Where To Shop
Ninety-nine percent of crafts outlets are concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara: that's where the buyers are, and just about all of the mass-produced stuff is actually made there. Competition is intense. You can't stroll the tourist strips without being importuned by curio sellers cradling "priceless" goods in white cloths, or beckoned from the sidelines by operators of makeshift stalls; their overheads are low and so, at least in theory, should be their prices. More reputable shops , galleries, "emporiums" and boutiques have better selections and aren't so hard-driving (many have fixed prices). In Patan - Nepal's handicrafts capital - you'll also find "factory" showrooms , where you can watch the wares being made. One of the most encouraging developments in recent years has been the rise of non-profit (or "fair trade") shops in Kathmandu and Patan. By providing outlets for women, disadvantaged people and workers' cooperatives in some of Nepal's remotest hill areas, they increase employment and channel money where it's most needed. They also appear to avoid the pitfalls of other development projects in the hills, where lavish foreign aid has often led Nepalis to expect something for nothing. Quite a few items sold in tourist areas are made elsewhere, and needless to say it's more fun (and cheaper) to pick them up at their source. Best buys are noted in the relevant pages, along with a few local specialities that can't be found anywhere else. No matter what the seller says, very few items are older than last week. Genuine antiques - anything over 100 years old, or anything customs officials might think is that old - have to be cleared for export by the Department of Archaeology in Kathmandu. Get the dealer to take care of the paperwork.
www.hardrocktreks.comLaxman says "Nepal is the best adventure travel destination offering wide range of trekking, rafting, and cultural tours. Birth place of lord Buddha, the land of Mount Everest and the holiest pilgrimage destination for the Hindus is an another identity of this country.
" Trekking in Nepal Himalayanepalguidetrek says "Nepal guide trek offer trekking and tour in nepal himalya, trek to tibet, everest base camp trek, annapurna trek, langtang trekking" www.nepaltravellers.comYour Guide To Himalayas: says "Kathmandu-based tour operator provides trekking and adventure tours in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Indian regions. Includes camping, peak climbing, jungle safaris, and rafting." Nepal LoverPatric Lee says "Nepal is a simple country with poverty and unemployment its main concerns. Vist Nepal with an open heart, learn to love its people who are overly-hospitable, cheerful and helpful. A few simple Nepali phrases would get you around such as Dhanybad (thank you), Kati-ho (how much) also learn the numbers 1-1000, it would prove useful when you ask for the price or try to bargain down. Always have a ready smile and do not bear grudges. Because of poverty, businessmen and taxi-drivers will try to fleece you for as much as possible. Be aware of the prices of taxi trips to and from your hotel so you do not get fleeced. Ask your reception desk for the amount needed to travel to town or the next village etc. Be easy going and life will be a breeze there. The country is so beautiful you will not want to leave, but of course the villages are always dirty and littered with rubbish. Just bear with it and you will have an enjoyable time."
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