KATHMANDU, APRIL 22
Ask anyone building a house in Nepal, and they'll tell you: The bathroom is personal. While engineers might decide which cement or steel to use, the fixtures - taps, showers, pipes - are the homeowner's call. It's more than just plumbing; it's about comfort, personality and pride.
But for the longest time, Nepali customers had two tough choices - import expensive, stylish bathware from abroad or settle for cheaper, often unreliable, local options. The gap in the middle? It barely existed.
That's where Panchakanya Group comes in. Known for its long-standing presence in Nepal's construction materials market, the company is now taking a bold step into uncharted territory - with a promise: Bathware that's beautiful, durable and affordable.
More than just a product launch
The launch of Panchakanya Bathware wasn't just another product unveiling. It came after 13 months of behind-the-scenes research, testing, and fine-tuning. And they didn't choose just any date - they launched on Saraswati Puja, a nod to new beginnings and thoughtful creation.
"We didn't want to release just another tap," says Ujjwal Kumar Shrestha, executive director of Panchakanya Group. "We wanted to offer something that feels premium, performs well and earns people's trust."
Because while two taps might look the same on the outside, the real difference lies inside - how the cartridge works, what kind of brass is used, how it's engineered and finished. And Panchakanya has paid attention to all of it.
Built for Nepal, powered by global expertise
Though the products are currently manufactured in India - mainly due to a shortage of skilled labour in Nepal - every design decision was made with Nepali homes in mind. Think variable water pressure, seasonal climate swings and the needs of plumbers who install them.
"We partnered with a trusted Indian manufacturer," Shrestha explains, "but everything from the concept to the quality benchmarks comes from our team here. And we're already working towards manufacturing it all in Nepal within two years."
The taps are made from 100 per cent virgin brass and finished with a multi-layer chrome coating that keeps them shiny and new-looking over time. One standout feature? German-made aerators that adjust water flow between two to 10 litres per minute - balancing performance with sustainability.
And the small details haven't been overlooked. Panchakanya even designed its diverter system with a built-in levelling bubble to make installation easier and error-free for plumbers. It's a small tweak that solves a real-world problem - exactly the kind of thinking homeowners and technicians appreciate.
Durability you can count on
Before hitting the market, Panchakanya tested its products against some of the top brands already available in Nepal. While most standard spindles hold up for around 300,000 cycles, Panchakanya's went the extra mile - lasting up to 700,000 cycles in tests.
To get there, they leaned on world-class components - like aerators from Neoperl, Germany, which are used in high-end brands globally. The aerators don't just regulate water flow; they also help cut down on waste without sacrificing pressure.
"These aerators not only enhance water flow but support sustainability by offering adjustable flow rates - from two to 10 litres per minute - reducing water wastage," Shrestha stressed.
And it's not just the main body of the tap that matters. Panchakanya uses brass for the handles - that delivers on strength and aesthetics. High-grade German hoses are also used, preventing leaks even under high pressure.
A customer experience that goes beyond the showroom
It's one thing to build a great product - but Panchakanya knows that customers want support long after installation. So they're offering something rare in the Nepali market: A 10-year spare part replacement policy - no bill required.
Add to that a 24/7 plumber support system, and the message is clear: They're not just selling taps, they're building relationships.
"We are committed to excellent after-sales service - free replacement of spare parts for 10 years, no bill required. This is a bold move, but we believe in our product. Human psychology says you'll likely forget after five years when and where you bought the tap. That's okay. We'll still replace it."
"Our taps could be in a five-star resort or your neighbour's bathroom - the quality doesn't change," says Shrestha. "Everyone deserves the same standard."
Naming with meaning
In a move that blends tradition with branding, Panchakanya named its 18 product series after Nepal's rivers - Kamala, Tamor, Gandaki, Karnali and more. Each series comes with up to 27 variants, offering more than 486 SKUs to match every budget and aesthetic.
"People really respond to that local connection," Shrestha says. "It makes them feel like the product belongs to them - not something foreign or out of reach."
Currently, Panchakanya Bathware is available in 10 outlets and over 50 stores across the country. But the company's ambitious plan is to expand to 100 sales and service hubs within the next 100 days - and even set its sights on northern India for future exports.
What luxury means now
Panchakanya's new bathware range is built on five pillars: Premium design, long-lasting performance, eco-friendly engineering, accessible pricing and dependable service.
For example, their aerators use just 0.5 gallons per minute, far below the standard 2.2 GPM, helping customers conserve water without giving up flow strength. And with tested durability twice the industry norm, these products are built to last.
What's next?
After the success of its bathware line, Panchakanya's upcoming project will be the sanitaryware collection - including basins, toilets and other bathroom accessories.
Designed entirely in-house but initially manufactured in India, these new products will follow the same formula: Custom-built for Nepali preferences, made with international standards, and backed by Panchakanya's promise of affordability and quality.
"We don't expect people to buy from us just because they recognise our name. We want to earn their trust - one tap, one shower, one drop at a time," Shrestha said.
