Newars are considered to be the initiators of the pagoda, and it was a Newar architect, Arniko, who led a Nepali delegation in the 13th century to introduce the technique to the Chinese. The pagoda style finds a unique expression in Nepali (Newar) temples and is noticeable in the overhanging eaves of Newar houses. In fine, the preserved temples and palaces, skillfully engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden pillars and columns, historic shrines and chaityas highlight genuine Newar's art and artisanship.
Being beautifully adorned by ancient sculptures, palaces and temples, Kathmandu Nepal is modern and cosmopolitan. Cyber cafes, luxury hotels, professional travel agencies, chauffeured Land Cruisers, discos, traffic jams and pollution make Kathmandu Nepal look like a cake of different layers, where the one layer is a great historic ambiance, another layer is a rich artistic heritage, and one more layer is a distinguished modern appeal. Add to it a great dedication to religious aspects of life and festive celebrations of Gods and Goddess, you will get an extraordinary picture of both civilized and retaining old days Kathmandu Nepal.
One of the major aspects of Kathmandu Nepal industry is trade and you can find and buy here everything what your heart wishes and cash permits. No mistake, Kathmandu Nepal is the place for serious shoppers. Thamel and Freak Street provide the best bargains for Kathmandu clothing. Only keep off too cheap garments.
Several boutiques sell fashionable Nepali flavored clothes. In the boutique, called Chrysalis, you will find nice quality casual wear in natural fabrics, such as silk and linen, and have your clothing custom made. Wheels Boutique sells tastefully tailored blouses, jackets and coats, made of raw silk in opulent colors; the clothes is custom designed.
Local crafts are sold in generous varieties. Nepali artisans produce a diverse range of modern crafts that combine traditional materials and local motifs with foreign designs. Maithili-style paintings and papier-meche items, toys, dolls in traditional dresses, woolen and leather goods, batiks, scented candles and various articles out of bamboo and pine needles are some, but a few examples of local artisanship.
Shops in the tourist districts also sell many extraordinary artworks, such as pieces of portraiture and painting. In addition, there are many art galleries, where you can learn in-depth traditions of evolving the Kathmandu art. These are Bamboo Gallery, Panipokhari, Indigo Gallery, at Mike's Breakfast and Naksal.