Darjeeling is a great place for some rest and relaxation and, you will be happy to know, it also offers some retail therapy options. Darjeeling is well known for quite a few items, mainly their large selection of tea and woollen items such as shawls, scarves, hats and jackets.
Darjeeling also offers a lot of handicrafts and exotic Tibetan items that are great souvenirs to take back home. So, if you’re wondering what to buy in Darjeeling and looking for some good shopping options, we have listed out some of the best markets to visit and items to purchase on your trip.
Things to buy in Darjeeling
1. Hand knitted items at New Mahakal Market
You get a large variety of sweaters here, in a host of vibrant colours (source)
Darjeeling has some beautiful winter items that tourists and locals pick up for the cooler months. And apart from the range of shawls, another must check out item is their beautifully-crafted, hand-knitted sweaters in a range of classic and creative patterns.
If you’re looking for a good winter coat, Mahakal Market is the place to check out. And do go prepared to bargain. This market was formerly known as the Bhutia and is one of the slightly upscale markets in the region.
2. Cheap electronics at Chowk Bazaar
Chowk Bazaar is also known as Lower Bazaar
If you want anything from everyday groceries to reasonably-priced electronics, then go to this popular local market that sees hundreds of people visit every day. This is the perfect shopping hub.
While you get a number of household items and groceries, it is one of the few places in Darjeeling where you can pick up electronics such as phones, power banks, home appliances and more. The prices are lower than regular stores so it’s good value for money.
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3. Carpets at Tibetan Self Help Center
Tibetan Self Help Center offers some beautifully-made carpets
Darjeeling offers some intricately-made household accessories and one of their most popular items are their rich carpets that come in a range of designs. The Tibetan Self Help Center in Darjeeling is one of the best places to check out for carpets.
A trip here is a must as you will also find jackets, scarves and other gift items. This is also a Rehabilitation Centre for the Tibetan refugees who are involved in handicrafts, craftsmanship and the training of artisans.
Related read: 14 Fabulous Shopping Places in Darjeeling
4. Handicrafts & Souvenirs at Chowrasta
Darjeeling has a good selection of handicrafts that you can pick up
Chowrasta or the Mall Road is one of the most popular places to be in Darjeeling for shopping. Here you will find a range of different items, including fashion garments, curio decors, woollen clothes, photo equipment, books and Darjeeling tea.
One of the biggest collections is their range of artefacts that are reasonably-priced and well made. These make for great presents to take back home. Some of the best items include Tibetan masks, jewellery and trinkets.
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5. Tea at the small cafes
Tea is easily available throughout Darjeeling and should be added to your shopping list
Darjeeling is the maker of some of the best teas in the world, it is also a great place to drink a cup of tea made from the freshly-plucked leaves of one of its renowned gardens, where you can even buy some of this fine tea.
While most grocery stores, markets and souvenir shops sell the tea, the smaller boutiques offer some amazing options of the finest blends. Do check out Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, House of Tea and Afternoon Tea at Windamere to pick up and taste some of the best teas.
6. Woollen clothes at Dragon Market
Here you can shop for reasonably priced woollen clothes
Darjeeling is famous for its winter wear and across this hill station you will find everything from hats and scarves to jackets and shawls. One of the best places to pick up these winter items includes Mahakal Market.
You can even check out Dragon Market, which has a big range of fashion items such as T-Shirts, tops, shoes, frocks and stilettoes along the stretch. Here you can also pick up earrings, bracelets, necklaces, finger rings, anklets and precious stones items.
Related read: 16 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Darjeeling
7. Great deals at Rink Mall
Rink Mall is one of the only malls in Darjeeling
This small mall is one of the only malls in Darjeeling and it is one of the places that is frequented by the youth as it has an INOX theatre.
But, apart from the entertainment options, they have quite a few stores that have some great deals, especially during Diwali. The Big Bazaar outlet is a popular shopping destination for locals as well as tourists.
8. Books at Oxford Book Store
Here you will find a large selection of novels, autobiographies and more
This cute little bookstore called Oxford Book and Stationery Co. has been one of the most favourite landmarks of Darjeeling for over 60 years. Located at the Mall, the bookstore is beautifully done up in a typical old-school architecture of fretwork and pitched roof.
Get lost in their collection of books. They also specialise in books on Darjeeling, Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and the Himalayas.
A trip to Darjeeling would be incomplete without picking up some of these items to take back home with you. And don’t forget to pick up the delicious tea for your friends who will love the exotic blends. Do let us know about your experiences in the comments section below. if you are planning to visit Darjeeling then you can stay at best Hotels In Darjeeling.
