Shopping in Nepal is categorized into two types. The first is shopping for a variety of souvenirs. In Nepalese shops you will find many wooden and metal figurines, dishes, small musical instruments and other handicrafts. In the markets of Nepal you will find carpets from Tibet, one of the most popular goods among foreigners.
When buying antiques, you should ask for a certificate of age and that the item is not of historical value. Otherwise, you will have to say goodbye to the purchase when leaving Nepal. And, if you buy images of local gods in the form of paintings and statuettes, you will have to apply to the Department of Archaeology of Nepal for permission to export your purchase.
Real shopping tours in Nepal are arranged for themselves by travelers planning to go out on a mountain trek. Nepalese cities have a large selection of quality trekking gear. Here you will find gortex jackets and pants, thermal underwear and other clothes necessary for trekking. Track shoes can also be bought here without any problems. The production of most of the equipment is Chinese, but the quality is quite acceptable, especially if you buy things a little more expensive. The lowest prices for mountain equipment can be found in Kathmandu, in Pokhara they will be a little higher.
There is no sale season in Nepal. Except during the rainy season, prices in tourist-oriented stores are slightly reduced. In general, there is no such phenomenon as a sale in Nepal at all. But here it is customary to bargain everywhere except in large stores.
City stores in Nepal work from 9:00-10:00 to 16:00-17:00. On Friday the working day is shortened by an hour, stores open at 10:00, and at 16:00 everything is already closed. On Saturday you will not get anywhere at all, in Nepal it is an official day off. Private shops work on their own schedule, which is set by the owner. During festivals in small towns you cannot buy almost anything, any shops are closed during the festivities.
