Tibetan Market in Leh Ladakh

Passionate travelers are also known to be shopaholics. Traditionally they may not buy tons of clothes or jewelry. But you will find them hopping around the authentic street-side shops and stalls looking very souvenirs and gifts for their loved ones or as a memoir. The beautiful town Leh, the capital city of Ladakh, is one such tourist destination where travelers prefer shopping exquisite handmade collections made by the locals and the Tibetans. One such prominent location is the Tibetan market in Leh.

The Tibetan Shopkeepers

Ladakh has been inhabited by the Tibetan population for quite a long time now, almost 50 years before. Steadily and slowly they had mingled with the locals in Ladakh and blended their handicrafts and artwork with that of the existing culture. They sell these amazing artifacts to tourists, thus promoting their artistic skill and talent. Tibetans are well known for creating meticulously carved sculptures and images, pottery, baskets, and handmade paintings used for prayers and meditations by the Buddhist people.

The Market Locations

The Main Bazaar Road of Leh is filled with shops selling Tibetan goods. The shops sell a variety of products throughout the day, enticing the tourists to buy some of their exclusive homemade artifacts. The shops remain lively especially in the late morning hours and in the evening with the locals and visitors crowding to select their preferred items. The prices are affordable and you can bargain a bit with the shopkeepers. There is a handicraft emporium too, where the quality of the products is better and prices are higher compared to that of the street-side shops. You can also visit Choglamsar village in Leh for buying Tibetan handicraft items. A community showroom hosts many clothes, gift items, souvenirs, paintings, sculptures, pottery, and many more.

The Tibetan Artefacts in the Market

The different varieties of items displayed in the Tibetan market will leave you awestruck. Especially the intricate skills of the artists in creating such amazing pieces of sculpture and paintings. The paintings are known as “Thangka” in the colloquial language with wonderful decorations. They are symbolically used by the Tibetans while worshipping Lord Buddha. You can find beautiful flowery motifs brightly colored and attractive. Lord Buddha in his various incarnations and images can be found stitched or painted in the meditation clothes.

Sculptures and images of Lord Buddha in numerous poses and different sizes can be found in abundance in the shops. You can even find masks representing various incarnations and deities of Lord Buddha for sale. Holy flags, prayer wheels, singing bowls, and beads for meditation and worship are also quite famous among tourists.

Pottery is a key skill of the Tibetans. They prefer drinking tea and other beverages in brass or copper pots. The copper pots are known as “Chang” in the Tibetan language. The pots are beautifully carved with a detailed design embedded in them. You can buy and take them back for a tea or coffee party with family and friends.

Another attractive handmade item in the market is the wonderfully carved wooden tables. The tables are traditionally known as “Choktse” by the Tibetans. They are used mainly to serve food and drinks. The artists paint and varnish the tables in vibrant and spectacular colors.

The other handmade products and gift items available in the market are bamboo baskets, bamboo cradles, silver and stone jewelry, rugs, carpets, shawls, and traditional dresses for men, women, and kids.

How to reach the Tibetan Market?

Being located in Leh town, the Tibetan market is well connected by rail, road, and flight. The nearest airport is at Leh and the nearest railway station is at Pathankot. Cabs for hire and buses are available in abundance from both the airport and the railway station and even from various parts of Leh to reach the market.

Tibetan market remains open for a substantial time, allowing tourists to shop at their leisure. The beauty of the market is its presence amid the majestic snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges. You can shop your favorite items while enjoying the views of the panoramic landscape. You can spend a relaxed evening wandering through the street-side shops.

Tibetans are known for being humble and polite. Hence you can expect a good purchase from the market.

Author

Kuntala

A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.