Shopping in Tibet

Tibet is easy to ignite the spark of shopping for visitors under the attraction of enigmatic charm, culture and scenic splendor. You can lots of stuff in Tibet in various departments and local markets.

Where to Buy in Tibet

Yuthok Road

You’d better buy some practical items you need in Lhasa if you plan to travel to remote areas of Tibet. There are many department stores in Lhasa, mostly on Yuthok Road that supply everyday needs. For example, Lhasa Department Store, located on the west end of Yuthok Road, is the largest and best-known department store in Lhasa and sells practical items such as cotton clothing, mugs, canned food, towels, and toothpaste, as well as local handicrafts. There are also some supermarkets in Lhasa, such as Hongyan Supermarket Chains mainly distributed in Lhasa downtown.

Barkhor Street

Tibet is full of scenic and historical wonder. Even you have explored all the wonders, your trip could not be completed without a fantastic shopping experience at Barkhor Street, so it is wise to give yourself at least half a day to explore the Barkhor Street or the other place of the city freely after you finish your sightseeing plan.

Barkhor Street is a traditional Tibetan shopping center, where shopkeepers with small shops and stalls on the street supply more traditional and fascinating Tibetan ornaments and handicrafts. These items include prayer flags, Buddha figures, conch-shell trumpets, rosaries, amulets, fur hats, horse bells, bridles, copper teapots, wooden bowls, inlaid knives, and jewelry inlaid with turquoise and other gems. All the handicrafts are unique designed and cheap and they are great souvenirs anyway that you can take back home. Among them, Tibetan knife is a special item that is not allowed on airplane, but you can certainly mail it to your home by express.

What to Buy？

There are many wonderful mementos in completely different types that shall be undisputed to be taken back home, which can make your travel in Tibet unforgettable. Such as:

1.Religious objects: Tibetans believe in Buddhism. The best religious mementos that you can take back home from Tibet are Tibetan incense sticks, the Tibetan Thangka, the Tibetan pray wheels, Tibetan Buddha statues.

2.Handicrafts: Tibetan handicrafts are very popular all over the world, such as Tibetan rugs, Tibetan masks and Tibetan dagger.

3.Antiques: When you travelling to Tibet, antiques shall be the important mementos, such as the wooden bowls and the Tibetan Vajra.

4.Tibetan Medicines: The Tibetan medicines like saffron, aweto and snow lotus are the popular medicinal herbs that they use for curative purposes.

5.Snacks: There are some of the best delicacies of Tibet, such as the instant packaged noodles, Lhasa beer, dried fried yak sausages, the corned meat made from yak meat and cheese.

6.Accessories: Tibetan jewels, bracelets, necklaces and amulets are beautiful.

Tips for Tibet Shopping

1.In order to avoid hassles, it is necessary to do some research before shopping.

2.Shop always with groups.

3.For purchasing Tibetan medicine, Tibet Hospital is the best choice.

4.It is good to buy the local specialties, such as Tibetan tea and the highland barley products, in supermarkets.

5.Do not forget to carefully examine jewelry for quality. Though lots of jewelry of excellent quality is available, some is coarse and poor in quality. It is very easy to find appealing items that are uniquely Tibetan. Exotic Tibetan opera masks and costumes are really attractive. Brightly colored, beautifully homespun Tibetan rugs and khaddar are also popular souvenirs. Tibetan carpet can be bought at the Tash Delek Tibetan Rug Factory.

6.As in other traditional markets throughout the world, you should try to bargain with the shopkeepers so as to buy nice things at lower prices. Cutting half of their asking prices is usually proper. Except shoppers, you may be accompanied by hundreds of prostrating pilgrims. It is a thrilling experience that will certainly remind you that you are in Lhasa.