Archive for the 'Shopping' Category

Thamel district of Kathmandu Nepal

Like so many exotic cities shopping in Kathmandu has to be one of the delights for visitors to this city. There are plenty of tourist type shops but there are also many others that are unique to Kathmandu. In the photo above I have shown just one of dozens of clothing and material shops.

Beautiful and extremely colourful gowns were hanging from every vantage point in this shop. In addition there were hundreds of different materials available for those wanting to make their own or engage the local dressmakers. I didn’t ask, but I am sure the shop keeper could arrange for one’s material purchase to be made into a gown or dress, probably by one of the family and made on the premises. In another part of the city I saw a series of tailors, each boasting their pride in their tailor-made suits.

Thamel district of Kathmandu Nepal

I was fascinated by all the sights, colours, smells and variety as I explored the streets of Thamel in Kathmandu. Each little lane held a new experience. The variety was amazing. The variety of shops was interesting: jewellers alongside a bike repair shop next to a fruit and vegetable outlet next to a clothing store.

Some shops specialize in tourist items, like postcards and posters featuring the Himalayas. There are quite a few shops selling either music CDs or DVDs. (I wondered how many of them were pirated copies.) Every fifty metres or so one comes across a small booth where one can exchange money. Internet cafes seemed to be everywhere as were trekking supply shops.

Shops selling pashminas seemed to be everywhere, their colourful wares bringing brightness to the drab lanes. Clothing shops, religious icons, kitchen wares and small bookshops with barely room for two or three people at once and food outlets from street stalls through to large restaurants added to the variety.

While there I did a little shopping but I mainly spent many hours exploring the lanes and alleys of Kathmandu. The sights and sounds were fascinating.

Thamel district of Kathmandu Nepal

While visiting Kathmandu most visitors will end up spending some of their time in the Thamel district. This area tends to be very attractive to visitors due to the incredible range of shopping possibilities available. In a compact area of the city, this district offers many tourist oriented shopping outlets as well as your normal range of shops.

For those who are going trekking in the Himalayas there are numerous shops where suitable equipment can be bought before leaving for the mountains. In fact, those in the know can often purchase clothing and other supplies at a fraction of the price back home in Australia, America or Europe. Some of the well known labels are available very cheaply in Kathmandu so be cautious about quality; they are often not the genuine article.

One of the highlights of a visit to any foreign city in is experiencing the food in a different culture. Kathmandu has many food outlets, including some fine restaurants. The restaurants in the hotels are reputedly very good, though I only have experience of the restaurant at the Shangri La Hotel. This was exceptionally good with reasonable prices. We also tried several restaurants in Thamel, including Kilroy’s of Kathmandu, a famous eatery where Ireland meets Nepal. Excellent food at reasonable prices in a wonderful atmosphere.