The 6 narrow streets, that radiate from the open air fruit and vegetable market surrounding the 3-storey high pagoda at Asan toll are probably the busiest in Kathmandu and are lined with a multitude of shops selling all kinds of household goods, clothing and footware.
While items are mainly for local trade they include some of interest to visitors such as metalwork, woollen sweaters and rugs.
Prices are generally cheaper than the inflated ones of the tourist oriented shops in Thamel but hard bargaining is still required for best prices.