Dharamshala is a beautiful hill town in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its peaceful surroundings, Tibetan culture, monasteries, and local markets. The town, especially McLeod Ganj, attracts travelers who love shopping for handmade and cultural items.
Shopping in Dharamshala is simple and enjoyable. You will find Tibetan handicrafts, spiritual items, eco friendly products, and traditional clothing. This guide explains the top things to buy in Dharamshala and where you can find them easily.
List of Top 10 Things to Buy in Dharamshala
Singing Bowls
Singing bowls are one of the most popular items to buy in Dharamshala. People use them for meditation, relaxation, and spiritual practices. When played with a wooden stick, they produce calm and soothing sounds. Real Tibetan singing bowls are made using traditional metal and give better sound than decorative ones.
Where to buy singing bowls in Dharamshala: You can find them at Village Boutique, India Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, Tibetan Museum Souvenir Shop, Jogibara Road market, Kotwali Bazaar, and Tibetan Mini Market.
Colorful Bags and Wallets
Local markets in McLeod Ganj sell colorful bags, wallets, and purses made with traditional Tibetan designs. These items are light in weight and available in many colors and patterns. They are useful for daily use and also make good gifts.
Where to buy: Stores such as Rogpa, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, and Divine Buddha Handicrafts offer an array of colorful accessories. Additionally, markets like Kotwali Bazaar and Jogibara Bazaar are great places to explore.
Buddha statues, Prayer wheels, and Prayer flags
Dharamshala has a strong spiritual feel, and this is reflected in its markets. You can buy Buddha statues in different sizes, prayer wheels with carved texts, and colorful prayer flags. Many shops also sell incense sticks, candles, and aromatic oils.
Where to buy: You can find these items at numerous craft shops near the Dalai Lama temple, such as Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique, and Divine Buddha Handicrafts. Street vendors at local markets may also sell these products, but it’s essential to be cautious of overpriced or lower-quality items when shopping.
Books on Tibetan Culture and Buddhism
Dharamshala is a good place to buy books related to Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and Himalayan history. You will find both storybooks and information based books. Many stores sell books in different languages, such as English, French, German, and Spanish.
Where to buy: Buddhist Bookstore, Bookworm, the Tibetan Bookstore, the Namgyal Bookstore located in the temple, and the Youtse Bookstore.
Carpets and Rugs
Handmade Tibetan carpets and rugs are another popular shopping item in Dharamshala. These carpets are made using traditional methods and feature cultural symbols, nature designs, and local patterns.
Where to buy: Tibetan Handicraft Center, Village Boutique, and Tibetan Children’s Village Handicraft Center
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Local Tibetan Handicrafts and Decorative Items
You can find many handmade decorative items such as wind chimes, wooden boxes, wall hangings, lamps, bowls, and cushion covers. Many of these shops are run by local groups and fair trade organizations, so shopping here also supports local people.
Where to buy: Rogpa, Lha Tibet Fair Trade, Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Children’s Village Handicraft Centre, Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, and Stitches of Tibet.
Jewelry
Local artisans in McLeod Ganj create unique and stylish bead necklaces, metalwork jewelry, and other accessories. These pieces make for a bold fashion statement, with colorful beads, intricate metal designs, and beautiful gems, often in a bohemian style.
Where to buy: Jogibara Road Bazaar, Tibetan Mini Market, and Kotwali Bazaar.
Handcrafted diaries and handmade paper
Paper and diary making using recycled waste materials is a well-known tradition in McLeod Ganj. Since many years ago, communities in McLeod Ganj have had access to recycling opportunities, including the provision of special bins and guides on recycling. The best-sellers in this community are the beautiful hand-crafted publications that come covered in a variety of materials (including leather and cloth) and are available in multiple sizes and shades.
Where to buy: Green Shop
Paintings
Tourists can purchase beautiful Tibetan and Buddhist art in McLeod Ganj, including mandala paintings and thangkas. Many shops offer these items, ensuring visitors can take home a piece of the town’s vibrant culture. Undoubtedly, paintings are one of the top 10 things to buy in Dharamshala.
Where to buy: Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, Tibetan Handicraft Center, Tibetan Children’s Village Handicraft Centre
Dresses
Dharamshala offers a range of traditional dresses like the Himachali topi, Chamba Chappal, and the Kangra shawl. These make for unique and authentic souvenirs to take home.
Where to buy: Kotwali Bazaar, Jogiwara Road, and Tibetan Mini Market.
Dharamsala has various shops that sell antiques, woolen garments, and handicrafts that allow you to connect with Tibetan culture. If you’re visiting, check out these top 10 things to buy in Dharamshala.
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What to Eat and Drink in Dharamshala
After shopping, you can enjoy local food in Dharamshala. Popular dishes include momos, thukpa, Tibetan bread, Indian curries, and local pickles.
Popular drink of Dharamshala Butter tea, also called po cha, is a traditional Tibetan drink made with tea leaves, butter, and salt.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Dharamshala is closely connected to its Tibetan culture and peaceful lifestyle. From spiritual items to handmade products and traditional clothing, these top 10 things to buy in Dharamshala will help you take home meaningful memories from your trip.
FAQs
Some of the best things to buy in Dharamshala include singing bowls, Tibetan handicrafts, Buddha statues, prayer flags, handmade jewelry, carpets, diaries made from handmade paper, paintings, and traditional woolen clothes.
McLeod Ganj is the best area for shopping in Dharamshala. It has local markets, Tibetan shops, handicraft stores, and souvenir stalls offering a wide variety of cultural items.
Shopping in Dharamshala is mostly affordable. Prices depend on the product and the shop. Street markets and local bazaars usually offer better prices than tourist focused stores.
Yes, Dharamshala is one of the best places in India to buy authentic Tibetan handicrafts. Many items are handmade by local artisans and sold through fair trade and community run shops.
Original singing bowls can be found at Tibetan Mini Market, Jogibara Road, Village Boutique, and Tibetan Handicrafts Centre. Always check sound quality before buying.
You can buy traditional items like Kangra shawls, Himachali caps, Chamba chappals, and woolen garments from local markets and handicraft stores.
Butter tea, also known as po cha, is the most popular traditional drink in Dharamshala. It is made using tea leaves, butter, and salt.
While shopping in Dharamshala, you should try momos, thukpa, Tibetan bread, butter tea, and local Indian dishes available in cafes and street food stalls.
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