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Tucked in the green hills of West Bengal, Darjeeling is undoubtedly an excellent destination for its views, tea gardens, and colonial architecture. However, there’s one thing that most tourists miss out on its full-of-life shopping scene, which forms an essential part of the hill station. The rich cultural heritage and natural beauty are experienced in shopping in Darjeeling through local markets and small shops selling handmade crafts. This article talks about some of the best places to shop in Darjeeling. It ensures you take out maximum shopping time when visiting this beautiful place.
10 Best Places to Shop in Darjeeling
Some of the most happening markets and shopping places in Darjeeling are:
1. Mall Road
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Mall Road, or Chowrasta, is the centre of Darjeeling and is a compulsory place for every shopaholic visiting the hill station. On either side of the road are shops for woollen clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, and other items. The atmosphere is so vibrant that the experience of shopping in these markets is truly wonderful against the backdrop of panoramic views of the surrounding hills. You would also come across street vendors selling local snacks and delicacies, thus giving a culinary touch to your shopping adventure.
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Darjeeling
2. Nehru Road
Photo: Digital Buggu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nehru Road joins Mall Road with the rest of the town and is one of the most famous shopping places in Darjeeling. The street is lined on both sides by shops stocking local handicrafts and other modern fashionable clothes. A few bakeries and cafes also line up on the road, which provides a perfect stoppage to relax and relish the local flavours after a long shopping spree. Nehru Road is especially famous for its variety of souvenir shops where you can find unique gift items and mementoes to take back home.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
3. Ghoom Monastery Market
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Situated next to the Ghoom Monastery, this market is distinguishable by its unique Tibetan handicrafts and items. You can purchase anything there, from prayer flags to Tibetan jewellery, and Thangka paintings. This tranquil atmosphere further enhances shopping in Darjeeling. This market is apt for exploring Tibetan culture and spirituality through the different fare displayed here. The products’ vibrant colours and designs reflect the rich heritage of the Tibetan community. Shopping at Ghoom Monastery Market is not just about grabbing souvenirs but experiencing a slice of Tibetan life.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Hill Cart Rd, Ghoom, West Bengal 734102
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4. Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1959, the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center stores authentic Tibetan crafts. This centre provides carpets, woollen garments, and wooden artefacts, among other items. Shopping here brings you some unusual items and subsidises the Tibetan refugee community. The products are handmade, and high quality is assured, along with authenticity. The centre makes it more worthwhile as one gets an inside view of the lives and hardships of the Tibetan refugees. One can also see the artisans at work and learn more about the traditional techniques of making such beautiful crafts.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Naya Basti, Darjeeling, Rungneet Tea Garden, West Bengal 734101
5. Pashupati Market
Photo: Avik Chakraborty / Wikimedia Commons
Situated next to the Indo-Nepal border, Pashupati Market is mainly famous for its imported products across the border from Nepal. It deals in various products, from electronic gadgets and cosmetics to different clothes, at a subsidised price. It’s a great place to find unique items you won’t find elsewhere in Darjeeling. A lot is happening in this market, with a mix of traditional and modern products on display. One can indulge in the excitement of haggling and great bargains on all types of products.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Daspur, West Bengal 721211
Suggested Read: Trekking In Darjeeling
6. Bhutia Market
Photo:Alexkom000 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bhutia Market is the hotspot of budget shoppers. Situated near Chowrasta, the market is central for woollen garments, jackets, shawls, and other things at nominal rates. The local Bhutia community runs the market, and products often come handmade to guarantee quality and uniqueness. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and friendly vendors add to the pleasure of shopping there. From winter wear to accessories, there is everything that one would want for the cool Darjeeling climate. Bhutia Market is one such store that sells trendy woollen products at pocket-friendly prices with the added satisfaction of buying locally.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Location: Haren Mukherjee Road, College Para, Hakim Para, Siliguri, West Bengal 734001
7. Hayden Hall
Photo: Arne Hückelheim / Wikimedia Commons
Hayden Hall is a social service centre with a shop selling handmade products. This centre is vital for local women who receive both training and jobs. Simultaneously, a shop has different items, including handwoven textiles, handicrafts, and organic products. Shopping there will help you support the local community and take beautiful handmade items home. Caring and skilful hands make these products of the masters of this area. Hayden Hall is not just an excellent shopping hub but a way to contribute towards a noble cause and appreciate the effort of the local women as well.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Suggested Read: Rock Climbing In Darjeeling
8. Rink Mall
Photo:Moujahed JOUINI / Pexels
For a more modern style of shopping, Rink Mall is the place one should go to. Various shops sell branded clothes, gadgets, and other products. Within the mall is a food court and a cinema, so it’s a great spot to laze around for a whole day of shopping and fun. Rink Mall evokes comfort and convenience in shopping with variability all under one roof. This will be an ideal place for families and groups who want to couple shopping with entertainment. Its modern design and facilities bring people from the city, other parts of the country, and overseas.
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Location: The Rink Mall, 19, Laden la Rd, opposite GPO, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104
9. Mahakal Market
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahakal Market, located adjacent to the Mahakal Temple, is quite famous for its tempo and wide range of products. It has everything in the market, from religious items to local handicrafts and woollen garments. The festive season serves as the optimum time when this market is extra vibrant. The spiritual touch of shopping time evoked by this market close to the temple makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists. If one wants to get an insight into the local culture and check out unique products, then Mahakal Market has to be a definite visit.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Suggested Read: Best Food In Darjeeling
10. Darjeeling Tea Shops
A visit to Darjeeling can only be said to be complete with purchasing a few varieties of its world-famous teas. Several tea shops in town sell good quality Darjeeling tea. These shops sell various blended teas; most give taste samples, so you choose the perfect tea to take home. The stores are highly renowned for the expertise of the people therein to guide you through selecting the finest tea by taste. The tea shops are a paradise for tea addicts and an absolute spot to get gifts for friends and family.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Throughout Darjeeling
Shopping in Darjeeling is a different experience since it is the rich cultural heritage of this place combined with the natural beauty. From very crowded local markets to modern shopping malls, Darjeeling offers excellent diversity in shopping opportunities and thus suits the taste of every kind of tourist. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the vibrant shopping scene in Darjeeling with TripXL’s exclusive services!
Cover Photo: Alina Grubnyak / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
