Paper Products
Traditional Nepalese Kagaj paper, popularized by the Hippies as "rice paper", is actually made of Lokta (Daphne) bark found in the high hills of Nepal. Because of its cross-fibrous, and therefore, strong texture, it has been used for official documents. Commercially turned out as writing pads, calendars and lamp shades, lokta has also gained international fame as the material for the UNICEF greeting cards produced in Bhaktapur.

Paubhas or Thankas
are traditional paintings, depicting deities and religious icons and symbols drawn from Buddhism. Painted on cotton scroll or canvas, the best paubhas (thankas in Tibetan) use precious powdered stone pigments for vivid color. Silver and gold dust are other important ingredients.

Pottery
the Kathmandu Valley potters are famous for their delicate art of shaping and sizing both tera-cotta and glazed utility and decorative earthenware. The potters' square in Bhaktapur is the place to buy these souvenirs as well as to see the potters in the action.

Statues
The casting of bronze, brass and copper statuary in Nepal dates back to the 13th century. Nepal is famous for the ancient and painstaking " lost wax method" in which ornate figures are modeled and molded in bees-wax.

Woodcarving
the Newars are expert in their artistry in wood. There intricately - carved doors, windows, pillars and lattices are seen in and around Kathmandu. Tourism has greatly encouraged the manufacture of these ornate works in wood, mainly in the workshops of Patan and Bhaktapur.

Woolen Carpets
These are hand-knotted pieces of art, using the traditional techniques of Tiber. The best of Himalayan sheep wool and New Zealand long staples are used in weaving the best quality carpets. Vegetable dyes are used in authentic carpets though usage of imported cost-effective and enduring chemical colors is also seen these days.

Tea
The eastern districts of Nepal, notably Lam, are where excellent variety f Himalayan tea is grown and produced. Though most of it is exported, shops in Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal for a wide selection of the fine tea packaged attractively as suitable gifts and guaranteed as great brew.

Spices
Asia is an ancient spice stronghold. Therefore, Kathmandu, in the middle of Asia, is no exception. Kathmandu is, in fact, the entropy of spices-those exotica to flavor curries and other dishes, Nutmeg, ginger, saffron, mace, green anise, fenugreek, peppers, and coriander seeds are just some of the spicy names.

So there you are dear tourist! Happy splurging in Nepalese products and international brand - name goodies- all in the bustling and colorful markets of Kathmandu and Nepal!