Simikot Shopping Tips by Saagar

From locals or Nepal Trust Guest House: Souvenir things to buy in Humla

What to buy: The all-purpose waist weave coarse blankets/thin rugs are amongst the most appreciated things you will enjoy in Humla, and as the resources are there, you can buy one or order specially made for you.
Jewelry; always something of interest, but the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Most stuff is rather on the crude side made from brass, silver, coins and some fine bead work in the Trans-Himalayan tradition. Hard to find in shops, you may come across such things in jewellers' workshops (dalit settlements of Simkot or other villages).
Limi, the high valley of northern Humla, is famous for their turning out of wooden bowls. In fact, they are the main suppliers of such products for all of Tibet. The wood used vary, and some fine bowls are made from Kumaoun wood as local resources are becoming exhausted. Small versions of salt tea drinking cups and tsampa bowls and some more ceremonial stuff can be found at the Nepal Trust Guest House in Simkot or in Purang/Taklakot in Tibet or in Limi itself.

What to pay: Varies with quality of work, wood used, inlays etc., and transport cost.

Theme: Other

homes: Maple tree bowls

These items are for sale in peoples' homes in Limi

What to buy: Wooden drinking and eating bowls made from maple tree or birch burls. Finely carved and laquesred, these are personal tsampa and chang bowls and a prized possession in the Tibetan and North Nepalese/Kathmandu market. Most of the wood is from India and raw manufactured there as wood supply in Limi has been depleted. Then it is finished and sometimes given silver lids/inlays etc. in Limi. Maple wood is used because of its beautiful wood and the fact that maple wood doesn't change much or crack during use with liquids.

What to pay: For a nicely carved one 5-8000 Rs. This price is artificially high because it is such a prized posession in Tibet.

Theme: Local Craft