Shopping In Kathmandu: Let The Shopaholic In You Take Delight

A vibrant market in Nepal’s capital city decked with places offering amazing souvenirs.

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, promises to give you a great shopping experience. From shops for traditional handicrafts to modern fashion, there is a wide variety of places for shopping in Kathmandu. This blog looks at some places where one can shop at reasonable rates; so read on for details. The following are some shopping places sure to satisfy every retail whim-from flooded markets to chic boutiques. Let’s take a deep plunge into the Kathmandu shopping scenario, discussing all the popular shopping sites you could not afford to miss out on your next visit.

10 Places For Shopping In Kathmandu

Here is a list of ten famous places for shopping in Kathmandu that one should not miss during a visit.

1. Thamel

Thamel Marg has local shops and is one of the best places for shopping in Kathmandu.

Photo: Sergey Ashmarin / Wikimedia Commons

Undoubtedly, Thamel is one of the most famous shopping places in Kathmandu and a bustling tourist hub. Narrow local streets filled with all kinds of shops are widely famous for everything from simple trekking gear to souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. You get a variety of things, ranging from Tibetan artefacts to pashmina shawls, silver jewellery, and many other weird keepsakes. The lively feel in Thamel, coupled with its diverse range of products, makes the area a must-visit in Kathmandu’s shopping scene.

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM

2. Asan Bazaar

Asan Bazar, with street vendors, is the oldest and most famous market in the region.

Photo: Matt Zimmerman / Wikimedia Commons

Asan Bazaar is one of the oldest and most famous shopping places in Kathmandu. The crowded market is an explicit expression of the culture, with row upon rows selling everything from groceries to spices, textiles, and even traditional Newari items, among others. The narrow vibrant lanes of the market are complemented by a cacophony of sounds of the local way of life. Asan Bazaar is particularly famous for its spices, dried fruits, and ritual items; it should be a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the real feel of local shopping in Kathmandu.

Location: Asan, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

3. New Road

People walking on the New Road, one of the best places for shopping in Kathmandu.

Photo: Rohan Reddy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

New Road is a bustling commercial hub and one of the famous shopping places in Kathmandu. This area is known for its diverse shopping options, from electronics and gadgets to clothing and accessories. It’s a go-to destination for those looking for a mix of traditional and modern items. The area’s lively streets are lined with shops and boutiques offering everything from trendy fashion to traditional attire, representing the diversity of the Kathmandu shopping scene. New Road is also a great spot to find reasonably priced goods.

Location: New Road, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM

4. Durbar Marg

The Durbar Marg and the shops there are the most upscale places to buy branded items.

Photo: Francisco Anzola / Wikimedia Commons

Durbar Marg, also known as King’s Way, is one of the most upscale Kathmandu shopping places. This prestigious street is lined with high-end stores, branded boutiques, and luxury hotels, offering a sophisticated shopping experience. So, whether you’re searching for international fashion brands or premium accessories, Durbar Marg is the place to be. It’s one of the best shopping places in Kathmandu for those seeking luxury and exclusivity. The area’s elegant ambience, coupled with its elite shopping options, makes it a favourite among affluent shoppers.

Location: Durbar Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM

5. Bhatbhateni Supermarket And Departmental Store

The famous Bhatbhateni Supermarket, a one-stop destination for shopping in Kathmandu.

Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka / Wikimedia Commons

Bhatbhateni Supermarket & Departmental Store is a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs. As one of the most popular shopping destinations in Kathmandu, this supermarket offers a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and household items. With multiple locations across the city, Bhatbhateni is a convenient choice for both locals and tourists. The variety of products available and the store’s organised layout make it a key part of the Kathmandu shopping scene. It’s especially popular for its quality and variety.

Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM

6. Indra Chowk

The Indra Chowk of Kathmandu is filled with people and local vendors selling their goods.

Photo: Artem Beliaikin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Indra Chowk is one of the oldest and famous shopping destinations in Kathmandu. This traditional market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide selection of goods, particularly jewellery, beads, and fabrics. Indra Chowk is famous for selling traditional Nepali attire, woollen blankets, and ritual items. The market’s lively environment and rich cultural offerings make it a key destination in the city’s shopping scene. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture while picking up unique, traditional items.

Location: Indra Chowk, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM

7. Patan Industrial Estate

Patan Estate, a hub for traditional crafts, is a popular place for shopping in Kathmandu.

Photo: Digital Buggu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Located in the Lalitpur district, Patan Industrial Estate is a hub for traditional crafts and one of the best shopping locations in Kathmandu for authentic handmade items. The estate is home to a variety of small-scale industries producing pottery, metalworks, textiles, and more. If you’re looking for unique, handcrafted souvenirs that reflect Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, this is the place to visit. The diverse array of products and the chance to see artisans at work make it an essential stop on any list of shopping destinations in Kathmandu.

Location: Patan Industrial Estate, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, 44600 Nepal
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

8. Civil Mall

View of a mall, which offers an ultimate experience while keeping some branded items.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Civil Mall is one of Kathmandu’s largest and most popular shopping locations, offering a modern shopping experience. The mall features a mix of international and local brands, making it a favourite among both locals and tourists. In addition to a wide range of shops, Civil Mall also has a cinema, a food court, and various entertainment options, providing a complete day out for shoppers. Its central location and extensive amenities make it a prominent part of the Kathmandu shopping culture.

Location: Sundhara, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM

9. Nepal Handicraft Gallery

Here is a handicraft gallery of Nepal, which is a famous place for shopping in Kathmandu.

Photo: Sanketh Rao / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Nepal Handicraft Gallery is a haven for those interested in traditional Nepali crafts. This gallery showcases a wide range of handcrafted items, including pottery, wooden carvings, textiles, and metalwork. As one of the famous shopping places in Kathmandu for authentic souvenirs, it’s the perfect place to find unique, high-quality items that reflect Nepal’s rich artistic heritage. The gallery’s commitment to preserving and promoting Nepali culture makes it a standout destination for tourists looking to take back the country’s souvenirs with them.

Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

10. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur with vendors selling traditional crafts.

Photo: Nrik kiran / Wikimedia Commons

Although not in the heart of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-visit place to include in the list of shopping destinations in Kathmandu. This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by shops selling traditional crafts, pottery, and intricate wood carvings. The square offers a shopping experience like no other, where you can explore Nepal’s rich history and culture while browsing for unique, handcrafted items. It’s an essential stop for anyone looking to experience Kathmandu’s shopping culture with a historical and cultural twist.

Location: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur 44800, Nepal
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM

Shopping in Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience, offering a blend of traditional and modern options. From bustling markets to luxury boutiques, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. Explore the best shopping places in the region on your next visit and immerse yourself in this incredible city’s vibrant culture and history. Ready to start your shopping adventure? Book your trip to Kathmandu with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Suraj Shakya / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Kathmandu is known for its traditional handicrafts, including pashmina shawls, Tibetan singing bowls, handmade paper products, and intricately carved wooden masks. You can also find unique jewellery and statues crafted from brass and copper.
Yes, Kathmandu offers several eco-friendly shopping options. Many stores sell products made from recycled materials, organic fabrics, and natural dyes.
Areas like Durbar Marg and Civil Mall are home to several international fashion and lifestyle brands. These shopping destinations offer a mix of global and local brands, catering to diverse shopping preferences.
Yes, Kathmandu hosts various shopping festivals and events throughout the year, particularly around major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar. You can find discounts, special offers, and cultural exhibitions in many shopping areas during these times.
Bargaining is common in Kathmandu, especially in local markets like Asan Bazaar and Indra Chowk. While fixed prices are usually observed in malls and branded stores, you can negotiate prices in traditional markets and smaller shops.

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