Hand made paper is made from the inner bark of a wild understorey shrubs locally known as "Lokta" or Daphne Cannabina or Daphne Papyracea which is found at altitude of 6500 feet to 9500 feet.

These plants are observed growing gregariously in the understorey of both coniferous and broad leafed forests. At favourable sites it attains a height of 10 to 15 feet

with basal diameter ranging from 2 to 3 inches. The leaves are alternate green in colour, 2 to 4 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide. The flowers are white with a sweet smelling scent.

The inner fibrous bark of this plant is the raw material used for the making of Nepali hand made paper. The "Lokta" or Daphne Papyracea has characteristics of growing after cutting from above 6 inches from the ground and becomes again matured to cut after 6 to 8 years.

• Long lasting and excellent durability
• Strength and easily foldable without any crinkle and corrugation
• Excellent for its' rough and attractive texture
• Free from germs and highly resistant to the insects like silverfish, paper crawlers etc
• Non-demolishing immediately in the water too.
• Easy to dye in water with fast color
• Ideal in production without using any machines in entire process