Shopping Malls and Departmental Stores
Nepal is a shopping destination for many tourists and regular travelers. Shopping Malls and Departmental stores have mushroomed and today dominate the Kathmandu skyline. Shopping Malls and Departmental Stores are gaining popularity in other cities as well, like in Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Pokhara and Nepalgunj. Anything from the latest cell phones, ipods and laptops to electronic appliances, cameras, music systems, kitchenware, branded garments, jewelry, perfumes, watches, toys, fitness equipment and a multitude of household items are all available. Popular shopping areas in Kathmandu are around New Road, Putali Sadak, Kumaripati, Bhatbhateni Lazimpat, Sundhara, Tripureshwor and Jawlakhel. The most popular malls are Bhatbhateni, Blue Bird, Khastamandap, Kathamandu, Namaste, Saleways and Gemini. In Pokhara, the major shopping areas are Lakeside and Mahendrapul bazaar areas among others. Look out for seasonal discounts especially clearance sales and festival discounts which can be as much as 50 %.
Nepal has some of the best goldsmiths and silver smiths in the world, i.e. the Newar craftsmen, who have been delighting collectors and patrons with their exquisite creations for more than 600 years. So if you've ever wanted to own the finest jewellry, at a fractian of the cost you'd pay at home, Nepal is the place.
Nepal's most distinctive gems are the exquisite tourmalines from the eastern ranges, in pink, sunset rose, peach, golden, amber and green. There are very rare lime-green tourmalines that are found novdhere else, and some with more than one color in a single stone. The newly-discovered lemon-yellow tourmalines are especially fine.
