Shopping places in Dharamshala that you need to visit in 2020

Shopping places in Dharamshala that you need to visit in 2020

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. As places like McLeod Gunj in Upper Dharamshala and Lower Dharamshala 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 Dharamshala, you must visit certain places like Bhagsu waterfalls, Indrahar pass, dal lake, and many more. There are other places in Dharamshala as well that are quite significant to its tourism. Reaching Dharamshala is not that difficult. Even though it does not have its airport or railway station, you can reach there by bus or rental cars from Kangra, where the nearest airport is located. Or you can get a bus or a taxi from Pathankot, where the nearest railway station is located. You may have read several blogs that inform you about places to visit in Dharamshala, but in this blog, you will get to learn about the shopping places in Dharamshala.

7 shopping places located in Dharamshala that is a paradise for shoppers

All the sites mentioned in the blog are mostly found in the McLeod Ganj region of Dharamshala. You can easily reach there by walking or by taking an auto. These places have been quite popular among tourists for several years, and you will love them too.

Divine Buddha Handicrafts

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 such 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 respect the sculptors 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.

Namgyal Book Shop

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 such 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 book store 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, McLeodganj.

Kotwali Bazaar

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

Semshook Tibetan handicraft

Every nook and corner of Dharamshala is filled with stores that depict the cultural and traditional aspects of Tibet quite beautifully. Semshook Tibetan handicraft store is such 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. The shop also offers some of its profits to charity.

Location: Near Hotel Dream Land, McLeodganj, Dharamshala.

Green Shop

Green Shop is one of the fewer 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 within 7 PM.

Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.

Village Boutique

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.

Jogibara road bazaar

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 contains 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.

The shopping places mentioned in the blog above are quite beautiful and sell items at affordable rates. While shopping out, there do not forget to put your bargaining skills to test as the shopkeepers will lower the prices if you convince them well enough.

Frequently asked questions about shopping places in Dharamshala

1. What are the top shopping places located in Dharamshala?

Ans. Some places in Dharamshala are quite famous for shopping. Some of them are Kotwali Bazaar, Tibetan Handicraft center, Village boutique, Palacio Hand made crafts, and many more.

1. What do most people buy while visiting Dharamshala?

Ans. 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.

1. Are there any shopping malls in Dharamshala?

Ans. Even though there are not many shopping centers in Dharamshala, but there is one mall that is quite popular among tourists and locals alike. It is Maximus mall, which is located at McLeod Gunj.

1. Where can one buy Tibetan items in Dharamshala?

Ans. Even though Tibet influences the entirety of Dharamshala, but you will get to buy Tibetan trinkets, paintings, woolen shawls, and others in the Tsuglagkhang Complex or Tibetan world located in McLeod Gunj.

1. What is the apt time to visit Dharamshala?

Ans. The best time to visit Dharamshala is between February to June. Otherwise, you can also visit between December and Early February to enjoy snowfalls.

1. How far is Dharamshala from Gaggar airport?

Ans. The entire distance between Gaggar airport and McLeod Gunj of Dharamshala is around 15 km. You can easily reach there within one and a half hours through a rented car or taxi.