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Shopping in Darjeeling
Shopping in Darjeeling│10 Popular Things to Buy
Nestled close to the majestic Himalayas, Darjeeling is rightly called the ‘Queen of Hills’. This beautiful hill station is famous for its pleasant climate, stunning landscapes, and iconic attractions. We can’t forget about the world-renowned Darjeeling tea and the UNESCO Heritage-listed Toy Train. But Darjeeling’s appeal doesn’t end there. It is also a popular destination for those who love to shop.
Wondering what to buy in Darjeeling? The list is extensive. From its famous teas to exotic handicrafts, cozy woolen clothes to unique wooden artifacts, shopping in Darjeeling offers something memorable for everyone. Let’s explore some of the best things to buy in Darjeeling that will make your visit truly unforgettable.
CONTENTS:
Here’s the list of popular things to buy in Darjeeling.
1. Darjeeling Tea – The Aromatic Souvenir
Where to buy: Nathmulls and Golden Tips Tea Cozy
2. Tibetan Handicrafts – A Touch of Culture
Where to buy: Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
3. Handmade Jewelry – Exquisite Craftsmanship
Where to buy: Batasia Loop Market
4. Ghorka Knives – A Slice of History
5. Woolen Clothes – Cozy Up in Style
6. Local Spices – Spice Up Your Kitchen
Where to buy: Chowrasta Market
7. Darjeeling Sikkim Masks – Cultural Icons
8. Bamboo Shoots – Culinary Delight
Where to buy: Chowrasta Market
9. Darjeeling Oranges – Juicy Souvenirs
Where to buy: Chowk Bazaar Vegetable Market
10. Books – Learn about the Culture and History of Darjeeling
Where to buy: Oxford Books & Stationery Co.
Planning for Shopping in Darjeeling?
1. Darjeeling Tea – The Aromatic Souvenir
No trip to Darjeeling would be complete without buying a packet of the world-famous Darjeeling tea. Often called the "Champagne of Teas," it is celebrated worldwide for its subtle flavor and scent. It was the first product in India to receive a GI tag. Darjeeling tea is available in a variety of flavors and colors.
If you want to explore these varieties, you can even engage in Tea Tourism, which includes staying at a tea estate, touring the gardens, watching the tea being planted, and tasting different kinds of tea. Consider buying a few packs of various flavors of Darjeeling tea to give as souvenirs to your loved ones.
Where to buy: Nathmulls and Golden Tips Tea Cozy
The best places to shop in Darjeeling for authentic tea are the tea emporiums and local shops like Nathmulls Tea of Darjeeling and Golden Tips Tea Cozy. These are popular shops in Darjeeling offering a wide range of teas, from black to green to white, all beautifully packaged and ideal for taking home or giving as gifts to your tea-loving friends.
Location: The Rink Mall, Laden La Road
2. Tibetan Handicrafts – A Touch of Culture
Darjeeling has a strong Tibetan influence, which is clearly seen in its local markets. To take a piece of this rich culture home as a keepsake, you can find many handmade Tibetan items. Some of the most popular handicrafts to buy buy in Darjeeling include Thangkas, wall hangings, carved wooden objects, Tibetan carpets, woolen shawls, jackets, and more.
Where to buy: Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
To get a keepsake of this rich culture, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. Here, you can discover intricately designed Tibetan carpets, hand-knitted sweaters, and many beautiful wooden handicrafts. Every purchase helps support the livelihoods of the Tibetan refugee community, adding extra significance to your souvenir shopping in Darjeeling.
Location: Havelock Villa, Gandhi Road
3. Handmade Jewelry – Exquisite Craftsmanship
If you're looking for unique fashion pieces, handmade jewelry is one of the top things to buy in Darjeeling. Explore rings, bangles, and necklaces made from stone that showcase the region's culture in various designs and styles. You can also find gold and silver jewelry with detailed designs that make perfect gifts for your mother or wife.
Where to buy: Batasia Loop Market
Batasia Loop Market, along the Darjeeling Toy Train route, is an excellent place to find necklaces, earrings, and bracelets crafted from semi-precious stones and other local materials. These beautiful items not only look great but also showcase the artistic traditions of Darjeeling.
Location: On the loop line of Ghum and Darjeeling
4. Ghorka Knives – A Slice of History
Looking for unique things to buy in Darjeeling? Gift yourself a Gorkha knife — a traditional Nepalese dagger. This popular kukri serves as both a tool and a symbol of pride among the Gorkha people. It’s versatile too; you can use it for cutting fruits, slicing ropes, for safety, and more.
Where to buy: Chowk Bazaar
Some of the best shops in Darjeeling to buy Gorkha knives are in Chowk Bazaar. This area is home to several shops where you can find these knives, available in various sizes and with intricate designs.
5. Woolen Clothes – Cozy Up in Style
Darjeeling’s chilly weather makes it the ideal spot to purchase warm woolen clothing. From hand-knitted scarves to pashminas and woolen caps, you can find all things cozy and stylish at reasonable prices.
Where to buy: Hayden Hall
Visit Hayden Hall, a non-profit organization supporting the development of underprivileged women, where local vendors offer a colorful variety of woolen goods. At Hayden Hall Shop, you can purchase several handmade items, including sweaters, shawls, scarves, socks, cloth bags, and more.
6. Local Spices – Spice Up Your Kitchen
Darjeeling is famous for its exotic food. You can experience this delectable taste at popular restaurants in Darjeeling. But, if you want to take a bit of Darjeeling’s flavor back home, buy some local spices. Get these spices and take them back to cook meals, letting your loved ones experience the authentic taste of the hills.
Where to buy: Chowrasta Market
You can find these spices, including cardamom, turmeric, and the unique Himalayan timur pepper, at Chowrasta Market. These flavourful spices are perfect for recreating the taste of Darjeeling cuisine in your own kitchen.
7. Darjeeling Sikkim Masks – Cultural Icons
The colorful and dramatic masks representing various gods and mythical figures from local folklore are another must-buy in Darjeeling. These masks, usually used in Sikkim and Darjeeling festivals, make for vibrant wall décor or unique gifts.
Where to buy: Mall Market
You can find them at the local craft stalls or specialty shops in Mall Market, also known as Bhutia Market. Here you can get Sikkim masks of great quality at reasonable prices.
ALSO READ: Things to do in Darjeeling
8. Bamboo Shoots – Culinary Delight
Bamboo shoots have been popular ingredients in Indian dishes, especially in northeastern states. For a taste of the local cuisine that you can take home, pick up some preserved bamboo shoots. These are mostly available in sealed packets and are easy to carry. Bring them back home to add an authentic tang to your cooking.
Where to buy: Chowrasta Market
You’ll find the best quality bamboo shoots at the food bazaars near Chowrasta — a popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling. Here you can find hundreds of tourists assembling together to enjoy the beauty of this hill station.
9. Darjeeling Oranges – Juicy Souvenirs
If you visit Darjeeling during the winter months, don’t miss out on the sweet, locally grown oranges. Though small, Darjeeling oranges are bursting with flavor — an ideal snack or a juicy souvenir. These oranges are famous for their sweet and sour taste and are some of the best things to buy in Darjeeling.
Plus, in winter you can also attend the Darjeeling Orange Festival — a two-day event that celebrates this fruit and promotes its conservation. Attend the festival to learn more about the fruit and its different varieties.
Where to buy: Chowk Bazaar Vegetable Market
The best place to buy these oranges in Darjeeling is at the local farmers' markets, where they are freshest. Head over to the Chowk Bazaar Vegetable Market to get the best quality oranges directly from the farm at reasonable prices.
ALSO READ: Shopping in Sikkim
10. Books – Learn about the Culture and History of Darjeeling
Pick up books to discover fascinating facts and beliefs about the Himalayan region, including beautiful Darjeeling. You'll learn about its history, significance, and beauty, which will keep you intrigued and engaged. Not only will you gain more knowledge, but reading about the place before exploring it will also enhance your experience and make shopping in Darjeeling more memorable.
Where to buy: Oxford Books & Stationery Co.
Oxford Bookstore has been a prominent attraction in Darjeeling since colonial times. It features beautiful hill-style architecture with fretwork and a pitched roof.
The store specializes in a fantastic collection of books about the Himalayas and related areas, including Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nepal, Tibet, and more. These books offer insights into the hilly region that you might not find elsewhere. Here’s the good news. They deliver books worldwide. So, even if you missed buying this you can still get it from your hometown.
Location: The Mall
Planning for Shopping in Darjeeling?
Each popular market and shop in Darjeeling tells its own unique story, offering treasures as diverse and special as the town itself. Whether you're searching for that perfect souvenir or just enjoying some retail therapy, shopping in Darjeeling promises an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.
Ready to experience the magic of Darjeeling for yourself? From exclusive handicrafts to rare teas, discovering the best things to buy in Darjeeling will be as enriching as the breathtaking landscapes surrounding you. Don’t miss out—book your Darjeeling tour package today and turn your travel dreams into reality!