The lanes between Durbar Square and Kumbheshwar are dotted with small family workshops practising the lost-wax (dhokka) casting method, the same technique used here for a thousand years. Craftsmen make everything from small devotional figures to large temple bells. Many workshops have a small showroom at the front where finished pieces are sold at prices far below what you would pay in Kathmandu's tourist shops. It is perfectly acceptable to watch the craftsmen work — most are accustomed to curious visitors.