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Shopping in Tibet

Shopping in Tibet

Shopping in Tibet is a wonderful part of your trip. Most of the shopping in Tibet happens in the city of Lhasa. Whether you want a small gift or a big handmade rug, this guide will help you understand where to go and what to buy in very simple steps while shopping in Tibet.

1. The Best Place to Shop: Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street is the most famous place for shopping in Tibet. It is a big, circular walking street in the center of Lhasa. It goes around a very holy building called the Jokhang Temple.

  • What it is like: It is a very busy and colorful place. You will see many local people (pilgrims) praying and walking in a circle.
  • What to buy: This is the best place for small souvenirs. You can find prayer flags, copper teapots, colorful fur hats, wooden bowls, and small bells.
  • A Simple Rule: When you walk on Barkhor Street, you should always walk in a clockwise direction (the same way a clock moves). This is a sign of respect for the local culture.
2. Special Things to Look For

Tibet has many unique items that are made by hand. Here are the most popular things to look for:

  • Tibetan Rugs and Carpets: These are famous for their bright colors and for being very strong. If you want a real one, go to the Lhasa Carpet Factory. You can watch the workers make them and buy a high-quality rug there.
  • Jewelry: You will see a lot of jewelry made with blue stones (turquoise) or red stones (coral).Tip: Be careful with expensive jewelry. Some stones might be plastic. If it is very cheap, it is probably not real. Look closely before you buy.
  • Tibetan Masks: These are bright and fun masks used in traditional dances. They look great as a decoration on a wall at home.
  • Prayer Flags: These are the colorful flags you see flying in the wind. People buy them to bring good luck and peace.
3. Buying Books and Maps
If you need a map of the city or a book about Tibet, look for a store called Xinhua Bookstore.

  • There are three of these stores in Lhasa.
  • They sell maps, books in English and Chinese, and dictionaries. This is helpful if you want to learn a few Tibetan words.
4. Modern Stores and Supermarkets

Lhasa also has modern buildings for your daily needs.

  • Lhasa Department Store: This is the biggest store in the city. It is on a street called Yuthok Lu. It sells everything from shoes and clothes to snacks.
  • Supermarkets: There are now many modern grocery stores in Lhasa. These are the best places to buy bottled water, tissues, sunblock, and snacks like biscuits or nuts.
5. Very Simple Tips for Shoppers

Ask for a Better Price (Bargaining):
In the small stalls at Barkhor Street, it is normal to haggle. If a seller says a price, you can politely ask for it to be a bit cheaper. Most people start by offering a lower price and then meet in the middle.

  • Note: In big department stores and supermarkets, the price is fixed. You do not bargain there.
    Buy Before You Leave Lhasa:

If you are traveling away from Lhasa to see Mount Everest or Mount Kailash, you must buy what you need before you leave. Small villages in the mountains do not have many shops. They might not have batteries, snacks, or the medicine you need.

Check the Quality:

If you are buying a “Pashmina” (a soft wool scarf), touch it to make sure it feels soft against your skin. If it feels scratchy, it might not be real wool.

Quick Summary Checklist:

Barkhor Street: Go here for local gifts and culture while shopping in Tibet

Lhasa Carpet Factory: Go here if you want a real, handmade rug.
Lhasa Department Store: Go here for clothes or things you forgot to pack.
Xinhua Bookstore: Go here for maps of the mountains.
Cash: Carry some Chinese Yuan (Cash) because small street sellers might not be able to take credit cards while shopping in Tibet
By following these simple tips, shopping in Tibet will help you find beautiful things to take home that will always remind you of your trip there.

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