The Story

Growing up in a small Nepalese village 2 hours outside of Kathmandu, raised in a devoted Buddhist family meant my youth was a series of meaningful traditions and powerful rituals. Meditation, mindfulness and living in harmony with the divine and the physical was essential aspect of our daily lives.

When my secondary levels at school finished, I was offered the opportunity to travel to Bangalore India for work and study. I took the job and began to work at a large hotel.

While I was in India I had this feeling of being incomplete. Something important to me was missing. My work was demanding and has many long hours. There was very little time for the rituals my family practiced and the longer I stayed there the more disconnected from myself I felt. I missed the peaceful pace of my Nepal.

After my contract was complete, I made the choice to leave Bangalore and return to Nepal.

When I returned, I began working in tourism. I offered guided tours through Kathmandu, and surrounding areas. It brought me much joy to introduce Westerners to an authentic Nepalese experience in our restaurants, markets, and holy spaces.

So many people wanted to take a part of Nepal back with them. It was then that I realized just how many people only experienced this kind of peace while on holiday and were missing this important balance from their normal everyday lives.

During our tours, I connected travelers with traditional Nepalese artisans. The joy from these interactions became the highlight of my working day.

It gave travelers what they wanted – a piece of Nepal – something special that they could carry with them, or have in their home or workspace back home.

Plus, talented Nepalese artisans were being recognized for their skills and were able to support their families and communities with the craft that they spent their lives perfecting.

Each experience would leave travelers wanting more. On one outing I was told that I needed to share these experiences and my knowledge and passion for Nepal and it’s beautiful gifts with the world.

And just like that, Lokta was born.

Our goal is to bring a more peaceful, balanced way of living back to the world and help those with hectic, busy lives tap into their abundant bliss within.

– Rohit Raj Shrestha

 

Our People & Product Pride

Lokta is a means to support local, independent artists so that they can proudly provide for and support their families and communities.

Our deep respect for mother earth is a focus in all we do. All paper products are 100% tree free and sustainably produced without the use of pollutants or electricity.

All beads and gems are naturally sourced and produced without the use of polish or glazes.

All hemp products naturally sourced from rural Nepalese villages surrounding the Himalayan mountain range. All wools ethically traded from New Zealand and use only natural hand dyed coloring, free of toxins and chemicals.

With an ancient skillset passed on from generation to generation, each garment, mala, journal, bell and bowl is a tribute to authentic Tibetan/Nepalese culture. All products are handcrafted in the heart of Nepal by traditional artisans. Each uniquely designed, we strive to keep these beautiful, ancient traditions alive.

By supporting fair trade between a global audience and our authentic artisans and their remarkable products, we hope to grow this community and its impact to bring more joy to our world.

Namaste

The Lokta Family