Unique souvenirs from Nepal
When visiting Nepal, a country wedged between the mighty Himalayas, brimming with ever-smiling dwellers and timeless culture and tradition, there is little doubt that you will return home empty handed. Here in Nepal you’ll find all sorts of unique souvenirs to take back with you.
Thangka paintings
Many tourists come to Nepal for thangkas alone, and rightly so. A souvenir that is worth the search and effort, thangkas are a traditional hand painting on cotton or silk canvas, and an emblem of the rich culture of the country. These religious scroll paintings can take six to eighteen months to make, depending on the size and details added. Perfect for hanging on your wall, thangkas can command quite a sum as they are meticulously crafted following rigid specifications laid down in detail, but they are definitely worth it.
Handicrafts
From miniature Hindu and Buddhist deities to life-sided carved wooden masks to terracotta puppets, handicrafts are in abundance in Nepal. These one-of-a-kind handmade crafts are intricately detailed and make for a beautiful wall hanging and show pieces. Just don’t buy antique pieces, as it’s illegal to take them out of the country.
Pashmina shawls
Known to the world as cashmere, in Nepal Pashmina is considered of the world’s most luxurious natural fabrics. They are made from the soft hair of mountain goats found on the Tibetan Plateau. Soft and warm, these handmade shawls are the perfect item to gift friends and family. They make a great fashion statement, they never go out of style and are perfect for any occasion. Besides shawls, don’t forget to look out for cardigans, stoles and blankets to take back home.
Tea
Nepalis just love drinking tea. Different varieties of tea–like oolong, Earl Grey, green, masala, silver tips and golden tips–are all available in beautiful packets. When visiting restaurants in the country, a cup of milk tea is worth trying, and if you get addicted to sweet Nepali chiya, take some back home.
Singing bowls
Singing bowls have become extremely popular in the west. My dad was into them, and my mom had purchased him several online as gifts. Being able to hold the bowl in person and pick out a sound you like is cool. You can also find out which bowls match which chakras for health benefits. Again, it’s much cheaper to buy them in Nepal than online. They come in different price ranges depending on the size and whether they are handmade or machine-made.
Mala Beads
Mala beads are a string of beads used during meditation. Some people count mantras with the beads while others use them to help when sitting silently. Some people say the beads have their own energy and picking one out feels special. Usually, they have 108 beads and 1 “guru bead.” You may also see smaller necklaces/bracelets that are 54 beads or 27 beads.
