Shopping in Ladakh

My keenness to visit Ladakh in July this year has put my creative mind into over drive. Being a lover of things “India” I am interested in what the small villages and monasteries have to offer the curios and souvenir buyer

Some of the most popular shopping items are carpets, dry fruits and various small Tibetan souvenirs. Besides pashmina shawls and rugs, one can purchase diverse handicraft items such as prayer wheels, Buddhist masks and Thangka paintings. Tibetan silver and gold jewellery and Ladakh turquoise jewellery

Woollen garments are a favourite especially handmade woollen socks, gloves, caps and sweaters.

The carpets are thick, dyed with natural dyes, beautifully designed and are long lasting

Apricots are another favorite items for travelers and they grow abundantly in Ladakh and are of really good quality

There are a number of markets in Ladakh. Some are open markets, some are government run emporiums and some like Women’s Alliance in Changspa are run by women. Here your bargaining skills are put to the test, the better you are at it the less you'll pay

Some shopping places in Ladakh

Moti Market: Moti Market is located near the Leh bus stand and is a well-known place for purchasing pearls and other precious items of jewelry as well as semi-precious items of stone and jewelry. Lamo Pearls, located in this market, is one of the oldest shops here

Nowshera Bazaar: The small shops in this market are good for purchasing prayer flags and other items related to Buddhism

Tibetan Refugee Market: This market located in the centre of the town is best for buying a variety of souvenirs. One can also shop for clothes, flags, singing bowls, bracelets, earrings, prayer wheels, metal stuff and a lot of small and other beautiful items

Ladakh Art Palace: Established in 1970’s as a small shop, the Ladakh Art Palace has grown into a place, full of most diverse artefacts, which are original and quality products and which fully meet the demand of discerning customers

Tibetan Handicraft Emporium: The market has a huge collection of arts and handicrafts and is a wonderful place to purchase souvenirs and gift items