Surprising shopping in Kathmandu

You could kit out a whole hippy boudoir from a five-minute shopping spree in Thamel, but shopping in Kathmandu is more sophisticated than just “Yak, Yak, Yak” t-shirts, chunky Tibetan jewelry, and knock-off North Face jackets. For a start, there are the camera shops on New Road, a famously inexpensive place to pick up the latest camera tech if you know what you’re after (and have razor-sharp bargaining skills). 

Kathmandu’s malls, Lubim Mall, and Chhaya Center may seem modest if you’re used to the megamalls of Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, but there are decent deals to be had, particularly for clothing. The shiny new City Centre in Kamalpokhari is the pick of the malls for day-to-day fashion; for upscale Nepali outfits (at upscale prices), head to the swooningly chic boutiques of Baber Mahal Revisited. 

 What Makes Shopping in Kathmandu Surprising?

1. Handwoven Pashmina and Cashmere

Authentic scarves, shawls, and blankets at factory outlets and artisan stores.

2. Spiritual and Ritual Items

Singing bowls, prayer wheels, Thangka paintings, and incense at shops around Boudhanath and Patan.

3. Local Art and Handmade Paper Goods

Unique notebooks, journals, and wall art made from traditional Lokta paper.

4. Freak Street & Thamel Curios

Vintage collectibles, hippie fashion, gemstones, and hemp bags.

5. Kathmandu’s Emerging Designer Scene

Sustainable fashion brands, leather goods, and fusion apparel in Jhamsikhel and Lalitpur.

6. Nepali Teas and Organic Products

Specialty teas, handmade soaps, and herbal oils at co-ops and boutique wellness stores.

7. New Road Bargain Hunts

Shoes, electronics, and household items at local prices—Kathmandu’s busy local market strip