Leh Market - Top Shopping Spots for Unique Souvenirs
Ladakh is a popular tourist destination of India. While tourists generally visit here to indulge in a number of adventurous activities, there’s so much more to the experience.
A shopping spree in Ladakh tops the list. It is a way to bring a little piece of memory back home. Buy gifts and souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.
With Indian, Tibetan and Middle East influence, the Ladakh Market is flooded with varieties of goods. You have the opportunity to purchase items that you may not get in any other part of the country.
Leh Ladakh Market isn’t a single unit. Various large and small shopping markets are spread in various corners of Leh Ladakh. While some of these are popular for specific items, others offer basically everything. Visit Tibetan Market for Tibetan items and Leh Ladakh Main Market for things like clothing, edible items, artefacts.
Markets are not just for shopping experience. They are one of the most ideal places to interact with the locals and get to know about the region and its history.
Various food stalls are found in and around these Bazaars. Do enjoy hot-steamed momo(dumpling) and thugpa(noodle soup) for a fun culinary experience.
If you’re interested in combining history with local flavor, consider adding a Heritage Walk in Leh to your itinerary. It’s a fantastic way to explore the old town’s narrow lanes, traditional Ladakhi homes, and hidden corners of the market that most tourists miss.
Cliffhangers India always adds shopping to the Ladakh itinerary.
What to buy from Leh main market
Tibetan Handicrafts: Various Tibetan handicrafts are available at local shops in Leh Main Market. They include hand woven woolens like Pashmina shawls, Cotton shawls, gloves, caps, carpets and other items.
These are one of the most popular items to buy from the local markets.
The local artisans wove them with natural wools and yarns, meticulously adding designs and patterns.
They can be a bit costly. However, picking textiles of mixed material over pure items is recommended.
Leh Ladakh Main Bazaar and Tibetan Market are some of the best places for the purchase of Tibetan handicrafts.
Stone & silver jewelry: Beautiful jewelry pieces are seen at small shops in Leh. Most of them are made of stone and silver.
They are available in pure silver and silver-plating as well. Articles made up of semi-precious stones like turquoise, corals, Lapis Lazuli, Amber and Agate can be purchased.
Different types of pieces such as necklace, earrings, rings, bracelet, bangles, amulets and locales are commonly available.
They are often handmade by local women and artisans. Support local businesses by buying stunning adornments.
Visit Women’s Alliance of Ladakh Shop for an affordable purchase of stone and silver jewelry.
Apricot Jams: In the alpine regions of Leh Ladakh, apricots are grown in abundance. They are cultivated in big orchards by farmers in the most traditional way.
Dry apricots are found at every nook and corner. It is a perfect snack for road tours and hikes. They are fresh, tasty and nutritious.
At the local markets, apricot jams are a hit among tourists. It is the perfect food item to take back home from Ladakh. Use it on breads, chapatis, and in making desserts and shakes.
Other than the jam, various other apricot based items include oil, preserves, etc.
There are many dedicated apricot stores in Leh to visit for the sweet jam.
Ladakhi Crockery: In various types of Ladakh crockery available, the most attractive element are the motifs drawn on the outer wall. The designs are generally hand painted by artisans.
They are one of the best choices for souvenirs.
Bowls, plates and cups made up of clay and ceramic are common at various shops. For a more stable choice, go for brass and copper utensils such as teapots, serving dishes, etc.
Wooden cups, locally known as Chungs are a must buy here.
For a beautiful piece to put in your bedroom, Ashtamangala (Eight Auspicious Signs) would be perfect.
For authentic buy, explore the Leh Main Bazaar and Tibetan Refugee Market.
Pashmina shawls: One article from Ladakh that has gained global recognition would be Pashmina Shawls.
As the softest, finest and most comfortable woolen wraps found, they are actively bought by tourists at different markets.
These shawls are woven with the wool of Changthangi goat, from the Changthang region of Ladakh.
This is something where you shouldn’t think about spending money. Never go for cheap offers. Spend a considerable amount of money and get authentic Pashmina Shawls.
The investment is worth it since the soft yet warm shawls are a luxury.
For authentic and traditionally woven shawls, visit Ladakh Pashmina Emporium, and Leh Main Bazaar.
Buddhist artifacts and Thangka paintings: As Buddhism flourishes in Ladakh, different varieties of Buddhist artifacts are found in markets. You can buy prayer wheels, prayer beads, Buddha status, singing bowls, bells, butter lamps, etc.
Another popular thing to buy would be Thangka Paintings. To give a little context, Buddhist deities such as Avalokiteshvara and Tara, events and teachings of Buddha are carved on a canvas or cloth. Vibrant mineral based colours are used.
Do buy a thangka painting of Wheel of Life to hang on the walls of your home. For temples, go for those depicting religious themes.
These artefacts and paintings are available at local monasteries, and Leh Main Bazaar.
Popular Markets to shop in Leh Ladakh
With Ladakh weather in May being relatively mild and the region beginning to open up to tourists, it’s an excellent time to visit the popular markets in Leh and explore local handicrafts.
Leh Main Bazaar: The most popular shopping centre is the Leh Main Bazaar. As the name suggests, it is located in the capital city of Leh.
The market is regularly visited by locals to buy household items for daily use. Since it is a shopping hotspot among residents as well as tourists, the items available here are quite affordable. There’s no compromise on the quality.
A number of things such as coins, Pashmina Shawls, Pheran and thangkas are available to buy at the Leh Ladakh Main Market. However, premium silver jewelries available here would be the ideal purchase. Buy dry apricots and apricot jams for hikes or as a souvenir.
The Bazaar is generally crowded. You may want to skip weekend visits to avoid the rush.
Tibetan Market: Since Ladakh is located close to Tibet, markets are generally overflowed with Tibetan items.
Tibetan Market is one such place. If you are looking to buy Tibetan textiles and artefacts, you are at the right place. Jewellaries adorned with turquoise and corals are found at every shop. Take home a souvenir from the market in the form of singing bowls, thangka paintings and prayer flags.
Here, idols of Buddha in every element are present. Whether you want gold or silver, it is available. Buy laughing Buddhas here and it would be the perfect memory from your Ladakh trip.
Moti Market: Most of the markets are oriented to either provide Ladakhi or Tibetan goods, At Moti Market, you find a blend of both. It is one of the oldest markets in Leh Ladakh.
It is located in Leh itself and another popular shopping spot after the Main Bazaar.
Here, you can purchase Pashmina Shawls as well hand-woven clothes such as, sweaters, caps, beanie, gloves. They are naturally dyed and perfect for winter. Jewellaries and Tibetan handicrafts are available at different shops too. More traditional goods to buy from Moti Market would be carpets, paintings, and incense.
Changspa Road Market: Located on the Changspa Road, the market is one of the best places for shopping in Leh Ladakh.
If you are looking for souvenirs that are a perfect blend of modern and Ladakhi influence, it is the place to be. Buy Pashmina Shawls, and more woolen clothes. Silver and copper trinkets are available to buy too.
The entire market is stretched in a large area with various shops lined.
The market is mildly lit up with small bulbs in the evening and night. You can spend some time wandering around in the ambiance.
Women’s Alliance of Ladakh Shop: The Women’s Alliance of Ladakh Shop is a unique market of Ladakh. The fact that it is completely run and operated by women makes it unique and worth visiting. The market aims to push local women towards employment and a better life.
Woolen items and jewellery are sold at the shop. The most popular item among buyers remains the Pabu (Ladakhi shoes). It can be worn inside the house too, a perfect choice for winters.
It is located on the Sankar Road, Chubhi, Leh, Ladakh. For those looking to explore not just Leh Market but the beauty of Leh itself, Leh Ladakh tour packages offer the perfect opportunity to dive into the region’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local life.
Essential tips for travellers
To save more and buy even more, here are some essential tips for travellers while shopping in Ladakh Market.
- Carry enough cash when going shopping in Ladakh. Most of the shops accept cash payments and hardly have UPI options.
- Make a list of items you wish to purchase and visit a particular market accordingly. Shopping can get exhausting if you just walk aimlessly.
- Before buying any item, check some shops selling the same thing. Compare the prices and get the one that is best in quality at low prices.
- Before buying Pashmina Shawls, do a ring test where the fine cloth will pass through a ring. They are generally expensive.
- You may want to avoid tourist shops and instead take a run at the local shops. They are available in Leh Ladakh Main Market and Tibetan Markets. You will surely get a fair price here.
- Negotiation is probably the most important quality to have when shopping in local markets of Ladakh. Items are generally overpriced. Never settle for the asking price.
- Bargain as much as possible. However, don’t be disrespectful and rude to the shopkeepers. Agree to a fair price.
- To be able to afford Ladakhi items under a budget, go for alternatives. For example, wool blend Pashmina shawls over Pure Pashmina Shawls and silver plated jewelry over pure silver jewelry. They are much cheaper and look exactly the same.
- When bought in bulk, shopkeepers, themselves, offer big discounts and lower rates.
- If shopping is a big plan og your Leh Ladakh Tour, avoid peak seasons like summer (May to September). Visit in the non-crowded months like April and October when bargaining is far easier.
- Ladakh Market is home to beautiful souvenirs and goods. It’s natural to indulge in impulsive buyiung. Sticking to a budget can help you.
- Carry a big bag beforehand to avoid paying for carry bags at every shop.
- If you plan to visit Ladakh in January, be prepared for the cold. Carry enough cash, wear warm clothing, and make sure to explore markets like the Leh Main Bazaar and Tibetan Market, where you’ll find many items that are perfect for winter.
FAQ's
What product is Ladakh famous for?
Pashmina shawls are the most famous product of Ladakh. They are very soft with beautiful designs. Other than this, tourists buy apricot jams, Ladakhi crockery and Buddhist artifacts from the Bazaars.
In which month leh ladakh is closed?
Leh Ladakh is generally closed in the winter season. Due to heavy snowfall from December to March, both Srinagar-Leh Highway and Srinagar-Manali Highway are closed. Passes in Ladakh aren’t open too.
Which thing is unique in Ladakh?
Things like timeless monasteries, alpine lakes, activities including trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, mountain biking makes Ladakh a unique attraction.
Some Ladakh-specific items such as Pashmina Shawls, Buddhist artefacts and crockery must be in your shopping list.
What mainly attracts tourists in Ladakh?
It is the perfect blend of sightseeing as well outdoor activities present in Ladakh that attracts tourists. Explore the Leh city and spots around it such as Shanti Stupa, Magnetic Hills, Leh Palace, etc. A bike trip to the Nubra Valley or Pangong Lake is highly suggested. Shopping in the local markets must be part of your Ladakh itinerary.
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