Located at the altitude of 1750 meters, Dharamshala is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. But if you think that Dharamshala is quite secluded and does not have any shops or markets, then you are entirely wrong. Places like McLeodGanj have several shops and markets that sell items of Tibetan origins and also commodities that are significant to the Himachali culture. Numerous tourists visit Dharamshala all year round not only because of the magnificent natural beauty surrounding the region but also because of its strong Tibetan and Buddhist influence. Hence, Dharamshala has several shops that sell essential commodities like woolen garments, antique items, handicraft items, things connecting to Tibetan culture, and many more. In case you plan on visiting this destination, you must explore these places for shopping in Dharamshala.
List Of 10 Best Places For Shopping In Dharamshala (Updated 2024)
All the sites are mostly found in the McLeodGanj region of Dharamshala. You can easily reach there by taking local transport. These places have been quite popular among tourists for several years, and you will love them too.
- Divine Buddha Handicrafts
- Namgyal Book Shop
- Kotwali Bazaar
- Semshook Tibetan Handicraft
- Green Shop
- Village Boutique
- Jogibara Road Bazaar
- Mcleod Ganj Market
- Dharamshala Tibetan Market
- Naddi Village Handicraft Shops
1. Kotwali Bazaar
Image Credit: Seiji Kobayashi for Wikimedia Commons
Kotwali Bazaar is one of the most popular markets in Dharamshala, where you will be able to find not only Tibetan trinkets, but other woolen garments as well. The market is filled with shops that sell gorgeous shawls, sweaters, cardigans, and other items that are essential for daily life. In the market, you will get to buy things that are from Tibetan heritage, including Buddhas made of stone, crystal, wood, and other materials. The shopkeepers in the market are quite friendly and sell items at an affordable rate.
You will also get to buy Tibetan rugs, carpets, and garments that are inspired by Himachali design. Apart from the shops, you will also get restaurants and roadside stalls selling Tibetan delicacies like Momos, thupkas, and many more. Kotwali Bazaar is the hotspot for travelers not only because of the shops but for the beautiful ambiance as well.
Location: Kotwali Bazar Road, Sudher, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215, India
Timings: NA
Also Read: Camping In Dharamshala
2. Semshook Tibetan Handicraft
Image Credit: Clemensmarabu for Wikimedia Commons
Semshook Tibetan handicraft store is a shop in Dharamshala that is not only popular among the tourists of India but all around the world as well. All the items in the shop are connected to Tibet in one way or the other. Not only are they spiritual, but they look magnificently beautiful as well.
You can buy authentic Tibetan items like Thangkas, statues of Buddha, rugs, drapes, and others to change the ambiance of your house. Other things that are quite popular in the store are Tibetan and Italian designer clothes. You can get the delivery of the garments within two days during your stay over there.
Location: Near Hotel Dream Land, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Timings: NA
3. Divine Buddha Handicrafts
Image Credit: Sankarshansen for Wikimedia Commons
Buddhism quite influences Dharamshala, and many people living out there are Buddhists. Hence, it is quite natural that you will find several trinkets related to Buddhism out there. Divine Buddha Handicrafts is a store in Dharamshala that not only sells statues of Lord Buddha, but it also sells Tibetan handicraft items as well. You will be amazed to see several handmade sculptures of Lord Buddha that are made of brass, wood, stone beads, and even crystal.
Even if you are not spiritual, visiting this store will genuinely make you happy because not only all the items sold there are created with the utmost care, but they are quite magnificent as well. The little intricacies of the issues will make the sculptors respect them even more. Apart from statues of Buddha, you will also get icons of the local people of Dharamshala as well. But do remember to carry cash since most of the stores do not accept cards.
Location: Temple Road, Dharamshala
Timings: 9:30 am to 8:30 pm
Related Post: Places To Visit Near Dharamshala
Himachal Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
4. Namgyal Book Shop
Image Credit: Peggy marco for Pixabay
While exploring Dharamshala, you will notice the influence of Tibet quite vividly. It is not only the lifestyle of the people, but it is the home to the Dalai Lama. Hence, you will find monks, monasteries, and other Buddhist and Tibetan influence every corner of the town. Namgyal Book Shop is a store in Dharamshala that sells books on Tibetan culture, lifestyle, and beliefs. You will even find several books on Buddhism as well in the shop.
While you may wonder why you should stop at a bookstore while exploring Dharamshala, but do know that you will get to know many unknown things about the life of the local people in Dharamshala from that bookstore. You can even buy books on meditation, spirituality, and other aspects of Buddhism from the store at a surprisingly lower price. The store is located in the Tibetan complex of Dharamshala that is visited by travelers from all over the world.
Location: Tsuglagkhang Complex, McLeod Ganj
Timings: NA
5. Green Shop
Image Credit: DominiqueVinc for Pixabay
Green Shop is one of the few stores in India that sells everything organic. Not only are the products made from recycled paper, but they are made from hulled sesame seeds as well. From the books to the cosmetic items, from the condiments to the Tahini, everything in the store is produced organically.
Visiting this store is a new experience as well because it is quite commendable that the owner of the store that is the Tibetan welfare office is doing so much to preserve nature. Remember, the store closes at 7 in the evening.
Location: Bhagsunag Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
Related Post: Top Things To Do In Dharamshala
6. Village Boutique
Image Credit: Antranias for Pixabay
The village boutique is quite famous in Dharamshala because not only does it sell items of Tibetan heritage, but it sells singing bowls as well. In case you are wondering what a singing bowl is, it is a bowl which, when rubbed with a wooden stick, produces melodious tune. Not only is the bowl used for spiritual and meditational purposes all around the world, but it makes for a gorgeous showpiece as well.
Apart from the singing bowl, the village boutique also has other items like wall hangings, books, deities, and others. You will get the authentic essence of Tibet as well as Himachal Pradesh if you visit the Village Boutique quite well.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Timings: NA
7. Jogibara Road Bazaar
Image Credit: Konnectsme for Pixabay
Jogibara Road bazaar is yet another popular shopping place in Dharamshala that sells fashionable items that are mixed with Tibetan authenticity. You will find handcrafted bead necklaces, pieces of jewelry with beautiful gems, colorful beads, and other intricate designs when you visit the shops located in the market.
All the pieces of jewelry found in the market are not only beautiful, but they are inspired by Tibetan culture and heritage as well. Buddhism even encourages some of them. In case you are spiritual, you can also buy jewelry made by Buddhist healing stones as well. You will also find pendants in the market that contain scriptures of the Tibetan script inside it. The exchange also has shops that offer Tibetan masks, bowls, Thangkas, and other items as well. All the details are not only colorful, but they hold spiritual and religious significance as well.
Location: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.
Timings: NA
Related Post: Trip To Dharamshala
8. McLeod Ganj Market
Image credit: VasuVR for Wikimedia Commons
It is the Dynamic centre in the heart of Mcleod Ganj in Dharamshala that offers a diverse range of retail options to purchase, which are famous in complete Himachal. This lively market is famous for the varied sections of tibetian handicrafts, traditional attire and one of the kind souvenirs. Visitors can choose from the various options which include thangkas, colourful prayer flags, handcrafted jewellery and multiple local wooden clothes. The vibrant atmosphere/ambiance of the market. artisian booths, quaint street sellers creates the unique shopping experience. To learn the Tibetian culture, it is the great place for shopaholics and purchase the unique souvenirs.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 am
9. Dharamshala Tibetan Market
The Dharamshala Tibetan Market is one of the famous retail attraction that captures the essence of Tibetan culture. This is one of the most popular tibetan market that provides the assorted traditional handicrafts which includes the elaborately created thangkas, colourful prayer flags, and exquisitely designed jewellery. Apart from this, handicraft tibetan carpets and traditional garments are some of the unique items of this market that are available for the visitors at the best prices. One can immerse yourself into the vibrant atmosphere of the market and collect the beautiful tibetan stuffs.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
Related Post: Dharamshala In Summer
10. Naddi Village Handicraft Shops
Image Credit: Julia Volk for Pexels
Only a short drive from Dharamshala, get one of the most pleasant and unique shopping experience in the Tranquil village of Naddi. This place is well known for their handcrafted items such as traditional woollen outfits, delicate woodwork sculptures, and stunning local fabrics. Each shop highlights the work of local artists and offer the high quality products to their tourists. The rural backdrops and local food adds a attractiveness to the shoppers to relax while browsing the best handicrafts. It is one of the ideal place for visitors to get some unique gifts and support local artisans.
Location: Naddi Village, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
What To Buy In Dharamshala
Listed below are some of the best things that you can buy when shopping in Dharamshala. Do make sure you are adding these items to your list when looking for souvenirs for yourself or as a gift.
1. Tibetan Handicrafts
Image Credit: Mevishnu for wikimedia commons
Since you will witness a rich Tibetan culture flourishing in Dharamshala, you will surely and easily get a chance to buy some of the best handicrafts that depict this culture. You will get to choose from various wind chimes, lamp covers, cushion covers, wall hangings, and more. You can buy these beautifully handcrafted items to enhance your home decor or simply to gift someone as a souvenir.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Dharamshala
2. Buddha Statues And Praying Wheels
Buddha statues are counted amongst those things that are sold the most in Dharamshala. The different designs of Buddha statues are the reason why they appeal to one and all. Usually brought together, Buddha statues and praying wheels can be a great purchase while shopping in Dharamshala. The statues and praying wheels are made in a variety of sizes. The best part is that you get to choose these from a wide collection.
3. Singing Bowls
If you want to buy more spiritual souvenirs, then you must shop for the beautiful singing bowls. These bowls are known for their interesting feature that when they are rubbed using a wooden stick, an extremely peaceful melody is produced. These bowls have some chants engraved on them. When you are buying these bowls, do make sure you’re getting yourself the authentic ones.
Related Post: Adventure Sports In Dharamshala
4. Ornaments
Image Credit: Shivangshi Mishra for Wikimedia Commons
Shopping in Dharamshala becomes all the more interesting when you look for jewelry. The hill town is full of shops that sell beautiful jewelry. You will get some of the best options in traditional metallic jewelry. So, when looking for something bohemian, do explore the accessories available in some of the best shopping places in Dharamshala.
5. Diaries And Handmade Papers
If you are a lover of handcrafted diaries, then you will find many places here that are known for them. Handmade papers are sold in huge quantities in Dharamshala. The hill town is famous for selling these papers that are produced from the waste materials. Do check out these diaries and papers if you are a hoarder of stationery items.
Related Post: Valleys In Himachal Pradesh
6. Books
Image Credit: Dave Kleinschmidt for wikimedia Commons
There are a huge number of books that are written on Tibetan history, culture, and religion. You will also get various books of Buddhism here. If you are a lover of fiction books, you will also find them very easily in the streets of Dharamshala. Moreover, you’ll also come across varied language books, including German, Japanese, and French while shopping in Dharamshala.
You May Also Like To Read: Villas In Dharamshala
All the shops and souvenirs that you find here are influenced by Tibetan culture and Buddha’s teaching. So, make sure that you buy a few things for your dear ones on your vacation trip to Dharamshala. The places for shopping in Dharamshala are quite beautiful and sell items at affordable rates. While shopping out, do not forget to put your bargaining skills to test as the shopkeepers will lower the prices if you convince them well enough.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here. Cover Image Credit : Ruchika maurya for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Dharamshala
Where can I find handmade woolen clothes in Dharamshala?
There are many shops and markets where you can purchase the handmade woolen clothes in Dharamshala such as divine buddha handicrafts, sharlho design store, bhuttico dharamshala showroom etc.
Can I buy traditional Himachali products in Dharamshala?
Yes, you can buy traditional Himachali products in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, including handicrafts, woolen wear, and Kashmiri shawls. Some of the places to shop include Kotwali Bazaar, Jewels Of Tibet, Marlene, Handpicked Earthly n Organic Products Store etc.
What are the top shopping places located in Dharamshala?
Some places in Dharamshala are quite famous for shopping. Some of them are Kotwali Bazaar, Tibetan Handicraft center, Village boutique, Palacio Handmade crafts, and many more.
What do most people buy while visiting Dharamshala?
Apart from the gorgeous natural beauty, Dharamshala is quite famous for other items as well, including Singing bowls, Colorful bags, Handcrafted paper, Buddha statues, and many more.
Are there any shopping malls in Dharamshala?
Even though there are not many shopping centers in Dharamshala, there is one mall that is quite popular among tourists and locals alike. It is Maximus Mall, which is located at McLeodGanj.
Where can one buy Tibetan items in Dharamshala?
Even though Tibet influences the entirety of Dharamshala, you will get to buy Tibetan trinkets, paintings, woolen shawls, and others in the Tsuglagkhang Complex or Tibetan world located in McLeodGanj.
What is the apt time to visit Dharamshala?
The best time to visit Dharamshala is between February to June. Otherwise, you can also visit between December and early February to enjoy snowfalls.
How far is Dharamshala from Gaggar airport?
The entire distance between Gaggar airport and McLeodGanj is around 15 km. You can easily reach there within one and a half hours through a rented car or taxi.
Shopping In Udaipur Shopping In Jodhpur Shopping In Pune
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
