Nepal has a variety of cultural costumes that are now also popular in the international market.
Chaubandi Cholo is a traditional double-breasted wrap blouse. It can be worn with a wrap dress called fariya or sari.
Haku Patasi is a black sari with a red underneath worn by Newall women.
Chhuba, the traditional dress of the Sherpas, is a robe with a belt. It is made of fabrics such as wool or brocade.
Daura Suruwal is the national dress of Nepalese men. Daura is a variant of the tunic or kurta, worn as a shirt, and the Suruwal is pants, which are more close-fitting and therefore Chinese often jokingly called "autumn pants". This set consists of a vest, a coat, and a Nepalese national hat, Dhakatopi.
Prayer cylinders
The prayer cylinder is also known as the Mani prayer wheel by the Tibetans. These warp cylinders are hollow cylindrical, made of metal, wood or stone, and placed on metal rods or rods. These wheels are engraved with the Tibetan mantra "Hum Mani Bemeyin," which means "jewel in the lotus flower," which means that through practice and wisdom, human beings can transform their bodies, words, and minds from impure to pure like lotus flowers that emerge from mud. It is believed that rotating the prayer cylinder repeats the mantra, which is considered a powerful force in Buddhism because all Buddhist teachings are condensed in the six-character mantra. Mantras awaken concern and compassion.
It is easy to find prayer wheels around stupas or monasteries. There are various small prayer wheels, such as pendants, small pendants, frames, etc., which are suitable as gifts for those who are interested in spirituality.