Sovereigns from Nepal

Authentic Nepalese handicrafts have existed since the beginning of the country's cultural heritage, showcasing the country's rich traditions, art, and culture. Their origins can be traced back to the stone age when people lacked any kind of tool. Nepali handicrafts are known all over the world for their wonderful art, crafts, and oriental architecture.

The talents and techniques for making Nepali handicrafts that have been handed down from generation to generation represent not only the crafters' unique ability and expertise, but also the social, religious, and cultural values that exist across the country. Several Nepalese handicrafts are popular among tourists as gifts or are exported in huge quantities for trade and commerce.

Here are ten of the best Nepali handcraft things to consider taking home as mementos from your trip to Nepal.

  1.  Thangka paintings

A Buddhist picture made of cotton and silk is known as a Thangka. When not in use, these handicrafts are wrapped and stored on a cloth backdrop that resembles Chinese scroll paintings, with a silk cover. They are, however, sensitive, which is why they are kept in dry places to avoid being harmed by moisture. A Buddhist deity or scene is shown in each of these paintings. They are really useful teaching aids.

According to figures given by the Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN), thangkas worth Rs 16.5 million were shipped in the fiscal year 2019/20, which is 75% less than in FY 2018/19. Thangkas worth Rs 65.3 million were exported in the previous fiscal year.

  1.  Metal and stone statues and crafts

Stone and metal carving is an old art form that has been handed over through the generations since the dawn of humanity. Copper, bronze, and brass are among the materials used to create a Nepali handmade statue.

Carving is a well-known craft in which the shapes are carved with a hammer and chisel. A broad variety of sculptures may be seen in Nepal. Metal items made in Nepal are exported to nations such as the United States, China, and Korea. Small idols of gods and goddesses, as well as decorative and household things, are particularly popular.

  1.  Nepali papercrafts

Nepali paper and paper goods are well-known on the worldwide market. Nepali papers are made from Lokta or dayshing (Daphne cannabis) plants. Its unique feature is its resilience to moths. Nepal produces and exports postcards, writing pads and papers, woodblock prints, calendars, gift wraps, lampshades, and other things made from Nepali paper. The most significant markets have been the United States, Japan, Canada, and European countries.

  1.  Woodcarving products

Nepal is blessed to be nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by lush green forests and hardwood trees. These trees, of course, supply valuable timber, which the people make extensive use of. The Nepali handicraft sector, as well as architecture, has historically emphasized wooden workmanship.

Among the items provided are wooden décors, flutes, bracelets, wooden masks, beautiful boxes, miniature wooden windows, and much more. In countries like India, China, and the United States, these products are in high demand. Several items are available, with prices ranging from USD 13 to USD 700.

  1.  Handmade Carpets

Hand-knitted carpets have long been one of Nepal's most valuable commodities. Since the beginning of commercial carpet production in Nepal, the product's excellence has attracted a lot of attention from all over the world. Nepali handicraft carpets are noted for their double-knotting method, high pile density, and environmentally friendly production process. They are often made from wool and silk. Handwoven carpets are manufactured and exported in over 60 countries for about USD 70 million, making them one of Nepal's most valuable exports.

  1. Singing bowls

A Tibetan singing bowl is a form of the bell that vibrates and generates a rich, deep tone when played. Tibetan singing bowls, also known as singing bowls or Himalayan bowls, are supposed to promote relaxation and have significant therapeutic effects. Singing bowls are Buddhist artifacts that have been around for thousands of years. These bowls were made by Gautama Buddha's pupils, ancient Nepali and Tibetan monks. Monks use singing bowls to transmute negative energy into positive energy in monasteries. It can also be used for deep silent meditation.

The use of this Nepali handcraft object in meditation, music, relaxation, and psychological well-being is now well-known. The singing bowl's tones penetrate every part and cell of the human body, altering our feelings, movements, and thoughts. Handcrafted or machine-made, engraved or plain, made of brass or some other metal, you can find a variety of these singing bowls in Nepal at varied prices.

Singing bowls worth over Rs 12 billion are sent to major countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Korea, China, and India every year.

  1.  Felt products

Felt is believed to be among Nepal's oldest handicrafts. It's found in a variety of products, including automobiles, art and design tools, and musical instruments. Handcrafted felt ornaments, handcrafted felt balls, ornamental slippers, and felt mats are all popular felt goods.

The country exported felt items worth Rs 2.74 billion during the first eight months of the fiscal year (mid-July 2021 to mid-March 2022), increasing 61.97 percent from the previous fiscal year's export bill of Rs 1.69 billion, according to the Trade and Export Promotion Centre. The country exported felt articles worth Rs 2.15 billion in the previous fiscal year. As per felt merchants, the most prominent markets for Nepali felt are the United States and European countries, followed by Japan and Canada.

  1.  Garments and accessories

'Palpali Dhaka' items include shawls, handkerchiefs, ties, and even table mats. Wet blue, chrome tanned, chrome crust, and chrome completely polished buffalo hides and goat skins are also available in Nepal.

For decades, Nepal has indeed been producing and exporting a wide range of classical and contemporary leather goods. Jackets, handbags, belts, purses, shoes, gloves, and wallets are all created in Nepal and have a significant international market. Nepal's leading exporter markets for leather and leather goods are Pakistan, the United States of America, and Japan.


  1.  Pashmina

Nepali handcrafted pashmina goods have overtaken prefabricated clothing and hand-knotted woolen carpets as Nepal's third-largest worldwide export commodity. Pashmina is the innermost coat of a Himalayan goat's hair. It's made by mixing the natural hair of a goat. Pashmina's quality is defined by its softness, lightweight, fineness, warmth, and long-lasting features, as well as its workmanship. The most common pashmina exports are shawls, stoles, mufflers, scarves, blankets, and prepared garments.

Whether synthetic organic dyes are employed, these Nepali handicrafts are available in any color the consumer chooses. Outside of Nepal, the United States of America is the largest importer of Nepali pashmina items. Pashmina items are popular in Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Italy, Canada, and Switzerland.

  1. Jewelry

Among Nepali handicrafts, Nepali jewelry is another prominent export. This type of jewelry is made mostly by professional artisans and represents the national pride in arts and culture. Earring, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, pendants, payels, Kalli, phuli, and other popular Nepali handicraft products in gold and silver.

Nepalese people consider precious metals such as gold and silver as sacred. Popular exports include gold and silver ornaments with a variety of valuable and semi-precious stones. In addition, several precious and semi-precious stones such as ruby, corundum, sapphire, tourmaline, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, crystal quartz, beryl, and others are accessible in various sections of the country. Nepalese silver jewelry is exported to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil.