Nepal Shopping Tips by MrBill

coming soon to a street vendor near you: North Fakes and other great deals

If you're a serious gear head like I am and only your budget gets in your way from purchasing yet more cool stuff then Nepal is the place for you. All sorts of name brand goods make their way from China via Tibet and over the Nathu-La Pass (5700 meters) and into the market places of Namche Bazar and Lukla on the adrenaline trail to Mt. Everest Base Camp.

Some are the real McCoy, but many are North Fakes. It is really up to you, but if you can live with the guilt then you can pick-up some great buys on outdoor clothing at a fraction of the cost of Mountain Equipment Coop or your local REI. A good gortex jacket with an inner fleece might set you back $20-30 for example.

The selection is incredible. You will be spoiled for choice and at such flea market prices you would be a fool not to buy any items you MIGHT need in the next ten years. Buy two. And an extra 40-liter knapsack for another $15 to haul it all back in. This is an outdoor fanatics nirvana. At prices one can actually afford to pay for good quality sports gear. Don't leave Nepal without it.

What to buy: Pay in dollars, euros or rupees. But be prepared to negotiate. The final price is normally about one third to one half the original asking price and sometimes lower. Also carefully check your garments and stuff before buying to make sure the quality is okay.

What to pay: About the price of what you would pay for sales tax or VAT in any western capital. Or about 15-20% of the full retail price in general. Be prepared to handle aggressively.

Address: kathmandu, namche bazar & lukla

Directions: All open markets and shopping districts in almost every area frequented by tourists in Ikhapokhari or Chhetrapati areas of downtown Kathmandu for example or as you land in Lukla and make your way up to the Everest area via Namche Bazar.

Theme: Men's Clothes