Our Story: Crafting Legacies Since 1974
The story of Soorya Carpet Industries begins in the early 1970s, when Mr. Laxman Shrestha and Mrs. Renuka Shrestha left their village in Dolakha and moved to Kathmandu with the ambition of building something meaningful. What started as a small rug-weaving initiative in a single room eventually grew into one of Nepal’s largest carpet manufacturing enterprises. Through perseverance and vision, they provided livelihoods to more than 1,000 skilled and unskilled workers and made a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. For over two decades, Soorya Carpet Industries earned international recognition, particularly in Germany, for exporting high-quality, hand-knotted carpets.
By the late 1990s, however, Nepal’s carpet industry suffered severe setbacks owing to economic, social, and political challenges. Global scrutiny following child labour controversies in the wider industry, coupled with the instability caused by the Maoist insurgency, crippled the sector. Like many others, Soorya Carpet Industries was forced to scale down and eventually suspend production.
The industry never quite returned to its early-1990s mass-scale export peak, yet it found ways to reinvent itself and stay relevant. Recognizing this shift, Soorya Carpet Industries transitioned from large-scale production to a boutique model, focusing on the niche luxury segment with custom-made, limited-edition rugs.
The Kaleen Rebrand Story: A New Chapter
Guided by the aspiration to create premium, ethical and artistic carpets, this journey led to the launch of Kaleen—our exclusive designer carpet brand.
Kaleen celebrates craftsmanship, artistry, and ethics. We create bespoke, limited-edition rugs that range from time-honoured traditional designs to bold, innovative forms, all crafted to complement modern interiors and aesthetics. Our collections are inspired by beautiful landscapes of Nepal and the five elements of life: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Metal.
Handmade carpets have long been central to interior design—a tradition that remains timeless. At Kaleen, we are proud to carry this heritage forward with integrity and creativity. Our ambition is to build a strong brand identity, uphold ethical credibility, and expand into discerning global markets.
Our Guiding Principles
Our vision
To be the global leader in luxury handcrafted carpets, renowned for unparalleled quality, innovative design, and sustainable practices.
Our Mission
To meticulously craft exquisite carpets that enrich lives and spaces, preserving artisanal heritage while inspiring contemporary design.
Our Promise
We promise exceptional artistry, ethical sourcing, and personalized service, ensuring every Kaleen carpet is a timeless masterpiece.