Shop Tibetan handicrafts and thangkas
Explore the colorful markets of McLeod Ganj to shop authentic Tibetan handicrafts and beautifully painted thangkas. This activity focuses on browsing local stalls and licensed shops around the market areas near the Dal Lake road, Temple Road and Jogiwara (main bazaar), where artisans and traders sell prayer flags, jewelry, wood and bone carvings, handwoven textiles, and traditional religious paintings (thangkas). You can also attend short demonstrations or workshops to learn the techniques behind thangka painting and handicraft making.
Location
McLeod Ganj Market, Jogiwara, Temple Road, Bhagsu Road pockets, Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj), India
Duration
1–3 hours (half-day if you include a short workshop)
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November for comfortable weather and open markets. Evenings are lively year-round; monsoon (July–August) can be wet and shops may have reduced footfall.
Pricing
Free to browse. Typical price ranges: INR 100–800 for small souvenirs (prayer flags, bracelets); INR 800–5,000 for good-quality handicrafts (wood carvings, silver-plated jewellery, shawls); INR 2,000–50,000+ for hand-painted thangkas depending on size, age, and artist reputation. Workshops/demonstrations: INR 300–2,500 per person.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Wide range of thangkas from small devotional pieces to large traditional scrolls
Handmade Tibetan handicrafts: prayer wheels, bells, singing bowls, wood and bone carvings
Local textile shops selling shawls, scarves and carpets
Opportunities to join thangka-painting demonstrations or short workshops
Close proximity to Buddhist temples and monasteries (e.g., Tsuglagkhang Complex) — combine shopping with cultural visits
Chances to find fair-trade and co-op items from Tibetan refugee artisans
Itinerary
Walk through Jogiwara/Main Bazaar and Temple Road to get a sense of the market
Start early to avoid crowds and to see the best selection. Note down shops that interest you.
Browse small stalls and souvenir shops for prayer flags, jewelry and small handicrafts
Check workmanship closely and ask about materials—bone vs. resin, silver-plated vs. sterling silver.
Visit specialized thangka shops for paintings and scrolls
Ask about the painting technique (traditional mineral pigments vs. modern paints), signature of the artist, and any authenticity certificates.
Attend a short thangka demonstration or workshop (optional)
Workshops usually require prior booking or joining a small group. Great for learning basic iconography and painting methods.
Negotiate prices, confirm export rules and arrange packing/shipping if needed
Be polite when bargaining. For valuable or large thangkas, request professional packing and take photos for export documentation.
Safety Requirements
Inspect items carefully for signs of poor-quality mass production if you want authentic handmade goods
Do not buy items made from endangered animal parts (ivory, certain furs); these may be illegal to export—ask the seller and avoid CITES-listed products
Be cautious with credit card use at small stalls; carry sufficient cash (INR) and small denominations
Keep personal belongings secure; markets can be busy and pickpocketing is possible
Ask for receipts for high-value purchases and confirm shipping/packing arrangements in writing
Tips
Carry cash in small denominations; ATMs are available in McLeod Ganj but can run out, especially in peak season
Bargain politely — start around 60–70% of the asking price for souvenirs, and 70–90% for higher-value items depending on quality
Ask about materials, pigments, and whether a thangka is newly painted or antique — antique claims should be verified
If buying a large thangka, request professional rolling and packing; many shops offer shipping services across India and internationally
Prefer buying from co-operatives and licensed shops to support refugee artisans and ensure fair pricing (look for shop signage and certificates)
Keep realistic expectations about authenticity vs. reproduction — museum-quality thangkas are expensive and often come with documentation
If you plan to export religious items, check customs regulations in your home country regarding religious artifacts and textiles
Visit in the morning for best selection, and return in the evening for a livelier atmosphere and street food near the market
