top of page

How Climate Control Affects Fine Art Shipping in Nepal

Updated: Jul 3


Colorful and intricate paintings depicting Hindu deities drawn on Nepali traditional Paper in Kathmandu.
Colorful and intricate paintings depicting Hindu deities drawn on Nepali traditional Paper in Kathmandu.

Art is more than just decoration—it’s history, culture, emotion, and often a valuable investment. Whether you're a collector, gallery owner, or simply transporting a few cherished pieces, one of the most overlooked yet critical factors in art logistics is climate control.

This guide explains why climate-controlled fine art shipping is essential when moving artwork to or from Nepal, especially considering the country’s diverse climate and unique geographical challenges.

Why Climate Matters in Art Shipping

Fine art is extremely sensitive to environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and air quality. Here's how they affect your artwork:

Factor

Impact on Art

Humidity

Warps wood, causes mold, damages canvas, and paper

Temperature

Cracks paint, distorts adhesives and frames

Moisture

Fosters fungus and discoloration

Dust & Pollutants

Corrodes metal, dulls colors, and stains surfaces


Nepal’s Challenging Climate Conditions

Nepal’s climate ranges from humid subtropical in the south (e.g., Chitwan), to cold alpine in the north. The Kathmandu Valley alone experiences high humidity in monsoons and cold, dry winters, both of which can be damaging to fine art.

If you’re shipping artwork to or from Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Chitwan, climate-controlled transport is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.


What is Climate-Controlled Art Transport?

Climate-controlled transport involves regulating temperature, humidity, and airflow within:

  • Specialized vehicles

  • Storage units

  • Air and sea freight containers

This ensures that your artworks are protected from fluctuating external conditions during long-distance or international transit.

When Do You Need It?

✅ You Definitely Need Climate-Controlled Transport If:

  • You're moving high-value or antique pieces

  • You’re relocating during monsoon or peak summer

  • The route includes drastic elevation changes (e.g., from Kathmandu to Terai or abroad)

  • You’re transporting mixed media, wood, canvas, or paper art

What Happens Without It?

Without climate control, artworks face:

  • Canvas sagging or cracking

  • Mold or mildew growth

  • Discoloration of pigments

  • Frame warping or splitting

  • Permanent damage that affects both appearance and value


How Orient International Relocation Handles Climate-Controlled Art Shipping

Orient provides specialized climate-controlled fine art movers in Nepal, built around international standards. Here’s how we do it:

1. Pre-Move Art Assessment

  • Evaluate medium, size, fragility, and sensitivity

  • Determine specific environmental needs


2. Custom Crating & Packing

  • Acid-free, breathable materials

  • Moisture-barrier wrap

  • Buffer zones for shock absorption

  • Humidity indicators


3. Climate-Controlled Transport Vehicles

  • Insulated interiors with thermostatic regulation

  • Continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity

4. Air Freight & Sea Freight Climate Protocols

  • Conditioned containers

  • Fast handling to limit exposure

  • Priority freight options for sensitive cargo


5. Storage Options (Short/Long-Term)

  • Climate-controlled storage in Nepal for transit delays or phased relocation



Case Study: Shipping a Thangka Collection to the U.S.

A German art collector working in Kathmandu commissioned Orient to ship six large Thangka scrolls and carved wooden statues to New York. Using climate-controlled air transport and custom crates, we ensured:

  • Consistent 20–22°C environment

  • Humidity between 45–55%

  • Arrival with no warping or pigment bleeding, despite monsoon rains in Kathmandu


Don’t Let These Mistakes Cost You

Mistake

Why It’s a Problem

Using standard cargo for fine art

No temp/humidity regulation, leading to damage

DIY packing with plastic wrap

Traps moisture, fosters mold

Storing art in garages or basements

Unstable conditions and pest exposure

Delaying shipment planning

Increases risk of exposure and last-minute errors


Should You Also Insure Climate-Controlled Shipments?

Yes—even with best practices, risk exists. Insurance gives you peace of mind in the rare event of:

  • Transit damage

  • Delays causing exposure

  • Handling errors at customs

Orient offers art insurance options to cover all shipment stages.→ Learn more about our insurance and protection services


Types of Art That Need Climate-Control the Most

  • Traditional Nepali Thangka paintings

  • Wooden antique furniture or statues

  • Oil or acrylic canvas artwork

  • Paper-based or framed art

  • Photographic prints


When Is It Worth It?

If your artwork is:

  • Monetarily valuable (USD 1,000+ per piece)

  • Sentimentally irreplaceable

  • Culturally or historically significant

...then climate-controlled art shipping is absolutely worth the extra cost.

🧊 Pro tip: Always ask your mover for temp logs during transport and photographic condition reports before and after shipping.

Final Thoughts

Art is fragile, both physically and emotionally. If you're moving your collection out of Nepal—or bringing pieces home from your travels—don’t risk them to temperature swings and humidity.

Partner with experts like Orient International Relocation, where every step of your move is managed with care, precision, and environmental control. Because moving your artwork should never mean compromising its value or beauty.

Comments


bottom of page