Thamel street is dotted with shops selling fabric and clothing. Pashminas, embroidered jackets, woollen items, silk items and handmade clothing are available in plenty. You’ll even find maroon and orange monk’s robes here. Casual and hippie clothing are easily found as well at pocket friendly prices. The area has many tailors as well. Apart from clothing, there are shops selling trinkets and souvenirs, books, jewellery and more. Trekking and travel gear can be found at many shops here.
Nepal is known for its handicrafts and woodwork. Mahaguthi is a store that houses such items, perfect as gifts or souvenirs. Many of these items are hand made by disadvantaged and minority groups.
One of the oldest shopping areas of Kathmandu is the New Road area. Electronic items like cameras and watches are available here at great rates. Also available are many other items like clothing and jewellery. The market is full of specialty tailors who can stitch you a suit in between 24-48 hours.
If you’re looking for beautiful handmade paper, head to this little alcove in Thamel. Handmade paper items like albums, lanterns and folders are available in multiple hues and designs, as are handmade paper sheets. Great gifts and trinkets to take back home.
Kathmandu is known as a reader’s heaven, so if you’re a bookworm, rejoice! Used book stores house everything from classics to travel guides, history books and backpacker favourites. Pilgrims Book House in Thamel is the best known of the lot, and houses a large collection of books on Buddhism. Tibet Bookstore and Mandala Book Point are good bets as well, and house many reference and travel books. Vajra Books and United Books are two other good options.
