Shopping is fun, is it not? Imagine strolling through the shops and markets, searching for that perfect dress or any other item, bargaining with sellers, and finally taking your package home. Shopping is more like treasure hunting, except you are doing it in a bustling area and paying your money.
Kathmandu’s shopping scenario involves people buying things from stores and open markets. Thamel and New Road’s alleyways are full of local vendors selling everything from groceries to high-quality clothing. Here, prices are never fixed, and you can bargain for more than half of the fixed price.
Moreover, you will be surprised to know that the best places to shop in Kathmandu are not only limited to malls; hidden shopping areas are just waiting for you to explore.
Also Read:
- Enjoy Shopping in Bustling Asan Bazar
- Window Shopping at Thamel Streets
- Experience Bargaining At Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Stroll Along The Mangal Bazar
- Discover Khula Bazaar Of Bhrikutimandap
- Buy Fresh Veggies From Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market
- Taste Delicacies at Farmers Market
- Explore Malls in the Kathmandu City
- Find Rare Collections at Handicraft/Woodcraft Shops
Enjoy Shopping in Bustling Asan Bazar
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Asan Bazar takes visitors back to the period of ancient Kathmandu. Located on narrow alleyways and housed in old buildings, this marketplace is crowded from dusk till late at night. It is also the oldest shopping center in Kathmandu.
Asan Bazar has everything one can ask for. From groceries, spices, and teas to Nepali clothing and jewelry, you won’t find a market with diverse options like that anywhere else in Nepal. Especially during Dashain and Tihar festivals, the streets are crowded with buyers and sellers.
Visitors can shop for souvenirs to take back home in Asan Bazar. They will find Nepali handicrafts, teas, traditional clothes, pashmina shawls, singing bowls, and more. These are all good pieces of mementos or keepsakes. So, would you like to take a look around the Asan market?
How To Get There?
Asan Bazar is easy to reach if you stay around the Thamel area. You can take a quick 15-minute walk to the marketplace. It is a bit congested so you won’t find local buses there. Taxis and bikes are suitable options for travel. Moreover, it takes 30-45 minutes by taxi from Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Location: Chittadhar Marg, Between Durbar Square and Thamel
- Google Map
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Local Bazaar Walking Tour in Kathmandu with Professional Guide
- Kathmandu Heritage Walking tour (private) with local spice market (Asan Bazaar)
- Kathmandu Evening Tour by Rickshaw Including Durbar Square Visit
Window Shopping at Thamel Streets
Looking for window shopping in Kathmandu? Then look no further, as Thamel might be your destination. It is a place that never sleeps and is busy all night long. Moreover, Thamel houses some of Kathmandu’s finest restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes. You won’t remain hungry during your shopping trip for sure.
Thamel houses many stores and vendors selling spices, groceries, souvenirs, cultural items, relics, and more. Some might be expensive; hence, window shopping is an option. The Thamel marketplace is a feast for the eyes.
However, I must warn visitors about possible tourist scams happening in Thamel. You must be cautious of people trying to scam you into buying products you don’t want. Try to avoid them by saying, No, Thank You politely.
How To Reach Thamel?
You can hire a taxi at the Tribhuvan International Airport to reach Thamel. The cab fares depend on the meter or driver. Or, you can take a public bus to Ratnapark and another to Thamel. If you don’t want to take a second bus, you can take a 15-minute walk to Thamel from Ratnapark.
- Location: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu
- Google Map
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Experience Bargaining At Kathmandu Durbar Square
Located only a few minutes walk from Thamel, Kathmandu Durbar Square is the Museum of Temples. You will find temples at just about every corner of this place. The most eye-catching has to be the pagoda-styled Nautalle Durbar. You can even see the living goddess Kumari at Kumari Ghar.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known for its impressive local market scene, which includes local vendors and stores. Tourists will find various souvenirs to take back home at this place. Also, unlike the busy Asan market, you can calmly stroll, buy, and bargain with sellers here.
While there are many options, I recommend buying singing bowls, as it will be something new and unique. You can use it for meditation and relaxation. Other souvenir items include Pashmina shawls, beads, statues, etc.
How To Reach Kathmandu Durbar Square?
It is pretty easy to reach Kathmandu Durbar Square from any city area. You can take taxis, buses, minibusses, and motorcycles to get there. Furthermore, it will take 20 minutes by taxi from the airport. You can also enjoy a 15-20 minute walk from Thamel to Durbar Square.
- Location: Kathmandu
- Google Map
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Stroll Along The Mangal Bazar
You can’t get enough of bazaars in Kathmandu, and Mangal Bazar is another market hub you might enjoy visiting. Located at the Patan Durbar Square, you can shop and enjoy cultural heritage simultaneously. The place’s convenient location has made it famous among tourists.
Like Asan and Thamel Bazars, Mangal Bazar is an open marketplace that sells every little item one can think of. The local vendor stores have small and aesthetic trinkets, bead jewelry, local products, khukuri, and more. Their prices range from $5 – $7, and the cost is worth the product.
This market also reflects the local people’s lifestyle and occupation. Many run their household by selling things at the Bazar. So, when visitors shop here, they are not only taking back products but also helping locals.
How To Get There?
The distance between Kathmandu and Mangal Bazar is only 3.1 km. So, you can take a taxi or motorcycle to reach the destination. You will also find local buses and tempos from Thamel that will take you to Patan Dhoka or Pulchowk Road. You can easily ask for a way from there onwards.
- Location: Patan Durbar Square, Nepal
- Google Map
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Patan Tour – Half Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Private Full Day tour of 3 Durbar Squares in Kathmandu
Discover Khula Bazaar Of Bhrikutimandap
You will see a large market with blue roofing spread over a long distance in Kathmandu’s Singha Durbar area. This marketplace is very eye-catching with its vibrant blue color and rough structure. It is open to all and is also called Hong Kong Bazaar.
This market hub houses over 1,500 stalls placed side-by-side with only a barrier in between; hence, the name Khula Bazaar. This is like Nepal’s Walmart, where every item is cheaper than elsewhere. Many locals visit this market to buy clothes, shoes, household items, and toys.
Bhrikutimandap Bazaar’s most renowned feature is its bargainable environment. You must bargain with the sellers, who raise prices to triple the original amount. They do this to come to a mutual ground with buyers and extract profit. Visitors can roam around the place from 8 AM to 8 PM.
How To Get There?
It is convenient to reach Bhrikuti Bazaar from the airport. You must hail a taxi or get on a bus to Ratnapark. You must get down at Bhadrakali Temple, and just on the opposite side of the road, you will find an entrance to the Bazaar.
- Location: Opposite Of Bhadrakali Temple, Kathmandu
- Google Map
Buy Fresh Veggies From Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market
If you thought it was chaotic in the Asan and Thamel markets, wait until you reach the Kalimati Fruit And Vegetable Market. This Nepal’s oldest grocery hub receives veggies, fruits, spices, and fish from nineteen districts daily. India and China’s products also come to Kalimati before being traded to other parts of the country.
Visitors will find all types of fruits and veggies in this market. They are cheaper than elsewhere, and you can even bargain for a lower amount. Since this bazaar receives new products every day, each item is fresher than the other. You will get fresh and organic veggies straight from the farm.
Even if you don’t want to buy any items, visiting Kalimati market won’t be in vain. You will see how local people operate their businesses and understand the ins and outs of trading business. So, come and experience this chaotic market hub.
How To Reach Kalimati Bazaar?
To reach the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market, you can hail a taxi from your hotel or airport. Public buses that directly reach Kalimati are available around the city as well. Early mornings and evenings are more suitable for visiting this bazaar.
- Location: Kalimati, Kathmandu
- Google Map
Taste Delicacies at Farmers Market
Have you ever been to a farmer’s market? If you haven’t, then it is a place where local farmers sell their products directly to customers. Kathmandu’s farmer’s markets are slightly different, as they offer readymade and homecooked dishes that are mouthwateringly delicious alongside agricultural products.
The city’s most famous has to be Farmers Market at La Sherpa. The restaurant organizes the market every Saturday from 8 AM to 12:30 PM. Furthermore, it will feature local products, homemade pickles and jams, Tibetan foods, and dishes from Kathmandu’s top restaurants. Visitors can enjoy their food sitting around the market.
This farmer’s market is famous among locals and tourists. So, you might have to hurry up, as products are often sold out early. Furthermore, other renowned farmers market in Kathmandu are:
- Boudha Farmers Market at Utpala Cafe: Google Map
- Farmers Market at 1905 Restaurant, Thamel: Google Map
- Farmers Market at The Yellow House, Sanepa: Google Map
- Farmers Market at Park Village Resort, Budhanilkantha: Google Map
Explore Malls in the Kathmandu City
Having read so far, our readers might think that Kathmandu residents only shop at open markets. Haha, that’s not the case; we also buy things from shopping centers. Kathmandu has many shopping malls that are worth a visit.
Shop at Beautiful Civil Mall
(Source: Civil Mall Facebook)
To shop or not to shop, that won’t be a question when you enter Civil Mall. The city’s largest shopping center has many stores under one roof. You will find clothes and shoe shops that sell high and luxurious branded products. Also, let’s not forget the array of stores selling imported accessories.
This shopping center is a perfect destination for families, as they have many stores dedicated to offering family-friendly activities. For instance, the mall has a mini-golf course for golf lovers. It also has many food courts and a kids’ playing zone.
Youths often come here to shop for fashion items, as Civil Mall’s shops are always up-to-date with trends. Many also visit QFX Cinemas on the 7th floor. Visitors can even enjoy VR games in the mall. In conclusion, you won’t find any shopping mall better than this in Kathmandu.
How To Get There?
Civil Mall is only a few minutes from RNAC, Sundhara. You can take a taxi directly from the airport to there. Or you can take public vehicles that go to RNAC Bus Park. From there you can see the mall.
- Location: Sundhara, Kathmandu
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Spend Your Day at Sherpa Mall
They say the best things in life are purchased. Shopping is more than buying things; it often distracts from a mundane life. Luckily for Kathmandu visitors, there are many shopping centers where they can have their fill of shopping.
For example, Durbar Marg’s Sherpa Mall is a popular shopping hub among Nepali youths. The mall’s artistic and modern building feels welcoming even before you enter. Unlike other gigantic malls, this complex is only three-storeyed yet houses many stores.
Visitors can purchase many things, including clothes, shoes, decorations, home appliances, and more. This mall also offers nice dining service. Hence, visitors can enjoy fine dining and shopping simultaneously.
How To Reach Sherpa Mall?
Visitors can take a taxi from the airport to Durbar Marg. Riding in public vehicles, they can take buses from RNAC, Sundhara, to Sherpa Mall. Or, they can walk alongside the main road; it is only a 20-25-minute walk.
- Location: Durbar Marg, Kathmandu
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM
Visit The Multifaceted Chhaya Center
A shopper’s paradise, Chhaya Center has everything you need and more. This multi-faceted mega complex houses two hundred retail stores, multiplex theaters, restaurants, and more. It is a famous destination among tourists and local people.
The 15-story building is conveniently situated at Thamel. It is spread over 86,000 sq. ft., with a Courtyard of 12,000 sq. ft. Furthermore, the mall houses QFX Cinemas, Himalayan Java, Sushi Bar, Play Boy Discotheque, etc. The luxurious establishment, The Aloft, is also in the complex and has 166 rooms.
Aside from that, visitors can surf through furniture and decor, electronics, fashion, and art & craft stores. They have so many options that leaving empty-handed is not even an option. Now, why don’t you come and explore this gigantic Chhaya Center?
How To Get There?
The Chhaya Center is located at Thamel, so it is pretty convenient to reach there. You can take a local transport or taxi from Ratna Park. Or, you can enjoy a 20-minute walk from there. If you take a bus to Lainchaur, you must walk for two minutes to reach the shopping complex.
- Location: Amrit Marg, Thamel
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
See The Famous KL Tower
Want to explore options away from Thamel? Then, you must visit KL Tower at Chabahil. This complex could be the complete shopping mall that you are looking for. It aims to provide a satisfying shopping experience to its customers.
KL Tower houses many stores, including fashion, jewelry, baby, and pet shops. There are gaming zones for adults and kids, fully equipped with various games. Moreover, the complex houses FCube Cinemas, where visitors can see newly released movies and shows.
There is something for everyone in KL Tower. So, a trip to this multi-complex won’t be in vain.
How To Reach KL Tower?
Visitors can hail a cab from their hotel to Chabahil. The mall is within a minute’s walk from there. They can also take a public bus or vans to reach Chabahil. Public vehicles are cheaper than taxis.
- Location: Chabahil, Kathmandu
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
Go Back to Time at Bishal Bazaar
(Source: Bishal Bazar Facebook)
Old establishments reflect the history and untold stories of that place. They also allow people to see the changes that have happened from the past till the present. Kathmandu’s Bishal Bazar is a shopping center that reflects how old shopping complexes looked back then.
The oldest shopping center was established in 2026 BS. So, its structure is different than that of the present shopping malls. However, the building doesn’t look old; instead, it looks impressive with its timeless design.
Bishal Bazar has 379 commercial shops that offer products like clothes, jewels, shoes, home appliances, and more. Considering the mall’s decades-long history, one doesn’t have to doubt the quality of its products.
How To Get There?
Bishal Bazar is at the heart of New Road, Kathmandu. You can take a taxi from the Tribhuvan International Airport. It is only 7 km away from the airport, so it’s only a 15-20 minute ride.
- Location: Dharmapath, New Road
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Enjoy The Extravagant 1Durbar Mall
(Source: 1Durbar Facebook)
The above picture hints at 1Durbar Mall’s extravagance. It is located at Durbar Marg and is spread over 35,000 sq. ft. Moreover, the complex is popular for its fantastic shopping experience, making customers return for more.
Visitors will find many international fashion brands in this mall. They can buy fashion items from Jack & Jones, Regency Watch, Top Notch Apparel, API Glamorous, and more. Shoppers can also buy home appliances, electronics, and toys.
Aside from that, the complex houses several restaurants and cafes, where shoppers can enjoy a break from their shopping spree. Their options are the Himalayan Java Coffee, Matsuri Tokyo, a London Pub, etc. I recommend you try authentic Japanese dishes at Matsuri Tokyo. Also, check their official Facebook and Instagram for more info.
How To Get There?
This complex is situated conveniently at Durbar Marg. The quickest way would be to hail a taxi from the airport or hotel. If you are around the Thamel area, you can just walk to Durbar Marg. Strolling through the Thamel streets is a 15-20 minute walk.
- Location: Durbar Marg, Kathmandu
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Find Rare Collections at Handicraft/Woodcraft Shops
Nepalese people’s art & craft skills are too good to be true. They can create unique and beautiful designs from mere wood or paper. Their statues, masks, and clay works are not far behind either. Hence, shopping for handicrafts and woodcraft is like looking for a treasure in underrated establishments.
Check Out Goodies From Peace Tibetan Carpet Shop
If there is one item that a shopper must buy, then that has to be Nepali carpets. These rugs are made of the finest materials and last longer than ordinary mats. Moreover, they are hand-weaved, with each design carefully and meticulously sewn.
Where is it better to find qualitative carpets than in Thamel’s Peace Tibetan Carpet Shop? It is in a convenient place and is easily accessible by Google Maps. You can take a taxi or bus or walk to the store.
This shop offers many Nepali carpets with diverse designs. Their quality is top-notch, and the prices are affordable. You will be satisfied with your purchase in this store.
- Location: JP Road, Thamel
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Social Media: Official X
Explore Woodcraft Gallery
If carpets don’t suit your taste, you should look at woodwork. They are equally beautiful and reflect artists’ talent and creativity. Although many wood galleries exist in Kathmandu, no place can beat the Woodcraft Gallery in Satghumti, Thamel.
This establishment houses the wood cravings and woodwork of local artists. You can purchase directly or bargain for the price, as their prices are negotiable. Furthermore, the gallery often organizes exhibitions and events, showcasing its finest collections.
The gallery even offers training sessions to visitors. They can sign up for training classes and learn the art of wood cravings. A visit to the Woodcraft Gallery might not only be for a day, as you will likely return to see more of the woodcrafts in the future.
- Location: Satghumti, Paknajol, Thamel
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
Indulge in the Artistic Environment at the Monastery Art Gallery
Shopping is not only about clothes and shoes but also about buying timeless art and decor. Monastery Art Gallery should be your ultimate destination for shopping for beautiful Nepalese art. It is also located at Thamel, and you can easily navigate the streets.
The art gallery houses abstract, contemporary, cultural, historical, mandala, Thangka, and portrait arts. You can surf through oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings and make your choice. Although their prices vary, their quality is top-notch.
Also, Monastery Art Gallery offers free delivery for orders worth $1,000. They also have a refund and return policy with a 100% money-back guarantee. However, you are unlikely to return your purchase, given their quality.
- Location: Nursingh Chowk, Thamel
- Opening Hours: Always Open
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
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Alas, the time has come to end our blog. Hopefully, it was a learning experience for our readers regarding the best shopping places in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu’s shopping scenario will be chaotic but fun. You will certainly not be used to it the first time. But don’t worry; you will get the hang of it soon. Furthermore, you will love the more you explore and shop.
