gws

I'm on my 6th leg of my quest to experience The 7 Great Wonders of the World which is a tour to Nepal and India. I always do a tour to an enexplored area, and then return later on my own if I have enjoyed the experience. I have accessorized my home with unique finds from my travels. Where are the best places to shop so that one is not charged tourist prices. I found great places in Bejing where the locals shop. What are some of the "do not miss" experiences for India and Nepal you recommend?

Mountainleaders

Hey GWS,

Buy a painting from a Nepali painter, you find them in Thamel. It'll be around 30USD but the art is just fantastic ! (not local shop, but it doesn't matter here)

Buy a thaka from the tibetans. You walk into thamel and on the T-junction, a bit to the left, there is the most famous one. These thanka's are world class ! And a very special gift.

I find the best shops on the way I trek/hike/walk. I saw an old man in Jiri and sat next to him. We talked and he showed me his kukuri knife. Old like himself and almost fell apart. I traded it for my swiss knife. I mean, it is not shiny, it is rusty but it has a special connection to the country.



Peter

hobbes

Have no idea where in India u are going or what your budget is so these suggestions are all shots in the dark...in Delhi wander down the stalls at Janpath then hop into the Cottage Industries emporium which is a bit touristy but you can discover great stuff...then walk across to Baba Kharak Singh Marg to the state emporia for more crafts and bric a barc...for handloom linen, clothes and ethnic accesories go to FabIndia at Greater Kailash 1 market...for more expensive home accents go to Good Earth at Amabwatta Compex in Mehrauli...

nanu

Nepal: Shopping is great in Nepal!Bhakatapur and Patan are better prices than Thamel. Maybe venture into the alleyways off the touristy areas and you'll find a better bargain. These alleyways are the places where locals buy their traditional Nepali stuff.

Make sure you go to the 'Potay bazar' or the beads market in Asan (in Kathmandu). It is very unique. Potay or beads are only worn by married women in Nepal and at this market you'll see loads of local women haggling for beads and getting necklaces made.

I am Nepali so if you want to know more info let me know..

India: I've just come back from a trip to Northern India. If you let us know where you're going maybe i'll be able to suggest a few things.

tatersalad

To nanu:

Because you are from Napal, will you please tell me if you can, which cities in the north of India can be reached by air with Kathmandu?

Thank you from USA

nanu

I am sure that there are flights from Kathmandu to Delhi and Varanasi in Northern India. But there are possibly flights from Kathmandu to the other major State capitals in Northern India. The best option would be check out the Indian Airlines website or the Royal Nepal Airlines .