Shopping: the quality of Nepali products has improved tenfold, and now many items fall in line with international standards. Labour is cheap here and because of this, so is the cost of production. Foreign imported goods are also available at competitive prices. Handicraft goods are favourite shopping items souvenirs as they reflect the handiwork, artistic, traditional and social values of Nepali people. One popular souvenir is a Nepali Knife known as khukuri. A good place to find local handicrafts, ranging from jewellery to statues and from spices to clothing is Amrita Craft, near the Kathmandu Guest House. Bird watching: Kathmandu’s congestion and pollution does not mean there is no bird watching available in the region. In fact, over 500 species have been sighted in the valley. Phulchoki is the highest point of the peaks surrounding the Kathmandu valley and is also one of the best bird watching sites in Nepal with sightings of some 265 species. Due to the difference in elevation between the foot of the hill and the peak, a wide variety of bird habitats (mainly forested) exist. A trail up this mountain begins near the Godawari Royal Botanical Garden, though it is much easier to take a taxi to the top and then hike down. Don’t miss taking a walk around the botanical gardens, where 100 species have been recorded. | 
