Discover the best shopping in Darjeeling and Gangtok with local markets, souvenirs, and unique crafts loved by Indian travelers.
As you consider Hills in India, Darjeeling and Gangtok are the ones that come out with charm, tea gardens as well as astonishing views. Scenery is gorgeous, and there are monasteries to see, yet another thing that every traveler will enjoy is found here: shopping! The shopping in Darjeeling and Gangtok is colorful, cultural and creative, starting with traditional handicrafts and ending with fresh tea leaves. When you are planning your optimum Darjeeling-Gangtok tour, this guide will reveal to you the best market and best souvenirs to carry back home.
Chowrasta is the most frequented location in Darjeeling and it is where your shopping business begins. It is a small town along with its quaint shops and cafes. It is crowded enough to have a relaxing walk and yet a splendid shopping place. There will be gorgeous woolen shawl, hand knitted sweaters, scarves of all colors, and jewelry made in our area.
There are no curio shops that specialize in Tibetan artifacts, prayer wheels, and handmade carpets that one should miss. They are not just souvenirs, but they bear Himalayan culture.
Hint: Go there during the evening when the market is lit. Street musicians perform, which gives the market a mountain atmosphere. It is the right moment to have a relaxing shopping time.
Bhutia Market The Bhutia Market is located directly beneath the Clock Tower and is where local people do their shopping. Most of the stalls are operated by Tibetan women. They have hand woven woolens, jackets, gloves, and caps- all at affordable prices. Bargain politely if you wish.
Winter is the season when the market is particularly good. Stalls are loaded with warm and colorful objects. In case you happen to be in town during December or January, this is the place where you can find winter clothes and local fashion.
Nehru Road links Chowrasta with the center of the town. It has souvenir shops along. You will have custom made wooden products, tea packets, post cards and Himalayan honey. The varying grades of Darjeeling tea, such as aromatic first flush, second flush of tea, etc., are also sold by the local stores.
Try the tea before you buy. Many shops offer tastings. A well wrapped box of high quality tea is a good present to friends back at home.
It is a destination to every traveler who enjoys meaningful shopping. The centre came into being in 1959. It manufactures quality hand-made carpets, woolen attires and finely carved wooden works.
This makes buying here contribute to the local Tibetan community. Each of the products narrates a tale of strength, expertise, and customs.
So, next we will go to Gangtok the capital city of Sikkim and a shopaholics dream. The heart of the city is MG Marg. The street is a foot street which is lined with boutiques, cafes and souvenir shops.
There is Sikkimese tea, local wines, thangkas (religious scroll paintings) and hand made paper products. There are a number of environmentally friendly stores that offer organic products, such as herbal oils, incense, and soaps.
During the evening, MG Marg becomes bright with music, lights, and jubilant travelers and makes shopping even more memorable.
But to feel like a local in Gangtk, go to Lal Bazaar. This is a less tourist and more genuine market. Local products sold by farmers and artisans include local products, handmade baskets, and traditional products of the neighbouring villages.
Churpi(hardened yak cheese), organic spices and dry fruits are the most popular choices in Sikkim. Lal Bazaar allows you to experience the life of the day-to-day – welcoming sellers, colorful booths.
To have an authentic local experience visit on Sunday when the weekly market is held and traders come throughout the region.
This is a government owned emporium in Gangtok that cannot be overridden on quality and authenticity. Traditional Sikkimese art is encouraged in the centre through woolen carpets, thangkas, masks and wooden tables that have a special carving. Prices are determined and justifiable hence there is no need to bargain.
It is also trustworthy in case of souvenirs that are indeed a reflection of the culture and art work of the area.
Culture lover or a tea-drinking person cannot skip the following items:
Every product is a piece of the mountain spirit serene, creative and aligned with nature.
Go Kite Tours can assist in creating the most excellent Darjeeling-Gangtok itinerary to have a smoother, well-planned experience on shopping and sightseeing. They provide local tours, accommodation and expert advice. You will not miss out on unnoticed jewels. Their local knowledge and experience allow you to visit the most well-liked attractions and the most popular and off-the-beaten markets.
Shopping in Darjeeling and Gangtok is neither about purchasing nor purchasing things, it is about mountain culture, meeting local craftsmen, and gathering memories. Each market has its pace, each shopkeeper is a legend, and each souvenir is a bit of Himalayan warmth.
You are either a tea lover, handcrafter, or a local art lover and will find something that resonates with your heart. When you are ready to visit and reserve a Darjeeling-Gangtok trip, you need to plan in advance to have plenty of time to both shop and sightsee in a relaxed way.
